Real Estate Broker and Associates Charged in Bronx Deed Theft Scheme

By Melissa Madisson 

New York, Midtown Times

Attorney General and Bronx DA Uncover Fraud Targeting Vulnerable Homeowners

NEW YORK—Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and New York State Attorney General Letitia James recently announced the arrest of three individuals involved in a fraudulent scheme that cost a Bronx woman her lifelong home in a case of deed theft. The charges shed light on a troubling trend in which fraud and forgery are used to steal property titles from vulnerable homeowners.

Marcia Campbell, the owner of Extreme Realty in the Bronx, her husband Fred Campbell, and their business associate Frank Palmer face multiple felony charges, including grand theft, after securing a $493,500 mortgage on the victim’s property at 4169 Bronxwood Ave. The three individuals and their shell company, 99 Patmor Avenue, are accused of forging documents and fraudulently transferring ownership of the home to themselves.

In addition to the deed theft charges, Marcia Campbell is facing separate accusations involving other real estate scams, where she allegedly exploited immigrant families seeking to purchase homes in the Bronx. In these instances, Campbell is accused of stealing approximately $250,000 from a close friend who had loaned her money for an investment.

Efforts to contact defense attorneys for comment were unsuccessful, and inquiries to Extreme Realty went unanswered.

The three defendants were charged with a series of felonies, including grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, and falsifying business records. Campbell faces an additional 13 charges related to multiple counts of theft and fraud.

A Pattern of Exploiting Vulnerable Homeowners

Attorney General James called these acts “heartless,” mainly as they preyed upon individuals who trusted Campbell, a broker with 37 years of experience and a self-reported client base of over 4,200 on her company website. The case underscores the rise of deed theft in New York City, a crime that has seen nearly 3,500 complaints between 2014 and 2023.

Deed theft, historically treated as a civil matter, was recently classified as a criminal offense in New York. A new law, co-sponsored by Assembly Member Landon Dais and State Senator Zellnor Myrie, took effect in July 2023, criminalizing deed theft as grand larceny and providing the state attorney general with greater authority to prosecute these cases.

The Bronx and Brooklyn have seen an uptick in deed theft cases. These cases often target homeowners of color, immigrants, and seniors—especially those in foreclosure or with tax liens on their properties. According to authorities, the Bronx victim in this case had asked Campbell to assist in transferring her childhood home to a family member. Instead, Campbell and her associates forged the homeowner’s signature, transferred the property to their shell company, and pocketed the mortgage funds.

Other Allegations of Real Estate Fraud

Beyond the deed theft, Marcia Campbell is accused of scamming other immigrants in the Bronx who were trying to buy homes. One couple was allegedly charged over $91,000 in unwarranted fees and down payments over five years, only to be partially refunded $17,000 when their dream home fell through. Another case involves an immigrant mother who paid $65,000 for a property investment that never materialized, receiving just $15,000 in return.

In a third instance, Campbell defrauded a retired home health aide who loaned her $130,000 for a supposed investment, promising repayment plus $30,000 in interest. That loan was never repaid.

All three individuals could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted. Marcia Campbell is due in Bronx Supreme Criminal Court in December, and the future of her real estate license remains uncertain. The New York Department of State is now reviewing her license, which is set to expire in 2026.

Authorities encourage any New Yorkers who suspect they have been victims of deed theft to contact the attorney general’s office for assistance.