Fraud is a serious crime. Unsuspecting victims can lose their life savings and their homes. Often the elderly are targeted. Fraudulent transactions are often sophisticated and require special attention from law enforcement.

In 2006, the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office took a proactive stance and developed a Real Estate Fraud Section. The District Attorney’s Office is committed to the investigation and prosecution of individuals involved in fraudulent real estate transactions and related crimes.

On Friday, July 14, 2006, Vanessa Sousa, a 21 year old resident of Lindsay, California, was arrested and charged for real estate fraud, PC 115, elder abuse, PC 368 (d) and grand theft PC 487. Vanessa tricked her dependant grandmother into signing a Grant Deed on an apartment complex in Lindsay, California. Once she secured title, Sousa obtained an $82,500 loan against the property.

On February 2, 2007, Sousa was sentenced to 3 years probation and to serve 365 days in the Tulare County Jail. She was also ordered to vacate the residence she obtained by fraud and deed it back to her grandmother. She was also required to deed back a second property given to her by the grandmother to cover the cost of restitution. Additionally, Vanessa Sousa was ordered to have no further contact with her grandmother unless the visits are supervised.

Barbara J. Greaver, Supervising Deputy District Attorney, prosecuted this case, which was investigated by Dwayne Johnson of the Tulare County District Attorney Bureau of Investigation, Real Estate Fraud Unit.

Questions from members of the press please refer to Carol Turner, Assistant District Attorney of Tulare County, (559) 733-6411.