estate

Queens Supreme Court to hear case on stolen homes, real estate fraud

Four Indicted for Allegedly Stealing Homes in Queens

**Queens, NY** – Four men and three companies have been charged with grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, conspiracy, and other crimes related to the alleged theft of three homes in Queens neighborhoods. Carl Avinger, Autumn Valeri, Lawrence T. Ray, and Torey Guice surrendered on Tuesday and were arraigned for their alleged roles in a fraud scheme involving falsified documents and false deeds recorded from March to July 2023.

According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, the defendants targeted properties to commit theft, forged documents, and filed false instruments with the city to illegally obtain homes. Avinger, Valeri, and Ray were arraigned on a 47-count indictment involving multiple charges, while Guice faced charges on the same indictment with slightly fewer accusations.

Supreme Court Justice Leigh Cheng has ordered the defendants to appear in court again on April 29. If convicted, Ray and Valeri could face up to 25 years in prison, Avinger faces up to 25 years as well, and Guice could see a sentence ranging from five to 15 years.

The fraudulent activities in question include filing false deed transfers for properties in