A judge's gavel - file photo — A judge's gavel - File Photo

Queens, NY– Wagner Recio was sentenced by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz on Tuesday for filing fraudulent paperwork to claim full ownership of a Queens Village home that actually belonged to his niece, who had inherited half from her father. The defendant, Recio, obtained a mortgage against the property in 2021 and kept the financial proceeds for himself, leading to the legal proceedings.

District Attorney Katz expressed that Recio falsified documents to wrongfully claim an interest in a property that rightfully belonged to his niece. The sentencing followed an investigation by the office’s Housing and Worker Protection Bureau, resulting in criminal charges against Recio and restitution to the victim.

Recio, a 52-year-old resident of Butler Boulevard in Elmont, had pleaded guilty in December 2022 to offering a false instrument for filing. As part of the plea agreement, Recio agreed to nullify the deed, leading to the sale of the house and the subsequent reimbursement of the proceeds to his niece. Queens Supreme Court Justice Judge Toni M. Cimino handed down a conditional discharge to Recio.

Local News Report Latest posts

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News