A Florida couple, Victor Rodriguez and Michelle Cherry, is facing charges for a property theft scheme involving forged quitclaim deeds, which are legal documents that transfer property ownership. The couple allegedly executed the scam for less than a dollar, targeting homes in Tampa and Miami-Dade County, including a property owned by Rodriguez's ex-father-in-law.

Caroline Sauer, Rodriguez's ex-wife, uncovered the scam when she noticed changes in her father's property ownership. She expressed disbelief at the extent of the forgery, particularly concerning a deceased person's signature. Authorities noted that quitclaim deeds are vulnerable to manipulation, requiring only a notary and two signatures to process a transaction, sometimes costing as little as 70 cents in Florida.

The couple also targeted a property owned by Larry and Dreama Bilby, who were shocked to find their home’s ownership had been fraudulently transferred while it was unoccupied and under construction. Dreama Bilby described her anger upon discovering the theft.

Hillsborough County Clerk Cindy Stuart emphasized the simplicity of committing such fraud, highlighting the minimal requirements for processing quitclaim deeds. Meanwhile, Caroline Sauer’s family is fighting to restore her father's legacy in court, hiring a handwriting expert to prove the forgery and facing substantial legal expenses.