Tampa native one of two arrested for deed fraud: FDLE
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested two people after uncovering a multi-year deed fraud operation, the department said Friday.
FDLE announced the arrest of 51-year-old Orenthanal Bennett from Tampa and 48-year-old Victoria Strickler of Babson Park after an investigation that began when the Pasco Sheriff’s Office reached out in Feb. 2019.
The investigation revealed the duo had been unlawfully taking possession of properties owned by vulnerable elderly or families of the deceased and selling them for profit, according to FDLE.
“This duo stole possession of others’ property by filing fraudulent deeds—targeting land owned by seniors suffering from dementia or property where owners had passed away,” Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said. “In Florida, we fight to protect our seniors and hold criminals accountable. Grateful for our law enforcement partners stopping this illicit scheme.”
FDLE said the suspects identified neglected properties, filed fraudulent deed transfer documents with the Clerk of Courts, then sell the properties and keep the profits.
“Stealing from our community’s most vulnerable and those who already suffered the loss of a family member is despicable,” said FDLE Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell. “I’m proud of the work our agents have done to make sure these people could not steal one more home and profit off of someone’s pain.”
The scheme reportedly occurred in multiple counties, including Hillsborough and Pasco Counties and resulted in losses just under $900,000.
FDLE Tampa Bay agents arrested Strickler on April 17 and Bennett on April 18.
Both suspects are charged with one first-degree felony charge of organized scheme to defraud over $50,000. They were transported and booked into the Hillsborough County Jail with a $50,000 bond.
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