MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Amy Linn Ramirez, a 49-year-old resident of Belleview, FL, was sentenced to five years in the Florida Department of Corrections last Friday after being found guilty of Unlawful Filing of False Documents or Records Against Real or Personal Property.
Judge Timothy McCourt handed down the conviction and sentencing.
“Property deed fraud is a serious crime that can lead to devastating financial consequences for homeowners,” said State Attorney Bill Gladson for the Fifth Judicial Circuit. “Criminals can sell a property or take out a loan against it by forging documents, leaving the real homeowner in financial distress.”
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He added that such cases are “often complex and time-consuming for homeowners trying to clear their title and reclaim ownership.”
The investigation began on October 26, 2024, when a real estate agent contacted the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) to report a suspicious incident at a residence off SE 123rd Lane in Belleview.
The agent arrived at the home for a final walk-through to close a deal for selling the property to the victim, only to be met by a handyman who had changed the locks and refused to provide a key, claiming the homeowner hired him, identified as Amy Ramirez.
The real estate agent discovered a fraudulent document filed by Ramirez concerning the property. A falsified warranty deed had been submitted while the property was already under contract with the rightful homeowner.
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When contacted by law enforcement, Ramirez confirmed she had never lived at or owned the victim’s property. However, she claimed she was “learning about abandoned property laws” and had filed for a ‘Quiet Title’ to assert ownership, maintaining it was a civil matter. Ramirez was subsequently arrested and charged.
“The Property Alert Service offered by our office is designed to assist citizens in detecting unauthorized or potentially fraudulent activities related to their property,” Gregory C. Harrell, Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller, stated. “This valuable resource gives owners the ability to monitor various activities and transactions concerning their properties. Subscribers will receive notifications about these transactions, and if they suspect any fraudulent behavior, they are strongly advised to contact law enforcement right away or consult with legal counsel.”
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