Missouri Man Pleads Not Guilty to Stealing Homes with Bogus Deeds and Fraud Charges
A 50-year-old Berkeley man accused of orchestrating a scheme to steal 16 homes and a duplex using fraudulent deeds pleaded not guilty Friday to two separate indictments in U.S. District Court in St. Louis on Thursday.
James L. Townes Jr. faces a total of 25 counts in one case, including conspiracy, mail fraud, identity theft, and aggravated identity theft, alongside additional charges in a separate case involving wire fraud and theft of government funds.
READ: Georgia Man Sentenced To 7 Years For Meth, Illegal Weapons, And Moonshine Operation
In the first case, a superseding indictment filed on August 6, 2025, alleges that Townes, along with co-conspirator Charnay Bartlett, 29, fraudulently transferred ownership of 16 residences and a duplex between September 2018 and April 2025.
The pair allegedly stole the identities of rightful property owners, forged signatures, and used fraudulently notarized documents to execute the transfers. The indictment notes that Townes continued these activities even after his notary license was suspended. Bartlett faces charges including conspiracy, identity theft, and unlawful production of authentication features.
In a second indictment, also filed on August 6, Townes is accused of falsely claiming disability benefits from February 2017 to August 2025.
READ: Wildwood Man Dies After Lawn Mower Struck In Sumter County
He allegedly misrepresented his physical and financial status, claiming inability to walk more than a few steps, perform household tasks, or manage finances, while simultaneously operating Tied Tight Entertainment, acting as a registered agent for 13 LLCs, owning investment accounts, and filing property deeds as a commissioned notary public.
The charges stem from investigations by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, the St. Louis County Police Department, and the Hazelwood Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry is prosecuting the case.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
