Long Island Duo Charged in Scheme to Steal Home From Dying Woman
Garden City, NY – Deepa Roy and Victor Quimis have been indicted on multiple fraud charges stemming from a calculated scheme to illegally seize the home of a Nassau County woman while she was receiving hospice care, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced today. The pair allegedly forged documents, fraudulently obtained a mortgage, and pocketed over $300,000 in the process.
The case highlights a growing vulnerability for elderly homeowners and the potential for predatory practices targeting individuals at their most vulnerable. While homeownership remains a cornerstone of the American dream,it also presents opportunities for exploitation,notably when owners require extensive care or are facing health crises.
According to the Attorney General’s office, the scheme began in 2022 when Roy, who had developed a relationship with the victim’s mother, and Quimis took control of the deed to the woman’s home of 40 years through forgery. They allegedly falsified the signature of the homeowner, identified as Bherwani, and also forged the signature of a Nassau County notary, including an incorrect date on the document.
Two months later, the pair allegedly transferred ownership of the home to Quimis’ company, Hunter Studios & Developer Corp., again using forged notary signatures.they then secured a $552,500 mortgage, using the funds to pay off existing debts and liens, and illegally pocketing the remaining $312,000. The Attorney General’s office alleges Quimis subsequently laundered these funds through his company’s bank accounts for personal expenses.
Evidence presented by James’ office includes a $15,000 check from Quimis to Roy, with the memo line explicitly stating “Per agreement,” suggesting a pre-arranged payment for her involvement in the scheme.
Kamal Bherwani, the victim’s son, stated his mother was physically incapable of signing any documents at the time of the alleged forgery. “They thought carefully and planned carefully on how to defraud my mom,” he said, adding that his mother was unable to even turn herself in bed, use the bathroom, or feed herself.The family discovered the fraud in December when they received a letter from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection congratulating Quimis on becoming the “new owner” of the property and providing instructions for online bill payment. They promptly alerted the Attorney General’s office.
Roy and Quimis now face charges that carry a potential sentence of eight to 25 years in prison.Quimis’ attorney has not yet responded to requests for comment, and it is currently unknown if Roy has retained legal counsel.
Additional context & Related Tragedy:
This case unfolds against a backdrop of personal tragedy for the Bherwani family.Last year,kamal Bherwani publicly shared the story of his son,Ethan,who died from a fentanyl overdose after collapsing at the Mohegan Sun casino in 2021. Bherwani has been a vocal critic of the casino’s response to the incident, alleging a delay in providing assistance. Jerrard Santiago,the individual who supplied the fentanyl,was sentenced to eight years in prison in September. The family’s ongoing struggles underscore the devastating impact of both intentional fraud and the opioid crisis.Key Details Not Included in Original Article:
Location Specificity: The case is centered in Garden City, Nassau County, New york.
Victim’s Condition: Explicitly states the victim was receiving hospice care.
Company Details: Names Quimis’ company as Hunter Studios & Developer Corp.
Specific Fraudulent Amount: Details the exact amount illegally pocketed: $312,000.
Check memo: Quotes the exact wording of the memo line on the check from Quimis to Roy.
Discovery Method: Clarifies the family discovered the fraud through a letter from the NYC Department of Environmental Protection.