New law takes effect that classifies deed theft as felony

July 19, 2024 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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STATEWIDE — A NEW LAW THAT CLASSIFIES DEED THEFT AS A FELONY CRIME takes effect on Friday, July 19, NY Attorney General Letitia James announced. The new law, AG James authored and State Senator Zellnor Myrie (D-20) and Assemblymember Landon C. Dais, co-sponsored, establishes deed theft as a crime, amends the statute of limitations to give homeowners and prosecutors more time to seek justice, and grants OAG original criminal jurisdiction to prosecute deed theft. Categorized as Grand Larceny in various degrees and classes, the law applies to owner-occupied residential properties, to those owned by elderly, physically disabled or incapacitated, and to situations in which the stolen deeds involve at least three residential properties. It would also cover deed thefts involving commercial or mixed-use properties. This new law changes the statute of limitations to prosecute deed theft crimes so that prosecution must begin within five years of the theft or within two years after the rightful homeowner realizes their deed has been stolen, whichever occurs later. New Yorkers who believe they are a victim of deed theft are encouraged to contact OAG by calling 1(800) 771-7755, emailing [email protected] or filing a confidential complaint.

This is AG James’ latest effort to protect New Yorkers from deed theft, a criminal scam that robs New York families of their homes and livelihoods.

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