Brooklyn Court Halts Eviction of Robinson-Torain Family Amid Allegations of Deed Fraud

In a major legal victory for the Robinson-Torain family, a Brooklyn court has ordered a stay on their eviction from the home that has been in their family for over 70 years. This ruling by the Kings County Surrogate Court, presided over by Hon. Bernard Graham, comes amid allegations of a fraudulent deed transfer that has left the family fighting to reclaim their property at 964 Park Place in Crown Heights.

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The home, owned by the late Ida Robinson until her passing in December 2023, is the sole real estate asset of her estate. The family has been supported in their battle by elected officials, community leaders, and advocates, including Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and New York Assemblywoman Latrice M. Walker, according to a press release.

The Robinson-Torain family alleges that in 2015, con artists forged Ida Robinson's signature to illegally transfer the deed to their home, a crime that has unfortunately become all too common in Brooklyn. The fraudulent deed was allegedly facilitated by a corrupt attorney, who notarized the forged signature and recorded the document in public records. This allowed the criminals to claim ownership and take out substantial equity against the property, leading to significant financial losses for the family.

The case has garnered attention due to the involvement of one of the alleged perpetrators, who was previously indicted for similar deed fraud crimes in 2017. The disbarment of one of the attorneys involved and a criminal investigation by the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office have further underscored the seriousness of the allegations.

Judge Graham’s ruling emphasized the need for justice and the protection of the estate from irreparable harm. He noted that the Housing Court, which had issued an eviction warrant against the Robinson-Torain family in July 2024, lacked the jurisdiction to do so, as the title to the property was under dispute. The court acknowledged that executing the eviction could cause irreversible damage to the estate, particularly given the strong evidence supporting the family’s claims of fraud.

Key to the court's decision was the recognition of the fraud claims made by the estate, including allegations of "fraud in the inducement," according to the press release. The stay on the eviction provides a crucial respite for the family as they continue their legal fight to reclaim their home.

The Robinson-Torain family’s ordeal highlights a broader pattern of equity theft targeting Black homeowners in Brooklyn, where generational wealth is being stripped away through fraudulent schemes. Their fight is not just for their home but for the protection of other vulnerable homeowners in the community.

The family, led by renowned holistic wellness expert and best-selling author Queen Afua (Helen Robinson) and her daughter Sherease Torain, has expressed deep gratitude to their supporters. They continue to call for public awareness and support in their battle for justice, urging people to sign and share a petition against illegal deed theft in Brooklyn.

For over 70 years, the Robinson-Torain family has been a cornerstone of the Crown Heights community in Brooklyn. Known for their advocacy in health, wellness, justice, and housing rights, they now find themselves at the forefront of a legal battle to protect their home from fraudulent eviction attempts. Their story is a testament to the resilience and strength of Black families in Brooklyn facing systemic exploitation.

As the legal process continues, the Robinson-Torain family remains committed to fighting for their home and raising awareness of the dangers of deed theft in their community.