Victims of quit claim deed fraud continue legal battles, yet to retrieve property

DAYTON, Ohio ( WDTN ) — Victims of quit claim deed fraud in the Miami Valley are looking to state leaders for a solution.

Navigating the process of getting homes back takes a costly financial and emotional toll. Even after years of trying, some victims still do not have their properties back.

In June, Judge Elizabeth Ellis ruled in Robin Mobley’s favor, awarding her home that was stolen with a false deed. However, the county auditor was unable to restore the deed in Mobley’s name because the property description was not listed on the court order.

While waiting for the court order to be updated, Mobley learned that the people who stole her property appealed the case.

Mold damage inside of the property will cost at least $10,000 to address. The home also owes years of property taxes and water bills that happened during the time Mobley was not the official owner. Mobley believes the people who tried to steal her home should pay for it.

“And I don’t understand how I’m responsible for it. If someone stole, they put it in their name. I feel like that they should be responsible for taking care of it,” said Mobley.

The property was never officially transferred after the judge’s ruling. Mobley says she is still not listed as the homeowner. Now, Mobley is looking for support from state leaders.

“So we need to figure out where there’s grant money, some type of money that they can assist us with from the damages that happen to us, from the taxes and for attorney,” said Mobley.

Judge Ellis’s office says Mobley’s case is now in the hands of an appellate court.

2 NEWS spoke with Janis Bryant Hayes, a 75-year-old woman fighting to get her apartment building back after she says it was stolen through a forged deed.

Hayes began the legal battle in 2019 and the judge ruled against her in 2024. This process has cost Hayes thousands in legal fees.

The defendant in the case, At The End Of The Day LLC, was ordered to pay Hayes $19,000 for the property, but she says the building is worth nearly $300,000.

“I still do not have my building. And I cannot accept $19,000. But why would I accept the money for the building when I want my building?” said Hayes.

Both victims are looking to take legal action to get their properties back. They want to help bring resources to others in the Miami Valley who have been victims of quit claim deed fraud.

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