Home » Agustin Ortega Jr. Charged in Houston Property Theft Case

Agustin Ortega Jr. Charged in Houston Property Theft Case

Victims Struggle to Reclaim Lots Stolen Through Fake Deeds

by Sophia Bennett

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Victims of an accused real estate fraudster say the hardest part hasn’t been learning their property was stolen—it’s been trying to get it back.

Agustin Ortega Jr., now behind bars in Harris County, was arrested in January and charged with theft after allegedly stealing two lots in Houston’s Sunnyside neighborhood through fraudulent deeds. The properties are located on Seabrook Street and Noah Street, just one block apart.

Among the victims is Sandra White, a college professor, who discovered more than five years ago that someone had paid the taxes on her Noah Street property—without her knowledge. It was the first sign that something was wrong.

“They could be building on the property, and then how do you stop it at the time,” said White, whose stolen lot was later resold to a potential developer. After a five-year legal struggle and substantial legal fees, White eventually regained ownership.

James Burton, whose family owned the Seabrook Street lot for decades, also learned his land was taken. He filed a police report, but while Ortega now faces charges, Burton is still in limbo. Despite hiring a lawyer, the property is still listed under Ortega’s name, and legal fees have become a barrier to recovery.

“It just seems absurd that I have to pay to get my property back when it’s been found that it’s been illegally taken,” Burton told reporters.

Ortega’s bond was set at $50,000 for each charge, and he remains in custody. While the arrest brought some hope, the victims say the civil process of reclaiming stolen property is frustrating and expensive.

Real estate attorney Dennis McQueen explained that the fastest route to recovery would be for Ortega to voluntarily sign the properties back to their rightful owners—a step that may depend on negotiations between Ortega’s defense attorney and prosecutors.

For now, while one victim has found some resolution, the other continues to face mounting legal and emotional hurdles—all while Ortega remains charged and in jail.

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