QUEENS, NY – Autumn Valeri, a 41-year-old real estate agent from Commack, NY, has been arrested along with three alleged accomplices in a multi-million dollar deed fraud scheme. The suspects are accused of forging documents and filing fraudulent paperwork to illegally take ownership of three homes in Queens.
Alleged Fraud Scheme & Victims
According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Valeri and her co-defendants filed false documents with the City Register’s Office in 2023, stealing homes worth over $3 million. Among the victims were:
A 76-year-old homeowner in Jamaica Estates, where forged documents included a deceased person’s signature.
A mother and daughter in Kew Gardens Hills.
An 82-year-old woman who had her property illegally transferred.
Grand Jury Indictment & Charges
A 47-count indictment resulted in the arrests of:
Autumn Valeri, 41 (real estate agent)
Carl Avinger, 42
Lawrence Ray, 38
Torey Guice, 40
The suspects face multiple felony charges, including grand larceny, identity theft, criminal possession of stolen property, and forgery. If convicted, they could face up to 25 years in prison.
Court Proceedings & Criminal Backgrounds
All four suspects pleaded not guilty.
Valeri was released under supervision and ordered to surrender her passport.
Avinger, who has 11 prior convictions and multiple parole violations, must wear an electronic monitor.
All four suspects are scheduled to appear in court on April 29.
Queens DA Katz emphasized that her office remains committed to protecting homeowners from fraud and holding those responsible accountable.
