Timothy Willard, a Houston man, is at the center of a $15 million real estate scam that shocked the city and even involved his own family. Authorities say Willard forged warranty deeds to seize control of multiple properties, including one owned by his own father. By falsifying signatures and exploiting legal loopholes, he was able to transfer ownership of valuable properties to himself—only to quickly resell them at below-market prices.
The scam extended across Houston, with some of the targeted homes located in the upscale River Oaks neighborhood. Prosecutors revealed that at least three property owners were defrauded, with Willard manipulating paperwork to bypass proper sale procedures.
He was eventually arrested and charged with first-degree felony forgery and aggregate theft of over $300,000. Following his arrest, Willard was released on a personal recognizance bond. However, he failed to appear in court, prompting a judge to issue a new arrest warrant.
Investigators say the fraud was not only financially devastating but also deeply personal. “It was bold, deceptive, and cold,” said one official, noting the betrayal of even his own family members. While authorities work to track him down, the case serves as a stark reminder of how easily real estate records can be exploited.
