On May 27, 2025, in a Tampa courtroom, Michelle Cherry was sentenced to 15 years in prison for her part in the theft of multiple properties using forged signatures on quitclaim deeds. Such property and mortgage fraud are the fastest growing white-collar crime in the U.S. (Florida ranks third in the nation). To combat this surge, the Hillsborough County Clerk’s Office has initiated and led an innovative collaboration with local law enforcement and the State Attorney’s Office to produce a new, comprehensive Property Fraud Alert Program and Guide which includes a step-by-step guide for victims to help them navigate the complex legal process to get justice. One can also find this resource on our Property Fraud Page or by scanning the QR code. 

You are likely familiar with deeds that transfer ownership of real property from one party (the "grantor") to another (the "grantee"). A deed can be either a quitclaim deed or a warranty deed. The former is used to quickly transfer a property title from one party to another. It transfers to the grantee whatever ownership interest the grantor may have in the property. The quitclaim deed will specify that the title is clear or that there is a mortgage on the property.

Michelle Cherry had recorded a fraudulent quitclaim deed at the Clerk's Office on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2024. On that very day, homeowners Dreama and Larrey Bilby had decided to sign up for our Property Fraud Alert Program; they had become concerned when their security system had repeatedly captured video of prowlers at their Tampa property.

Within 48 hours of signing up, they received a warning from our fraud alert system that a change in ownership had been made to their deed and this change had been recorded with our office. They viewed online the newly recorded deed, which bore the name of the stranger who now legally owned their home.

Though they received a prompt alert, the Bilbys faced a 1½-year, complicated and arduous legal fight before their property was returned by a court order. Today, a defrauded homeowner can quickly secure law enforcement assistance using our enhanced online Property Fraud Alert Program and Guide.

As Clerk, I want to thank the Tampa Police Department and the State Attorney’s Office for collaborating in the delivery of this innovative and streamlined program that safeguards our constituents’ most valuable investment.