REAL ESTATE FRAUD ARREST - H. MARTINEZ

DEFENDANT:      Hector J. Martinez (42 years of age)
                             Reading, PA

Hector J. Martinez

CHARGES:      Tampering with Public Records or Information (F3)
                        Tampering with Records or Identification (M1)
                        Theft by Deception (F3)
                        Forgery (F3)
                        Theft by Unlawful Taking (F3)
                        Unsworn Falsification to Authorities (M2)
                        Dealing in Proceeds of Unlawful Activity (F1)


DETAILS OF INCIDENT:

In August of 2024, the Berks County District Attorney’s Detectives received a complaint from the Berks County Treasurer’s Office regarding potential real estate fraud involving a blighted property located in the 300 block of South 7th Street in Reading City. County officials examined the records relating to this property after determining that back taxes were still owed. Upon reviewing this paperwork, it appeared as if this property was sold in June of 2024 to a Limited Liability Corporation operated by the defendant. An examination of the deed showed that this notarized real estate transaction occurred on or about June 11, 2024. Concern arose after Treasurer’s Office employees learned that the grantor, whose alleged signature was contained on this deed, was deceased since April of 2021.

Based on the foregoing, a criminal investigation was initiated by the Berks County District Attorney’s Detectives. The investigation revealed that the grantor’s family was unaware that the house was sold after her death. Furthermore, the family was not familiar with the defendant, nor his Limited Liability Corporation, and they indicated that they did not give permission to the defendant to enter the property nor remove any contents from within.

Investigators contacted the Notary Public who notarized the deed. She was shown a photo of the grantor and confirmed that this was not the person who had appeared before her and who purported to be the homeowner. Furthermore, she also identified the defendant as being present with this unknown female when the document was signed.

As part of this investigation, detectives interviewed the defendant who claimed that he had purchased the property from the grantor. He admitted that he had the real estate deed fraudulently prepared and notarized after her death. Additionally, the defendant was unable to provide any financial documentation to support his claim that he had previously purchased the property.

On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the defendant was charged with Tampering with Public Records or Information, Theft by Deception, Forgery, Tampering with Record or Identification, Theft by Unlawful Taking, Unsworn Falsification to Authorities, and Dealing in Proceeds of Unlawful Activity. A warrant of arrest was issued for the defendant by MDJ Carissa Johnson.

On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the defendant surrendered to members of the Berks County Detectives.

The defendant was transported to the Central Processing Center located at the Berks County Courthouse where he was arraigned by MDJ Michael D. Kaufman. The defendant was released on $10,000 unsecured bail.

This is an ongoing investigation. As in every criminal case, the fact that an arrest has occurred or that a complaint has been filed is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.