Queens Deed Fraud Scandal: Flashy Real Estate Agent and Accomplices Accused in Brazen $3M Home Theft Scheme

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In a case that has shaken New York’s real estate world, four individuals — including a flamboyant real estate agent known for her leopard-print boots and Instagram glitz — have been indicted in a sprawling deed fraud scheme that prosecutors allege resulted in the theft of three multimillion-dollar homes in Queens, as was reported by The New York Post on Tuesday.

Autumn Valeri, 41, a real estate agent from Commack, Long Island, stands at the center of this case. Known for her vibrant social media persona, complete with striking selfies and motivational captions, Valeri allegedly played a pivotal role in orchestrating the scheme, according to the information provided in The New York Post report. Alongside her co-defendants — Carl Avinger, 42, and Lawrence T. Ray, 38, both from Queens, and Torey Guice of Roselle, New Jersey — Valeri now faces a sweeping 47-count indictment handed down by a Queens grand jury.

The charges include grand larceny, conspiracy, criminal possession of stolen property, identity theft, falsifying business records, and filing false instruments — a litany of offenses that carry potentially severe prison terms ranging from five to 25 years if convictions are secured, The New York Post reported.

According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, the criminal operation began on April 10, 2023. Prosecutors allege that Valeri and Avinger filed a fraudulent deed transfer with the City Register’s office, falsely claiming a 76-year-old homeowner in Queens Village had transferred ownership of her property to a company owned by Ray. Even more brazen, the scheme allegedly included forging the signature of the woman’s deceased sister — a former co-owner of the home — as well as fabricating a notary signature to legitimize the paperwork.

Just weeks later, the team allegedly targeted a second property, this one in Kew Garden Hills, owned by a mother and daughter, as per the report in The New York Post. Again, fake documentation — including a forged marriage certificate and a counterfeit driver’s license — was submitted. The conspirators then sold the property to an unsuspecting third party for $600,000 in May 2023. Of that sale, approximately $442,000 was reportedly wired to a bank account controlled by Ray, according to prosecutors. This particular sale became the subject of an ongoing civil lawsuit, which is now suspended amid the criminal investigation.

The accused were not finished. On May 4, the group allegedly attempted to seize a third home, this time in the affluent Jamaica Estates neighborhood, as was indicated in The New York Post report. The 82-year-old owner of that property was unaware that yet another fraudulent deed transfer was in the works using the same forged tactics.

Despite the serious nature of the charges, all four defendants surrendered voluntarily and pleaded not guilty during their arraignments in Queens County Supreme Court. In a move that has sparked debate, Justice Leigh Cheng released all four on supervised release, even though prosecutors requested a $1.5 million bail for Avinger due to his extensive criminal background.

As reported by The New York Post, Avinger’s criminal record includes multiple felony and misdemeanor convictions, numerous aliases, and a history of parole violations — not to mention an outstanding warrant in Nassau County. Still, Cheng permitted his release, albeit with electronic monitoring.

Valeri, meanwhile, was allowed limited travel between Long Island and New York City. Her attorney argued that she is the primary caregiver for her ailing mother and her infant child, just six months old — a child she reportedly shares with Avinger.

“Property ownership is a fundamental right,” District Attorney Katz emphasized in her official statement, as quoted by The New York Post. “As alleged, the defendants acted in concert to target properties for theft, forge documents, file false instruments and ultimately steal homes from the rightful owners.”

Assistant District Attorney Rachel Stein added during court proceedings that the defendants “acted in concert” to carry out the fraud, reinforcing the assertion that this was not a case of isolated wrongdoing but a deliberate, organized campaign to illegally seize homes.

The case will return to court on April 29, where more developments are expected as prosecutors continue to build what appears to be a highly detailed and layered case against the defendants.

As the investigation unfolds, questions about oversight in the city’s deed registration process, the vulnerability of elderly homeowners, and the role of real estate professionals in safeguarding ethical practices are coming to the forefront.

This story — equal parts true-crime drama and legal cautionary tale — serves as a stark reminder: in a city where property is among the most valued assets, even homeownership is not immune from deception.