Attorney General James secures conviction of former Rockland County real estate agent Oscar Dais for forging a deed and stealing a homeowner’s property

New York – New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced a significant legal victory in the state’s battle against real estate fraud, securing the conviction of former Rockland County real estate agent Oscar Dais for forging documents to steal a home from its rightful owner. The guilty plea, entered this week in Rockland County Court, marks the first conviction under New York’s Home Equity Theft Protection Act (HETPA), a law designed to shield homeowners from exploitation during foreclosure or financial distress.

The case centers on a scheme dating back to August 2021, when Dais unlawfully transferred ownership of a Rockland County property by falsifying documents. Prosecutors said he forged the signature of homeowner Monique Hill on a deed while she was out of the country. Using her former married name, “Monique Clark,” Dais fabricated paperwork and had it improperly notarized before filing it with the Rockland County Clerk’s Office. The maneuver transferred ownership of the property to a company controlled by Dais without Hill’s knowledge or consent.

Hill, who was in the Dominican Republic at the time, only learned of the fraudulent deed months later. She promptly reported the matter to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) in October 2021 and also filed a civil lawsuit against Dais, which remains ongoing. Following the criminal case, the forged deed will be voided and Hill’s ownership rights restored. Dais will also be required to pay restitution as part of his sentence.

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Attorney General James emphasized the seriousness of the crime and the importance of protecting New Yorkers from similar schemes. “Oscar Dais took advantage of a homeowner who was dealing with a foreclosure and stole her property without her knowledge,” said Attorney General James. “No New Yorker should have to fear that the home they own will be stolen from them. I will continue to use every tool at my disposal to fight deed theft throughout our state and bring scammers like Oscar Dais to justice.”

The events leading up to the theft began years earlier. In 2016, foreclosure proceedings were initiated against Hill and her husband after they defaulted on their mortgage. The property entered legal jeopardy, creating an opening for exploitation. Dais seized that moment in 2021 by crafting the falsified deed that ultimately led to his conviction.

Legal experts note that the case is particularly significant because it represents the first time an individual has been convicted of a crime under the HETPA. The statute, which has been in place for years, was strengthened in 2023 through Attorney General James’ legislative efforts. The expanded law now offers protections not only to homeowners in foreclosure or mortgage default, but also to those facing active utility liens, broadening the scope of New Yorkers shielded from predatory practices.

The conviction also highlights a disturbing trend in real estate crime: deed theft. Criminals often prey on vulnerable homeowners, especially those struggling with foreclosure or aging individuals unfamiliar with property law. By falsifying signatures and notarizations, scammers can wrongfully seize homes, sometimes flipping them for profit or holding them hostage in lengthy legal battles.

Attorney General James has made tackling deed theft a central priority. This conviction comes on the heels of several high-profile cases. In August, her office charged two individuals accused of stealing the home of an elderly woman in Queens. Earlier in the year, another woman was charged in Queens for taking both the property and funds of her elderly neighbor. In October 2024, James and Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark jointly announced the arrests of three alleged scammers accused of stealing more than $250,000 and attempting to seize a Bronx family home. In April 2023, James introduced two key legislative proposals aimed at bolstering protections for homeowners, both of which have since become law.

For Hill, the Rockland County victim, justice has been a long time coming. Her decision to alert authorities ensured not only that her own rights would be defended, but also that the case would set a precedent for protecting others. Although her civil case against Dais continues, the criminal conviction ensures that the forged deed is void and cannot be used against her.

The investigation into Dais was extensive, involving cooperation across multiple jurisdictions and specialized units. The New York State Police referred the case to the OAG, with additional assistance provided by the City of Pooler, Georgia Police Department and the Harford County, Maryland Sheriff’s Office. Detectives, auditors, and prosecutors from within the OAG coordinated efforts to build the case. Detective Sal Ventola led the investigative work under the supervision of senior officers, while the audit portion was directed by Principal Auditor Investigator Dmitry Temis. Assistant Attorney General Lauren Sass prosecuted the case, with early assistance from Assistant Attorney General Nazy Modiri. Leadership oversight came from Nicholas John Batsidis, Section Chief of the Real Estate Enforcement Unit, and Gerard Murphy, Chief of the Public Integrity Bureau, among others.

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Beyond its legal implications, the conviction sends a message about the importance of vigilance. New Yorkers are encouraged to check property records and remain alert to irregularities. The OAG operates a dedicated unit for deed theft complaints and provides resources for those who believe they may be victims. Homeowners can contact the office directly by calling 1 (800) 771-7755, emailing [email protected], or filing a confidential complaint online.

Deed theft cases can often be complex, involving forged identities, fraudulent companies, and elaborate schemes that cross state lines. But this conviction demonstrates that with persistence and interagency cooperation, perpetrators can be held accountable. It also underscores the growing relevance of the HETPA, which continues to evolve as a shield against exploitation in a volatile housing market.

For Attorney General James, the conviction reinforces a broader theme in her tenure: consumer protection, particularly for vulnerable groups. From taking on corporate fraud to addressing housing scams, her office has consistently focused on cases where individuals risk losing not just assets, but stability and security.

As New York continues to grapple with housing challenges, from rising rents to foreclosure risks, the case of Oscar Dais serves as a reminder that fraudsters remain active and opportunistic. But it also offers reassurance that legal tools and enforcement actions are in place to defend homeowners.

For Hill and her family, the outcome brings relief after years of uncertainty. For the broader public, it delivers a strong signal that property theft—no matter how carefully disguised—will not be tolerated. And for the state’s justice system, it marks a precedent-setting application of a law designed to protect the very foundation of homeownership.