JAMAICA ESTATES, N.Y. — June 26, 2026 — The indictment of a Queens man accused of stealing the Brooklyn home of an elderly woman living with dementia underscores a growing pattern of deed theft targeting vulnerable senior homeowners across New York, according to real estate attorney Tanya Hobson-Williams.

On Thursday, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the indictment of Mark Salkey, 58, of Queens, on charges that he forged documents to steal the East Flatbush home of Althea Garrick, a senior homeowner suffering from dementia.

According to prosecutors, Salkey allegedly transferred ownership of Ms. Garrick's home into his own name, drained approximately $150,000 from her finances, rented out the property for years, and forced Ms. Garrick and her former husband to live in a single bedroom while collecting nearly $70,000 in rental income.

The Brooklyn property, valued at approximately $950,000 when it was allegedly stolen in 2023, is now worth more than $1 million.

"If these allegations are true, this is one of the most disturbing examples of deed theft I've seen because the victim was allegedly exploited while living with dementia," said Tanya Hobson-Williams, founder of Hobson-Williams, P.C. "This wasn't simply financial fraud. It was the theft of a person's home, dignity and security."

Salkey was arrested June 23 and indicted on 23 felony counts, including Grand Larceny, Forgery, Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, Offering a False Instrument for Filing, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property and Falsifying Business Records. He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted on the top charge.

A Growing Crime Targeting Vulnerable Homeowners
Hobson-Williams said the case reflects a troubling increase in deed theft schemes targeting elderly homeowners, particularly those living alone or experiencing cognitive decline.

The following statistics reflect how this niche crime has become more prevalent:

● Nearly 3,500 deed theft complaints were filed across New York between 2014 and 2023.
● Another 517 complaints were reported in 2025 alone, with Brooklyn and Queens among the hardest-hit boroughs.
● Nationally, 63% of REALTORS® report deed theft activity in their markets, increasing to 92% in the Northeast.
● Approximately 12% of reported cases involve owner-occupied homes.
Communities of color have been disproportionately affected, particularly in neighborhoods where families have accumulated significant home equity over generations.

Attorney Recently Won Similar Case Involving Senior with Dementia
Hobson-Williams has represented multiple deed theft victims and recently secured a court victory restoring ownership of a Brooklyn home to a senior with dementia after it had been transferred through a defective power of attorney.

In that case, Kings County Supreme Court Justice Joy Campanelli ruled that the purchaser was not a bona fide purchaser for value and ordered the property at 1128 Jefferson Street in Brooklyn returned to its rightful owner.

"The legal system can correct these injustices, but victims often don't discover the theft until months or years later," Hobson-Williams said. "By then, properties may have been sold multiple times, making recovery far more difficult."

Calls for Additional Protections
Hobson-Williams praised Attorney General James and Governor Kathy Hochul for increasing enforcement against deed theft but said additional legislative safeguards are needed for elderly homeowners with dementia and other cognitive impairments.

"We need stronger legal protections before these crimes happen — not just prosecutions afterward," she said. "Seniors living with dementia or other cognitive challenges are uniquely vulnerable to deed theft. New York should create enhanced criminal penalties when these crimes target elderly or cognitively impaired homeowners and implement additional safeguards that make fraudulent property transfers much more difficult."

Hobson-Williams is available to discuss:

● Why deed theft is increasing in New York.
● How criminals exploit seniors with dementia and cognitive decline.
● Warning signs families should watch for.
● Legal remedies available to deed theft victims.
● Potential legislative reforms to better protect vulnerable homeowners.

For more information, call 1-866-825-1529 or visit www.nyguardian.com.



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About Hobson-Williams, P.C.
With offices located in Jamaica Estates and Brooklyn, New York, the law firm of Hobson-Williams, P.C. is comprised of a highly knowledgeable and diligent staff. With over 30 years of experience, the firm’s skilled attorneys are dedicated to protecting and serving their clients’ needs and legal interests, and are committed to providing unparalleled client service. Practice areas include elder law and estate planning, Guardianships, Medicaid, real estate, and landlord/tenant. For more information, call 1-866-825-1529 or visit www.nyguardian.com.