An 85-year-old woman says her business and property were stolen from her.
Barbara Bell said a code enforcement citation for tires on her lawn led to her learning her salvage yard business no longer belonged to her, according to Channel 2 Action News.
Asif Mohammad forged Bell’s name on a document transferring her property to him, investigators said.
“He had stolen my property and forged my name,” Bell told Channel 2. “I trusted him. But I wish I hadn’t.”
Bell said she was renting a salvage business to Mohammad, but in March, a code enforcement officer cited her for tires on her business property next door.
That’s when she asked if everything was OK at the salvage business.
“He said, ‘Ms. Bell, it’s not in your name anymore,’” Bell told Channel 2.
Bell and her daughter, Barbara Miller, found a document showing Mohammad forged information and sold the salvage business.
“There’s another loan on it that adds up to $1.2 million,” Miller said.
Channel 2 was in court Thursday when Mohammad went before a judge on a slew of charges, including exploitation of the elderly and identity theft.
Mohammad is being held without bond, but has a bond hearing next month.
Bell’s daughter says Mohammad seemed like such a nice guy.
“It’s a big betrayal because we totally trusted this guy,” Miller said.
“I’m quite angry with him,” Bell said.
Bell has filed a lawsuit to try and get her property back.
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