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
- 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.
Attorney Recently Won Similar Case Involving Senior with Dementia
Calls for Additional Protections
- 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.
