Authorities near the Texas border believe they have busted a crime ring which promised prospective buyers the home of their dreams, but instead leaving them in the poor house.
Working with investigators, the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office in Brownsville busted a county-wide real estate fraud ring that scammed victims out of more than $400,000 during the past two years by selling fake property deeds for properties the sellers didn’t own.
Ring members even attended public real estate auctions to help legitimize the scam, according to the Cameron County District Attorney.
Operation “Surreal Estate” was launched in July when authorities first were notified of the scam by one of its victims.
Four members of the alleged ring have been arrested or are in federal custody:
– Melissa Rangel Ramirez, 27, of Brownsville, was arrested Tuesday, Oct. 6. She is charged with theft of property and engaging in organized criminal activity.
– Yolanda Rodriguez Ramirez, 59, of Brownsville, was arrested Tuesday, Oct. 6. She is charged with engaging in organized criminal activity.
– Jesus Edward Ibarra, 29, of Brownsville, is in federal custody. He is charged with theft of property, engaging in organized criminal activity and impersonating a public servant.
– Sergio Alberto Alcocer, 35, of Olmito, was arrested Tuesday, Oct. 6. He is charged with two counts of theft of property and two counts of engaging in organized criminal activity.
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