Feds charge Detroit woman in scheme to steal homes from owners
A Detroit woman has been charged in a federal criminal complaint for allegedly running a scheme that stole houses from dozens of Detroiters, officials said.
Zina Thomas, 60, was arrested on Wednesday and is accused of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, money laundering and aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison said.
The scheme targeted low-income individuals who were facing potential tax foreclosure, the complaint said. It also alleges that Thomas is currently living in one of the homes involved in the scheme.
Federal officials allege Thomas conspired with others to steal more than 30 properties across Wayne County when she served as director of homeownership programs for the United Community Housing Coalition, a Detroit nonprofit that helps low-income residents stay in their homes with eviction defense and legal services, programs for avoiding foreclosure, housing placement and tenant organizing.
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2024/02/28/feds-charge-detroit-woman-scheme-steal-homes/72773075007/