A jury has rendered a guilty verdict against Joseph Makhani, 63, for illegally possessing two brownstones in Harlem valued at about $4.7 million.
Makhani was found guilty of two counts of criminal possession of stolen property in the first degree and one count of scheme to defraud in the first degree, according to a July 1 announcement from the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James. Makhani is expected to be sentenced on July 28. He faces up to 25 years in prison.
According to court documents, Makhani's illegal activities began in 2012 when he used fake deeds and other fraudulent documents to steal the brownstone at 107 West 118th St. from an elderly homeowner. He claimed to have paid only $10 for the property but later falsely stated he paid $975,000 to secure a construction loan.
From 2016 to 2023, Makhani rented out the units, earning over $12,000 a month while the true owner struggled in a homeless shelter. The property's value in 2023 was approximately $2.9 million.
In connection with the other brownstone at 135 West 131st St., Makhani also used fraudulent deeds to claim ownership, misleading a tenant into signing documents. He attempted to evict tenants and forged documents to misrepresent ownership. This property was valued at around $1.8 million in 2018. Makhani's scheme included filing fraudulent lawsuits to maintain control over both properties.
“Joseph Makhani maliciously targeted an elderly homeowner and shamelessly attempted to evict long-time tenants in a heartless scheme to steal two homes that never belonged to him in the first place,” James said in a press release. “(This) conviction should serve as a warning to all deed thieves: my office will hold you accountable to the full extent of the law. I will continue to do everything in my power to combat deed theft and keep New Yorkers in their homes.”
James emphasized her commitment to combat deed theft and educate New Yorkers on protecting their homes. She has previously brought cases against various individuals for similar crimes against vulnerable homeowners.