A self-proclaimed real estate investor in Houston, Texas is facing criminal charges after a questionable real estate transaction left a retired school teacher without her long-time home. Malcolm Pryor is facing a second-degree felony for filing a false statement to obtain credit of $150,000 to $300,000.
The story came to light when a concerned viewer saw Wanda Jackson’s belongings being thrown out of her front yard in September 2023 and contacted local news station ABC13. Jackson explained that she had met Pryor through a church friend, who had promised to fix up her house at 5119 Stuyvesant. However, Pryor filed a mechanic’s lien against the home and eventually convinced Jackson to sign a warranty deed, effectively transferring ownership to him.
Jackson, who was recovering from COVID-19 at the time, claimed she didn’t remember signing any documents. By the time she realized she no longer owned her home, it was too late. She was evicted in September and has been living in a nearby apartment complex ever since.
The Houston Police Department launched an investigation, leading to criminal charges against Pryor. It is alleged that he falsified bank statements to secure a loan, ultimately leading to the foreclosure of Jackson’s home. Noble Mortgage, the lender, lost $40,000 in the process.
Bill Baldwin, owner of Boulevard Realty, reviewed the real estate documents and pointed out irregularities even before criminal charges were filed. While Noble Mortgage suffered financial losses, Jackson remains without her home and burdened with increased rent expenses.
Jackson’s former students started a GoFundMe account to help her with expenses, but it falls short of returning her home. The current owner of the property is unaware of its history and is still refurbishing it for sale.
As of now, there is a warrant out for Pryor’s arrest, but he has not yet been apprehended. Jackson continues to hope for a resolution to her situation as she navigates life in a rented apartment.
This unfortunate series of events serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of due diligence in real estate transactions and the potential risks involved. It also highlights the need for protection and support for victims of fraudulent schemes in the real estate market.