Clarence C. Roland III, a 58-year-old man from Tacoma, Washington, is facing federal charges in Houston over a brazen deed fraud scheme that spanned multiple states. The former mortgage broker was named in a 10-count indictment unsealed this week, detailing a calculated plot to seize control of real property by falsifying public records and erasing legitimate mortgage interests.
The indictment, returned in December 2018, accuses Roland of conspiring to commit bank and wire fraud, executing wire fraud, and violating federal money laundering statutes. He is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan at 10:00 a.m. today in Houston federal court. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick confirmed the charges, which expose a scheme built on forged deeds and phantom loans.
Roland allegedly manipulated county property records across the country, filing fraudulent documents that falsely claimed mortgage holders no longer had interest in their properties. He then transferred ownership to shell companies he secretly controlled. The indictment alleges these shell entities were falsely listed as holding outstanding mortgage loans — debts that never existed — and that Roland used sale proceeds to pay off the fake obligations.
The investigation reveals a network of dummy corporations used to conceal Roland’s role and give the illusion of legitimacy. By fabricating loan obligations through one company he controlled and ‘satisfying’ them during property sales, Roland allegedly siphoned equity meant for rightful lenders and owners. The scheme exploited gaps in public recording systems, turning real estate transactions into vehicles for theft.
If convicted on all counts, Roland faces up to 30 years in prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and a $1 million fine. Each of the six money laundering counts carries a maximum 10-year sentence and a $250,000 fine. Wire fraud convictions could add another 20 years behind bars. The severity of the potential penalties underscores the federal government’s focus on financial crimes that undermine property rights and housing markets.
The case was investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General and the FBI, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Annis leading the prosecution. As court proceedings begin, federal authorities warn that public records tampering is not a victimless crime — it strikes at the foundation of trust in real estate and lending. An indictment is not evidence of guilt; Clarence C. Roland III is presumed innocent until proven guilty through due process.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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