Rockwall, TX-August 30, 2024 – 382nd Judicial District Judge Brett Hall has sentenced Grace Lyn Harvey, a realtor, to five years of community supervision, after a Rockwall County jury found her guilty of the felony offense of the Fraudulent Filing of a Financing Statement.
In October of 2023, Harvey, 58, was arrested after an investigation by the Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation revealed that Harvey filed a fraudulent financing statement in the Rockwall County Clerk’s Office, which resulted in a lien being placed on the property in North Rockwall owned by Michael and Lisa Willis. During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that, despite an unexecuted contract between the Willis’ and the supposed buyer, Harvey still knowingly filed the financing statement. The jury ultimately found the financing statement to be groundless and/or containing a materially false statement.
This is one of the first cases to be tried on these facts since the legislature passed HB 1195 in 2023. Prosecutors from other jurisdictions came to watch the trial to learn how to present similar facts and legal issues in their courtrooms.
“This conduct could affect any homeowner in Rockwall County or the State of Texas,” said Jeff Shell, lead prosecutor and Chief of the Rockwall County District Attorney’s Office White Collar Division. “The jury sent a clear message that fraudulent financial filings that hold property hostage for illegal monetary gain will not be tolerated by homeowners in Rockwall County.”
“She was a licensed realtor who caused a sense of betrayal because you should be able to trust realtors,” said County Clerk Jennifer Fogg. “I am grateful for the passing of HB 1195 which allowed my staff to require the ID at the time the document was presented for recording in my office. As the Rockwall County Clerk, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the public records is my top priority. This case highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting our biggest investment, our homes. I want to commend the collaborative efforts of all involved in bringing this matter to justice. Fraudulent filings undermine trust in our systems, but this verdict reaffirms that such actions will not be tolerated in Rockwall County. We remain committed to safeguarding the interests of our community.”
“We appreciate the successful collaboration in this case,” said Rockwall County District Attorney Kenda Culpepper. “County and regional agencies worked together to gather evidence and present these novel issues. Together, we saw that justice was done.”
Property Fraud Alert is a free public service for Rockwall County Citizens offered by the County Clerk’s office. Sign up and protect yourself and your loved ones from potentially losing your most valuable asset – your home.
Press Release: Realtor Found Guilty in Property Fraud Case
Submitted by: Jim Barto, Rockwall County Public Information Officer
