Photos: The Indypendent\YouTube Screenshots
Brooklyn, NY– In a significant legal victory for the Robinson-Torain family, the Kings County Surrogate Court, under the jurisdiction of Hon. Bernard Graham, ordered a stay this week on the eviction of the family from their home at 964 Park Place, Brooklyn. This property has been in the family for over 70 years and is the sole real estate asset of the late Ida Robinson, who passed away on December 28, 2023. Elected officials, advocates and community leaders have been helping the family fight to reclaim their home including Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, New York Assemblywoman Latrice M. Walker and others.
Renowned holistic wellness expert Queen Afua (Helen Robinson) has resided at 964 Park Place, Brooklyn for over 70 years.
Judge Graham, exercising his authority under the Surrogate’s Court Procedures Act, emphasized the need for justice in protecting the estate from irreparable harm. The court acknowledged the ongoing dispute over the property’s title, a matter central to the Robinson-Torain family’s claims of deed forgery. This dispute has been a focal point in concurrent civil litigation in Kings County, where the family argues that a forged deed—dating back to 2015—was used in an attempt to steal their home.
The court underscored that the Housing Court, which had issued an eviction warrant in July 2024 against the Robinson-Torain family, lacked the jurisdiction to do so. The ruling pointed out that the Housing Court’s previous 2022 decision acknowledged its lack of authority over the property, as the title was under dispute. Judge Graham noted that the issuance of the eviction warrant was not only improper but could cause irreparable harm to Ida Robinson’s estate, highlighting the principle that “possession is 9/10ths of the law.”
Key to Judge Graham’s ruling was the consideration of fraud claims made by the estate, including allegations of “fraud in the inducement.” These claims gained further credibility with the disbarment of one of the attorneys involved in the case and the Brooklyn District Attorney’s announcement of a criminal investigation into the matter. The court recognized the potential merit in the estate’s allegations, particularly given the history of one of the alleged perpetrators, who was indicted by the Queens DA in 2017 for similar deed fraud crimes.
The Surrogate Court’s decision to stay the eviction serves as a critical step in safeguarding the Robinson-Torain family’s home. The court has set a control date for further proceedings on September 26, 2024.
The Robinson-Torain family, represented by Queen Afua and her daughter, Sherease Torain, expressed profound gratitude to their neighbors, supporters, elected officials, lawyers, tenant unions, and the broader community. “When we fight, we win,” they stated, reflecting on the power of community solidarity in their ongoing battle for justice.
In light of this victory, the family continues to call for public support and awareness, urging everyone to sign and share the petition against illegal deed theft in Brooklyn.
About the Robinson-Torain Family:
The Robinson-Torain family has been a cornerstone of the Crown Heights community in Brooklyn for over 70 years. Their home at 964 Park Place has been the site of ongoing legal battles against illegal deed theft and fraudulent eviction attempts. Queen Afua and her daughter, Sherease Torain, are recognized leaders in the community, known for their advocacy for health & wellness, justice, and housing rights.
Robinson-Torain Family Victimized by Decade-Old Deed Fraud Scheme
Introduction:
The Robinson-Torain family has fallen victim to a sophisticated deed theft scheme that mirrors the experiences of other vulnerable homeowners in Brooklyn. In 2015, con artists targeted Ida Robinson and transferred the deed of her long-owned home at 964 Park Place, which has been in the family since 1951. The criminals, several of whom had a history of similar housing crimes, forged Ida’s signature, recorded the deed, and took out substantial equity against the property.
The Fraud:
The fraudulent deed, notarized by a corrupt attorney, was recorded in public records, allowing the con artists to claim ownership of the Robinson-Torain family’s home. This forged signature facilitated the theft of the family’s equity and led to significant financial losses, echoing other cases where Black homeowners in Brooklyn have been deceived by similar schemes.
Legal Battles:
The family is now embroiled in a legal battle to reclaim their home. In a recent ruling, Judge Bernard Graham of Kings County Surrogate Court issued a stay on the eviction of the Robinson-Torain family, recognizing the potential merit of their fraud claims. This decision is crucial in safeguarding the family’s home while the legal process unfolds.
Community Impact:
This case highlights a broader pattern of equity theft targeting Black families in Brooklyn, where decades of generational wealth are being stripped away through fraudulent schemes. The Robinson-Torain family’s fight is not just for their home but for the protection of other vulnerable homeowners in their community.
Call to Action:
The Robinson-Torain family calls for public support in their ongoing battle for justice. They urge the community to raise awareness of these fraudulent schemes and to support legal efforts aimed at reclaiming stolen properties. A petition has been launched to gather signatures and demand justice for families affected by illegal deed theft.
Acknowledgments:
The Robinson-Torain family extends their heartfelt thanks to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Councilmember Charles Barron, Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest, Councilmember Chi Ossé, and Rachel Noerdlinger for their unwavering support. Their dedication and advocacy have been instrumental in helping the family navigate this challenging time.
About the Robinson-Torain Family:
The Robinson-Torain family has been a pillar of the Crown Heights community for over 70 years. Known for their advocacy in health, wellness, justice, and housing rights, they now find themselves at the center of a legal battle to protect their home from fraudulent eviction attempts. Their story is a testament to the resilience and strength of Black Brooklyn families facing systemic exploitation.
