Dallas, September 23, 2025
News Summary
In Southeast Dallas, the Mendoza family is grappling with eviction threats after a relative allegedly forged a deed to sell their home without consent. The family, who has lived in the property since 1998, reported confusion when two women and an inspector insisted they purchased the house. Despite filing a lawsuit and seeking a restraining order, they lost their eviction case in June. As Dallas faces rising deed fraud cases, the family hopes to reclaim their home and raise awareness about such scams.
Dallas — A Southeast Dallas family is fighting to keep their home after members say a relative forged a deed and sold the property without the owner’s consent, leading to an eviction threat and a civil court loss in June.
What happened
Cristo Mendoza encountered two women and an inspector insisting they purchased his family’s home in Southeast Dallas, which had never been on the market since 1998. The family says the home’s title was allegedly transferred without consent and that the deal involved a relative.
Cristo’s father, Martin Mendoza Sr., had never sold the house, leading to confusion about the transaction. The family identified a younger man described by the alleged buyers as the seller, and they say his appearance matched that of the brother, Martin Mendoza Jr.
The women described a younger man, matching his brother Junior’s appearance, who they claimed sold them the home. The family suspects the deed was forged to show a transfer of ownership that never occurred.
Immediate legal and housing consequences
In May, a representative from Duke Real Estate & Asset Management threatened to evict the Mendoza family, claiming ownership of the home. The alleged new owners in the transaction include Duke Real Estate & Asset Management and Konikoff Connection, both named in the family’s legal filing.
The family filed a lawsuit and application for a temporary restraining order against Junior and the alleged new owners, Duke Real Estate & Asset Management and Konikoff Connection. In their complaint, the family is seeking to regain possession of the house and damages tied to the alleged theft of the property.
They are seeking $250,000 in monetary relief, equating to the value of the home, but primarily want to regain possession of their house. The family has spent significant sums on legal fees while pursuing the case.
Court and law-enforcement actions
Despite many attempts to report the situation, local authorities have classified it as a civil case rather than a criminal one. Because law enforcement treated the matter as civil, the family says criminal charges were not pursued even as they sought assistance.
In June, the Mendozas lost their eviction case, even with discrepancies in the legal documents regarding ownership. The family says discrepancies existed in the paperwork that was used to support the claimed transfer of title, but the eviction ruling went against them in court.
Family history and allegations
Martin Mendoza Jr. has a troubled history, including a prison sentence for assault, and the family suspects he forged their father’s signature to transfer the property. The family alleges the younger Mendoza used a forged signature to move title documents and facilitate the alleged sale.
The family has lived in the house for over 25 years and says the dispute has caused major emotional and financial strain. They report growing worry about eventual homelessness if eviction proceeds and say they may need to seek temporary shelter in hotels or the broader housing market.
Wider context and proposed legal changes
Presently, Dallas County is facing an increase in deed fraud incidents, making it challenging for victims to reclaim their properties. Local advocates and affected homeowners have described a rising pattern of deed-related scams and fraudulent transfers.
A new bill, Senate Bill 16, has been introduced to strengthen protections against deed theft and fraud, making it a felony crime with increased penalties. The proposed legislation aims to provide greater legal tools and penalties to deter and punish deed theft and make it easier for victims to seek relief.
What the family wants
The Mendoza family says their main goal is to regain possession of the home. They have also asked for monetary relief valued at the estimated worth of the house to cover losses and legal costs, and they hope their case raises awareness about deed fraud so others do not face similar situations.
Current status
- The family has an active lawsuit and requested a temporary restraining order.
- The family lost an eviction case in June despite alleged discrepancies in ownership documents.
- The family continues to pursue legal avenues and public awareness about deed fraud in Dallas County.
Background on deed fraud and protections
Deed fraud typically involves falsified documents, forged signatures, or misrepresented sellers. Victims may face eviction, legal battles, and significant costs to prove rightful ownership. Proposed legal changes like Senate Bill 16 seek to change how such cases are treated and to increase penalties for perpetrators.
Key facts
- Cristo Mendoza encountered two women and an inspector insisting they purchased his family’s home in Southeast Dallas, which had never been on the market since 1998.
- Cristo’s father, Martin Mendoza Sr., had never sold the house, leading to confusion about the transaction.
- The women described a younger man, matching his brother Junior’s appearance, who they claimed sold them the home.
- Martin Mendoza Jr. has a troubled history, including a prison sentence for assault, and the family suspects he forged their father’s signature to transfer the property.
- In May, a representative from Duke Real Estate & Asset Management threatened to evict the Mendoza family, claiming ownership of the home.
- The family filed a lawsuit and application for a temporary restraining order against Junior and the alleged new owners, Duke Real Estate & Asset Management and Konikoff Connection.
- They are seeking $250,000 in monetary relief, equating to the value of the home, but primarily want to regain possession of their house.
- The family has incurred significant legal fees in their effort to reclaim their home.
- Despite many attempts to report the situation, local authorities have classified it as a civil case rather than a criminal one.
- In June, the Mendozas lost their eviction case, even with discrepancies in the legal documents regarding ownership.
- The family reported being disenchanted with law enforcement’s ability to assist due to the civil nature of the case.
- Presently, Dallas County is facing an increase in deed fraud incidents, making it challenging for victims to reclaim their properties.
- A new bill, Senate Bill 16, has been introduced to strengthen protections against deed theft and fraud, making it a felony crime with increased penalties.
- The Mendozas express their worries about eventual homelessness and the emotional toll this has taken on their family, who have lived in the house for over 25 years.
- Cristo fears that if they are evicted, they may have to find shelter in a hotel or the housing market.
- The family hopes to educate others about deed fraud to prevent similar situations from affecting more people in the community.
FAQ
What did Cristo Mendoza encounter?
Cristo Mendoza encountered two women and an inspector insisting they purchased his family’s home in Southeast Dallas, which had never been on the market since 1998.
Had the family sold the house?
Cristo’s father, Martin Mendoza Sr., had never sold the house, leading to confusion about the transaction.
Who did the alleged buyers identify as the seller?
The women described a younger man, matching his brother Junior’s appearance, who they claimed sold them the home.
What is alleged about Martin Mendoza Jr.?
Martin Mendoza Jr. has a troubled history, including a prison sentence for assault, and the family suspects he forged their father’s signature to transfer the property.
Who threatened eviction in May?
In May, a representative from Duke Real Estate & Asset Management threatened to evict the Mendoza family, claiming ownership of the home.
What legal actions did the family take?
The family filed a lawsuit and application for a temporary restraining order against Junior and the alleged new owners, Duke Real Estate & Asset Management and Konikoff Connection.
What relief is the family seeking?
They are seeking $250,000 in monetary relief, equating to the value of the home, but primarily want to regain possession of their house.
Have local authorities classified the situation as criminal?
Despite many attempts to report the situation, local authorities have classified it as a civil case rather than a criminal one.
What happened in June?
In June, the Mendozas lost their eviction case, even with discrepancies in the legal documents regarding ownership.
What broader trend affects this case?
Presently, Dallas County is facing an increase in deed fraud incidents, making it challenging for victims to reclaim their properties.
Is there proposed legislation related to deed fraud?
A new bill, Senate Bill 16, has been introduced to strengthen protections against deed theft and fraud, making it a felony crime with increased penalties.
What are the family’s immediate concerns?
The Mendozas express their worries about eventual homelessness and the emotional toll this has taken on their family, who have lived in the house for over 25 years.
What might happen if they are evicted?
Cristo fears that if they are evicted, they may have to find shelter in a hotel or the housing market.
What does the family hope to achieve beyond reclaiming the house?
The family hopes to educate others about deed fraud to prevent similar situations from affecting more people in the community.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Initial encounter | Cristo Mendoza encountered two women and an inspector insisting they purchased his family’s home in Southeast Dallas, which had never been on the market since 1998. |
| Alleged perpetrator | Martin Mendoza Jr. has a troubled history, including a prison sentence for assault, and the family suspects he forged their father’s signature to transfer the property. |
| Eviction threat | In May, a representative from Duke Real Estate & Asset Management threatened to evict the Mendoza family, claiming ownership of the home. |
| Legal action | The family filed a lawsuit and application for a temporary restraining order against Junior and the alleged new owners, Duke Real Estate & Asset Management and Konikoff Connection. |
| Relief sought | They are seeking $250,000 in monetary relief, equating to the value of the home, but primarily want to regain possession of their house. |
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Additional Resources
- Dallas Observer: Family Faces Eviction
- NBC DFW: Motel Beheading Criminal History
- Dallas Express: Teenagers Arrested for Car Theft
- CBS News: Dallas Officer Theft
- DPD Beat: Auto Theft Ring Break Up
- Wikipedia: Deed Fraud
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
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