Memphis notary receives 57-month federal prison sentence for quitclaim deed and bank fraud scheme
Federal sentencing details
A 41-year-old Memphis woman has been sentenced in federal court to 57 months in prison for her role in a real estate fraud scheme that relied on fraudulent property-transfer documents filed in Shelby County. The sentence was imposed on February 17, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris.
The defendant, Shaneika Seymore, previously entered guilty pleas on April 16, 2025, to three federal counts: mail fraud, bank fraud, and making a materially false statement.
How the property fraud was carried out
Court filings and statements made in open court described a scheme in which Seymore, acting as a notary, notarized multiple quitclaim deeds that purported to transfer ownership of homes from legitimate owners to Seymore and co-conspirators. Those deeds were then filed with the Shelby County Register of Deeds without the knowledge of the true homeowners, leading to fraudulent conveyances of property.
In at least one example presented in court, a deed carried notarized signatures attributed to two people who had died before the date the deed was purportedly signed.
Authorities said the scheme affected more than 30 properties in the Memphis area, reflecting a pattern of repeated filings rather than an isolated incident.
False statement on notary application
The federal case also included allegations that Seymore made a false statement on a notary application filed with the Shelby County Clerk’s Office. Prosecutors said she claimed she had not previously been convicted of a felony, despite a 2019 felony theft conviction.
Additional financial conduct presented at sentencing
Beyond the deed filings, the court heard additional information that Seymore forged her name on stolen checks that were deposited into her bank account and that she made false statements on an application connected to a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan.
Restitution and enforcement
In addition to the prison term, the court ordered Seymore to pay $280,914.25 in restitution. Federal sentences do not include parole.
- Sentence: 57 months in federal prison
- Restitution: $280,914.25
- Guilty pleas entered: April 16, 2025 (mail fraud, bank fraud, materially false statement)
- Sentencing date: February 17, 2026
The investigation involved federal and local law enforcement, including postal inspectors and the FBI, along with Bartlett and Memphis police.
The prosecution was handled by an assistant U.S. attorney in the Western District of Tennessee.