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A disbarred attorney who stole the deeds to 11 residential properties across Brooklyn, primarily from minority homeowners in financial distress, was sentenced to two-and-a-half to seven years in prison and the corporations he owns were ordered to pay $120,000 in fines.

Sanford Solny, 68, was convicted in June of 13 counts of third-degree criminal possession of stolen property, three counts of first-degree scheme to defraud and one count of third-degree grand larceny in connection with 11 properties following a bench trial. Twelve corporations owned by the defendant were also convicted of 13 counts of third-degree criminal possession of stolen property and one count of third-degree grand larceny.

According to the evidence brought against him, Solny targeted homeowners in foreclosure by presenting himself as a financial expert who could negotiate with lenders to sell the homes for less than what was owed on the mortgage to help clients avoid foreclosure. But instead of facilitating short sales, he tricked his victims into unwittingly signing over their deeds to corporations he controlled.

Between 2012 and 2022, Solny defrauded 15 victims, many of whom had limited legal or financial literacy. His victims lost their homes, their equity and, in many cases, suffered damage to their credit as the foreclosure proceedings remained unresolved.

Solny’s law license was suspended in 2012 before he was disbarred in 2023.

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez stated, “This defendant is a serial scammer who deserves every day he will now spend behind bars. He stole valuable homes, as well as the financial stability and integrity of his victims, leaving many in financial ruins. My office investigated, tried and convicted this defendant, holding him accountable and returning the stolen deeds to their rightful owners. We are committed to continue prosecuting deed theft cases vigorously to protect vulnerable individuals from falling prey to fraudsters who seek to exploit high property values.”