Houston Duo Charged in Elderly Woman’s Home Theft
Tiffany Larke Thomas and Malik Slone allegedly used forgery to seize a Houston home from an 87-year-old resident.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Property Crime
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In November 2025, Tiffany Larke Thomas and Malik Slone were arrested on charges of felony exploitation of an elderly individual, forgery, and theft. The suspects allegedly gained control of a Houston home from an 87-year-old woman by falsifying legal documents.
Why it matters
The case highlights the vulnerability of elderly homeowners to sophisticated exploitation schemes involving fraudulent power of attorney and deed transfers. Authorities allege the suspects manipulated official processes to misappropriate property and financial assets.
Tiffany Larke Thomas and Malik Slone face felony charges including exploitation of an elderly individual and forgery. Thomas, a notary, has bonded out of jail following an investigation by local detectives.
The players
Tiffany Larke Thomas
She is a notary public who allegedly utilized her credentials to facilitate the fraudulent transfer of property.
Malik Slone
He is a suspect who allegedly took official ownership of the victim's property through forged documents.
The details
Tiffany Larke Thomas allegedly posed as a Harris County inspector in October 2025 to gain the victim's trust before obtaining power of attorney and medical power of attorney. Investigators claim the duo used a forged notary signature on a warranty deed to record the home's transfer for only $10 while the victim was hospitalized.
Timeline
The victim has lived in the home since 1988.
Thomas visited the victim under the guise of an inspector in October 2025.
Ownership was allegedly transferred while the victim was hospitalized in November 2025.
A detective discovered a suspicious vehicle at Thomas's residence in December 2025.
Legal Context
This case follows a pattern of heightened scrutiny by Texas officials regarding deed fraud targeting vulnerable residents. Authorities are increasingly using specific felony exploitation statutes to prosecute individuals who manipulate power of attorney and notary protocols.
Residents should remain cautious of individuals claiming to be county inspectors who request sensitive legal or medical documents. Property owners are encouraged to periodically check the status of their deeds with the Harris County Clerk to ensure no unauthorized filings have occurred.
The takeaway
Elderly homeowners should exercise extreme caution when dealing with unexpected visitors claiming to represent government agencies. Verifying the credentials of any official through public records before signing over any legal or medical power of attorney is a critical safeguard.
Further reading
For more on how local officials address real estate fraud, visit the Property Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by abc13 News.
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