A Buncombe County attorney has received a prison sentence for his role in a real estate fraud scheme. Robert P. Tucker II, 63, was sentenced to a term of 48 to 70 months, which translates to approximately four to six years, in prison. This decision came on Wednesday, February 25, following his conviction in a case investigated by the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State.
Tucker, along with two other individuals, faced accusations of conspiring to illegally obtain property from unsuspecting victims. The scheme involved filing false documents in both property and court records, leading to homeowners losing their residences. The state's Secretary of State emphasized the severity of the crime, particularly given Tucker's position as an attorney.
Key Takeaways
- Attorney Robert P. Tucker II received a 4-6 year prison sentence.
- He was convicted of felony obtaining property by false pretenses and conspiracy.
- The fraud scheme involved filing false documents to take victims' homes.
- Two other defendants await trial on related charges.
Attorney Convicted of Felony Fraud Charges
Robert P. Tucker II was found guilty on multiple felony charges. These included obtaining property by false pretenses and conspiracy to obtain property by false pretenses. The North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State acted as the prosecutor in this significant case.
This prosecution occurred at the specific request of the Buncombe County District Attorney's Office. The involvement of a state-level department highlights the complex nature and serious implications of the fraud committed.
"Mr. Tucker took terrible advantage of a homeowner – who formerly worked for the sheriff’s office – and participated in a sophisticated scheme to cheat the victim out of the family home," said Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall. "No one – including an attorney such as Mr. Tucker – is above the law."
Important Details
- Defendant: Robert P. Tucker II, 63
- Sentence: 48 to 70 months (approx. 4-6 years) in prison
- Conviction Date: Wednesday, February 25
- Charges: Felony obtaining property by false pretenses, conspiracy to obtain property by false pretenses
The Scope of the Real Estate Scheme
The investigation revealed that Tucker and his co-defendants, Ilesanmi Adaramola and Lisa Roberts-Allen, worked together. Their aim was to acquire property through fraudulent means. They achieved this by submitting fabricated documents into official property and court records.
This illegal activity directly resulted in several victims losing ownership of their homes. The impact on these individuals and families was devastating, as they were stripped of their primary residences through deceptive practices.
Victims Targeted in the Fraud
One notable victim in the case was a former employee of the sheriff's office. This detail underscores the audacious nature of the fraud, as even individuals with connections to law enforcement were not immune to the scheme.
The Secretary of State's office emphasized that the scheme was not a simple act of deception. Instead, it was a sophisticated operation designed to systematically defraud homeowners of their most valuable assets.
Background on Real Estate Fraud
Real estate fraud involves various deceptive practices that aim to illegally obtain ownership or financial gain from property. This can include forging documents, misrepresenting property values, or, as in this case, filing false legal records to seize homes. Such crimes often target vulnerable homeowners or those with limited legal knowledge.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings for Co-Defendants
While Tucker has received his sentence, the legal process continues for the other two defendants in the case. Ilesanmi Adaramola and Lisa Roberts-Allen are still awaiting their trials. They face additional charges related to notary fraud, further complicating their legal situations.
The charges against Adaramola and Roberts-Allen suggest a broader network of fraudulent activities. Notary fraud, in particular, involves the illegal use of a notary public's seal or signature, which is critical in authenticating legal documents like property deeds.
Motion to Dismiss for One Defendant
On February 20, 2026, an attorney representing Ilesanmi Adaramola filed a motion to dismiss the charges against her. The motion invoked the legal standard of selective prosecution. This argument suggests that Adaramola's prosecution was unfair because other individuals involved in the real estate transactions did not face similar charges.
The motion also asserted that Adaramola's race and her "non-participation in political activity through campaign donations" were factors influencing her prosecution. These claims introduce a new dimension to the ongoing legal battle, suggesting potential biases in the justice system.
- Co-defendants: Ilesanmi Adaramola, Lisa Roberts-Allen
- Status: Awaiting trial
- Additional Charges: Notary fraud
- Legal Challenge: Adaramola's attorney filed a motion to dismiss based on selective prosecution claims.
Protecting Homeowners from Fraud
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in real estate transactions. Homeowners must remain cautious and verify all documents and processes when dealing with their property. The North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State plays a vital role in investigating and prosecuting such cases, working to protect citizens from deceptive schemes.
Authorities urge anyone who suspects they may be a victim of real estate fraud to contact the appropriate legal channels. Early reporting and thorough investigation are crucial in dismantling these complex criminal operations and bringing perpetrators to justice.
