Fraudulent Scheme Clouds Property Title in Almena Township

*PAW PAW, Mich.* — A 40-year-old Richland man is facing felony charges after investigators say he attempted to defraud buyers of a residential property in Van Buren County by filing multiple liens on a home he was trying to purchase.

According to the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office, George Demarkus Parnell made an offer on a property in the 22000 block of M-43 Highway in Almena Township and had an agreement to buy the home. However, Parnell failed to honor the terms of the buy/sell agreement, causing the purchase to be immediately terminated.

Instead of walking away, Parnell proceeded to file multiple liens against the property through the Van Buren County Register of Deeds Office, effectively clouding the property title and potentially jeopardizing legitimate sales in the area.

Sheriff Launches Investigation

Sheriff Daniel Abbott said the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office conducted a fraud investigation into the matter. Through the investigation, it was learned that Parnell had requested a showing of the property that was listed online through a realtor.

"The suspect George Parnell of Richland requested a showing of the property that was listed online through a realtor. Parnell made an offer on the property and home that was initially agreed upon, however Parnell did not honor the terms of the buy/sell agreement," Sheriff Abbott reported.

"When the purchase of the property was immediately terminated, Parnell then proceeded to file multiple liens against the property through the Van Buren County Register of Deeds Office. Therefore clouding the property title."

Felony Charges Filed

The report was submitted to the Van Buren County Prosecutor's Office, which authorized felony charges against Parnell for:

  • Real Property-Fraudulent Conveyances — Felony
  • Real Property-Encumber Without Lawful Cause — Felony

Parnell was arrested and is currently lodged in the Van Buren County Jail being held on bond.

Community Impact

The incident highlights the potential risks buyers and sellers face in real estate transactions, particularly when a motivated but dishonest buyer attempts to use liens as leverage to force a sale or gain control of a property.

Property title fraud can have serious consequences for homeowners, lenders, and the local real estate market. When liens are filed improperly or fraudulently, they can:

  • Cloud the title and make it difficult for legitimate buyers to obtain financing
  • Reduce property values in the surrounding area
  • Create uncertainty for property owners
  • Require costly legal action to resolve

What to Do If You Suspect Fraud

The Van Buren County Sheriff's Office encourages residents who suspect property title fraud to report their concerns to law enforcement.

"For immediate reporting, contact the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office at (269) 657-3101," Sheriff Abbott stated.

Residents can also report crimes anonymously through:

  • Crime Stoppers: 1-800-342-7867
  • Silent Observer: (269) 343-2100
  • Text Tip Soft: Text "CRIMES" (274637) with the keyword VBCTIP from a mobile phone
  • Online tip submission: Available through the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office website

About Van Buren County

Van Buren County is located in Southwest Michigan and includes the cities of Paw Paw and South Haven, as well as numerous townships including Almena Township, Benton Harbor, Brooklyn, Cass, Garden, Hillsdale, Keeler, Manistee, Owen, St. Joseph, and Westfield. The county is known for its rich history, natural beauty along the Grand River, and vibrant communities.

Sources

  • Van Buren County Sheriff's Office News Release #2600736 — https://vanburencountymi.gov/sheriff-news-release-2600736
  • WKZO News — https://wkzo.com/2026/04/02/910599/