Friendswood property fraud: DA investigates identity theft scheme targeting deceased homeowners:
FRIENDSWOOD, Texas – While Carol Lynn Smith lay unclaimed in a Harris County morgue, a sophisticated scheme was allegedly underway, according to court documents obtained by FOX 26 Wednesday.
Hefty theft allegations
Investigators state 29-year-old Phyllip Herrera used forged judicial signatures, a false notary, and a defunct county clerk’s seal to seize control of Smith’s estate—including her home, her vehicle, and more than $60,000 in cash. He was arrested by a Harris County Precinct 1 Constable in January.
Phyllip Edward Herrera booking photo from January 2026. Investigators say he used forged judicial signatures, a false notary, and a defunct county clerk’s seal to seize control of a dead woman’s estate—including her home, her vehicle, and more than $
The investigation, led by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, began after red flags were raised regarding the…