Louisville Pastor Charged with Forging Woman’s Signature on Property Deed: Authorities Urge Use of Fraud Alerts for Homeowners

A Louisville pastor, Melvin James Cuff, has been accused of forging a woman’s signature on a property deed in an attempt to transfer ownership of her home. Cuff, 79, was arrested in June and charged with second-degree forgery, as detailed in court documents. The victim, who was unaware of the transaction, contacted the Louisville Metro Police after discovering the forged deed had been processed through the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office. She reported that she had never sold her home to anyone, and the deed listed Cuff as the buyer and herself as the seller.

Cuff, who is identified as the senior pastor of Greater Harvest Baptist Church, was known to the victim prior to the incident. The church, located on West Kentucky Street, prominently displays Cuff’s name at its entrance. In response to this incident, the Jefferson County Clerk’s office has urged homeowners to enroll in Clerk Alert, an automated notification system designed to alert individuals of potentially forged deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property-related documents. Enrollment in this free service is encouraged as a preventive measure to protect against similar fraudulent activities.

This case highlights the importance of vigilance and accountability within communities, echoing the biblical call to “seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). It serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and integrity, particularly within positions of leadership. As investigations continue, the community is reminded of the value of safeguarding against fraud and supporting those who have been wronged, in line with the principles of justice and care for one’s neighbor.

Source: Read the original report