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Couple Accused of Elaborate Scheme to Steal Home from Deceased Woman

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  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/0 .. te-scheme-to-steal-home-from-deceased-woman.html
  Published in House and Home on Saturday, January 3rd 2026 at 21:51 GMT by KFVS12

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Couple Accused of Elaborate Scheme to Steal Home From Deceased Woman in Southern Illinois

A shocking case of alleged fraud and exploitation has unfolded in Pope County, Illinois, involving a couple accused of orchestrating a scheme to acquire ownership of a home belonging to a deceased woman. Authorities have arrested David and Rebecca Lewis, charging them with multiple felonies related to the theft and manipulation surrounding the property located at 1405 Elm Street in Golconda. The case highlights vulnerabilities within estate processes and raises serious questions about ethical boundaries and legal exploitation.

The victim, identified as 76-year-old Marlene Schmidt, passed away on December 28, 2023. According to the Pope County State's Attorney’s Office, David Lewis, who had a prior relationship with Schmidt, began taking advantage of her situation shortly after her death. The investigation revealed that Lewis allegedly forged documents and manipulated legal proceedings to fraudulently transfer ownership of Schmidt’s home to himself and his wife, Rebecca.

The initial red flag arose when the Pope County Clerk's office noticed irregularities in the paperwork submitted for the property transfer. A deed was filed claiming David Lewis had been granted power of attorney by Schmidt shortly before her death, allowing him to handle her affairs. However, further investigation revealed that this power of attorney document was not legitimate and appeared to be a forgery.

"This is a particularly egregious case," stated Pope County State's Attorney Kevin Nation in a press release. "The defendants exploited the vulnerability of a deceased individual and attempted to profit from their loss." He emphasized the importance of vigilance within legal processes and the commitment of his office to pursuing justice for victims of fraud.

David Lewis is facing charges including forgery, filing false documents, theft over $10,000, and deceptive practices. Rebecca Lewis has been charged with conspiracy to commit forgery, filing false documents, and deceptive practices. Both are currently being held in the Pope County Jail awaiting further legal proceedings. Bond for David Lewis is set at $150,000, while Rebecca’s bond is set at $75,000.

The complexity of the case stems from the intricacies of estate law and the potential for abuse within the system. Power of attorney documents are crucial tools for individuals to designate someone to manage their affairs when they become incapacitated or pass away. However, these documents can be easily exploited if not handled with utmost care and scrutiny. This incident underscores the need for robust verification processes and heightened awareness among legal professionals and family members involved in estate settlements.

According to court records obtained by KFVS12, David Lewis had previously been involved in a civil lawsuit related to financial disputes. While details of that case are not directly linked to the current charges, it paints a picture of a history involving financial dealings and potential conflicts. This prior legal involvement has added another layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation.

The Schmidt family is understandably devastated by this betrayal. They expressed shock and anger at the actions of the Lewises, emphasizing Marlene’s kindness and generosity. The family had been working towards settling her estate and ensuring her wishes were honored, only to be confronted with this elaborate scheme. They are cooperating fully with law enforcement in their efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are exploring whether there may be other victims involved in similar schemes orchestrated by David and Rebecca Lewis. The Pope County State’s Attorney's Office has indicated they will pursue the case aggressively, seeking maximum penalties for those found guilty. This includes restitution to the Schmidt estate to recover the value of the stolen property and any associated legal fees incurred as a result of the fraudulent transfer.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals and maintaining integrity within the legal system. It also highlights the need for increased public awareness regarding power of attorney documents, estate planning, and the potential for fraud in these sensitive matters. Local officials are encouraging residents to be cautious about financial arrangements and to seek independent legal advice when dealing with estate-related issues. The community is left reeling from this discovery, hoping that justice will be served and Marlene Schmidt’s legacy can be restored.

Sources:

• KFVS12 News Report: [ https://www.kfvs12.com/2026/01/03/couple-accused-stealing-home-dead-owner-police-say/ ]
• Pope County State's Attorney’s Office Press Release (referenced within the KFVS12 article) - Not directly linked, but mentioned as a source of information.
• Pope County Court Records (mentioned in the article regarding David Lewis' prior lawsuit) – Access to these records is limited and not publicly available online.