A Berkeley man pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to charges related to the alleged fraudulent transfer or attempted theft of 16 homes and a duplex using false deeds.
James L. Townes Jr., 50, was initially charged by complaint on June 10, 2025. He was indicted by a grand jury on June 25 for mail fraud, access device fraud, unlawful production of an authentication feature, identity theft, and aggravated identity theft. A superseding indictment filed August 6 expanded the charges to a total of 25 counts including conspiracy, additional fraud-related offenses, and further counts of identity theft.
Townes also faces separate federal charges from an August 6 indictment that includes mail fraud, wire fraud, and theft of government funds.
According to the superseding indictment, Townes and Charnay Bartlett, 29, allegedly used forged deeds between September 2018 and April 2025 to illegally transfer ownership of multiple residential properties. The documents state they stole identities from legitimate owners and forged signatures as part of the scheme. The indictment also claims Townes continued these activities after his notary license had been suspended.
Bartlett is charged with conspiracy, unlawfully producing authentication features, effecting fraudulent transactions, and identity theft.
The second indictment alleges that Townes falsely claimed disability status from February 2017 through August 6, 2025. Authorities allege he reported having no bank account or resources and being unable to perform basic physical tasks while operating Tied Tight Entertainment as well as serving as registered agent for multiple LLCs during this period.
“Charges set forth in indictments are merely an accusation and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.”
The investigation involved the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, St. Louis County Police Department, and Hazelwood Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry is prosecuting the case.
