Felony charge filed after retired teacher unknowingly signed away long-time home

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A self-professed real estate investor is now facing criminal charges stemming from a contentious real estate deal that resulted in a retired Houston school teacher losing her cherished long-time residence.

Malcolm Pryor stands accused of a second-degree felony for allegedly filing a false statement to obtain credit ranging from $150,000 to $300,000.

The saga began to unfold when the plight of retired teacher Wanda Jackson came to light in September 2023. Concerned citizens alerted after witnessing Jackson’s belongings being unceremoniously tossed out of her front yard.

Subsequent investigations by Eyewitness News revealed a convoluted series of real estate transactions initiated after Jackson reportedly met Pryor through a mutual acquaintance from church. According to Jackson, Pryor had promised to renovate her house at 5119 Stuyvesant. However, records indicate that Pryor subsequently filed a mechanic’s lien against Jackson’s property, and shortly thereafter, Jackson unknowingly signed a warranty deed, effectively transferring ownership of her home to Pryor.

In February, reported that Jackson, who was battling COVID-19 at the time, claimed no recollection of signing any of the documents.

By the time Jackson realized she was no longer the rightful owner of her home, it was too late. She was evicted in September and has since been residing in a nearby apartment complex.

Despite her efforts to seek justice, Jackson remains in her current living situation, where she pays substantially more in rent compared to her previous mortgage.

The Houston Police Department initiated an investigation, resulting in criminal charges being brought against Pryor on March 13. Court documents allege that Pryor falsified bank statements and retirement records to secure a loan from Noble Mortgage, ultimately resulting in the loss of $40,000 for the lender. The house was subsequently foreclosed upon and sold at auction to a house flipper.

Bill Baldwin, owner of Boulevard Realty, had raised concerns about the irregularities in the real estate documents before criminal charges were filed.

While Pryor remains at large despite an outstanding warrant for his arrest, Jackson continues to grapple with the aftermath of losing her home. Despite the efforts of some former students who initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with her expenses, the amount raised falls far short of what is needed to restore her home.

reached out to the current owner of Jackson’s former residence, who expressed ignorance about its troubled history. The owner intends to refurbish and sell the property.

As of Monday night, Pryor has yet to be apprehended, and attempts to contact him have been unsuccessful.