The Hidden Dangers of Notary Fraud: A Missouri Case That Hits Close to Home
- Premier Notary & Apostille Services
- 17 hours ago
- 2 min read
As a professional notary, I’ve always believed that my role is about more than just stamping documents. It’s about protecting the integrity of transactions, safeguarding people’s identities, and ensuring trust in some of life’s most important moments—whether that’s buying a home, granting power of attorney, or preparing documents for international use.
That’s why recent reports of a major notary fraud case here in Missouri struck a chord with me. In August 2025, federal prosecutors announced charges against James L. Townes Jr. of Berkeley, Missouri, who, alongside an accomplice, allegedly orchestrated a large-scale property fraud scheme. The accusations are staggering: fraudulent deeds, forged signatures, stolen identities, and illegal transfers of at least 16 homes and a duplex between 2018 and 2025.
What’s most disturbing is that Townes allegedly continued notarizing documents even after his notary license was suspended. Some of these properties were funneled into his company, Tied Tight Entertainment, raising questions about how easily fraudsters can manipulate a system that’s supposed to protect homeowners.
Prosecutors say the scheme went far beyond cutting corners—it involved mail fraud, identity theft, and even unlawful creation of authentication features. His co-defendant, Charnay Bartlett, faces related charges of conspiracy and fraudulent transactions.
Sadly, this isn’t the first time Missouri has seen such cases. I recall another heartbreaking story where a fraud ring filed a quitclaim deed “signed” by a deceased homeowner, essentially stealing a family’s home out from under them and even attempting to sell it back to them.
These stories remind me why notarial acts are so critical. A properly executed notarization is not just a formality—it is a safeguard against exploitation. When a notary cuts corners or acts dishonestly, the ripple effects can devastate families, strip people of generational wealth, and erode trust in the legal system.
As a notary, I take my responsibility personally. Every signature I witness, every stamp I place, is a promise that the person before me is who they claim to be and that their act is voluntary and authentic. It may seem routine, but it is the backbone of trust in property transfers, estate planning, and countless other transactions.
This case is a wake-up call—not just for notaries, but for anyone signing or receiving notarized documents. Here are three practical steps I encourage everyone to take:
Verify the Notary – You can check the commission status of a Missouri notary online. Make sure the notary is active and in good standing.
Request Proper ID – A professional notary will always ask for valid government-issued identification. If they don’t, that’s a red flag.
Review Before You Sign – Never feel pressured to rush. Fraudsters thrive on urgency. Take the time to read and understand every document.
At the end of the day, trust is the currency of my profession. And while cases like this are disheartening, they only deepen my commitment to doing the work with honesty, care, and professionalism. Because for every fraudulent deed filed, there are countless notaries like myself working diligently to protect the people and communities we serve.
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