LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A Louisville pastor is accused of forging a woman's signature on a property deed in an attempt to transfer ownership of her home.
According to court documents, 79-year-old Melvin James Cuff was arrested in June and charged with second-degree forgery.
Police said the victim contacted the Louisville Metro Police after discovering a forged deed had been processed through the Jefferson County Clerk's Office. She told investigators she never sold her home to anyone.
According to the arrest citation, Cuff was listed as the buyer on the deed, while the victim was listed as the seller. Police said Cuff and the victim knew each other.
Greater Harvest Baptist Church, on West Kentucky Street, identifies Cuff as its senior pastor.
Greater Harvest Baptist Church, which has Cuff's name on the front of the building. (WDRB Photo)
To prevent this from happening to other people, the Jefferson County Clerk's office said it is encouraging people to enroll in Clerk Alert.
The automated notification system will alert you of potentially forged deeds, mortgages, liens and other property-related documents. It's free to enroll.
Cuff has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Aug. 12 at 9 a.m.
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