Md. Prosecutors Probe Foreclosure Complaint

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (AP) -- Prince George's County prosecutors are investigating a complaint that more than 1,000 deeds for homes foreclosed upon in Maryland were improperly executed.

A paralegal formerly employed by Fairfax, Va.-based Shapiro & Burson law firm filed the complaint last week. It alleges that attorneys instructed others to falsify their signatures on deeds and key foreclosure paperwork for Maryland properties.

The Maryland secretary of state's office says 16 notaries at several firms have either stepped down, were stripped of their commissions or allowed them to lapse after complaints that they falsely attested to witnessing attorneys sign foreclosure documents. Another nine cases are pending.

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