A self-described Pennsylvania "abstractor" is in trouble with the law after allegedly filing false deeds purporting to grant gas, oil and mineral rights to himself on numerous parcels that he did not own.
John Walker, 59, of Dubois, Pennsylvania, faces 33 counts of theft by deception and two counts of tampering with public records.
According to authorities, Walker deeded himself a 40% interest in mining and extraction rights on a 2,765 acre tract in Morris Township in Clearfield County known as the Wigton Coal Reservation via quit claim deed, then deeded the tract to his wife. Walker had no surface interest in the tract when he deeded the interest to himself, according to the allegations. In 2008, an oil and gas company, Little Pine Resources, sought to obtain oil and gas rights on three parcels owned by an estate. The parcels lay within Walker's targeted tract. When a title attorney conducted a title search for Little Pine Resources, he issued an opinion that Walker's deeds clouded title on the estate's parcels, and commenced a quiet title action on one of the three parcels. Walker was contacted, and gave up his interest in that parcel immediately.
When police contacted Walker about the suspicious deed, he admitted he made a mistake, but claimed that he filed the deeds only after seeking the advice of oil and gas companies. He claims that he has gained nothing so far from his interest in the property, but says he "had the potential to make $9 million." Walker also admits to filing similar deeds on other properties.
"As a result of fraudulent deed recordings, land owners in the Morrisdale area seeking to enter lease agreements with gas companies may be required to file lawsuits to protect their legal interests," said William Shaw, Clearfield County District Attorney. "Gas companies intending to drill wells are reluctant to enter lease agreements when ownership of the gas rights is clouded by fraudulent deed recordings," costing homeowners thousands in legal fees to clear up the title issues, according to Shaw.
A search of the Source of Title business directory revealed no listed abstractor by the name of John Walker.