HOUSTON — Prosecutors have charged four people with organized criminal activity in an alleged rental fraud scheme that investigators say used stolen identities and fraudulent identification to obtain residential leases across the Houston area.
The charges name Michael Okokhere, Ravon Darelle Woodard, Robert Earl Franklin and Rosemary Tucker.
Court records show the investigation began after a rental application for a home on Ashford Ridge Lane in Katy used the name “Billie Wilson” in March 2025. The real estate group reviewing the application flagged the driver’s license as potentially fraudulent, prompting an investigation.
Prosecutors allege the group used stolen identities and fraudulent identification to secure leases and collect move-in fees and rent payments. During an earlier probable cause hearing, prosecutors said the defendants collectively made about $247,000 through the alleged scheme.
In one case outlined in court records, a woman living in a home leased under the name “Billie Wilson” allegedly paid Tucker $9,000 in move-in costs and another $3,000 in rent. The property carried a monthly lease payment of about $2,800, according to court documents.
Investigators allege the defendants obtained fraudulent lease agreements for multiple homes in the Houston area during 2025.
Tucker founded the nonprofit BlessTies and Hoodies for Healing, which provides meals and other assistance to people experiencing homelessness. Prosecutors acknowledged her charitable work during an earlier hearing while presenting the allegations against her.
Tucker told KHOU she did not know about the newly filed organized criminal activity charges against her and the other defendants.
Her attorney said in a statement to KHOU that Tucker maintains her innocence and plans to contest the charges in court.
Okokhere’s attorney also denied the allegations, saying the 75-year-old has lived an exemplary life and was a victim rather than a participant in the alleged fraud. The attorney said Okokhere has cooperated with investigators and expects the state to reach the same conclusion.
Separately, records from the Texas Real Estate Commission show that officials revoked Okokhere’s real estate salesperson license after disciplinary action involving fraudulent lease applications and misrepresented occupancy information.
The new charges remain allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
