Trial begins for Asheville woman charged in real estate fraud schemes

August 18, 2026 - 01:44

The trial of Lisa Roberts-Allen, a woman at the center of a lengthy local investigation into property fraud, got underway this week in Buncombe Superior Court. Roberts-Allen, who once presented herself as a dedicated housing advocate, now faces multiple felony charges related to schemes that prosecutors say stripped elderly and vulnerable homeowners of their property and life savings.

According to court testimony, Roberts-Allen built a reputation as a compassionate helper, often saying she was blessed to assist people in difficult financial situations. But the state argues that this image was a carefully crafted facade. Over several years, she allegedly targeted older residents and those with cognitive decline, convincing them to sign over deeds or enter into predatory loan agreements. In many cases, victims lost not only their homes but also the generational wealth tied up in that property, leaving families with nothing.

The charges stem from a series of transactions where properties were transferred for a fraction of their value or sold without the owners' full understanding. Investigators say Roberts-Allen used a mix of confusing paperwork and personal charm to push deals through, often isolating the victims from family members who might have intervened. One witness described how a client trusted her completely, believing she was protecting their interests right up until the eviction notice arrived.

Defense attorneys, however, are pushing back. They argue that Roberts-Allen provided legitimate services and that the transactions were legal, if sometimes complicated. They point to signed documents and notarized signatures as evidence that the deals were consensual. The defense also suggests that some accusers are now trying to rewrite history to avoid responsibility for their own financial decisions.

The trial is expected to last several weeks, with a long list of witnesses including former clients, real estate agents, and financial experts. The courtroom has been packed each day, with many in attendance following the case since the initial investigative reports exposed the pattern of alleged abuse. A conviction could carry a significant prison sentence, but for the families involved, the real hope is that the trial brings a final answer and a measure of closure after years of uncertainty.