PITTSBURGH \u2014 An Allegheny County man who told 11 Investigates he was the victim of identity theft is now facing more than 130 counts of criminal charges, including forgery. <\/p>\n
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> 11 Investigates: Dozens of deeds in Allegheny County recorded into the names of criminals<\/a><\/p>\n Detectives with the Allegheny County District Attorney\u2019s Office say William Schneider, 45, of Pittsburgh, forged notary seals and stole more than 35 properties by transferring his name onto deeds in Allegheny County. <\/p>\n Schneider turned himself in Wednesday after detectives say he admitted to the deed fraud scheme after initially denying any involvement. According to court paperwork, he told detectives he did it because it \u201cwas easy to do,\u201d and he was \u201ckind of on a roll.\u201d He bought fraudulent notary stamps on Amazon. <\/p>\n 11 Investigates confronted Schneider back in June when our team learned he was being investigated<\/a> for the stolen deeds. He told 11 Investigates that his laptop was stolen and he was the victim in this case. <\/p>\n He said he owns more than 200 properties in the area, including on the South Side. He also told our investigative team to stop reporting fake news. <\/p>\n PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> 11 Investigates: County says it cannot track down those believed to be tied to fraudulent deeds<\/a><\/p>\n A co-conspirator has also been named. William Petruskie is facing dozens of charges related to the scheme, but court paperwork reveals Schneider was the ringleader. <\/p>\n Download the FREE WPXI News app<\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/p>\n Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch WPXI NOW<\/a><\/p>\n TOP STORIES FROM CHANNEL 11 NEWS <\/p>\n Person dead after shooting near playground in Homestead<\/a>Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Chief Darryl Jones to retire<\/a>Part of a Commercial St. Bridge detour route closed due to water main break<\/a>Explosive demolition of Parkway East bridge postponed to Thursday<\/a>Hot, dry weather through rest of week<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a92026 Cox Media Group<\/p>\n