The Ohio Court of Appeals recently upheld the convictions of Pindo Crites for multiple counts of forgery and tampering with records. This decision, made on October 26, 2026, affects Crites, who faces legal consequences for her actions involving fraudulent property deeds. The ruling emphasizes the importance of evidence in criminal cases and clarifies the admissibility of statements made by attorneys during legal proceedings.

Crites was convicted of ten counts in total, including five counts of forgery and five counts of tampering with records. The court's decision is significant as it reinforces the legal standards for evidence and the roles of attorneys in court. It highlights how statements made by legal representatives can be used against their clients in criminal cases.

Background

Pindo Crites, also known by several other names, was charged in a case that began with an indictment by the Lake County Grand Jury on June 10, 2025. The charges stemmed from her alleged involvement in altering and filing quit claim deeds without proper authorization. The deeds in question were related to properties in Cleveland and Lake County, Ohio.

The dispute arose after a family member reported concerns regarding the legitimacy of the deeds. The case moved through the legal system, culminating in a jury trial held on February 3-4, 2026. During the trial, various witnesses, including notaries and law enforcement officials, testified about the discrepancies in the deeds and Crites's actions.

The Ruling

The Ohio Court of Appeals, led by Judge Scott Lynch, ultimately affirmed Crites's convictions. The court ruled that the statements made by Crites's attorney during an interview with law enforcement were admissible and did not constitute hearsay. The court stated, "Crites authorized Longino to speak on her behalf," thus making the attorney's statements valid evidence against her.

Additionally, the court found sufficient evidence to support the jury's decision, noting that the notarized deeds had been altered. The judge remarked, "It cannot be reasonably doubted... that she notarized the Madison and Perry deeds underlying Counts 7 to 10." This ruling emphasized the importance of the evidence presented during the trial.

Impact

This ruling has significant implications for future cases involving forgery and tampering with records. It reinforces the idea that statements made by attorneys can be used as evidence in court, especially when they are acting as agents for their clients. This could impact how defense attorneys approach their communications with clients and law enforcement.

Moreover, the court's decision affirms the importance of maintaining accurate records and the legal consequences of tampering with such documents. It serves as a warning to others who may consider engaging in similar fraudulent activities.

What's Next

Crites has the option to appeal the decision to a higher court if she chooses. However, details regarding any potential related cases or further appeals were not available in the court filing. As it stands, Crites must comply with the court's ruling and the legal consequences of her convictions.