Theft is a major issue in America, with over 4 million cases of larceny per year. While most cases are usually small, like shoplifting, there are some larger white-collar crimes that occur as well.

But nothing can prepare you for what you are about to read.

How Someone Stole an Entire $4 Million Dollar House

You read that right, someone didn't break into a $4 million dollar home, they stole the whole dang thing.

Homeowner Craig Adams and his 8,300-square-foot home were just minding their own business in North Carolina when he found out something was wonky with the deed to his $4 million home.

You see, Adams and his wife say they are current on their mortgage and have no outstanding balances or taxes owed, so this came as a total surprise.

Adams learned that a woman had essentially swiped the deed of their home out from under them.

Adams said, "Found out that she had filed a false warranty claim deed against this house and basically tried to steal (it)."

Dawn Magnum is the perpetrator's name. Here's how it unfolded. Magnum had contacted Adams' HOA asking for a new key to the gate of the subdivision. That's when the HOA contacted Adams asking if he sold his home.

According to ABC 11 in Raleigh, paperwork filed with the Wake County Register of Deeds Office, signed by Mangum, lists Adams as a debtor. The Register of Deeds approved the deed transfer to Dawn Mangum Trust.

Naturally, Adams was heated when he found this out and went straight to the bank. He says he was asking how nobody questioned the legitimacy of the notary on Magnum's documents or had any further questions about the transfer.

After a frustrating period of time, Adams was able to prove he was indeed the real homeowner, but the deed to the home was still with Magnum's trust.

Apparently in North Carolina, once such paperwork is filed, it can't be reversed. Adams had to hire a private attorney to try to untangle this mess.

Apparently, Magnum says she thought the home was in foreclosure and what she was doing to claim the property was legal.

She has since been arrested and charged with obtaining property by false pretense.

Magnum claims she did nothing wrong but wants to make it right by returning the house to its rightful owners.

PICTURES: See Inside Gretchen Wilson's Luxurious Tennessee Home

Gretchen Wilson is selling her luxurious Tennessee home, and pictures show a residence that's very upscale for country's self-proclaimed "Redneck Woman."

Gallery Credit: Sterling Whitaker

PICTURES: See Inside 'Fixer Upper' Star Clint Harp's Charming Waco Home

Fixer Upper star Clint Harp is selling his charmingly rustic home in Waco, and fans of the show will recognize the house.

Gallery Credit: Sterling Whitaker

PICTURES: See Inside Alan Jackson's Massive Southern Manor Home

Alan Jackson's former 18,622-square-foot plantation-style estate sits on 135 acres in Franklin, Tenn., an affluent rural suburb outside of Nashville. The staggering residence includes formal dining and living rooms, a home office with maple floors, a spacious family room with 22 ft. ceilings, a gourmet kitchen with an adjoining breakfast room and a glass-enclosed porch on the first floor. There are four bedroom suites on the second floor, along with an exercise room and nanny quarters. The third floor has a game room, home theater and a custom pub. The property sold for $28 million in 2010, making it one of the largest sales of a private residence in Nashville.

Gallery Credit: Sterling Whitaker

 

 

More From WKDQ-FM