Somerville Real Estate Agent Accused of Stealing From Clients

A woman who operated a real estate office in Somerville has been accused of stealing over $200,000 in deposit money from clients, according to an announcement from the Middlesex District Attorney's office.

Farkhanda "Kandy" Tarar Shah, 61, of Peabody, operated K-Realty in Somerville, according to the announcement.

Manta.com, merchantcircle.com and other business-listing websites list K-Realty at 367 Broadway, in Winter Hill. Somerville Patch called the number listed, but no one answered the phone.

According to the announcement, Shah is accused of taking deposits given to her by hopeful home buyers, and instead of putting the deposits in secure escrow accounts, as real estate agents are required to do, she allegedly spent the money on business and personal expenses.

According to the announcement, Shah often dealt with short sales, and when deals fell through, which often happens with short sales, and clients asked for their deposits back, she was unable to give them the money because she had already spent it.

The alleged thefts took place between 2007 and 2009, the announcement says.

Shah was arraigned in Middlesex Superior Court Tuesday afternoon, and she is charged with felony larceny, fiduciary embezzlement and being a "common and notorious thief," according to the announcement. Her next court appearance is scheduled for June 25, the announcement says.