To: Schenectady County Criminal Court

From: Concerned citizens, victims, and advocates for justice

We, the undersigned, call on the Schenectady County Criminal Court to hold Joseph Michael Goodnough fully accountable for a disturbing pattern of fraudulent and criminal behavior, including an indictment for Grand Larceny related to deed theft and repeated incidents of insurance fraud and civil defaults.

Mr. Goodnough has already been indicted for stealing the deed to a Cobleskill homeowner’s property, selling the home without rightful ownership, and serving an eviction notice to the original owner. But this is not an isolated event. Goodnough has defaulted in previous deed theft cases, been ordered to pay fines and restitution, and repeatedly manipulated legal systems to avoid consequences.

He also operated a business, Looking Ahead Eyecare, in Cobleskill, NY, which was investigated by the Schoharie County Sheriff's Office after numerous complaints that patients were being billed through insurance for appointments that were canceled or never occurred.

Why This Matters:

✅ Victims are left without homes, justice, or financial restitution.

✅ Fraud like this tears down trust in our property and legal systems.

✅ If this behavior continues unchecked, more people will fall victim.

We ask the Court to:

• Thoroughly investigate all of Mr. Goodnough’s past and present fraudulent conduct.

• Impose criminal penalties and court-enforced restitution where warranted.

• Prevent future exploitation by this individual through legal safeguards.

• Send a clear message that deed theft and fraud will not be tolerated.

Mr. Goodnough has a track record of defaulting on civil judgments and evading accountability. We urge the court to act decisively—do not let this case slide.

Supporting Sources:

📰 NewsChannel 13 Coverage (WNYT):

• NewsChannel 13 Investigates Deed Fraud 
• NewsChannel 13 Investigates: Goodnough Appears In Court
• NewsChannel 13 Investigates
• Deed theft hits Capital Region as criminal cases could ramp up
•  WNYT Article on Joseph Goodnough Indictment and Victim Testimony

⚖️ Sottile Law PLLC – Victim Advocacy and Legal Action Summary:

Sottile Law PLLC Secures Victory in Upstate, NY Deed Theft Case, Delivering Justice for Two Brothers

"Donnelly v. Goodnough centers around allegations of title fraud concerning real property in Stephentown, NY.

Defendant, Goodnough filed a fraudulent deed to unlawfully claim ownership of the property.

The victory was not only a restoration of justice for the Donnelly brothers but also a resounding message against fraud and coercion. The court awarded $100,000 in punitive damages to the plaintiffs, underscoring the egregious nature of Goodnough’s actions.

The case outlined a pattern of fraudulent actions by Goodnough, including the coercion of vulnerable individuals.

This case highlights Sottile Law PLLC's expertise in combating deed theft and protecting the rights of property owners. The firm’s tireless advocacy ensured not only the rightful ownership of the property but also significant financial restitution, setting a powerful precedent in the fight against title fraud."

https://www.sottilelaw.com/joseph-goodnough-lawsuits-deed-theft/ 

Other Active Case Information:

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SCHENECTADY COUNTY: Willmington Savings Fund 

Sign this petition to demand accountability and protect others from future harm. Let’s ensure the justice system does what it is meant to do: defend the rights of citizens and uphold the law.