VIENNA — A Missouri Quit-Claim Deed was recorded in Maries County Monday morning, which gave back the property allegedly taken by Gary L. and Deborah K. Honse to its original owner, Serene Sale. Both Gary Honse and Deborah Honse are charged in Maries County with a class A felony of financial exploitation of an elderly/disabled person stemming from their alleged actions in acquiring the property from Mrs. Sale during the fall of 2021. 

Maries County Prosecuting Attorney Anthony “Tony” Skouby was aware of the recent transaction and said he instructed their lawyer that deeding the property back to Mrs. Sale would be a step in the right direction. Then, they can discuss how this all happened. He said he is waiting on their version of the events and is pleased they gave the farm back to Mrs. Sale. But, Skouby said it is too early to comment on how this case will play out.

The document recorded in Maries County on Nov. 15, 2021 at 9:54 a.m. in Book 2021 Page 1884, was signed by both Gary Honse and Deborah Honse on Nov. 2, 2021 in Cole County and notarized by Julie L. Smith.

It is a quit-claim deed stating “This indenture…by and between Gary L. Honse and Deborah K. Honse, husband and wife, Grantors, of the County of Maries, State of Missouri, parties of the first part, and Serene Sale, a single person, Grantee, of the County of Maries County, State of Missouri, party of the second part.”

“Witnesseth, that the said parties of the first part, in consideration of the sum of One Dollar and other valuable consideration to them paid by the said party of the Second Part, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, do by these presents, Remise, Release and Forever Quit-Claim, unto the second party of the second part of the following described lots, tracts or parcels of land, lying being and situated in the County of Maries…” The land description follows.  

This document means the farm land worth over $1 million Gary and Deborah Honse said Mrs. Sale gave to them appears to have been given back to Mrs. Sale for $1. 

The document, including legal description, was prepared by the Law Office of Amanda L. Grellner, LLC, attorney, based solely on information furnished by the parties or their agents and without title search or examination. 

Maries County Sheriff Chris Heitman said he is glad the Honse’s “did the right thing” and gave the victim, Mrs. Sale, her property back. “However, they still have to face the consequences of their actions,” the sheriff said. “That is no different that a bank robber getting caught and returning the money. People often make poor decisions when they have financial issues.”