Houston woman accused of $460K theft from real estate firm

A Houston woman has been arrested and charged with a first-degree felony after investigators say she stole more than $460,000 from a Montgomery County real estate business over a two-year period and spent the money on high-end personal expenses. Heather Surratt was taken into custody Monday at her home and booked into the Montgomery County Jail on a charge of theft of property exceeding $300,000, authorities said.

The investigation began in February after the owner of Styled Real Estate, located in south Montgomery County, reported suspected financial misconduct. Deputies from Precinct 3, under Constable Ryan Gable, launched an inquiry, with detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division conducting a detailed review of company financial records.

Authorities allege that over a two-year span, Surratt deposited company-issued checks totaling more than $460,000 into her personal bank account. Investigators said the funds were then used to support a lavish lifestyle, including purchases of luxury clothing, high-end jewelry, fine dining, and international travel.

In a civil lawsuit filed in April, Styled Real Estate accused Surratt of improperly diverting more than 100 commission checks intended for the company. The checks were reportedly mailed from various title companies and made payable directly to the business.

The lawsuit states, “Rather than ensuring that those funds were delivered to Styled and properly accounted for, (Surratt) wrongfully intercepted, endorsed, deposited, negotiated, retained, and appropriated those checks and their proceeds for her use and benefit.”

It further emphasized that the checks “were payable to Styled Real Estate, LLC, or ‘Styled Real Estate,’ not to (Surratt) individually.”

Authorities have not disclosed whether additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues. No attorney information for Surratt was immediately available.

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