SERENA Williams’ childhood home has been sold to a mystery buyer for $1.2 million after her stepmom admitted to “stealing” the house from her dad.
Lakeisha Williams, who has reconciled with Richard, 82, agreed to sell the property to wipe out her debt before it was set to go up for auction in a legal battle.
The four-bed mansion in Palm Beach, Florida was on the line, as the ex-stripper had faked legendary tennis coach Richard’s signature on the title deeds, according to court docs.
She transferred it into her name and took out a huge loan with hard lender David Simon, which she never paid back.
At one stage, the debt stood at $620,000 including interest and attorney fees.
The house sale paid all this off – which in the end stood at $436,000.
Deducting realtor fees and federal capital gains tax – around a combined 25 percent – Lakeisha could be walking away with a profit of $464,000.
Despite Lakeisha’s deception, Richard halted their divorce in June – and the pair are back together living in a home in Serena’s name, which is close to their old property.
It’s not known if Richard, 82, and Lakeisha, half his age at 45, are sharing the windfall.
There’s also still some confusion as to who owns the property.
Richard’s son Chavoita Lesane – who holds power of attorney over his dad – claims that the recently sold place has stayed in the family.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Chavoita for further comment on the house sale.
He previously told The U.S. Sun, “The house is safe and sound. Keisha worked a miracle. She satisfied the debt, whatever it was that was reported. I have no clue how, I’m told it wasn’t from my dad.
“He wanted to keep it in the family so he’s happy regardless.”
Richard, Lakeisha and Chavoita met in private with lawyers to sort out the paperwork for the house, and tears were even shed as they “saved” the house.
Discussing how his dad is, Chavoita said, “He was in good health, his regular funny, jokey self.
“He actually set it up where Keisha and I could hang out for a couple of hours.
“To be honest, she seems very different. She was even crying in the office saving the house.
“I won’t lie, the house itself, a lot of work needs doing on that place. But they’re definitely not selling it. He wants to keep it. I already know that.
“My dad loves the house. It’s very sentimental to him.”
His comments suggest the “secret buyer” bought it on Richard and Lakeisha’s behalf.
According to records seen by The U.S. Sun, a company set up in June last year called Hardy Firm LLC paid $1.2 million for the place.
The only named agent or director is a Darrious Christian, from Fort Lauderdale, who has connections with Lakeisha’s alleged family.
The U.S. Sun
Richard Williams lost control of his marital home many years ago and was fighting his estranged wife Lakeisha in court until last month. Remarkably, the couple is now back together and the house has sold. Here’s a full rundown of the house drama.
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He’s had a business address at a Margate home once owned by Lakeisha’s aunt Betty Downing – and where Lakeisha herself once lived with her.
The U.S. Sun has found no evidence to suggest Downing is in fact her aunt, but the pair have been working together for over a decade on numerous businesses.
Downing was charged with two counts of first-degree grand theft and exploiting an elderly person for over $100,000, which carries up to a 30-year prison sentence in Florida.
But she escaped jail time last year with 120 months probation and was ordered to pay the victim $135,000 in damages.
The U.S. Sun has made repeated attempts to contact Lakeisha and Downing but received no reply.
A source said this week she has been vacationing with Richard and their young son, Dylan, 12.
Their former marital home is where Serena and Venus grew up and trained with their dad on the courts, with signs still seen at the abandoned home in exclusive images.
Richard filed for divorce from Lakeisha back in 2017, seven years after tying the knot.
He suddenly called off his divorce in June this year, and although his son said it was due to health issues, it was later revealed the pair are back in a relationship.
Chavoita has for years expressed fears that Lakeisha has been taking advantage of his father, but last month said he’s now building bridges with her for the sake of the family.
But he’s still making sure he can protect his father.
Richard has signed a nine-page power of attorney document which gives Chavoita full control of his assets – including property and bank accounts.
