The secret buyer of Serena Williams’ dilapidated childhood home has ties to her stepmother, who “stole” the property – and took out a large mortgage.

Former stripper Lakeisha Williams forged the signature of her husband “King” Richard Williams on the title deed of the four-bedroom mansion that was sold this month to pay off her debts.

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She had reportedly taken out a huge loan and was unable to repay it – which almost led to the house being auctioned off in a messy legal battle to repay the $436,000 she owed.

The Palm Beach, Florida, home was saved from foreclosure at the last minute by a mysterious buyer who purchased the property for $1.2 million just days before a court-ordered auction.

This paid off Lakeisha’s debts – and she is said to have made a profit of almost half a million from the sale.

Her husband Richard initially filed for divorce and fought to regain control of the house, but has since reconciled with Lakeisha.

In court documents, she admitted to forging the signature of “King Richard,” but claimed she only did so to be able to feed her young son, Dylan, now 12.

Richard’s son, Chavoita LeSane, said Lakeisha managed to “save” the house, which is still in the family’s possession, because it appears someone purchased it in her name.

Although Chavoita is now the representative of 82-year-old Richard, he claims not to know who the new owner is.

It is the latest bizarre installment in the long-running saga surrounding Richard and Lakeisha’s home.

“BALLOON MORTGAGE”

According to public records, the buyer is a company called Hardy Firm LLC, founded in June of last year.

The only named representative or director of the company is a man named Darrious Christian of Fort Lauderdale.

According to 2020 election records, the home address of the owner Christian is in nearby Margate, which for years belonged to Lakeisha’s alleged aunt, Betty Downing.

Lakeisha, 45, also previously lived in the house under her maiden name Graham before marrying legendary tennis coach Richard in 2010.

In court documents, she claimed that Downing was her aunt – although there is no evidence to support this claim – and that they lived together for a time at Richard’s Palm Beach estate.

Business records show that the two have worked together for over a decade in everything from transportation to real estate projects.

Lakeisha was previously accused by Richard’s family of taking advantage of him for his money, but her “aunt” also has an interesting story of her own.

Downing was charged with two counts of first-degree grand larceny and exploitation of an elderly person for over $100,000, which is punishable in Florida by up to 30 years in prison.

Last year, however, she managed to get away with a 120-month suspended sentence and ordered to pay the victim $135,000 in restitution.

Meanwhile, the new owner of Richard and Lakeisha’s home has mortgaged the apartment to a man named Joshua Perdomo for $600,000.

However, it is not a loan that the owner will need years to repay.

As the US Sun can reveal, this is a “balloon mortgage” and the entire amount must be repaid by August 1, 2026.

For some, a balloon loan is considered a risky business.

This involves making small payments over a set period of time, followed by a large payment at the end of the loan term, which can quickly become a burden for homeowners.

The US Sun has made several attempts to contact Lakeisha, Betty and the new owner of Richard’s house.

“STILL HAPPY”

Although he has lost control of the house, he is said to be happy to be in a relationship with Lakeisha again – and the couple are living together in a new house registered in Serena’s name.

Serena has never publicly commented on her father’s relationship with Lakeisha.

However, according to court documents, she allegedly threatened to change the locks if she did not vacate the property.

Richard’s son Chavoita recently told The US Sun: “The house is safe. Keisha has performed a miracle. She has paid off the debt, whatever was reported. I have no idea how, I was told it was not from my father.”

“He wanted to keep it in the family, so he’s still happy.”

When asked about their relationship, he said: “I’m not sure what’s going on between them. My father is like the wind sometimes. I’m buried in my own world.”

“But everyone was pretty happy and that’s how I see it at the moment.

“It’s not the same energy as if he had spoken to you, not at all.

“If he changes his mind and wants a divorce, he can just call me and tell me. The lawyer is ready.”

“I don’t know if this is the end or the beginning for them. But my father is happy and that’s all that matters.”

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