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Blog Details for "The Mortgage Fraud Blog"
The Mortgage Fraud BlogThe Mortgage Fraud BlogA blog aimed at keeping readers informed of the latest developments in Mortgage and Real Estate Fraud and includes details of recent court cases, indictments, action by regulators and many other relevant topics Articles
Former police officer charged with ID Theft
2007-09-29 01:22:00 In the following press release State of Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice announced that MICHAEL E. DAUBERT, age 42, of Sandy Hook, was arrested today on a warrant charging him with Identity Theft in the First Degree, Larceny in the First Degree, 28 counts of Forgery in the Second Degree, and one count of Criminal Impersonation. According to the arrest warrant affidavit, Mr. Daubert, a former police officer in Bethel and Naugatuck, used the name and identifying information of a New York man to obtain a mortgage on a property that Mr. Daubert owned. The warrant states that Mr. Daubert fabricated numerous documents related to the mortgage application, including a driver’s license and bank statements. As a result of these forgeries Mr. Daubert received more than $200,000 cash from the refinancing, the warrant alleges. Identity Theft in the First Degree and Larceny in the First Degree are class B felonies, each carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years incarceration. Forge... More About: Police , Indictments , Officer
Recent Case Updates
2007-09-29 01:18:00 The following older entries were updated todayYonkers lawyer gets 1 year and 1 day in prison for stealing clients money.Former Collinsville lawyer gets 5 year prison term and ordered to repay $2.5 million More About: Updates , Case , Recent
US Attorney in Miami, FL announces crackdown on mortgage fraud (1 of 3)
2007-09-28 03:39:00 In the following press release R. Alexander Acosta, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida (pictured left), Jonathan I. Solomon, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, Michael E. Yasofsky, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS), Henry Gutierrez, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, John Large, Acting Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service (USSS), Jon Rymer, Inspector General, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation - Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), Kenneth M. Donohue, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - Office of Inspector General (HUD-OIG), Bill McCollum, Florida Attorney General, William N. Shepherd, Statewide Prosecutor for the State of Florida, Don B. Saxon, Commissioner, Florida Department of Financial Regulation, and Al Lamberti, Broward County Sheriff, announced today the launch of a Federal-... More About: Fraud , Mortgage Fraud
15 indicted in Florida flipping scheme allegations (2 of 3)
2007-09-28 03:34:00 R. Alexander Acosta, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Flor ida announced that a joint federal-state investigation, spearheaded by the Internal Revenue Service and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, culminated in a 70-count indictment, unsealed today, charging 15 defendants in a wide-ranging mortgage fraud scheme. This scheme yielded 12 fraudulent loans, totaling approximately $8,300,000. According to the Indictment, defendants Henry Quintero-Lopez and Lazaro Villalba orchestrated a scheme through which they located properties for sale in the Southwest Ranches area of Broward county. Quintero-Lopez and Villalba would offer the owners full asking price for the properties, and then inflate the contract purchase price submitted to the lender to allow their companies, New World International and D& H Investments of South Florida, to receive as a “fee” moneys in excess of the true purchase price. To execute their scheme, Quintero-Lopez and Villa... More About: Flipping , Lippi , Chem
3 indicted in Florida mortgage fraud scheme (3 of 3)
2007-09-28 03:29:00 On September 26, 2007, R. Alexander Acosta, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida filed an Information charging defendants Richard Weldon Crowder, II, Gary Mark Mills, and Karen Lynn Sullivan with conspiracy to commit bank fraud for their participation in a multi-million dollar mortgage fraud conspiracy. Crowder is a licensed mortgage broker and the former owner of America’s Best Mortgage Services, Inc., located in Coconut Creek, Florida. Mills is a licensed title attorney and the owner of Four Star Title Inc., located in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Sullivan is a former loan officer for Wachovia Bank. In total, the defendants are alleged to have caused the fraudulent purchase of approximately seventeen (17) different luxury condominiums, involving more than $42,000,000 in fraudulently obtained mortgage loans. Under the scheme, Crowder is alleged to have identified residential properties, including luxury condominiums on South Beach, that were available f... More About: Fraud , Mortgage Fraud , Broker
Real estate appraiser convicted after trial in Dallas, TX
2007-09-28 03:17:00 In the following press release the FBI in Dallas , TX announced that following a week-long trial before U.S. District Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn, a federal jury in Dallas has convicted Gandhi Ben Morka on all seven counts of an indictment charging him with various offenses in a mortgage fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper. Specifically, the jury found Morka, 52, of Arlington, Texas, guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, four counts of wire fraud and two counts of mail fraud. Morka faces a maximum statutory sentence of 125 years in prison and a $1.75 million fine. Gandi Ben Morka was arrested in May 2007 by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation on charges in a superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Northern District of Texas in April 2007. That indictment superseded an indictment returned in May 2005 that charged seven individuals, Sean Cung-Kim Nguyen, Dai Quoc Nguyen, Xuyen Thi-Kim Nguyen, Tam Nguy... More About: Estate , Real Estate , Trial , Real
Man indicted in Birmingham, AL on mortgage and credit card fraud charges
2007-09-28 02:52:00 In the following press release the FBI in Birmingham, AL it was announced that Donald Moulton, Sr., 47, was indicted in the U.S. District Court for mail fraud, false statements in loan applications, aggravated identity theft, misuse and false representations of social security numbers. This indictment is announced today by U.S. Attorney Alice H. Martin, Martin Phanco, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Special Agent in Charge and Carmen S. Adams, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Special Agent in Charge. “In partnership with a new Identity Fraud Task Force you can expect to see more indictments on aggravated identity theft,” stated U.S. Attorney Alice H. Martin. From July 2003 to September 2004 Moulton engaged in a scheme to defraud American Express in connection with a corporate account he opened in the name of Magic City, Inc. In support of that application, Moulton submitted a corporate tax return purporting to document the financial condition of Magic City. That docum... More About: Credit Card Fraud , Card , Credit , Alabama
Staten Island dentist found guilty in New Jersey mortgage fraud case
2007-09-28 02:47:00 In the following press release U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey , Christopher J. Christie (pictured left) announced that a Staten Island , N.Y., dentist was convicted by a federal jury today for operating a scheme in which he fraudulently obtained $1.36 million in mortgages and spent the proceeds on luxury items including the purchase of a 46-foot yacht, a North Carolina residence and a GMC Yukon Denali. After less than two hours of deliberations today, a jury convicted Terrance D. Stradford, 46, a.k.a. “Wayne Sellers,” of all 24 counts contained in a Superseding Indictment. Stradford was convicted on one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering and tax evasion. Stradford was also convicted of three counts of wire fraud and 18 counts of money laundering. Stradford also consented to the entry of a criminal forfeiture order in the amount of $720,000, which the government sought as property derived from proceeds of th... More About: Fraud , Mortgage Fraud , Mortgage
Vermont woman pleads guilty in mortgage fraud case
2007-09-27 06:17:00 In the following press release from the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on August 29, 2007, Laura Zipprich, 40, of Bennington, Vermont, appeared in United States District Court and pleaded guilty to Wire Fraud in connection with a fraudulent real estate transfer. Sentencing has been set for December 12, 2007, in Rutland, Vermont. The Honorable J. Garvan Murtha presided at the change of plea. According to Court documents, in September, 2004, Zipprich used a fraudulently obtained Power of Attorney in order to transfer property and execute a $135,000 mortgage on a Winhall, Vermont home that Zipprich had owned. The property and mortgage were transferred to an unsuspecting victim, making the victim responsible for the mortgage. After the closing, the mortgage company wired approximately $133,000 into an account at a Bennington, Vermont bank. Zipprich was then given more than $54,000 in proceeds from the fraudulent transfer.In December, 2004, t... More About: Mortgage Fraud , Mortgage , Woman , Case
Nebraska AG suing mortgage broker accused of falsifying closing docs
2007-09-26 21:41:00 In the following press release Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning and John Munn, Director of the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance (NDBF), today announced the State is suing Omaha-based Advantage Mortgage Service, Inc., a mortgage brokerage firm, and its principal owners and operators for predatory lending practices. The NDBF is also instituting license revocation proceedings. “Advantage Mortgage preyed on Nebraskans who dreamed of providing better lives for their families,” Bruning said. “Instead, those families face a very real threat of losing their homes. We will not tolerate predatory lending in this state.” Munn stated that this investigation and the ensuing legal action should alert Nebraskans to the importance of dealing with reputable lenders. “Loan applicants must feel comfortable shopping for a loan and seeking assistance so that they know what they are signing and understand the terms of their proposed loan,” Munn said. Adv... More About: Broker , Sify , Accu
Two plead guilty in $17 million Florida mortgage fraud case
2007-09-26 18:44:00 In the following press release from Jacksonville, FL, Acting United States Attorney James R. Klindt today announced that Justin D. Barker, 31, and Robert W. Hulbert, Jr., 45, both of Jacksonville, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud. The maximum penalty faced by both individuals is 30 years’ imprisonment, a fine in the amount of $1 million, a term of supervised release of up to five years, and special assessment of $100. According to the plea agreements, between January 2005 and June 2006, Barker negotiated with sellers of residential real estate properties, who executed Purchase and Sale Agreements to sell their properties at a given price. A co-conspirator, who was a licensed real estate appraiser, then fraudulently appraised the properties at substantially higher amounts than those stated on the Purchase and Sale Agreements. The conspirators provided a second, fraudulent, Purchase and Sale Agreement, showing the inflated appraisal price along with v... More About: Fraud , Mortgage Fraud , Florida , Mortgage , Case
3 more indicted by Wayne County (MI) deeds fraud Task Force
2007-09-26 08:22:00 In the following press release Wayne County officials, Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy, Sheriff Warren Evans and Register of Deeds Bernard J. Youngblood announced charges today (9/24/07) against Nelson Sumpter, 42, of Pittsfield Township, Omar Sumpter, 35 of Sterling Heights and Paul Rhoads, 35, of Novi in connection with three deed fraud cases. These cases represent many hours of work by the Wayne County Deed Fraud Task Force . In all three of the cases the defendants used the same scheme. They would claim to be real estate professionals who assist homeowners in selling their property to potential investors. They induced elderly victims to give them information such as property information, personal signatures and multiple pieces of personal documents. They were able to use the information to take possession of the property without the owner’s knowledge and consent. The defendant’s later sold the property at a profit. None of the victim’s knowingly conveyed their property... More About: Forgery , Michigan , Indictments
Four indicted in mortgage fraud case in Sacramento
2007-09-26 07:56:00 In the following press release from Sacramento, CA United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced that three defendants will appear in federal court today to face charges that they engaged in a Sacramento area mortgage fraud scheme that involved at least 19 homes with loans of more than $8 million. A federal grand jury returned an indictment last Thursday, sealed until today, charging JAMES ROY MARTIN, 36, MARIO FELLINI, III, 38, GABRIEL RICHARD VIRAMONTES, 44, and JOSEPH SALVATORE GALLO, 34, all from the Sacramento area, with bank fraud and conspiracy to launder money. In addition, MARTIN, FELLINI, and GALLO were indicted on charges of making false statements in loan applications, and MARTIN, FELLINI and VIRAMONTES were indicted on mail fraud charges. MARTIN was arrested at about 9:00 p.m. yesterday at a family member’s house, FELLINI self-surrendered to federal authorities this morning at approximately 10:00 a.m., and GALLO self-surrendered in federal court at 2:00 p.m. ... More About: California , Fraud , Mortgage Fraud , Mortgage , Indictments
Two St Louis area men plead guilty in mortgage fraud case.
2007-09-22 01:55:00 In the following press release from St. Louis , Missouri United States Attorney Catherine L. Hanaway announced that Floyd Irons and John Mineo, Jr., a local restaurant operator, pled guilty to wire and mail fraud charges in connection with a million dollar mortgage fraud scheme.“These defendants both allowed greed to tarnish successful and noteworthy careers. Now, they are facing lengthy prison sentences and the prospect of spending many years paying back this ill-gotten money,” said Hanaway. Both defendants have agreed to cooperate in this ongoing investigation. As part of his plea agreement, Mr. Irons has agreed to provide complete and truthful information and assistance to the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) regarding high school athletic recruiting violations and any and all other MSHSAA violations he is aware of. During the course of this scheme, Irons was employed by the St. Louis Public Schools. Mineo operated his restaurant and was emplo... More About: Fraud , Mortgage Fraud , Mortgage
Man from Mars (PA) pleads guilty to mortgage fraud charges
2007-09-22 01:44:00 In the following press release United States Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan announced on September 18, 2007, that Scott P. Winovich, a resident of Mars , Pennsylvania , pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of Bank Fraud and Tax Evasion.Winovich, age 43, pleaded guilty to two counts before Chief United States District Judge Donnetta W. Ambrose.In connection with the guilty plea, Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway advised the court that Winovich, in connection with a real estate business that he owned, obtained millions of dollars of loans through a numerous financial institutions through fraud. Typically the loans were to purchase multi-unit rental facilities, and the loan applications contained numerous misrepresentations, including misrepresentations related to the condition, value and rental status of the buildings, and related to Winovich’s income, assets and liabilities.Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for December 18, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. ... More About: Mortgage Fraud , Mortgage
Recent case updates
2007-09-22 01:35:00 The following entries were updated today.Phillip E. Hill sentenced to 28 years impriosment in Atlanta’s biggest ever mortgage fraud caseFormer real estate attorney James Stovall sentenced in a seperate Atlanta mortgage fraud case More About: Updates , Case , Recent
3 indicted in Hennepin County mortgage fraud allegations
2007-09-21 07:47:00 In the following press release Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said that mortgage scams “hurt” the community and that’s why he supports the charges against three people and three companies in connection with a mortgage scam allegedly operating out of the Chaska and Chanhassen area. Freeman, along with prosecutors Emery Adoradio and Tom Fabel, partnered with the Minnesota Financial CrimesTask Force Commander Chris Omodt to announce the charges and search warrants issued for Scott Rosenlund of 10Spring Homes, Shinon Lindberg of 10Spring Homes and Celeste Skaar of New Day Capital. The scam allegedly used the good credit rating of individuals coupled with phony annual salaries and employment histories to be approved for bank loans to purchase parcels of land at inflated prices. The difference between the ‘actual’ price of the parcel and the inflated price was allegedly taken by 10Springs and used as kickbacks. The three suspects are charged with r... More About: Fraud , Mortgage Fraud , Mortgage , Indictments
Two indicted in $8.5 million mortgage fraud charges
2007-09-21 01:38:00 In the following press release Dolores Carr, the Santa Clara County (CA) District Attorney announced that on August 7, 2007, investigators from the District Attorney’s Office arrested Thien Chi Vuong, 31 and Thanh Tuyen Tran (aka Kim Tran), 30 both of San Jose on “No Bail” arrest warrants. The couple currently faces up to 12 years in prison on three felony counts including Conspiracy and Grand Theft, with aggravated white collar crime and excess taking enhancements; however, the investigation into additional victims and other alleged crimes is ongoing. Between February and December May of 2006, the couple purchased 10 single family homes in San Jose with a combined value of over $8.5 million. During the transactions Vuong acted as Tran’s agent, while failing to disclose their marriage, and fraudulently verifying Tran’s rental history claiming to be her landlord. Tran qualified for the loans by fraudulently misrepresenting her employment, income, asset... More About: California , Fraud , Mortgage Fraud , Mortgage , Indictments
Dayton, OH man sentenced in mortgage fraud scheme
2007-09-20 21:57:00 In the following press the FBI in Cincinnati, Ohio announced that Nicholas St. Nichols, age 54, of Dayton, was sentenced in United States District Court here to one year and one day in federal prison for his role in a mortgage fraud scheme to sell homes at inflated prices to a buyer who believed she was merely selling him her credit. Nichols was also fined $4,000 and ordered to pay restitution to victims. Gregory G. Lockhart, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and J. Mark Batts, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cincinnati Field Division, announced the sentence handed down yesterday by Senior United States District Judge Walter H. Rice. St. Nichols and Todd Armstrong, a 43 year old Bellbrook resident sentenced in July to twelve months and one day imprisonment, were originally indicted for the scheme in July 2005. Eventually, each entered guilty pleas to one count of mail fraud. The victims in both cases included financial in... More About: Fraud , Mortgage Fraud , Mortgage , Convictions
Recent case updates
2007-09-20 21:24:00 The following entries were updated today.Man wanted in Florida mortgage fraud allegations arrested after featuring in a Crime Stoppers programFlorida man sentenced in mortgage fraud scheme Two women found guilty in New Jersey fraud case More About: Updates , Case , Recent
FBI in Jackson, MS arrest mortgage broker on fraud allegations
2007-09-20 20:53:00 In the following FBI press release it was announced that Special Agents from the FBI’s Jackson Division, MS, have arrested a mortgage broker indicted on mail and wire fraud charges. FBI Agents, along with officers from the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department and the Madison Police Department arrested BRYAN “BO” BARRY, 38, of 521 Camelia Trails, Brandon, Mississippi . BARRY was indicted on a two count indictment in August by a federal grand jury. The first count charged him with violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343 (wire fraud). BARRY was also charged in a second count with violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 371 (conspiracy). “Mortgage fraud is not a victimless crime”, said Stephen F. Gomez, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Mississippi. “The fraud affects property values, causes property tax increases and makes it harder for legitimate homeowners to sell their property.” BARRY worked as a mor... More About: Fraud , Arrest , Indictments
Mass Attorney General announces settlement & names 4 people in foreclosure
2007-09-20 20:35:00 In the following press release Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley has filed a proposed settlement with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Boston with five mortgage lenders that funded loans which facilitated fraudulent foreclosure rescue transactions orchestrated by Brockton attorney Alec Sohmer. The Attorney General, together with the Chapter 7 trustee in Sohmer’s bankruptcy case, have requested bankruptcy court approval of the settlement, which impacts 26 residential properties that are part of Sohmer’s bankruptcy case. On Monday, the Attorney General filed a Motion to Amend the Complaint to add the closing attorney who conducted the transactions, another attorney who referred distressed homeowners to Sohmer in exchange for a fee, and a mortgage broker who arranged financing for many of the deals. “These fraudulent foreclosure rescue transactions never would have occurred without the participation of mortgage lenders and closing attorneys that represented ... More About: People , Foreclosure
Man pleads guilty to stealing ID's of people seeking to buy real estate
2007-09-20 20:32:00 In the following press release from San Francisco, United States Attorney Scott N. Schools announced that on September 13, 2007, Mark Allen Davis, 40, of Tiburon, CA, pled guilty to two counts of mail fraud, two counts of wire fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft. The charges are the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Davis was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 3, 2007, and charged with two counts of mail fraud and two counts of wire fraud. On September 13, 2007, a five count superseding information was filed in federal court, and Davis pled guilty to all five counts of the information on the same date. According to the plea agreement in the case, Davis conducted a scheme in which he placed newspaper advertisements concerning real properties that had been foreclosed upon and that were available for purchase. These advertisements listed a toll-free telephone number. When potential customers called the toll-free telephone nu... More About: People , Estate , California , Real Estate , Real
Florida man pleads guilty to Real Estate investment fraud
2007-09-20 20:25:00 In the following press release Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum announced that a Pasco man pleaded guilty to charges of security fraud and selling unregistered securities to several elderly victims, most of them Florida residents. R. John Zavodny owned and operated Mortgage Income Trust (MIT). The company sold approximately 170 promissory notes collectively worth nearly $9 million, but Zavodny and his associates misrepresented the true value of the notes to consumers. Zavodny and three co-defendants were prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution. “This operation was a shameful effort to exploit our senior Floridians out of their hard-earned money,” said Attorney General McCollum. “I am pleased that we are working towards returning the stolen funds to the rightful owners.” Investigators with the Department of Financial Services and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement initiated the case and determined that through h... More About: Estate , Fraud , Real Estate , Real Estate Investment , Investment
Recent case updates
2007-09-19 09:07:00 The following entries were updated today.Man given long prison term in massive ponzi scheme More About: Updates , Case , Recent
Texas AG takes action to stop fraud in Manufactured Housing market
2007-09-19 06:03:00 In the following press release Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today concluded a lengthy enforcement action against central Texas manufactured home retailers who sold homes without clear titles. Owners of repossessed manufactured homes across central Texas will finally receive clear titles to homes they purchased in good faith from the unlicensed, fraudulent retailers. A second settlement in Travis County District Court will lead to industry-wide reforms by improving financing procedures for used or repossessed manufactured homes. Today’s agreed judgment with unlicensed retailers Andrew and Edward Huizar of the former A&E Investments in Bexar County concludes the defendants’ legal dispute with the Texas Attorney General’s Office. Another defendant in the scheme, David Barroso of Sweet Homes, who defaulted by failing to contest the judgment, surrendered his retailer’s license in January 2006 and fled to Nevada. “Today’s judgment concludes ou... More About: Fraud , Action , Market , Housing
Cuyahoga Prosecuting Attorney announces indictments in 4 fraud cases
2007-09-14 01:42:00 Cuyahoga County (Ohio ) Prosecutor Bill Mason continues his efforts to combat mortgage fraud and predatory lending. Four more cases of mortgage fraud were indicted today, involving 26 individuals and entities, four houses in Solon, totaling over $2.6 million in fraudulent loans. Today’s indictments bring the total to 12 cases that have been indicted since the beginning of the year. These cases total 134 defendants and over $8.4 million in fraudulent loans for 60 properties located in ten communities: Shaker Heights, Oakwood Village, Cleveland, East Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, Solon, Pepper Pike, Garfield Heights, Brook Park, and Brooklyn. For more on the Prosecutor’s Office’s efforts to address these types of fraud and the foreclosure crisis, including a Q and A on mortgage fraud and predatory lending, visit the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office website: http://prosecutor.cuyahogacounty.us. The first Solon case involves Gerald Sizemore, 40, of Sandusky... More About: Fraud , Attorney , Indictments , Broker
3 indicted in Ohio mortgage fraud allegations (2 of 4)
2007-09-14 01:37:00 The second Solon case announced today by Cuyahoga County (OH) Prosecutor Bill Mason (pictured left) involves Karl Whittingham, 30, of Cleveland. He bought a new house at 6749 Winston Lane for $725,000 in September 2005 by submitting false loan applications for a $500,000 first mortgage loan from Argent Mortgage Company, LLC, and a $188.750 second mortgage loan from GB Home Equity, LLC. He overstated his income by $100,000 and his bank accounts by $16,000 to these lenders. Whittingham also engaged in a scheme regarding the $36,400 down payment. No down payment was actually made because third parties engineered a scheme to deceive the lenders. Whittingham and the following were each indicted on ten or more theft and forgery related charges: Stephen Holman of Buckeye Lending, a licensed mortgage broker; Buckeye Lending, Inc.; and Theodore Caulkins, owner of and licensed broker at Buckeye Lending. Each of these felonies range in prison time from one to five years. The house is now in ... More About: Fraud , Ohio , Mortgage Fraud , Indictments
3 indicted in straw buyer fraud allegations (3 of 4)
2007-09-14 01:33:00 The third Solon case announced today by Cuyahoga County (OH) Prosecutor Bill Mason involves the home at 35532 Nightshade Lane. Estelle Jackson, 63, of Bedford, fraudulently bought this house by obtaining a $625,000 loan from Meritage Mortgage Corporation. She falsely claimed that she made $122,400 as an account representative for L’Oreal USA, when she made approximately $38,000 as a machine operator for that company. She was a “straw buyer,” as she allowed Frederick Watkins, a licensed mortgage broker at Premier Funding of Ohio , Inc. to lease (with the option to buy) this property to unsuspecting renters who paid Watkins approximately $27,000 before they realized it was a scam. These unsuspecting renters thought their payments were sent to the lender to pay the new mortgage loan. Watkins kept this money and he never paid the mortgage in Jackson’s name. Jackson received $31,000 for the scheme that, in addition to Watkins and Premier, involved the constructio... More About: Fraud , Buyer , Indictments , Broker
3 men indicted in straw borrower scheme (4 of 4)
More articles from this author:2007-09-14 01:27:00 The fourth Solon case announced today by Cuyahoga County (OH) Prosecutor Bill Mason involves a new house at 38710 Flanders Drive. Ogbonnaya Edeh, 49, of Cleveland, fraudulently obtained an $850,000 loan from New Century Mortgage Company. He never made a down payment, never saw the inside of the house before the purchase, and never lived in it. Edeh was employed as a local cab driver, but he falsely stated he made $150,000 as a structural engineer for Classic Tango Engineering, and Phillip Taylor, the owner of that company, falsely verified Edeh’s employment and income. Edeh received $31,000 for this scam. Brian Chenoweth, president of Widdershin One, Inc., and Ike Osuji, a middle man, who posed as a buyer, were also indicted for their involvement in this scheme. Edeh was a “straw buyer” in this scheme that involved other individuals, including Stephen Holman and Jeffrey Brown of Buckeye Lending, Inc. After Edeh purchased this house, Holman and Brown leased the ho... More About: Ohio , Indictments , Broker , Chem 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |



