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Mortgage Fraud Blog is the premier website for news and information on mortgage fraud and real estate fraud throughout the United States.
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 Rachel Dollar, the editor of Mortgage Fraud Blog, is an attorney and Certified Mortgage Banker who handles litigation for lending institutions and secondary market investors. She is an author and a nationally recognized speaker on the topic of mortgage fraud. Ms. Dollar is a shareholder with the law firm of Smith Dollar, PC, is licensed to practice law in California and maintains offices in Santa Rosa, California. Email Ms. Dollar
Mortgage Fraud Blog is co-sponsored by Interthinx the leading provider of fraud services and solutions for the mortgage industry.
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Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Southern California Foreclosure Scheme Nets Additional Charges
A federal grand jury returned second superseding indictment adding seven new counts of money laundering against individuals who had already been charged in two previous indictments in connection with a foreclosure scheme, executed from approximately May 2003 through August 2005, that victimized more than 100 homeowners and allegedly caused losses of at least $12 million. Previously, in November 2005, the grand jury originally charged Martha Rodriguez, 35, Downey, California and Edward Seung Ok, 40, Torrance, California with orchestrating a real estate fraud scheme that targeted commercial lenders and homeowners in southern California areas such as Artesia, Lakewood, Gardena, Wilmington, Carson, West Covina, La Puente, El Monte, Westminster, Downey, Van Nuys, and San Bernardino. Then, in July 2006, the grand jury returned a First Superseding Indictment adding Cynthia Valenzuela, 23, Downey, California; Vladimir Stefanovic, 35, Lancaster, California; and Maria G. Juarez, 36, Reseda, California as defendants for their participation in the scheme. The superseding indictment added additional fraud counts and new identity theft charges. According to the indictment, the defendants researched public filings and database lists of pending foreclosure sales to identify homeowners whose mortgage loans were in default. They made unsolicited contacts with such homeowners to pitch the scheme. The defendants explained that they could stop foreclosure on the delinquent mortgages by providing short-term loans to cover outstanding debts and then refinancing the mortgage loans with the co-signature guaranty by an “investor” with good credit standing. Instead of obtaining refinancing, the defendants submitted loan applications in the names of “straw buyers” who were purportedly purchasing the property as a residence to occupy. In some cases, the straw buyers were paid for the use of their personal information on the loan applications. In others, the defendants used the information of individuals without their knowledge, making those individuals victims of identity theft. All of the loan applications contained false information about the straw buyers’ employment and income, which the financial institutions relied upon when funding the new loans. Loan proceeds went to pay-off the loans in default with most of the remaining amounts being skimmed-off by the defendants. To disguise and conceal the amount of money that she was getting, Martha Rodriguez wrote at least seven checks to third party payees and then deposited those checks back into accounts under her own control or the control of a family member. Those checks form the basis of the new money laundering charges. Rodriguez is charged in all counts of the indictment, including the seven new money laundering counts. Ok is charged with 16 counts of mail fraud and four counts of identity theft. Valenzuela is charged in all 19 fraud counts and all six identity theft counts. Juarez is charged with seven counts of mail fraud, and three counts of identity theft. Stefanovic is charged with eleven counts of mail fraud.
 mortgage fraud
How about posting photographs of these individuals who get caugt? It wouldn’t surprise me if they have many different alias names.
Posted by on 01/04 at 07:09 AM we have the same type of fraud scheme happening in a nearby Littlerock, Ca.93543 we have listed each and everyone of these people transacting with Fraud on the upswing. Rampant first payment notice of defaults, inflated home market values, then subsequently foreclosing.
Posted by on 01/17 at 11:54 AM The massive fraud on the upswing we stumbled upon happened as a consequence of helping a mortgage fraud victim in Littlerock, Ca. A 59 year old African American widow living on a fixed retirement/disability income. She has been blatantly insulted by one of the biggest collaboration of industry insiders. This event just shows how the Billions in losses has now escalated into an unstoppable force. All we can do is watch as these people take as they choose…
Posted by on 01/20 at 11:44 AM I would like to know the property addresses. Our company buys second mortgages in these area’s. Perhaps someone can tell me how to find the property information.
Posted by on 03/05 at 07:06 AM update on littlerock, ca mortgage fraud:
avenue-s.us/flashfraudalert.html
Posted by on 09/24 at 07:29 PM I am aware of other victoms of this case
Posted by on 10/17 at 11:03 AM There are other victoms to this case
Posted by on 10/17 at 11:07 AM I AM A VICTIM OF THE USv.MARTHA RODRIGUES/EDWARD OK SCAM. SCHEDULED FOR SENTENCING DEC. 10 2008 CENTRAL DISTRICT LA CASE NUMBER CR 05 1157-GHS
I HAVE TO BE OUT OF OUR HOME MON. 11-10-08 AS A RESULT OF WHAT TRANSPIRED. CAN YOU HELP ME SAVE MY HOME. MY SON AND I HAVE LIVED HERE FOR 16YR. HE WILL GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL NEXT YEAR I DESPERATELY WOULD LIKE TO SAVE OUR HOME
BOUGHT IN 1992. STOLEN IN 2008
JOHNNEA HOLLAND
818 808 6123
johnneaholland@hotmail.com
Posted by on 11/06 at 12:17 PM Attn: JOHNNEA HOLLAND
Please go to our website: www.avenue-s.us and www.avenue-s.info. we are a mortgage auditing co called avenue s mortgage auditing, ca. lic 2838913. we review your loan documents for fraud and predatory lending. if we find any, we report it to the following agencies: FBI, IRS-CID, Dept of corp, dept of real estate, FTC, DOJ, Bank and their regulator. They in turn have 20 days to respond to you and 60 to resolve any issues. If there has been no resolution we then refer you to our Atty. (20 years in the banking field).
There is only one way to intercept or eliminate your loss - seek accountability and report to All related Govt. and financial agencies.
our number are: (661)860-4978 (661)860-4950.
Posted by on 11/06 at 05:57 PM daniel,
if you are aware of similar victims please have them give us a call.(661)860-4978 or (860)480-4950
we are a mortgage document auditing service. we look for fraud and predatory lending practices. for more info go to our websites: avenue-s.us and avenue-s.info
robert
Posted by on 11/06 at 06:01 PM dear atty rachel dollar,
your presence is a blessing to all the mortgage fraud and predatory lending victims. awareness creating exposure is the key to stop this economic cancer.
our heartfelt gratitude,
robert tapia
Posted by on 11/06 at 06:06 PM We need pictures of them because if they are out on bail we can make sure no ones else get caught in their scam again.... Vladimir Stefanovic and his brother stole my sister’s company in a scam.... Post their pictures.. they are not worthy of being hidden… Why is there not an up date on their court date of Dec. 10th? It is already Dec. 22nd.... Who bailed out Vladimir Stefanovic?
Posted by on 12/22 at 12:10 PM Bought my house in 2007, $60,000 down, $500k 1st TD and $150k 2nd TD w/sunTrust Mtg. Kept payments current, about 6 months ago the 1st TD statments stopped. I called them & Sun Trust told me the ‘new’ bank wold contact me. No contact for 4 months, then CHASE bank wanted ALL back payments and fees, etc. I doubt the loan could survive the audit, no appraisal rec’d, stated income, ARM loan, inflated appraisal (FMV now $550k) THX.. Can you recc a good foreclosure attorney. Trust company filed and NOD 55 days ago. HELP...!!!
Posted by on 07/10 at 02:58 PM
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Some Sources require Registration.
Mortgage Scam Ends with Prison
The Morning Call
A judge didn't hold back when Shirley Matthews appeared before him Tuesday to be sentenced for stealing from a Monroe County man instead of helping him save his home from foreclosure, as she was hired to do.
Woman Gets Prison Time After Mortgage Scam Conviction
Pocono Record
A New Jersey woman will be spending two to five years in state prison after she was sentenced on Tuesday for promising to help homeowners avoid foreclosure and then keeping the money she was given for their mortgages.
2 Indicted in Mortgage Scam Face New Charges
Newsday.Com
Prosecutors add extra charges to two who are charged in LI mortgage fraud with county legislator, dominatrix and her husband
Untangling Mortgage Fraud in Chicago Condo Buildings
Chicago Public Radio
Why did so many units go into foreclosure all at once? In some cases, the reason can be traced to mortgage fraud.
No Contest Plea Entered in Real Estate Fraud Case
Northbay Business Journal
Juan Carlos Alcala of Windsor pleaded no contest to nineteen felony counts and admitted three special allegations for defrauding real estate investors, money laundering and elder fraud.
Bedford Woman Sentenced to a Year in Prison for Mortgage Fraud
Plain Dealer
Sharon Cox, 49, of Bedford, was sentenced today to a year in prison for mortgage fraud involving money laundering, theft and receiving stolen property from August 2008 through March.
CITIZEN JOURNALISM: Mortgage Fraud High in Area
Washington Times
According to the FBI, Virginia, Maryland and the District are among the top 10 jurisdictions experiencing mortgage fraud.
Former Vegas Resident Charged with Mortgage Fraud in Nevada
National Mortgage Professional Magazine
A former Las Vegas resident has been charged with federal conspiracy and fraud charges for his involvement in a Nevada mortgage fraud scheme involving straw buyers and falsified mortgage loan documents...
Missouri Man Sentenced for Mortgage Fraud
Belleville News Democrat
A suburban St. Louis mortgage company operator has been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for a mortgage fraud scheme.
12-Year Prison Term in Mortgage Swindle
Washington Post
A Maryland woman who stole millions from Washington area homeowners trying to avoid foreclosure is a "vulture" whose case should serve as a warning to other con artists...
Previous Articles
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Trial coverage provided by Anne Mitchell, Crazy Fish Realty.
F. Jeffrey Miller Update - October 20, 2009
A hearing was held in Topeka, Kansas in front of Judge Julie Robinson. Miller is currently being held pending his sentencing which is set for December 22nd, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.. Steve Vanatta and Hallie Irvin, Miller's codefendants, will be sentenced at that time also.
Several motions were heard this week. One was a motion for Miller to be released pending his sentencing. Miller's attorney, Jeff Morris, argued that the court had dismmissed with predjudice the matter involving Miller's purchase of a commercial lawnmower, violating the court ordered monitoring agreement. He also argued that Miller was not a flight risk and should be released. This motion was denied.
Another motion heard by Judge Robinson was that of an escrow account containing proceeds from the sale of Miller's forfeited assets. This account has a balance of $143,000. Attorney Morris argued that his firm was due $100,000 for work done in the Miller matter, to date. The government argued that his 'un-itemized fees' were 'exhorbitant'. The balance of the funds, Morris argued, should be released to the Miller family to help pay for mounting household expenses.
The government argued that the 'Asset Forfeiture Provision' applies down to 'the last penny' and that 'the rights of the victims to made whole are of paramount immportance' and that no routine household expenses like Visa bills, are allowed.
Attorney Morris argues that there is more than enough assets to satisfy the jury's judgement of $2.65 million dollars. The government argues that the estimated value of his assets are only $1.4 million.
The government also stated that Miller has been paid dividends from a company Miller has an ownership interest in; Boreflex. From July, 2008 to present, Miller has been paid $330,509.30 from Boreflex, unbeknownst to the court appointed monitor.
Present in the courtroom was Todd Earnshaw. Earnshaw was indicted along with Miller and others in what is commonly referred to as 'Miller I'. That trial is scheduled to begin on January 11, 2010 in Topeka, Kansas.
More Trial Coverage
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