Orlando Vera, 55, Whittier, California, pleaded guilty to one felony charge of mortgage lending fraud in Nevada, a category “B” felony. His plea was a result of his role in a scheme to cheat several hopeful homebuyers out of $904,861. A month earlier, Vera’s co-defendant, Juan Robles, 35, Las Vegas, Nevada pleaded guilty to a gross misdemeanor for the same scam. Their crimes were committed between November 2012 and January 2014.
Vera schemed to defraud potential Nevada homebuyers by promising to purchase houses using their substantial savings as down payments, but ultimately failed to buy the houses. Fourth Judicial District Court Judge Kerry Earley will sentence Vera and Robles at a date to be determined. A third co-defendant, Christian Delgado, 39, Las Vegas, Nevada, will stand trial on April 4, 2016 for his role in the scheme.
“The American dream of home ownership is important to our economy and our culture, and I will continue to prosecute those who prey on hard working residents seeking to realize that dream,” said Nevada Attorney General Adam Paul Laxalt. “Nevadans in need of assistance with home ownership and loan modification are encouraged to consult the Home Again Nevada Homeowner Relief Program sponsored by my office, a free and convenient resource for those looking to purchase a home.”
Mortgage lending fraud is punishable by up to 20 years of imprisonment. This case was prosecuted by Chief Deputy Attorney General Jeff Segal and Senior Deputy Attorney General Raya Swift.
