Mortgage Fraudster Convicted in Las Vegas

In late September, a woman who worked as a real estate escrow office was convicted in a Las Vegas federal court on charges of conspiracy and fraud in a mortgage fraud scam. The 60 year-old woman faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when she goes before the court for sentencing next month. The convicted woman worked for Lawyer's Title and National Alliance Title. She, along with co-conspirators, falsified documents on home loan applications. The group used straw buyers to obtain loans from lending institutions and also used some of the loan proceeds they received for personal gain. The defendant was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit bank, mail, and wire fraud, two counts of bank fraud, and another count of wire fraud.

The state of Nevada has recently ranked high in the number of fraud investigations begun by loan servicers. The LexisNexis Mortgage Fraud Index for 2012 ranked the state as second in the nation. It ranked second in 2011 as well, third in 2010, and sixth in 2008. Its high number of foreclosures is a likely reason for the high number of mortgage fraud investigations. Nevada has ranked in the top five states for foreclosures for the last five years, according to a spokesman for the State Attorney General's Mortgage Fraud Unit. Homeowners who default on their mortgage as well as those who have been exploited through mortgage scams frequently lead to such investigations.

Criminal Defense Firm in Las Vegas, Nevada

Mortgage fraud, as in the case above, is just one example of the nonviolent crime category known as white collar crime. These types of crimes are often committed by business professionals who use falsified documents and information or other forms of misrepresentation to achieve their aims which include personal financial gain. Many white collar crimes are investigated by federal law enforcement agencies when they cross state lines. They are often charged as felonies resulting in prison terms, fines, and required restitution to victims.

If you are facing any type of criminal charge in Las Vegas, whether it is a white collar crime, a DUI, drug crime, theft crime, sex crime, violent crime or other offense, the law firm of Okabe & Haushalter provides competent legal help. The legal team is nationally recognized. They have been named as Newsweek Leading Criminal Defense Attorneys for 2012. They have handled hundreds of state and federal criminal trials for clients and this type of experience cannot be overstated as key to outstanding criminal defense. Get the skilled and dedicated legal representation you need in any criminal case by contacting the firm today.