Hassett & Associates, P.A.
Call 24/7 - (954) 791-3939 | Hablamos Español
Hassett & Associates, P.A.
Call 24/7 - (954) 791-3939 | Hablamos Español

Main Office:
6099 Stirling Road, Ste 217
Davie, FL 33314
954-791-3939

Broward Office:
1327 SE 2nd Ave.
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-760-9911

Miami Dade Office:
By Appointment Only
Miami, FL
305-567-1211

Hollywood Couple Arrested for $17M Bank Fraud Scheme

TFort Lauderdale Federal Defense Lawyerwo Hollywood residents have been arrested for their alleged involvement in a bank fraud scheme involving false claims of owning $17 million worth of Florida and New York property.

According to the indictment, the couple has been charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud and falsifying statements to the Federal Deposit Insuramce Corp. The man and woman – whose names have not been publicized as of this writing – created fake documentation in order to claim ownership of New York and Florida real estate. They proceeded to use the fake documents to victimize tenants and residents in those properties.

The indictment goes on to say the couple specifically selected properties in foreclosure. These properties were owned by FDIC-insured banks. The couple proceeded to file fraudulent and forged warranty deeds to imply the transfer of said properties to corporations under their control, including New York Mortgage Corp., New York Sport Foundation and Women in International Relations. In one instance, the couple used a fraudulent deed to evict a resident from their Hollywood home with the help of local law enforcement and changed the locks on the property.

The couple has been charged with some of the most common offenses that constitute bank fraud. In the state of Florida, anyone believed to have forged documents of any kind, misrepresented themselves financially to get money, or engaged in any form of check stealing or kiting has committed a crime.

In these cases, the accused will need a Fort Lauderdale federal defense lawyer if they expect sufficient representation. Considered white collar crimes, these are serious charges. Among those involved in the investigation and the potential litigation will be local law enforcement, bank fraud specialists and the U.S. Secret Service.

In many cases, bank fraud is viewed as a federal crime. This is due to the fact the majority of banks are insured by the FDIC, a federal program. This can mean stiffer sentences as the federal government tends to be harsher than local courts. This is why if you are in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Broward County or Miami-Dade County and accused of bank fraud, you should speak with a Fort Lauderdale federal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Getting a professional to represent you throughout the legal proceedings will be critical to the outcome.

In regard to the Hollywood couple, as their alleged crimes crossed state lines, they will be looking at federal proceedings.

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