Cleveland-Area Prosecutors Gain Convictions In Foreclosure Rescue Scam

Buried in a recent mortgage fraud article in The Cleveland Plain Dealer is the story of one foreclosure rescue scam that ripped off approximately $56,000 from a Clevland-area homeowner and resulted in an attempt to evict the homeowner. The foreclosure rescue group, Sammy Quick, 29, of Brook Park and Brian Cicerchi, 29, of Middleburg Heights, partners in First Primary Mortgage Inc., and Lesley Loney, 34, of North Ridgeville were all arrested in the scam. According to the story:

• The outcome: Loney pleaded guilty to unauthorized use of property and testified against Quick and Cicerchi. She was sentenced to 12 months probation and fined $1,000. Quick and Cicerchi were convicted in a jury trial this month. Both were found guilty of theft by deception, securing a writing by deception and telecommunications fraud. Quick was also found guilty of mortgage broker prohibitions and receiving stolen property. They are scheduled for sentencing next month.

Source: Loose lending rules gave criminals chance to flourish.