Monday, June 16, 2008

New Jersey Upfront Fee Foreclosure Rescue Operator Cops Plea To Stiffing 77 Homeowners

In Mount Holly, New Jersey, the Burlington County Times reports:
  • A Mount Laurel man who operated a mortgage consulting firm has pleaded guilty to stealing $105,000 from homeowners who hired him to help save their properties. Peter Rogers, 65, of St. David Drive admitted in court Friday that he intentionally took money from 77 victims and did little or no work to help them. Some of those victims ultimately lost their homes or had to declare bankruptcy, authorities said.

  • Rogers pleaded guilty to theft by deception before Superior Court Judge John A. Almeida. [...] He reached out to homeowners he found [...] through foreclosure notices in the newspaper and “created the impression that he would save their home.” Rogers was paid between $400 and $3,700 by each homeowner, authorities said.

Rogers also faced charges of forgery and securing execution of documents by deception which, as part of the plea bargain, are expected to be dismissed at a June 24 hearing.

For more, see Mt. Laurel man admits mortgage-fraud guilt.

For an earlier story on this case, see Judge says businessman will face two trials.

Go here for earlier posts and available updates on this case.