Montana Man Found Guilty In Home Title Hijacking Racket; Scam Targeted Vacant, Foreclosed Home; Probe Into Other Swiped Houses Continues

In Polson, Montana, the Missoulian reports:

• Deliberating less than an hour, a Lake County jury [...] found Brent Arthur Wilson guilty of stealing a $380,000 home outside Polson. In all, Wilson was found guilty of three felonies and one misdemeanor. His sentencing was set for Aug. 19.

• Wilson removed the "for sale" sign on the home near Jette Lake, changed the locks, filed a slew of unusual paperwork with the county clerk and recorder's office, and tried to use the home as collateral for a $125,000 loan from a Missoula financial institution. He was caught by Ed McCurdy, the Realtor who was trying to sell the house.

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• Wilson could still face additional charges in Lake County, as journals uncovered by investigators showed he planned to steal at least 100 homes in foreclosure. Authorities believe he stole at least two other homes, and are continuing their investigation into those crimes.

For the story, see Polson house thief found guilty.