State Prosecutors Offer Plea Deal, Seek $25K+ From Pair Accused Of Peddling Illegal Loan Modification Services

In Livingston County, Michigan, the Livingston Daily reports:

• There is a potential plea deal for two women accused of illegally charging customers money upfront for loan-modification services. An assistant prosecutor with the Michigan attorney general's office made the announcement Monday in Livingston County District Court, but he declined afterward to provide details. The defendants, Michelle Rene Garbuschewski and Lisa Marie Joboulian, have until Sept. 13 to ponder the prosecutor's offer. If accepted, they will return to District Court that day to enter the plea.

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• Garbuschewski, of Howell-based business Elite Mortgage Relief, and Joboulian are both charged with violating the Credit Services Protection Act for allegedly illegally charging homeowners facing foreclosure upfront fees for mortgage-modification assistance. The charge carries a penalty of up to 93 days in jail and up to $1,000 fine.

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• Joy Yearout, a spokeswoman with the attorney general's office, earlier confirmed that there are eight complaints against Garbu-schewski, Joboulian and Elite Mortgage. There are two complaints named in the current charges, but Yearout said her office will seek restitution — estimated at more than $25,000 — for all eight complainants.

For the story, see Women in illegal-charging case could get plea deal.