Duo Forks Over $25K In Upfront Restitution For Conditional 'Buyout' Of Convictions For Running Illegal Loan Mod Operation

In Livingston County, Michigan, the Daily Press & Argus reports:

• Two women accused of illegally charging an estimated 15 customers money upfront for loan modification services were ordered Tuesday to complete community service and probation under a delayed sentence.

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• Michelle Rene Garbuschewski and Lisa Marie Joboulian both pleaded guilty in November to one count of violating the Credit Services Protection Act in exchange for the state attorney general's office dismissing a second identical count for illegally charging homeowners facing foreclosure upfront fees for mortgage-modification assistance.

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• Garbuschewski, of Howell, and Joboulian, of Northville, were each given an 11-month delayed sentence that will leave both with no conviction if they successfully complete probation during that time frame. They also were ordered to serve 10 hours of community service.

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• The plea deal calls for both women to pay a total of $40,000 in restitution to an estimated 15 victims even though only two victims are identified in the charges. On Tuesday, [District Judge Theresa] Brennan ordered $25,000 in restitution, which was paid Tuesday and will repay seven victims. The judge set a Jan. 14 hearing date to determine the amount, if any, of additional restitution to other victims, according to court records.

For the story, see Women accused of illegal service charges get probation, community service.