Scam Artist To Spend 180 Days In Pokey, Five Years Probation For Hijacking Vacant Homes In Foreclosure, Renting Them Out To Unwitting Tenants

In Fresno, California, KFSN-TV Channel 30 reports:

• The man behind a foreclosure scam gave a public apology in court, then went to jail for ripping off dozens of people desperate for homes. Police uncovered the scam when a homeowner found someone living in her house. Prosecutors say Sam Haley is a scam artist who's still trying to scam people. But Haley claims he's just a military veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.



• Haley was expecting leniency in court because of his military service, and the mental troubles he says he's suffering. But while the judge acknowledged Haley's PTSD, he said that wasn't what caused Haley to commit grand theft.

***

• The foreclosure crisis has crushed thousands of Valley families, but Sam Haley found opportunity in the troubles of others. The former real estate agent lost his license to practice in the business in 1979, but using his insider's knowledge, he found a way to profit on lost homes.



• Haley found empty homes in the foreclosure process and rented them out to desperate families. Police caught him in 2008, but only after dozens of people gave Haley money. Four years later, the 69-year-old is headed to jail for his crimes, despite a plea for leniency because of some serious health issues.

***

• The judge sentenced Haley to 180 days in jail, plus five years of probation. He also ordered Haley to pay the victims more than $35,000 in restitution.

For the story, see Sam Haley heads to jail in foreclosure scam.