It was announced by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation’s (OFR) Bureau of Financial Investigations uncovered a mortgage fraud scheme of more than $2 million. The alleged crimes were perpetrated by three straw buyers, Susana Marrero, Keith Walker, and Pricila Mercado; one Florida licensed attorney, Roland Cherasard; and a title agent, Leona Womack. All five surrendered to the Broward County Jail on June 10, 2010. They face charges of First Degree Grand Theft for their participation in a mortgage fraud scheme involving three properties located at 10730 NW 49th Manor, Coral Springs, FL 33076; 1622 NE 7th Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33305; 2624 NW 5th Avenue, Wilton manors, FL 33311. The properties are all in foreclosure.
The Broward State Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The charges allege that between November 2004 and October 2006, straw buyers’ Susana Marrero, Keith Walker, and Pricila Mercado signed fraudulent mortgage loan applications with out of state lenders. These straw buyers provided fictitious employment and income verification on the loan applications submitted to the lenders. Title agent, Leona Womack, and attorney Roland Cherasard disbursed the loan proceeds illegally and contrary to the lender’s instructions. Womack and Cherasard submitted false purchase contracts and HUD closing documents to the lenders. There are outstanding arrest warrants for two other defendants that may have fled the country.
“With Florida having the third highest foreclosure rate in the country, many of our families are struggling to stay in their homes and keep the bills paid,” said Tom Cardwell, OFR Commissioner. “These fraudulent activities contribute to the troubled economy, continued losses to our financial institutions and the instability of the financial market, which hurts every consumer.”
The Office of Financial Regulation is committed to protecting Florida citizens by carrying out the banking, securities and financial laws of the state efficiently and effectively and to providing regulation of business that promotes the sound growth and development of Florida’s economy.
To make an appointment to speak with an experienced and qualified attorney about your mortgage broker’s license please call Soreide Law Group at: (888) 760-6552 or visit our website at: www.floridaprofessionallicense.com .
