Homepage > Pittsburgh News
The health care bill clears the first Senate hurdle on party-line vote Saturday night. More
Reid: Bill Will Save Lives | Compare: Senate, House Health Bills

24 Charged In Pittsburgh Mortgage Fraud; Task Force Created

POSTED: 2:56 pm EST February 4, 2008
UPDATED: 6:47 pm EST February 4, 2008

Federal prosecutors in Pittsburgh have charged 24 people in connection with various mortgage fraud schemes.

U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan said on Monday that the suspects include mortgage brokers, appraisers and home buyers. They're accused of schemes including property flipping, submitting fraudulent documents, overstating income and assets, and serving as straw buyers.

Buchanan said the fraud includes hundreds of properties and is valued at more than $13 million.

"Mortgage fraud is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the country and in our region," she said, after announcing the charges.

Also on Monday, Buchanan said federal, state and local agencies would be part of a new investigative unit called the Western Pennsylvania Mortgage Fraud Task Force.

She said people who think they are victims of mortgage fraud may report their stories via a new hot line: 412-894-7550. The task force will then investigate those claims.

Scams can take various forms, but the majority take place when mortgage brokers submit loan applications on behalf of potential homeowners with false information, Buchanan said.

"Sometimes the purchaser doesn't even have an idea that these fraudulent documents are being submitted," she said.

Indictments were handed up for 24 people representing Pope Financial Services and Sprouts Mortgage, Precision Mortgage, People's Home Mortgage, T&T Financial and America's Mortgage Outlet.

Some of the suspects are identified as:

  • Michael McFerron Pope, 43, of Upper St. Clair, chared with conspiracy and money laundering

  • James Andrew Spike, 43, of Republic, charged with conspiracy

  • Marlin Sprouts, 52, of Uniontown, charged with conspiracy

  • Anthony Fields, 38, of Whitehall, charged with wire fraud conspiracy

  • Alice Fields, 28, of Pittsburgh, charged with wire fraud conspiracy

  • Raymond Fields, 26, formerly of Whitehall, charged with wire fraud conspiracy

  • Randy Carretta, 44, of Whitehall, charged with wire fraud conspiracy

  • Jason Jester, 38, of South Park, charged with wire fraud conspiracy

  • Aaron McCarthy, 43, of Pittsburgh, charged with wire fraud conspiracy

  • Andrea Revak, 47, of Baldwin, charged with wire fraud conspiracy

  • Joyce Davern, 66, of Whitehall, charged with wire fraud conspiracy

  • Kelly Fields, 35, of Whitehall, charged with wire fraud conspiracy

  • Sabrina Stetter, 46, formerly of Pittsburgh, charged with wire fraud conspiracy

  • Wayne Fumea, 61, of Blairsville, charged with conspiracy

    Charges against Sprouts, Spike and Pope are related to similar counts against Tiffany Sprouts, who has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing, Buchanan said.


    Related Links:
    More County News

    Get RSS | E-Mail Alerts


    Links We Like
    Find out what a sputtering economy and an increasingly difficult to crack job market means to you. More

    Before you splurge on that pricey remodeling project, beware. It may not pay you back when it's time to sell. More

    If you're looking to save on your next new vehicle, a low sticker price is just one aspect. Consider all the costs and make the right decision. More

    Acupuncture, massage, or other complementary therapies could manage your type-2 diabetes. Find out whether they can help you. More

    Consumer Info


    Sponsored Content Provided by ARA

    Sponsored Links