GREENVILLE, S.C. — Dennis S. Lepka, Jr., 42, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was handed a six-and-a-half-year federal prison sentence for orchestrating a fraudulent real estate scheme.
The FBI launched an investigation into Lepka following numerous complaints about his fraudulent transactions. His modus operandi involved deceiving both sellers and buyers of residential properties. He assured sellers he’d take over their mortgages, while promising buyers they were in rent-to-own agreements.
However, Lepka never owned the properties he was selling and hid existing mortgage information from buyers. He extorted significant down payments and monthly installments but failed to make mortgage payments to original lenders. The result? Multiple foreclosures and several victims left homeless.
Evidence revealed that Lepka targeted immigrants due to their fear of reporting fraud. He exploited their faith, claiming he was a Christian, to gain their trust. At the sentencing, victims recounted how Lepka’s faith appeal made them feel betrayed.
United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain sentenced Lepka to 78 months imprisonment and ordered him to pay $2,020,213.50 in restitution. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Watkins.
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Key Facts
- State: South Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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