CT Attorney Barnays Admits Role in Foreclosure Scam

HARTFORD, CT – Bradford Barnays, 51, of Odenton, Maryland, a Connecticut-licensed attorney, admitted in federal court today to conspiring to defraud vulnerable homeowners facing foreclosure. The scheme, orchestrated with Timothy W. Burke, ripped off homeowners across the state, leaving them saddled with debt and ultimately facing eviction while Burke pocketed rental income.

According to federal prosecutors, between 2010 and 2015, Burke, formerly of Easton, promised distressed homeowners he would purchase their properties and pay off their mortgages. These homeowners, desperate to escape crushing debt, signed documents believing they were transferring ownership and walking away scot-free. Burke, however, had no intention of fulfilling those promises. He then rented out the properties, advertising them on Craigslist and other platforms, falsely claiming ownership.

The scam involved a systematic extraction of wealth from those already struggling. Burke collected rent from unsuspecting tenants while simultaneously failing to pay the homeowners’ mortgages, property taxes, or even remit a single penny of the rental income back to the original owners. Many of these properties ultimately succumbed to foreclosure, leaving everyone involved – homeowners, tenants, and lenders – in financial ruin. Burke actively concealed his identity and criminal past using aliases and shell companies to hide the flow of illicit funds.

Barnays, operating out of his Bridgeport law office, played a crucial role in legitimizing the fraud. From approximately 2011 to 2014, he participated in dozens of meetings with Burke and homeowners, presenting quitclaim deeds, management agreements, and other legal documents that falsely implied legitimate transactions. Despite knowing Burke’s scheme was a sham, Barnays continued to assure homeowners their sales were progressing as promised, actively participating in the deception. He even represented Burke in eviction proceedings against tenants who believed they were renting from a legitimate landlord.

Barnays pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, a charge carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment. U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea has scheduled sentencing for June 13, 2017. Burke himself pleaded guilty to mail fraud and tax evasion on January 24, 2017, and also awaits sentencing. This investigation was a joint effort by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, with support from multiple local police departments and the Connecticut State Police.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing of both Barnays and Burke. This is yet another example of how legal professionals can exploit vulnerable populations for personal gain, highlighting the need for increased scrutiny and accountability within the legal system. The victims of this scheme deserve justice, and we will ensure their story is told.