Juan Ramon Curiel, Mortgage Fraud, California 2013

Fresno, CA - A brazen scheme aimed at fleecing vulnerable homeowners and financial institutions has come to an end with the guilty pleas of two individuals.

Juan Ramon Curiel and Santiago Palacios-Hernandez, defendants in a mortgage fraud case, have admitted to causing over $2.5 million in losses to more than 50 victims. The scheme, which unfolded between 2007 and 2010, involved a fraudulent foreclosure rescue business that predated the 2008 financial crisis, leaving countless homeowners with devastating consequences.

The investigation, led by Dwayne Johnson of the Tulare County Office of the District Attorney's Bureau of Investigations, was a collaborative effort with the San Joaquin Valley Mortgage Fraud Task Force (MFTF) and the Fresno U.S. Attorney's Office. Johnson's tireless work uncovered a complex web of deceit, ultimately resulting in the guilty pleas of Curiel and Palacios-Hernandez.

According to court documents, the defendants were involved in a large-scale mortgage fraud scheme that targeted homeowners in numerous counties, including Tulare, Fresno, and Kern. The scheme involved the sale of foreclosed properties to unsuspecting buyers, with the defendants pocketing the profits while leaving the homeowners with significant financial losses.

Curiel and Palacios-Hernandez pleaded guilty in December 2014, admitting to their roles in the scheme. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of mortgage fraud on individuals and communities. The guilty pleas bring a measure of closure to the victims, who suffered significant financial losses as a result of the defendants' actions.

In a statement, U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner commended Investigator Johnson and his colleagues for their dedication and hard work in bringing the case to a successful resolution. Wagner noted that the financial crisis had a disproportionate impact on local communities, and that the office has taken a leading role in prosecuting those responsible for mortgage fraud.

The case highlights the importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in addressing public safety issues. The award presented to Investigator Johnson serves as a testament to his outstanding work in leading the investigation and bringing the defendants to justice.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edca/pr/tulare-county-district-attorney-s-investigator-receives-award-his-contribution-mission