The FBI has arrested Rex Alan Harris, a 40-year-old resident of Covington, Louisiana, for allegedly running a nationwide advertising scheme to defraud realtors.
Harris, who also went by the aliases Michael Harris, Rex Rogan, and Rex Alan, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on 11 counts of mail fraud. His arraignment is scheduled for May 23 in U.S. District Court in Western Pennsylvania.
According to the indictment, Harris defrauded hundreds of realtors across the country since 2008 by promising them television and internet advertising to generate home sales. The realtors were induced to pay thousands of dollars for advertising on major television networks based on their zip codes.
However, the advertising never occurred, and Harris and his associates spent the money on personal items, including tens of thousands of dollars in merchandise from PayPal, Footlocker, and Nike.com. They also bought New Orleans Saints season tickets, totaling over $2 million.
The FBI is urging realtors who paid money to entities such as Our Family First Realty, Better Realty Deals, Amazing Realty Deals, The Top Agent/Monolith Media Group, American Real Estate Idols, or Agents by City to contact their hotline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 at each count or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the defendant’s criminal history.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the FBI conducted the investigation leading to the indictment.
Harris’ arrest is a significant blow to the real estate industry, which has been plagued by scams and fraudulent activities. The FBI’s efforts to crack down on such crimes are a welcome development for law-abiding individuals and businesses.
An indictment is an accusation, and Harris is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Related Federal Cases
- Rouse, Tapia Copped 3 Years Probation in Online Pharmacy Scam · Pennsylvania
- Rex Alan Harris Gets 3 Years for Realtor Ad Fraud Scam · Pennsylvania
- Western Union Scam · Washington
- FDIC Appoints Five New Members to Advisory Committee on Community Banking · Mississippi
- 23andMe Faces Legal Fire for Genetic Data Sale · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: White Collar Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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