Maria Del Carmen Montes, Bank Fraud, Florida 2022

Kissimmee Real Estate Broker Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud

Orlando, FL – In a shocking turn of events, 46-year-old Maria Del Carmen Montes of Kissimmee, Florida has pleaded guilty to three counts of bank fraud. Each bank fraud count carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison.

Montes was indicted, along with coconspirator Carlos Ferrer, on July 20, 2022, for her role in a mortgage fraud scheme that targeted financial institutions. The scheme, which was executed by Montes, Ferrer, and others, involved creating and submitting fictitious employment documents to financial institutions in order to qualify unqualified clients for mortgage loans.

According to the plea agreement, Montes would assist her clients with purchasing homes and then refer them to a loan officer at a mortgage company. She would then direct her clients to Ferrer, who would create fictitious paystubs and W-2s showing false earnings and length of employment for her clients. These documents were then submitted to financial institutions, which relied on them when making underwriting decisions.

The case was investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor.

Montes' guilty plea brings an end to a lengthy investigation into her role in the mortgage fraud scheme. She will now face the consequences of her actions, which could include up to 90 years in prison.

The case serves as a reminder of the dangers of mortgage fraud and the importance of transparency in the financial industry. It also highlights the need for continued vigilance by law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies to prevent such schemes from occurring in the future.

As the investigation continues, it is likely that more individuals will be charged in connection with the mortgage fraud scheme. The Grimy Times will provide updates on this story as more information becomes available.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/kissimmee-real-estate-broker-pleads-guilty-committing-bank-fraud