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McAllen Woman Sentenced for $350,000 Wire Fraud Scheme
McALLEN, Texas – Mayela Saby Cantu, a 55-year-old McAllen resident, has been ordered to prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Crime Details
Cantu pleaded guilty on December 20, 2024, to conspiring with others to commit wire fraud. She knowingly participated in a scheme that used falsified lien payoff statements, fraudulent warranty deeds, and deceptive emails to mislead lenders, title companies, and property buyers.
Between November 2020 and her arrest, Cantu defrauded buyers and lenders in multiple property transactions while working at a McAllen title company. Using her position of trust, she facilitated closings backed by falsified documents.
One notable case involved Cantu directing others to create a fraudulent email address resembling that of a legitimate lienholder. She then used the fake account to send false payoff amounts via interstate wires, leading a title company to improperly disburse more than $350,000.
Cantu facilitated additional fraudulent property transactions, including arranging closing on properties that had already been sold and accepting undisclosed cash payments. By concealing the true nature of these deals, she caused significant financial harm to the affected parties.
Outcome
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane ordered Cantu to serve 24 months in federal prison, immediately followed by three years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $350,000 in restitution.
The FBI, McAllen Police Department, and Texas Department of Insurance conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Garcia prosecuted the case.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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