Mortgage Fraud Ring Busted

Mortgage Fraud Ring Busted: AUSA Wins Top Honor

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – In a major victory for justice, a mortgage fraud ring involving two high-profile defendants was dismantled, thanks in part to the tireless efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Levitt of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.

Levitt was recognized at the 34th Director’s Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. today, where he received high praise from Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director James Crowell IV.

“Peter is recognized for his exceptional work as an appellate advocate in tackling some of the most difficult cases before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and in particular for preserving convictions and sentencings imposed on defendants,” said U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson. “He has dedicated his expertise, energy, and service to the pursuit of justice and his commitment to excellence.”

Levitt’s exceptional work in cases such as United States v. Grimm and Mazzarella, where the defendants received sentences of 25 years and 14 years, respectively, and were ordered to pay more than $2.275 million in restitution for losses resulting from the massive mortgage fraud scheme, has helped to shape Ninth Circuit law and promote the mission of the United States Attorney’s Office in Nevada.

The ceremony, which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building, recognized individuals for their outstanding service and dedication to carrying out the mission of the agency.

“Today’s honorees earned the esteem of their colleagues. But most importantly, they earned the gratitude of our fellow citizens — the people whose communities you made safer, whose lives you improved, and whose trust you rewarded,” said Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.

For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Nevada, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit www.justice.gov/usao.