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Punta Gorda Woman Faces 20 Years for Wire Fraud
Fort Myers, Florida – Hollie Darlene Dustin, a 60-year-old licensed real estate broker from Punta Gorda, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud, a crime that could land her behind bars for up to 20 years.
According to the plea agreement, Dustin, who owned Home Choice Real Estate (HCRE), a company that contracted with the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), committed the crime by fraudulently using ProPreserve, a company she controlled, to perform preservation services on Fannie Mae properties without the mortgage association’s knowledge or consent.
Dustin submitted approximately 550 fraudulent ProPreserve invoices to Fannie Mae requesting approximately $146,280.46, which Fannie Mae paid to HCRE. She also created inflated ProPreserve invoices for work already performed by other vendors, then submitted those false invoices to Fannie Mae for payment.
Dustin used interstate wires to submit the fraudulent invoices to Fannie Mae, further exacerbating the severity of the crime.
The case was investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey F. Michelland.
Dustin’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 17, 2018. The severity of her sentence will depend on the discretion of the judge, but with a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, Dustin’s future is uncertain.
As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what other crimes Dustin may be linked to, and if she will face further charges. One thing is certain, however, Dustin’s actions have put her in a precarious position, and her future hangs in the balance.
The people of Florida deserve to know that their government agencies are working tirelessly to protect them from crimes like wire fraud. It is the job of the Grimy Times to keep the public informed, and we will continue to follow this story as it develops.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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