Related Federal Cases
- Steven Cook, Bank Record Falsification, Illinois 2022 · Missouri
- Steven Cook, Aiding and Abetting Making False Bank Entry, Illinois 2022 · Missouri
- Keith JD Offord, Bank Fraud and Aggravated ID Theft, Illinois 2018 · Missouri
- Brandon Zanotti, Bank Document Forgery, Illinois 2024 · Missouri
- Steven L. Carson, Firearm Possession, IL, 2023 · Indiana
Illinois Bank President Admits to Falsifying Records
BENTON, Ill. – In a shocking turn of events, Steven Cook, the president of SouthernTrust Bank, has pleaded guilty to three felony counts of aiding and abetting the making of a false bank entry. Cook’s actions facilitated real estate loans, compromising the integrity of the banking process.
Cook’s scheme involved falsifying records to make it appear as if the loans were refinancing, when in fact, they were new purchases. He admitted to fraudulently facilitating three different sales of real estate to Lawler and Maze Properties LLC in 2022. These transactions took place in Williamson and Franklin counties.
During an April 6, 2022, meeting, Cook and others agreed to fraudulently make it appear as if the loan was a refinancing. They backdated documents to falsely indicate the buyer purchased the properties on Feb. 1, 2022, for a falsely inflated price of $545,152. The real sales price for the properties was $436,122, and the buyers were not bringing any cash to the transaction.
Cook’s actions were not isolated, as he facilitated two more real estate transactions with Lawler and Maze in August and November 2022. In these transactions, Cook agreed that the real estate contract would falsely list the sales price and that the buyer would supply cash, when in fact, they would not.
The FBI and the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General (FHFA OIG) investigated the case and gathered evidence of Cook’s wrongdoing. Cook’s sentencing hearing has been set for September 19, and his ultimate sentence will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
Cook’s actions have compromised the trust of consumers in the banking process. The lack of professional responsibility demonstrated by Cook diminishes the faith consumers place in the banking process. The FBI will investigate anyone who takes advantage of their trusted position of employment for their own personal gain.
Mandatory Facts: Defendant’s Real Full Name: Steven Cook, Exact Criminal Charges: Aiding and Abetting the Making of a False Bank Entry, City and State: Benton, Illinois, Exact Date: 2022, Sentence or Outcome: Sentencing hearing set for September 19, 2023, Dollar Amounts: $545,152, $436,122, $413,000, $330,400, $82,600, and $21,500.
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News