Greensboro Man Convicted of Bank Lien Theft Scheme
Raleigh, NC – Xavier Milton Earquhart, a 30-year-old Greensboro resident, was convicted of a massive bank lien theft scheme, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft in a three-day jury trial.
The jury found Earquhart guilty of ten counts of Bank Fraud, two counts of Engaging in Monetary Transactions Involving Criminally Derived Property, and one count of Aggravated Identity Theft and Aiding and Abetting. The jury also found that Earquhart was obligated to forfeit more than $1.3 Million in fraudulent proceeds, more than $100,000 in recording studio equipment, and $300,000 in gold bullion and coins.
The evidence at trial showed that Earquhart forged a deed on a property owned by an out-of-state landowner and then channeled the property ownership through fictitious individuals and a holding company before personally taking title to the property. He then attempted to secure $495,000 in home equity loans using the property as collateral, becoming successful on three such attempts.
In a second scheme, the evidence showed that Earquhart forged bank lien releases on 8 properties, some instances using stolen identities of bank employees, and in other instances, using fictitious notaries. He created Delaware holding companies to conceal his activities. Earquhart then sold the properties off to unknowing third parties. At trial, the evidence showed that because of Earquhart’s actions, some homeowners lost the funds that they had invested into the properties. Other victims were left uncertain as to the ability of their families to remain in the homes due to the cloud upon their title.
Law enforcement used a note and key found in Earquhart’s Prius to uncover a hidden trove of $300,000 worth of gold, concealed in a storage unit in Spring, Texas. Law enforcement also seized various items of valuable recording studio equipment.
At sentencing, scheduled for July 2018, Earquhart faces up to 30 years imprisonment. The investigation of this case was conducted by the IRS Criminal Investigation, with the assistance of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of the Inspector General, the Wake County Register of Deeds, Wake County Sheriff’s Office, United States Secret Service, and the Bankruptcy Administrator for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Assistant United States Attorney William M. Gilmore represented the government in this case.
Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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