Helena Woman Indicted for Mortgage Fraud

SAVANNAH, GA—LINDA HARTLEY, 63, from Helena, Telfair County, Georgia, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for defrauding a mortgage lender. Hartley obtained a loan in August 2007 to refinance rental property that she owned in Deltona, Florida.

United States Attorney Edward J. Tarver said, "The indictment alleges that the defendant submitted a mortgage loan application which falsely represented the defendant’s assets and monthly income. Mortgage fraud is not only a crime against the financial institution; it is also a crime against the American people. This indictment demonstrates that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to investigating and prosecuting mortgage fraud wherever it is perpetrated."

The indictment charges HARTLEY with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Tarver emphasized that an indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The indictment of HARTLEY arises out of an investigation by Special Agents Jason Gustin and Paul Kubala of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney David M. Stewart is prosecuting the case. For additional information, please contact First Assistant United States Attorney James D. Durham at (912) 201-2547.