Dorchester Woman Guilty of Mortgage Fraud

BOSTON—A Dorchester woman was convicted yesterday in federal court of mortgage fraud.

Ursula Fernandes, 39, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge George A. O’Toole to one count of wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud a mortgage lender.

Had the case proceeded to trial, the government’s evidence would have proven that in January 2009, Fernandes attended a real estate closing for the purpose of purchasing property located in Dorchester. Fernandes used a stolen identity and signed documents under numerous material misrepresentations. The mortgage lender advanced more than $380,000 via wire transfer. Fernandes was paid $6,500 for her participation in the fraud. Following the closing, Fernandes moved to the property and made only one mortgage payment. Thereafter, the loan went into default although Fernandes continued to live at the property.

The sentencing is scheduled for May 22, 2012. Fernandes faces up to 20 years in prison to be followed by up to three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Cortez Richardson, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General, Boston Regional Office; Rafael Medina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General, Boston Field Office; Richard DesLauriers, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori J. Holik of Ortiz’s Economic Crimes Unit.