Shreveport Businessman Indicted for Wire Fraud
Local Home Builder Submitted False Documents to National Mortgage Company
U.S. Attorney’s Office December 17, 2009 |
SHREVEPORT, LA—Randel J. Mason, owner of Mason Construction Company, Inc. in Shreveport, was indicted for submitting false documentation to its financing company in order to receive draws on its line of credit, United States Attorney Donald W. Washington announced today. Mason, age 51, and Tammy H. Dixon, age 49, of Shreveport, an office assistant, were charged with one count of conspiracy and 29 counts of wire fraud.
The indictment alleges that Mason Construction obtained financing for new home construction from National City Mortgage, an Ohio-based financing company. While purporting to build new homes on Plum Creek Drive and Pelican Creek Drive in Shreveport, Mason and Dixon submitted false documentation to National City Mortgage regarding the percentage of work completed, and fraudulent inspection certifications claiming that an independent appraiser had verified the work. In fact, Mason and Dixon used an appraiser’s signature without his prior knowledge and consent. Relying upon the fraudulent documentation, National City Mortgage remitted payments to Mason Construction Company’s local bank account.
If convicted, Mason and Dixon face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, for each count of wire fraud. Conspiracy is punishable by a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Shreveport Resident Agency, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cytheria D. Jernigan.