NY AG accused of mortgage fraud
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In an explosive Oval Office statement on Tuesday, President Donald Trump branded New York Attorney General Letitia James “a total crook” while expressing confidence that the Justice Department, led by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, would “do what’s right” in response to a criminal referral accusing James of mortgage fraud.
The remarks, delivered with Trump’s signature bluntness, ignited fresh debate over James’ conduct and her high-profile legal battles with the former president.
The controversy stems from a criminal referral submitted on April 14 by Federal Housing Finance Agency Director William Pulte, which alleges James falsified financial documents to secure favorable loan terms and government-backed assistance. Pulte’s referral, addressed to Bondi, points to media reports claiming James misrepresented details about properties in Norfolk, Virginia, and Brooklyn, New York.
Specifically, the allegations include falsifying her residence status for a Norfolk home to obtain a lower mortgage rate and misrepresenting a five-unit Brooklyn property as a four-unit residence to qualify for “conforming loans” with less stringent requirements.
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The evidence against James looks persuasive. Her lawyer would be wise to pursue a plea bargain. Among other things, she apparently said the Virginia property was her primary residence to get favorable loan terms while she continued to live in New York.
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