New York Attorney General Letitia James Facing Federal Criminal Referral for Alleged Mortgage Fraud
New York City, NY – October 2023 – New York Attorney General Letitia James has been referred for federal criminal prosecution amid serious allegations of mortgage fraud involving properties in Virginia and New York. William Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), submitted a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, claiming that James has repeatedly falsified bank documents and property records to secure government-backed loans and favorable mortgage terms.
Pulte’s allegations suggest that James misrepresented her residency status on a Norfolk, Virginia home, which she purchased in August 2023. He asserts she granted an associate, Shamice Thompson-Hairston, power of attorney to declare the Norfolk property her "principal residence" despite her role as New York Attorney General requiring her to maintain a primary residence in New York.
Further, Pulte claims James acquired a five-family property in Brooklyn in 2001 using a loan reserved for homes with four units. For two decades, she allegedly misrepresented the property’s unit count in various documentation to comply with loan requirements and secure better interest rates.
In response, James characterized the allegations as "baseless" and politically motivated, insisting her focus remains on protecting New Yorkers. Following her ongoing legal battles with Donald Trump over fraud claims, some commentators suggest this referral underscores a complicated landscape where accusations of financial deception loom large for both parties.
Legal expert Nicole Brenecki noted that if the allegations are substantiated, they could constitute civil fraud. However, she also highlighted potential statutory limitations on older claims.
While Bondi has acknowledged the referral, no charges have yet been filed against James. The situation is evolving, and both public and legal scrutiny persists.
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