New York Attorney General Letitia James hired defense attorney Abbe Lowell to represent her amid allegations of mortgage fraud related to properties in Brooklyn and Virginia. The allegations, referred to the Justice Department for criminal review, were raised by U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency Director William Pulte. Lowell, known for representing high-profile political figures, was reportedly hired by the Office of the New York State Attorney General.
This may come as a shocking move by the anti-Trump attorney general, as it shows Letitia James is now prepared to defend herself against any and all allegations amid her controversy, as reported by USA Journal.
Letitia James has not been formally charged with any crimes. However, she has been referred to the U.S. Department of Justice for potential criminal prosecution by Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director William Pulte, who alleges mortgage fraud related to properties in Virginia and New York. The specific allegations include:
Misrepresenting Residency: In 2023, James allegedly claimed a Norfolk, Virginia, property as her primary residence on mortgage documents to secure a lower interest rate, despite being required to maintain primary residency in New York as the state’s Attorney General.
Misrepresenting Property Details: In 2001, James purchased a Brooklyn property and allegedly misrepresented it as having four units instead of five in mortgage and building permit applications over two decades. This could have allowed her to qualify for residential loans with better terms, as five-unit properties are considered commercial.
False Statements in Mortgage Documents: Pulte alleges that in 1983 and 2000, James and her father signed mortgage documents listing themselves as husband and wife, which could constitute false statements to a financial institution.
Pulte suggests these actions could lead to charges such as wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, and making false statements to a financial institution. James has denied all allegations, calling them “baseless” and politically motivated retaliation for her legal actions against Donald Trump. No formal charges have been filed, and it remains unclear if the DOJ will pursue the case.
Note: Some sources mention a 30-year prison term and $1 million in fines, but these are speculative and tied to maximum penalties for mortgage fraud, not confirmed charges.
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