3 indicted in alleged Utah real estate fraud
Written on May 29, 2011 by Brooke Wardlaw
A federal grand jury indicted three Utah men Thursday for allegedly defrauding a bank by using straw buyers and false documents and appraisals to obtain inflated real estate loans.
Brian Goff and Golden Jansen Meier, both of Salt Lake County, and Kevin Michael Prowell, a Utah County resident, defrauded America West Bank in procuring $3 million worth of loans from November 2005 to mid-2007, the indictment alleges.
The three could not be reached for comment.
Goff, Meier and an unnamed coconspirator recruited straw buyers who represented themselves on loan applications as actual buyers of four properties, the indictment alleges.
Then, in order to obtain loans for more than the market value of the homes, Goff, Meier, Prowell and others created false appraisals that were submitted to America West, the indictment says. The also allegedly made false statements on loan applications, including greatly inflating income.
Goff, Meier and Prowell face four charges of bank fraud. Prowell also faces seven counts of false statements to the FBI agents investigating the case, while Goff and Meier were charged with 15 counts of money laundering. Meier also is charged with failing to file a tax return.
The three face prison sentences if convicted, and the government is asking for forfeiture of $1.9 million and property obtained as a result of the alleged fraud.
The three are scheduled for an initial court appearance June 26.
Twitter: @tomharveysltrib
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