FBI arrests nine people on mortgage fraud related charges, more arrests expected

Two sealed indictments were handed down yesterday by a Federal Grand Jury in Honolulu accusing 14 individuals with a variety of Mortgage Fraud-related charges.  

“The defendants are accused of operating their mortgage businesses as fraud factories – creating false documents to dupe lenders into funding sham home purchases,” said Honolulu FBI Special Agent Tom Simon.

The Honolulu  FBI, with the assistance of the IRS and Honolulu Police Department this morning, arrested eight individuals on a variety of mortgage fraud-related charges.   A ninth individual was arrested by the FBI in Seattle this morning.   The five other defendants are expected to surrender voluntarily to the FBI.

“The mortgage fraud described in this indictment is a direct assault on the American Dream of home ownership.  Foreclosures caused by mortgage frauds blanket the Hawaiian Islands, depress housing prices, and erode the confidence in the local market.  In that regard, we are all victims,” siad Simon.
 
“The FBI will continue to investigate mortgage fraud to help restore stability in Hawaii’s housing market,” said Simon. 

Eleven of the defendants were scheduled to make their initial court appearance today.  They include Albert Joy, Vinah Morales, Ester Miguel, Jennifer Miguel, Lene Tanuvasa, Atlantica “Nani” Tanuvasa, Steve Callo, Mary Ann Lapenia, Geraldine Miguel Lukela, Yolie Tiburcio, and Michelle Kama.  Court appearances are also scheduled for Samantha Michel on Friday August 13, and Teresita Sorino on Tuesday, August 24.  The complete schedule is listed below.

11:30 am Thursday 8/12:  Albert Joy & Vinah Morales (both surrendering to FBI)
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2:00 pm Thursday 8/12:
Ester Miguel – arrested by FBI
Jennifer Miguel – arrested by FBI
Lene Tanuvasa – arrested by FBI
Atlantica “Nani” Tanuvasa – arrested by FBI
Steve Callo – arrested by FBI
Mary Ann Lapenia – (Surrendering to FBI)
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3:00 pm Thursday 8/12:
Geraldine Miguel Lukela – arrested by FBI
Yolie Tiburcio – arrested by FBI
Michelle Kama – arrested by FBI
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11:30 am Friday 8/13
Samantha Michel – Surrendering to FBI
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Tuesday 8/24 – Time TBA
Teresita Sorino – Surrendering to FBI