Our day has come, our day has come

[Alison Swain]

Here is Florida's appraiser contribution.
Finally an investigation that mentions inflated value. Instead of the regular missed a carport or gutter stuff that we normally get.

http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls/PressReleases/Attachments/080619-02.InfUSvAcosta.pdf

Rookery Park Estates. :Eyecrazy:

That should have been their first clue!

 

[Metamorphic]

JW,

I just had dinner with one of my in-law's. This person is nearing retirement and has spent pretty much his entire career as an investigator for attorneys defending people on Federal cases.

He said basically that I told you the right thing. That if you want to come forward under no circumstances should you do it without an attorney advising you. Further more he said that the attorney you contact with should be experienced on the FEDERAL level, not state, and they should be a Criminal defense guy because they have the experience sitting across the table from FBI and Federal prosecutors. He even said he knows some people that specialize in representing people who are witnesses; if that gives you any idea how important it is to be represented....its a specialty. He said he could definitely put you in contact with somebody good if need be.

 

[Frederick]

You prepared appraisals in compliance with regulations. You cut off the business relationship when they asked you to do something you believed to be improper. You acted as any reasonable law abiding professional would.

I imagine there is a very long list of people that this person has had contact with and done business with professionally including Realtors, title companies, borrowers many other appraisers etc. I wouldn't too concerned at this point.

Mortgage fraud and is associated offenses is a crime that leaves a paper trail and your testimony that this person attempted to involve you in a conspiracy which you point blank refused to be involved with may be helpful but not as important as the documentation they have uncovered that led to the arrest.

I would wait and see and contact my attorney after they contact me.

 

[Bearslide]

I wonder if Metamorphic has a point though? I would hate that, but maybe he's right. Maybe I need to lawyer up just to be on the safe side.

I am proud to know you, Jennifer - you have taken the high path at a great personal cost. I agree with Metamorphic. Think on this - if Martha Stewart had gotten counsel BEFORE she talked to the feds, she would most likely not be tagged a felon.

Hiring an attorney protects your rights and may save you from getting caught up in something you never intended. You have knowledge, and I think you do need to go to the DOJ - but I think it would be wise to do so with representation.

Best of luck to you! And aren't you glad you fired her? She is probably not going to look all that great in handcuffs either - and you warned her.

 

[Wayne Tomlinson]

I think that Metamorphic gave good advise.

I have long observed the following:

Nobody wants to hire a lawyer, but if you need one it is a lot better to hire one sooner than later. Sometimes, hiring the (right) lawyer earlier, will eliminate the need for one later.

You should give a heasd up at least to your E&O carrier.

Get ready, if nothing happens, Good!
If nothing happens, then have fun watching the other show go on, knowing that you don't have to worry.

The suggestion that you review your files is a good one too.

Good Luck Jennifer.

Wayne Tomlinson

 

[Smokey Bear]

You should give a heasd up at least to your E&O carrier.

No need to give a heads up to E&O unless you are actually served with any papers, unless you want to be canceled., but actually you should ONLY get legal advice from a lawyer, not here.

 

[Karl]

No need to give a heads up to E&O unless you are actually served with any papers, unless you want to be canceled., but actually you should ONLY get legal advice from a lawyer, not here.

Best advice on this thread. Believe it or not!! the D.A,'s, FBI & IRS office's has list of good lawyers.

 

[JENIFFERW]

I found out who the other appraiser she used was. I was told she would call me first, and when I said no, the other appraiser was called to hit the number. I suspect she probably just started using this appraiser all the time, but don't know for sure. I haven't done any appraisals for her in years. This appraiser was not named in the paper and one of the people arraigned. What I wanted to tell you guys though, is I am licensed, and the other appraiser is certified. Chalk one up for the regular old licensed appraisers.

 

[Elliott]

JW said, the other appraiser was called to hit the number. I suspect she probably just started using this appraiser all the time, but don't know for sure. I haven't done any appraisals for her in years.

Well who among us hasn't had that happen to them.

 

[Workbox]

JW said, the other appraiser was called to hit the number. I suspect she probably just started using this appraiser all the time, but don't know for sure. I haven't done any appraisals for her in years.

Well who among us hasn't had that happen to them.

I was talking to an MB that used to send me about 5 a month. I asked what had happened, they told me that the realtor that sends them lots of work want them to use his favorite appraiser. I asked why not me? what is the difference? She told me that I was "too honest"............ Well since they began doing FHA, they require get comp checks and make sure you can get close to the value................this is why I do not bother anymore, same broken record.