Mortgage and Investment Fraud Prosecution and Education Project

The Recovery Act Edward Byrne Memorial Competitive Grant Program (Byrne Competitive Program) will help communities improve the capacity of state and local justice systems and provide for national support efforts including training and technical assistance programs strategically targeted to address local needs. This competitive grant announcement focuses on initiatives in eight areas: 1) preventing and reducing violent crime through community-based data-driven approaches; 2) providing funding for neighborhood-based probation and parole officers; 3) reducing mortgage fraud and crime related to vacant properties; 4) hiring of civilian support personnel in law enforcement (training staff, analysts, dispatchers, etc.); 5) enhancing forensic and crime scene investigations; 6) improving resources and services for victims of crime; 7) supporting problem-solving courts; and 8) national training and technical assistance partnerships.

Under category 3, the San Francisco's District Attorney's Office will use the grant funds to create a model Mortgage and Investment Fraud Unit and engage in a multi-agency public education campaign to empower homeowners and improve neighborhood conditions. The goal of the unit will be to prosecute complex fraud schemes, coordinate with federal and state law enforcement, and train other jurisdictions on prosecuting mortgage fraud. The grant funds will be used to hire an attorney, a senior investigator, and an investigator; investigate and prosecute up to 10 complex cases annually; collaborate with the U.S. Attorney Mortgage Fraud Task Force and California Department of Real Estate to leverage resources and reduce redundant activities; and develop and launch multi-agency public education campaign that trains 500 San Francisco residents. The campaign will educate the public about mortgage fraud and vacant property crime prevention and provide critical information via radio to over 2 million Bay Area residents.

CA/NCF