Federal investigators appear to be intensifying their focus on New York Attorney General Letitia James, as a special attorney appointed to oversee a mortgage fraud probe was observed visiting one of her properties in Brooklyn. According to The New York Post, Ed Martin, recently named by Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead simultaneous inquiries into James and California Senator Adam Schiff, was seen on Friday examining James’ brownstone in Clinton Hill. The property has drawn scrutiny amid allegations that it was misclassified on official documents.
Grand juries in both Virginia and Maryland are said to be reviewing possible indictments against James and Schiff, with accusations that each altered or falsified real estate records in order to secure more favorable loan terms.
The Brooklyn residence, listed publicly as a five-unit dwelling, was reportedly presented as a four-unit property on mortgage filings, permit applications, and in requests for federal housing assistance. Investigators believe that such a representation would have enabled James to access loan programs offered through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which limit benefits to buildings with four or fewer units.
When Martin visited the property, he was observed near an entrance that displayed five separate doorbells, one main bell, and four others marked for individual floors and apartments. A local resident confronted Martin and his colleague, questioning the nature of their presence in the neighborhood. Martin responded in general terms, commenting only that he was looking at houses in the area before moving on.
The Department of Justice reportedly began its review earlier this year after a referral from Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte. Pulte alleged that James had misrepresented her residency status on mortgage forms, claiming that a property she purchased in Virginia would serve as her principal residence despite her continued role in New York. Additional paperwork signed jointly by James and her father reportedly described the two as “husband and wife,” raising further concerns about misrepresentation.
Martin has stated that the DOJ’s work on the matter has been ongoing for months and that his task is to conclude the inquiry based on the evidence. Special attorneys such as Martin are permitted to conduct grand jury proceedings and prosecutions in sensitive matters, including cases that extend beyond the jurisdiction of a single district.
James and Schiff have both rejected the allegations. Schiff’s defense team, led by former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, has described the investigation as politically motivated and argued that the claims had already been discredited. James has also denied wrongdoing.
The post Letitia James’ Mortgage Fraud Case Just Went From Bad To WORSE appeared first on Boveed.
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