Release Date:     September 17, 2009

Contact:            Gregory W. Brose, Chief Deputy District Attorney

                        (805) 662-1701

RECOVERY ACT EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL COMPETITIVE GRANT OF $1,665,231 AWARDED TO VENTURA COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY FOR THE PROSECUTION OF REAL ESTATE AND MORTGAGE FRAUD

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that the District Attorney's Office has received an award in the amount of $1,665,231, over the course of two years, to assist, investigate, and prosecute cases involving real estate and mortgage fraud in Ventura County . The grant comes from the American Recovery Reinvestment Act and is aimed at curbing recent increases in real estate and mortgage fraud.

The grant application was submitted by the District Attorney's Office in May 2009 and included letters of support from the Real Estate Fraud Advisory Team, Ventura County Coastal Association of Realtors, United States Attorney's Office Central District of California, Ventura County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Services Program, and Ventura County Superior Court Self-Help Legal Access Center.

The program will expand the District Attorney's current real estate fraud prosecution program by funding one deputy district attorney, two district attorney investigators, one investigative assistant, and clerical support. Currently, the District Attorney is reviewing 63 cases and over 100 suspects involving alleged real estate and mortgage fraud.

District Attorney Totten said, “This award will enhance our already aggressive pursuit of real estate and mortgage industry scam artists. We want to send a clear message that real estate fraud of any kind against Ventura County residents will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”