Unusual Fraud Case

December 10, 2008


An Indiana woman sold five properties that did not belong to her. After pleading guilty to the fraud scheme, she faced 40 years in prison but received only three years probation.

Carol Hoskins, 60, was also ordered to pay only $994 in restitution as part of her sentence. She was indicted on filing a false federal income tax return, wire fraud and money laundering.

Hoskins, a landlord, used the scheme to defraud lenders by accepting proceeds at the closing of the properties, and then using the money to actually re-purchase the property. Prosecutors said the case was highly unusual for Indiana.

Hoskins attorney cited poor health and age as a factor for a lenient sentence.

Read story at The Chronicle-Tribune