Man pleads guilty in Utah County mortgage fraud case

Published: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 5:03 p.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
A member of a Utah County group accused of conspiring in an $18 million mortgage fraud scheme, pleaded guilty to a charge in federal court Tuesday.

Bradley Grant Kitchen, 41, entered a plea to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in U.S. District Court. In exchange for his guilty plea, federal prosecutors have agreed to drop 18 other counts in an indictment.

When sentenced, Kitchen faces a statutory maximum of 20 years in federal prison, however prosecutors have agreed to recommend a lower sentenced based on Kitchen's acceptance of responsibility.

Prosecutors allege that Kitchen and five others with ties to the Utah County real-estate industry, formed a network to obtain a series of loans on properties at Provo's posh River Bottoms area. The group then inflated the market values of the properties. Kitchen said he worked with co-defendant David R. Bolick and the two agreed to conduct property purchases through Bolick's company, Home Owners Group (HOG), backed up by another of Bolick's companies, Paragon Investment Group (PIG). The two then purchased properties using false statements on loan applications and using false appraisals to inflate the market values of properties.

Story continues below

Bolick has denied the allegations and has pleaded not guilty. A jury trial has been scheduled for Aug. 13.

Kitchen and Bolick are also accused of recruiting "straw buyers" who allowed them to use their credit to secure loans. The indictment states many of the loan applications contained overstatements of income and other inaccurate information.

Other lower-level participants have pleaded guilty in state court and have agreed to testify against the six charged in federal court at trial.

Federal prosecutors estimated Kitchen may be asked to pay as much as $7 million in restitution when sentenced and given his guilty plea, may face criminal forfeiture action against his assets.


E-mail: gfattah@desnews.com

Recent comments

If you would like to make a recommendation on this case in terms of...

Please send a letter | Aug. 6, 2008 at 3:18 p.m.

I'm surprised to see him get off this easy. Prosecution must not...

Suprise | July 23, 2008 at 7:20 a.m.

I live by him and the prosecutors sold out on this deal. I suggest...

Unbelievable | July 22, 2008 at 6:04 p.m.

previousnext

Latest comments

Have to match and move boozer

These were rampant crime spree shoplifters and the driver was willing to...

Jazz brass debate Millsap match

Either way, we win. You match, you (our division rival) pay much luxury tax....

YES we have free-agency to choose however when will society or even members...

Jazz brass debate Millsap match

Of course the Jazz weren't going to make such an offer to Millsap. Why would...

Just reward for the Jazz. The initial offer of 1 million was an insult and...

Jazz brass debate Millsap match

Boozer may be the best thing that ever happens to the Jazz. Neither of them...

"As for the girl, One encounter could be seen as a victim, multiple over a...

As a current LDS Religious Educator I am sick and sickened by what has been...

Lots of times people get accused for things they did not do. And i am hoping...

Advertisements