Just last week, the courts gave prison time and restitution to a builder and  two loan officers who were part of a mortgage fraud scam here in the Treasure Valley.  Two more men, Realtors who had parts in the scam are awaiting sentencing.  To read the story, see:

http://www.idahostatesman.com/westada/story/697916.html

The sentences seemed a little bit light in my opinion, but I wasn't sitting on the jury.  For a 20 million fraud, the restitution stated is only $758,634.  Where did the rest of the money go?  Maybe is not recoverable.

Today on the radio, I hear that reports of mortgage fraud are up 27% from 2007 to 2008, so stories such as the above will probably continue.

That is so sad, there are so many ways to make an honest living.