Economic Crimes Division
During 2010, the Economic Crimes Division continued to receive a significant number of complaints regarding real estate fraud schemes. The Division prosecuted several individuals who were victimizing San Diego residents facing foreclosure.
Loan modification scams were also prevalent as the economic downturn impacted citizens’ ability to pay their mortgages. Individuals committing identity theft were also pursued vigorously, resulting in large numbers of these offenders being sentenced to state prison.
The Economic Crimes Division had several successful prosecutions and civil settlements during 2010. Examples of these cases include:
People v. Hutchings et al.
A ten defendant conspiracy case, the defendants were charged with stealing money from over 400 victims by promising to stop their foreclosures with the filing of a land patent. The defendants took in excess of $2 million. The ring leader was tried before a jury and convicted, resulting in a prison sentence of 46 years.
People v. Sample
A defendant committing a series of residential burglaries stole personal information and computers from his victims, and in some instances sent threatening emails to his victims after the theft. A jury convicted Mr. Sample, who is currently serving a prison sentence of 42 years and four months.
People v. Walmart
An unfair business practices case, brought in conjunction with several other California counties and the Attorney General, asserted the company was inappropriately disposing of hazardous wastes. The matter was resolved by Walmart paying fines, penalties and costs of approximately $27.6 million. Further, Walmart was required to make substantial upgrades to its environmental compliance system to prevent future violations.
