Real estate fraud indictments announced

Kings County District Attorney Charles Hynes Wednesday announced the indictment of several people involved in unrelated mortgage and real estate frauds, and used the opportunity to highlight some features of the real estate industry that allow for such scams, and to help prevent future homebuyers from being victims.

(Empire State News.) -- “These cases highlight the cracks in the system that scam artists exploit to swindle over eager home buyers and mortgage brokers and companies,” said DA Hynes. “In shopping for a home, it is always important to watch out for crooked dealers. If something seems amiss, trust your instinct. Break off the deal and contact the authorities.

 “If you’ve been the victim of a real estate crime, call the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Action Center, at (718)250-2340.”

George Marks, 40, is charged with Grand Larceny in the First Degree, Three Counts of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, and Six Counts of Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree.

In a separate, unrelated indictment, Mavis Samuel, 40, and Carlyle Ebanks, 53, are charged with Grand Larceny in the First Degree, Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, Insurance Fraud in the First Degree, Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree, and Falsifying Business Records in the Second Degree.

The case against Ebanks and Samuel originated with an investigation into a string of arsons that occurred in Crown Heights in early 2006.

They are charged with selling one building, 1162 Pacific Street, twice, to two different straw buyers. The building was burned down between the two sales.