Ankeny Couple Pleads Guilty to Involvement in 'Free House' Mortgage Scam

An Ankeny couple pleaded guilty this week to charges relating to mortgage fraud schemes, according to a news release from the United State Attorney's office in Des Moines.

On Wednesday, Jamie Bowers-Danielson, 35, and Matthew Danielson, 35, both of Ankeny, pleaded guilty to bank fraud in connection with a mortgage fraud scheme to obtain a “free house” in Ankeny, court officials said.

According to the written plea agreement, Matthew Danielson provided false information, including misrepresenting his marital status as single, to the mortgage lender. The purpose of providing the false information was to obtain a mortgage despite his lack of credit worthiness and to deceive the lender into failing to obtain his wife, Jamie Bowers-Danielson’s, signature on the mortgage, which resulted in the mortgage being voided, authorities said.

Bowers-Danielson admitted that she submitted false documents to the loan originator as part of the scheme. She also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

Prosecutors said Bowers-Danielson used her position as a loan originator to help herself and others qualify for mortgage loans through fraudulent means. This included submitting false and misleading statements and documents to mortgage lenders and banks for the purpose of obtaining loans for herself and other borrowers for which they should have not qualified.

The couple entered their pleas before Chief Judge James E. Gritzner of the United States District Court. Judge Gritzner scheduled a sentencing date of July 26, 2013, for the couple. They remain released on conditions pending sentencing.

Conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud are punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 30 years and a fine of up to $1 million. Receipt of proceeds obtained under false pretenses is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of up to $100,000.