Loan Modification Duo Cops 'Delayed' Guilty Pleas To Illegally Pocketing Fees; Convictions To Be Dismissed Upon Payment Of $40K, Probation Completion

In Livingston County, Michigan, WHMI Radio 93.5 reports:

• Two employees of a local mortgage company have pleaded guilty to violating foreclosure rescue regulations but would have no criminal record if they successfully complete probation.

• Michelle Garbuschewski of Howell, also known as Michelle Justice, and Lisa Joboulian of Northville both entered guilty pleas to one count each of violating the Credit Services Protection Act. In exchange for their pleas, a second count of the same against each was dropped. Garbuschewski also pleaded guilty to two separate charges of violating the act as she was President of Hartland-based Elite Mortgage.

• The plea deal stipulates that both women must pay a total of $40,000 in restitution to the victims involved. $25,000 of that must be paid this week, with the remainder paid within 30 days. Both women will also receive an 11-month delayed sentence on November 30th and if they successfully complete probation during that time, the convictions will be dismissed. They will also be allowed to keep their real estate licenses.

• Garbuschewski previously admitted to WHMI that she and Joboulian had taken money up front from customers facing foreclosure, but said she thought the law applied only to mortgage companies, not loan-modification companies like Elite Mortgage, which has since closed its doors. The Attorney General’s office says they received eight complaints against Garbuschewski, Joboulian and Elite Mortgage, although only two complaints are included in the current charges.

Source: Women Charged In Local Foreclosure Rescue Scam Plead Guilty.