Minnesota Real Estate Agent Arrested for Mortgage Fraud

It’s a case involving forgery and identity theft and at least six victims.

Authorities say a Minnesota real estate agent used stolen data from her clients to get huge loans for herself.

According to Hennepin County officials, Ida Mae James, a real estate agent, property manager, and mortgage broker is accused of using the identity of clients to take out loans and buy property. In all, they say she stole about $3 million.

Most of the victims were from North Minneapolis and reportedly met James at church. One of her victims found out that James had actually gone through with a mortgage refinancing on her behalf - and kept the money. She also alleged bought three other properties using the victim’s name.

“Ms. James has complex swindling of real estate con game. She stole their identity and then she stole their money,” said Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman.

James also used the names Ida Me Bywaters and Ida Mae Johnson throughout this mortgage fraud ring.

She’s facing 15 counts of identity theft. Each count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison or a $100,000 fine for these Minnesota mortgage swindlings.