This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Orange County foreclosure specialist indicted over kickbacks
A bank-owned sign is seen in front of a foreclosed home.
(
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
)
Federal prosecutors say a former Orange County foreclosure specialist for Fannie Mae has been named in a grand jury indictment saying he took kickbacks from a real estate broker in exchange for granting him properties to sell.
A statement from the U.S. Attorney on Tuesday says 44-year-old Armando Granillo is charged with three counts of wire fraud.
Granillo's job included approving applications from brokers seeking to sell foreclosed properties.
The indictment says last year he asked an Arizona broker for a percentage of the commissions earned for selling those properties. The broker alerted federal authorities and began working with them.
Prosecutors say on March 5, Granillo accepted an $11,200 payment from the broker and was arrested.
Granillo is scheduled for arraignment next month. It was not clear whether he had hired an attorney.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
