Bankruptcy fraud resulted in a Dallas woman sentenced to one year and one day in Federal Prison. Prisoners are listed in the Federal Prison website. You do not want to be listed in that website. The Debtor made false statements in not only one but also multiple bankruptcy filings.
Estela Martinez (54) filed a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and was convicted of bankruptcy fraud. The Debtor was out on bond and failed to show up at her sentencing hearing. She was located and arrested at her home and held until the final hearing. I guess she thought no one would come to look for her at home.
What did the debtor do to result in Bankruptcy Fraud charges?
- Martinez filed for bankruptcy over 5 times between 2009 and 2012.
- Failed to mention that she previously filed for bankruptcy.
- The documents she provided contained different information throughout her various filings.
- Debtor submitted different Social Security numbers.
Moral of Story – Do not commit fraud – Bankruptcy Fraud is serious.
- Honesty is absolutely required with the benefits of bankruptcy.
- Take your filing seriously.
- You are held accountable for the information provided.
- When you sign your bankruptcy petition, you must be sure all information is accurate.
- Half truth are not acceptable in bankruptcy law.
- You can be sentenced to prison if you provide false information.
Whether you are filing for a Chapter 7, 11 or 13 bankruptcy, you must provide accurate and current information. Leaving information out or not telling the whole truth is bankruptcy fraud.
Ever person who files bankruptcy provide a social security number. These social security numbers are checked. You cannot have more than one social security number in the database. That is an immediate flag to audit your bankruptcy petition.
I always reiterate to my clients – to always reveal all the facts not just parts. Bankruptcy Fraud is a serious offense.
Call me; I am here to help you decide the best option for your financial situation Ralph A. Ferro, Jr., Esq. Cell Phone # (201) 446-5904. Expert advice for bankruptcy protection.
