A Haitian citizen was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison after his conviction last year in a fraud case that resulted in losses of more than $9 million at Phoenix-area banks.
Mario G. Bernadel was found guilty in September of 19 counts of mortgage and related fraud for a two-year scheme in which he bought 37 properties with fraudulent loan documents and received cash back at the closing.
Bernadel used the money to purchase several homes and luxury vehicles, the Justice Department said Tuesday. Bernadel, who is a legal U.S. resident, will be deported to his native Haiti after he completes his sentence.
Seven others were charged and pleaded guilty for their involvement with Bernadel in the mortgage fraud and will be sentenced in the next few months, the Justice Department said.
