05/21/2009

Associated Press

Three more people have pleaded guilty in a $12.6 million mortgage scam in the Kansas City-area.

Acting U.S. Attorney Matt J. Whitworth announced Wednesday that 35-year-old Steven M. Salas, 40-year-old James F. Simpson and 39-year-old Willie Charles Cadenhead entered the pleas this month.

They are among nine defendants who have pleaded guilty in a scheme in which new upscale homes in Raymore and Lee's Summit were purchased at inflated prices so loans could be obtained for more than the actual sales prices.

Prosecutors said Salas, Simpson and Cadenhead provided false information to lenders to purchase homes and received kickbacks.

They each are subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine of up to $250,000 and an order of restitution.