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AG Zoeller: Indiana Real Estate, Foreclosure Fraud Victims Receive  More than $70K

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AG Zoeller: Indiana Real Estate, Foreclosure Fraud Victims Receive  More than $70K From Consumer Protection Assistance Fund

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller announced today that 29 victims of real estate scams and foreclosure-relief fraud are receiving payments from the state’s Consumer Protection Assistance Fund (CPAF).

This week, March 6-12, is National Consumer Protection Week.

Zoeller, whose office administers the fund, said these victims will receive more than $70,000 in total payments with each person receiving an amount equal to their loss up to the statutory cap of $3,000. Victims are from Elkhart, Hancock, Lake, LaPorte, Marion, Monroe, Scott and St. Joseph counties.

“When lawsuits against scam artists end in default judgement, it is very difficult to recover victims’ losses,” Zoeller said. “The CPAF helps direct money my office does receive for violations of Indiana’s consumer protection laws, to assist victims who’ve been left in the lurch. Real estate and foreclosure scams can be particularly devastating because they often involve large amounts of money, and the victims tend to already be in a tough financial spot.”

Zoeller said Hoosiers currently receiving relief are victims of several different scams targeting property owners. More than half of the CPAF recipients are victims of an Indianapolis-area real estate scheme perpetrated by TMJ Foundations, Inc., in which the company sold properties it did not own, leaving victims out thousands of dollars and no claim to the properties they thought they purchased.

The AG’s Office filed a lawsuit against this company in June 2014 and subsequently received a default judgment, in which the company was ordered to pay victims $96K in restitution, but it never did.

Now, Zoeller said, the 16 victims involved in this case will see some relief. The AG’s Office will continue to pursue recovery efforts in the TMJ Foundations case, which, if received, will be deposited into the CPAF.

Zoeller said this type of case is why the Indiana General Assembly created the CPAF in 2011, in order to help vulnerable Hoosiers who are victimized by scam artists but unable to recover their losses through legal action. Since the program began, the AG’s Office has paid out nearly $1.4 million to Hoosier victims through the fund.

Other individuals currently receiving CPAF payments are victims of foreclosure-relief fraud, which targets homeowners who are late on their mortgage payments or are already in foreclosure. Foreclosure-relief scammers charge customers large upfront fees in exchange for assistance in reducing monthly payments or stopping foreclosure. Most often, desperate homeowners pay the fees and don’t receive the promised services or a refund. Zoeller urged Hoosiers who are behind in their mortgage payments and facing foreclosure to seek free legal help from Indiana Legal Services, which recently received a grant from the AG’s Office to support foreclosure prevention counseling.

Additionally, homeowners can contact the Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network (IFPN) at 1-877-GET-HOPE to see if they qualify to receive mortgage payment assistance from Indiana’s Hardest Hit Fund. This state program offers foreclosure assistance at no charge.

Zoeller said homeowners should be on guard against scam artists who ask for a fee in exchange for a counseling service or modification of a delinquent loan.

If you believe you are a victim of foreclosure-relief fraud, file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office at www.IndianaConsumer.com or by calling 800-382-5516.

New Law Helps Hoosiers With Disabilities

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New Law Helps Hoosiers With Disabilities

This year’s legislative session has come to a close, and one of the most significant pieces of legislation enacted into law will have a major impact on the lives of Hoosiers with disabilities by establishing a state ABLE program.

Currently, people with disabilities are not allowed to have a savings account above $2,000 without affecting their public assistance such as Medicaid. In 2013, the federal government enacted the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, allowing people with disabilities to set up tax-free savings accounts that do not impact their public assistance benefits. The money in these savings accounts may be used to pay for services including medical and dental care, education, employment training, housing and transportation.

Indiana is establishing a state ABLE Program under Senate Enrolled Act II. This new law will implement what the federal government enacted, and aims to ease financial strains faced by individuals with disabilities by allowing them to establish tax-free savings accounts to cover qualified expenses for education, housing and transportation, among other things. ABLE accounts will supplement, but not supplant, benefits provided through private insurances, the Medicaid program, the supplemental security income program, the beneficiary’s employment and other sources.

The ABLE Act provides individuals with disabilities the same types of flexible savings tools that other Americans have through college and health savings accounts and individual retirement accounts. I understand the financial burdens that can be placed on Hoosiers with disabilities and their loved ones. As a parent, I supported this bill to help those who deserve assistance while fostering a positive environment for individuals to thrive and grow in our great Hoosier state.

The ABLE Act is one of many bills passed by the House of Representatives during this quick but productive legislative session. As the 2016 legislative session comes to a close, please continue communicating with me at (317) 232-9833 or h75@iga.in.gov. Citizens in House District 75 are also encouraged to sign up to receive my electronic legislative updates, all it takes is an email address. To begin receiving these updates, visit www.in.gov/h75.

St. Mary’s Hospital for Women & Children Birth Records

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St. Mary’s Hospital for Women & Children Birth Records

(PLEASE SEE OUR FOOTNOTE COMMENTS AT BOTTOM OF PAGE)

Sara and Eric Huffman Jr., Evansville, daughter, Emma Grace, Mar. 5

Brandy and John Abel, Princeton, Ind., son, Keegan David, Mar. 5

Suzanne and Bryan Tomm, Carmi, Ill., son, Brett Emrich, Mar. 7

Heather Grigsby, Evansville, daughter, Violet Rae, Mar. 7

Wendy and Jason Hungate, Evansville, son, Dexter Robert, Mar. 7

Melecia Williams, Evansville, son, Aubrey Tatum, Mar. 7

Natalie and Colton Reed, Owensville, Ind., daughter, Rhen Marie, Mar. 7

Kristal Mitchell and Te’Yon Wing, Petersburg, Ind., daughter, Geneva A’Yona, Mar. 7

Erika Hickrod and Evan Franklin, Owensville, Ind., daughter, Araiyah Grace, Mar. 7

Allegra Pegue, Evansville, daughter, Evanie Alexis, Mar. 8

Abby and Daniel Nichols, Evansville, daughter, Charlotte Fox, Mar. 8

Keely Smitha and Shawn Wright, Evansville, son, Isaiah Davis, Mar. 8

Brianna Bare and Andrew Brock, Olney, Ill., daughter, Cally Leeanne, and son, Cullen Leon, Mar. 8

Ashley Gatewood, Princeton, Ind., son, Liam Paul, Mar. 9

Courtney and Aaron Dewees, Newburgh, Ind., daughter, Lucy Ann, Mar. 9

Peyton and Nathan Crowley, Evansville, son, Greyson Rayne, Mar. 10

Jierra and Robert King, Evansville, son, Cash Robert, Mar. 10

Nichole Merritt, Evansville, daughter, Blake Elizabeth, Mar. 10

Hannah Shaw and Jeremy Shoemaker, Evansville, son, Ivan Kingston, Mar. 10

Jessica and Jordan Zuber, Evansville, son, Knox Kennedy, Mar. 11

Nikole and Joeseph Schauer, Evansville, daughter, Elizabeth Chalene, Mar. 11

Kayla and Shane Hayes, Princeton, Ind., daughter, Charleston Mae, Mar. 11

Macey Shoulders and Jared Maier, Evansville, daughter, Avery Kate, Mar. 11

FOOTNOTE: We would like to thank St Mary’s Hospital for Women & Children for sending us Birth Records.  We are disappointed that Deaconess Hospital public relations department continues to shun us and the readers of the City County Observer by not sending us up-to-date news releases concerning the inportant happenings of this fine medical provider of our community.  We wonder why Deaconess Hospital public relations department has decided not to comply with our many requests for them to send us current and important news releases.

Catch the Latest Edition of “The Indiana State Police Road Show”

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Indiana - Catch the latest edition of the “Indiana State Police Road Show” radio program every Monday morning at your convenience.

This week’s show features Cindy Booth, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Marion County Executive Director. Director Booth discusses the CASA program in Indiana and Marion County and how to become a volunteer.

Download the program from the Network Indiana public websites at www.networkindiana.com.  Look for the state police logo on the main page and follow the download instructions. The ISP Road Show can also be viewed via YouTube.

Go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu5Bg1KjBd7H1GxgkuV3YJA or visit the Indiana State Police website at http://www.in.gov/isp/   and click on the YouTube link. This 15 minute talk show concentrates on public safety and informational topics with state wide interest.

The radio program was titled “Signal-10” in the early sixties when it was first started by two troopers in northern Indiana. The name was later changed to the “Indiana State Police Road Show” and is the longest continuously aired state police public service program in Indiana.

Radio stations across Indiana and the nation are invited to download and air for FREE this public service program sponsored by the Indiana State Police Alliance and Cops for Kids, a subsidiary of the Indiana State Police Alliance.

Hot Jobs in Evansville

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High School diploma or GED equivalent. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and insurable driving record as determined by Beck’s automobile…
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Adopt A Pet

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If you’re looking for a standoffish cat who doesn’t want much to do with you, keep looking… Munchie’s not your man. This is a guy whose sole life purpose is to love, and be loved in return. He’s front-declawed and ready to go home TODAY for $50, also microchipped, vaccinated, and FeLV/FIV negative! Visit www.vhslifesaver.org or call (812) 426-2563 to save a life!

OTTERS NAME RANDY SCHULZ NEW PRESIDENT 

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The Evansville Otters have appointed Evansville CPA Randall M. “Randy” Schulz as the new president of the Frontier League franchise.

Schulz, 59, spent 36 years with Harding, Shymanski & Company before retiring in 2015. A 1978 graduate of Ball State University, Schulz served as one of the firm’s lead construction/contractor and real estate industry specialists, focusing on business development. Schulz worked for Ernst & Young before joining HSC in 1979.

An advisory board consisting of retired University of Evansville athletic director and Old National Bank executive John Stanley, Kahn Dees Donovan & Kahn attorney Ryan Schulz, local businessmen Mark Daily and Jay Altmeyer, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ executive Luke Burket will provide Schulz counsel.

“We welcome the help of Randy and the other advisory board members,” said Otters’ owner Bill Bussing. “Randy’s passion for the game, professional expertise, and reputation in the community equip him well to lead our franchise.”

“I am honored to work with the Bussing family and build on the fine tradition they have established in this community,” said Schulz. “I am excited to work with an outstanding advisory board and the community in a venue like Bosse Field and in a sport that I have loved and followed all my life.”

Schulz is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Indiana CPA Society (past president of the Southwestern Indiana Chapter), the Construction Financial Management Association, the Association of General Contractors, and the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. A contributing author for the “Evansville Business Journal”, Schulz graduated from Memorial High School in 1974. He serves on the boards of Youth First, the Evansville Police Department Foundation and Crossroads Christian Church.

He and his wife, Ann, have two daughters and one grandchild.

The Otters open the 2016 season at home against the Schaumburg Boomers on Friday, May 13, at 6:35 p.m. Tickets go on sale on Monday, April 4, and may be obtained online at www.evansvilleotters.com or by calling (812) 435-8686.

2016 US CHINA TOURISM YEAR

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RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS coming to Evansville

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RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS

WITH OPENER EVANSVILLE’S PIPE AND DRUM CORPS

PRESENTED BY WABX

VICTORY THEATRE- THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 7:00 PM

– TICKETS GO ON SALE FRIDAY, MARCH 18 AT 10 AM –

Evansville, IN – Bagpipes with attitude. Drums with a Scottish accent. A blazing rock band and show so hot, it carries its own health warning!

It’s Bagpipes. It’s Rock. It’s Bagrock. AC/DC meets the poet Robert Burns. Where rock anthems sit comfortably alongside the great tunes from the glens and the mountains of Scotland.

It’s The Red Hot Chilli Pipers – a 9-piece ensemble consisting of pipers, guitarists, keyboards, and drummers — who have been rocking the world from New York to Beijing to Melbourne and everywhere in between with musicianship of the highest order and a passion for pipes that will leave you breathless. The band has four music degrees from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and all the pipers and drummers have played at the top level in bagpiping.

Since they walked away with the top prize on the primetime TV talent show, “When Will I Be Famous” in the U.K. in 2007, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers haven’t stopped for a breath, other than to inflate their bagpipes! Formed in 2002, The Chillis have fast become a global phenomenon, taking their signature ‘Bagrock’ sound to the masses with their unique fusion of rocked up Bagpipes and clever covers of popular songs from all genres. Their trademarked sound is a unique fusion of traditional pipe tunes – like “The Flowers of Scotland”, “The Hills of Argyll”, and “Amazing Grace” (done Chilli-style, of course!) — and contemporary anthems like Queen’s “We Will Rock You”, “Clocks” by Coldplay, “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol, “Let Me Entertain You” by Robbie Williams, and a fantastic rock medley of “Deep Purple”, “Smoke on the Water”, and AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck”.

*Official after party hosted at Ri Ra Irish Pub.

AG Zoeller: Board orders unlicensed security guards to Cease and Desist for deceiving public, posing as police

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New legislation strengthens state law against police impersonators

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Indiana Private Investigator and Security Guard Licensing Board ordered unlicensed security guards operating in Boone, Johnson, Marion and Morgan counties to Cease and Desist, following allegations brought by Attorney General Greg Zoeller’s Office that the individuals were deceiving the public by offering security guard agency services without the required licensing, certification and training, and by posing as legitimate law enforcement officers.

Indiana law requires security guard agencies and private investigator firms to be licensed and meet certain training, bonding, and other standards in order to uphold public health and safety. Additionally, it is a crime – a level 6 Felony – to deceive the public by impersonating legitimate police agencies or officers.

“It is important that the public can clearly identify law enforcement officials and licensed security guards who are trained and equipped to protect themselves and the public,” Zoeller said. “Having unlicensed individuals out in the field practicing as security guards creates confusion with our law enforcement officers should an incident occur and places the general public at risk, as well as deceives customers expecting a certain level of protection.”

During the course of four hearings in Indianapolis, the Board ordered the following unlicensed security guard agencies to immediately stop advertising themselves and acting as security guard agencies or private investigator firms without the required licensure.

The Board also voted to refer two of these cases – Abney and Robinson – to county prosecutors for criminal consideration regarding police impersonation allegations.

  • Jason Abney, doing business as Marion County Jail Bonds – Abney was found to have engaged in unlicensed activities, including advertising himself and acting as a private investigator firm and a security guard agency without any licenses to do so legally. He was also found to have employed his unlicensed family members in this line of work. He operated in Marion and Morgan counties. Part of the State’s case included presenting evidence supporting Abney’s knowing, intentional, or reckless disregard for the licensing requirements.  Additionally, the State presented evidence tending to show Abney impersonating law enforcement officials while engaged in these unlicensed activities.
  • Sean Robinson, doing business as Jagged Empire Upfitting – Robinson worked as an unlicensed security guard for Security Watch Alert Team, before the AG’s Office took action to strip the company of its license in Jan. 2015 due to its employees impersonating police and advertising services it did not or could not legally provide. The State has since reached settlement with Security Watch Alert Team for a permanent revocation of Security Watch Alert Team’s Security Guard Agency License. Robinson was found to have continued to act as an unlicensed security guard agency, engaging in police impersonation and deceiving the public. Robinson operated in Marion and Boone counties.
  • Melvin Hall, Sr. – Hall, Sr., is accused of acting as a security guard agency without a license in Marion County. Hall, Sr., is the father of Melvin E. Hall II, who the AG’s Office took actionagainst in 2015 for police impersonation perpetrated by his company Urban Tactical Response Agency, LLC., and subsequently against Melvin E. Hall, II, as an unlicensed security guard agency. The State reached an agreement with Hall, Sr., where Hall, Sr., agreed to an Order to Cease and Desist his activities as an unlicensed security guard agency.
  • Paul Vitti, f/k/a Sheldon Hankins, doing business as All County Security – Vitti was arrested by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department under the Security Guard Licensing statutes. Concurrent investigation by the State yielded a Motion for an Order to Cease and Desist, which was set for hearing at which Vitti failed to appear and the Board issued a Notice of Proposed Default. Vitti has an active arrest warrant in connection with the criminal matter, when Vitti, who after being released on his own recognizance, failed to appear for the criminal proceedings.

The Attorney General’s Office collaborated with local, county and other state law enforcement agencies on these and similar cases.

Zoeller worked with the Indiana General Assembly this year to pass legislation, Senate Enrolled Act 174, which closes gaps in state law that made it difficult for the Attorney General’s Office and other law enforcement agencies to prosecute police impersonators who deceive and put the public at risk.

Zoeller thanked the bill’s author State Sen. Mike Young (R-Indianapolis) and the bill’s sponsor State Rep. David Frizzell (R-Indianapolis) for their work on this issue.

Zoeller also thanked Deputy Attorney General Derek Peterson and Investigator Ed Hutchinson for their work on these cases.

Members of the public can confirm that a security guard agent or agency is licensed by contacting the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency at (317) 232-2980. Members of the public can verify that someone is actually a police officer by calling their local law enforcement agency’s non-emergency phone number to verify that an officer is at their location. For IMPD, that number is (317) 327-3811.

To file a complaint against a license holder with the Attorney General’s Office, call 800-382-5516 or visit www.IndianaConsumer.com.

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