Accused Mortgage Scheme Mastermind Sought In Colorado

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Mark Strodtman has been accused of heading a mortage fraud operation in Weld County, Colorado.

When several homes in Weld County, Colo., went into foreclosure in 2007, law enforcement officials realized that this was not just the result of a weak economy.

A thorough investigation helped police uncover a major mortgage fraud scheme, which led to the indictment of 51-year-old Mark Strodtman, the scheme's accused mastermind.

Cops: Mortgage Fraudster Cons Vulnerable Colo. Homebuyers

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Cops believe Strodtman is hiding in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. In this picture you can see that he has a tattoo on his left arm.

Cops say on or about June 30, 2004, Strodtman and an associate created a company called J.S. Real Estate, LLC. Strodtman was the manager and owner of the company.

Strodman's indictment states that through the company, Strodtman engaged in racketeering by falsely inflating buyers' incomes and assets, and falsely verifying buyers' rents and employments.

Furthermore, according to the indictment, "bank records were inflated and falsely verified and outstanding loans were understated and falsely verified."

Cops say homebuyers purchased properties that they could never have otherwise afforded, and they were not aware that their information had been falsified for the purpose of buying the homes Strodtman was selling.

Strodman has been charged with Racketeering, 11 Counts of Theft and 11 Counts of Forgery, but cops haven't been able to find him.

Cops believe Strodtman may be working on a development in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. When they last contacted him in Mexico, Strodtman suggested that he would turn himself in.

That didn't happen, and cops want to grab him before he causes another real estate disaster.

Cops: Strodtman Finally Rounded Up

On September 23, 2008, Mark Strodtman was arrested by Mexican Authorities. After Strodtman aired on America's Most Wanted, a multitude of tips came in via fax, phone, and e-mail.

Regardless how far he ran and what borders he crossed, Strodtman couldn't hide forever; especially after being profiled on AMW.

Strodtman is scheduled to appear in a California court on the afternoon of September 26, 2008.