Natick Attorney and Former City of Worcester Housing Official Indicted on Fraud Charges
BOSTON – A real estate developer and a former City of Worcester housing official were charged in U.S. District Court in Worcester this week in connection with a $2.3 million fraud scheme relating to the redevelopment of a multi-family property in Worcester.
James E. Levin, 57, of Natick, a real estate developer and attorney, and Jacklyn M. Sutcivni, 43, of Dracut, a former employee of the City of Worcester’s Housing Development Office and Executive Office of Economic Development, were indicted for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and false claims. Levin was arrested yesterday and released on conditions. Sutcivni appeared in court today and was also released on conditions.
As alleged in court documents, from July 2010 to September 2011, Levin submitted fraudulent payment requests to the City of Worcester for funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to purportedly rehabilitate a multi-unit apartment building at 5 May Street in Worcester. Specifically, Levin, as the manager of 5 May Street Apartments, LLC, applied for and obtained federal funds from HUD, through the City of Worcester, to rehabilitate the building. Since the City of Worcester distributes grant funds on behalf of HUD and Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), Levin submitted seven payment requests to the City for work he fraudulently claimed he completed on the building and associated costs. Sutcivni, in her job in the City of Worcester’s Housing Development Office, approved the payment requests submitted by Levin although she knew the requests were fraudulent. It is alleged that this caused the City of Worcester to pay approximately $2,365,050 to Levin. After the City issued the payment, Sutcivni or other City officials submitted reimbursement requests to HUD or DHCD for HUD funds.
The charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud each provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States provides for a sentence of no greater than10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of submission of false claims provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The indictment also seeks monetary forfeiture in the amount of $2,365,050. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General, Northeast Regional Office; and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle L. Dineen Jerrett of Ortiz’s Worcester Branch Office.
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The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Hello,
I purchased a property James Levin owned and taken by city for non payment of taxes , 2 Ionic Ave. Worcester, Mass. former Worcester Boys Club,owned which was sold.
Hello,
Wellesley real estate attorney embezzling over three million dollars with corrupt government officials. Scam involved city redevelopment funds to flow into corrupt hands of Attorney James Levin and other government officials.
5 May St, Worcester Ma. Levin received $2,365,000 of city funds for rehab. No improvement, no property taxes paid. City forclose.
661 Main st, Worcester Ma. Levin received $550,000 to sell empty lot and simultaneously buys it back for $1 from David Rodriguez Pinzon (Hadley Apartments) with city and state funds. Rodriguez later files bankruptcy and Levin received the property 2 Ionic Ave Worcester (former Worcester Boys Club ) for free and received $350,000 loan again from city officials. Did not pay one penny back, no property taxes paid in five years.
I purchased the property for $31,000, 2 Ionic Ave., for taxes at tax sale May 20th , 2015, Levin filed bankruptcy 15-13167-JNF, $700,000 liens on property including $100,000 in property taxes. Corrupt judge Joan Feeney gives property to Levin, free of all debt, which I had legally purchased. I am out $31,000 plus $10,000 in legal fees. The law for tax deeds is the former owner buys the property back plus 16% interest, if not the purchaser if tax deed keeps the property. Corrupt Judge Joan Feeney gives the property back to Levin with no debt. He is in collusion with Peter Heaney. I have photo of Levin in collusion with Peter Heaney at property five months after sale. My name is Gene Lamento, 508 808 9280, gene.lamento@gmail.com
Below are more details. I am currently appealing the decision by corrupt Judge Joan Feeney and Land Court Judge Robert Foster. Land Court Case 15 TL 001951 public documents http://www.worcesterdeeds.com 2 Ionic Ave, Worcester
Please contact me, I have been reporting fraud by Levin for the past year to FBI and Attorney General and been ignored. I can show you all the emails.
Regards,
Gene Lamento
2 Ionic Ave, Worcester Ma. Levin received $350,000 for housing and does nothing. No property taxes paid in five years. Property sold at tax auction May, 2015, which I purchased. Levin files bankruptcy August 2015. Corrupt judge gives property back to Levin free and clear of all $650,000 liens. Levin repeats and gets more government money. I opposed this in bankruptcy court, attorney general opposed me defending and aiding Levin,knowing full well the scam. On April 20, 2016, I received fraudulent letter from Attorney General Office “Martha Coakley”. As you know Martha Coakley has been gone since January 2015. The bankruptcy judge gave back to Levin my property which I purchased, valued over $700,000.
This is a true crime story with Whitey Bulger similarities, but with real estate. I reported this to the Attorney General Office and District Attorney’s office and is being covered up.
Attached are recorded deeds from Registry of Deeds. Please contact me if you would like to learn more.
Sincerely,
Gene Lamento
508 808 9280
Thanks for the information provided and for helping those in need. For further information or clarifications, you can send them by email admin@fraudswatch.com