NC lawyer convicted in mortgage fraud case

CHARLOTTE — A Charlotte real estate lawyer has been convicted in federal court on charges in a multimillion dollar mortgage fraud investigation.

The Charlotte Observer reported that 38-year-old Victoria Sprouse was convicted Wednesday on five charges, including mortgage fraud conspiracy, mail fraud, bank fraud and money laundering.

Sprouse was accused of lying to lenders, falsifying settlement statements and stealing from her clients.

Prosecutors say Sprouse contributed to a wave of foreclosures in the Charlotte area.

The defense says she was trustworthy and honest and was unknowingly used in the scheme. Sprouse denied committing any crimes.

Five men indicted with her have pleaded guilty in the case involving about $15 million in loans and more than 200 properties.

Sprouse will be sentenced later.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)