FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
February 3, 2017
For More Information, contact:
Luther Strange
Mike Lewis (334) 353-2199
Alabama Attorney General
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Page 1 of 1
AG STRANGE ANNOUNCES GUILTY PLEA, JAIL SENTENCE
FOR RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE FRAUD IN AUTAUGA COUNTY
(MONTGOMERY)–Attorney General Luther Strange announced that a Prattville
woman pleaded guilty on October 31, 2016, to three counts of residential mortgage
fraud and yesterday was sentenced to serve time in jail. Lynda Branch, who formerly
operated Professional Closing and Title LLC doing business in Prattville as Pro Close,
was sentenced in Autauga County Circuit Court to 46 months, which was suspended
for her to serve 18 months in jail and to be placed on probation for the remainder of her
sentence.
Branch, acting as closing agent in home sales, was transferred funds by a
mortgage lending bank to pay off existing mortgages, but did not pay off those
mortgages. This subsequently resulted in the homeowners being held responsible for
the outstanding mortgages, threatened with foreclosure, and having to engage in
protracted litigation to avoid losing their homes.
“This defendant’s crimes caused tremendous anguish and difficulties for the
homeowner victims,” said Attorney General Strange. “These consumers had acted with
responsibility and met their obligations, but had to endure foreclosure notices and
severe anxiety. They were forced to hire lawyers and fight to keep their homes. It is
appropriate that the defendant now will serve time in jail for her wrongdoing.”
Attorney General Strange commended Assistant Attorney General Stephanie
Billingslea of his Criminal Trials Division and Special Agents of his Investigations
Division. He also thanked the Prattville Police Department for its assistance.
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501 Washington Avenue * Montgomery, AL 36104 * (334) 242-7300
www.ago.state.al.us
