Former Insurance Agent Sent To Federal Prison

Nov. 01--A federal judge on Monday sentenced Michael J. Hymas to 21 months in federal prison for a faked real estate loan scheme involving several family members.

Judge Edward J. Lodge also on Monday sentenced Hymas' daughter, Shauntee Ferguson , to one day incarceration and 5 years supervised release for her role in the scheme.

Her husband, Stanley Ferguson , will be sentenced Nov. 29.

According to federal prosecutors, Hymas and several family members fraudulently obtained 21 real estate loans totaling more than $7.5 million to acquire residential properties in Idaho and Utah, then try to "flip," or resell them at a profit. Lodge also ordered Hymas to pay restitution of $544,647 -- one-third of the total loss amount related to his crimes; Ferguson was ordered to pay restitution of $365,829.69 -- one-third of the total loss amount related to her crimes. Other family members including Shane and Travis Hymas are scheduled for sentencing in December and January. All of the defendants have entered plea agreements. Christopher Georgeson was also sentenced on Monday by Judge Lodge to one month in federal prison, three years of supervised release, 80 hours of community service and $103,356.64 restitution for making false statements on a loan application. Also on Monday, Melody and Paul Redondo pleaded not guilty at their arraignment for wire and bank fraud. The couple is accused of making false statements on loan applications and Melody is accused of orchestrating a real estate scheme involving the short-sale of an Eagle home. The Hymas, Redondo and Georgeson cases are part of a multiyear FBI investigation into real estate schemes. U.S. Assistant Attorney George Breitsameter said the investigation is ongoing and more indictments may be handed down.

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