LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford announced that Lori Jean Allen-Cook, 57, of Las Vegas, Nev., pleaded guilty to one count of theft, a category “B” Felony.
The theft was committed between October 2013 and August 2014.
Cook was the operator of Nevada Short Sale Services, LLC, a now revoked company that facilitated short sale transactions.
As the operator of the business, Cook received escrow funds for the sale of real property, which she failed to disburse to the lenders pursuant to the terms of the short sale agreement.
Instead, Cook converted the money for her own personal use, funding a series of individual transactions.
Victims of her scam lost a combined total of $773,337.76.
Cook is currently being prosecuted in a separate case involving the theft of escrow funds of $161,502.86.
As part of this plea deal, Cook has also agreed to pay full restitution for this theft, as well.
“I’m proud of my office’s persistent pursuit of justice for Nevada homeowners scammed by criminals,” said AG Ford. “Those who are being victimized by scams should know that my office stands ready to help.”
Theft is punishable by 1-10 years of imprisonment and a fine of no more than $10,000. The sentencing hearing for Cook is scheduled for May 11, 2020, in the Eighth Judicial District Court.
The Office of the Nevada Attorney General investigated and prosecuted this case.
See here for more information about filing a complaint against someone suspected of committing fraud.
