Wayne Marlon Benedic Lezama, 44, Virginia Beach, Virginia, pled guilty on November 23, 2009 in Norfolk federal court to wire fraud in connection with a scheme to obtain over three million dollars in mortgage loans to purchase properties in the Tidewater, Virginia area.

According to court documents Lezama participated in a scheme from August 2005 until January 2007 to obtain mortgage financing to purchase homes throughout southeastern Virginia, including real estate in the cities of Norfolk, Hampton, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Suffolk. The property would be purchased in the name of Lezama or a nominee buyer. During the course of the scheme over three million dollars in financing was obtained through fraudulent means, including submitting false financial information regarding down payments, monthly income and liquid assets.

Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, made the announcement today. Lezama's plea of guilty was accepted by United States District Judge Henry Coke Morgan, Jr. Lezama faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, one million dollars in fines and full restitution when he is sentenced on February 23, 2010.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Seidel, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.