Brian Steptoe, 41, and Natasha Steptoe, 38, Emanuel County, Georgia, pleaded guilty in federal district court to bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud, respectively.

Evidence presented during their guilty pleas revealed that the Steptoes, with the assistance of others, knowingly submitted a false loan application and other documentation to Bank of America with regard to a $400,000 home loan. The investigation revealed that the Steptoes' scheme was to defraud Bank of America in order to pocket sizeable sums of money for themselves and others. The property went into foreclosure soon after it was sold and remains on the market to this day.

Brian Steptoe faces a maximum penalty of thirty (30) years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and five (5) years of supervised release. He is currently incarcerated and awaits sentencing. Natasha Steptoe faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three (3) years of supervised release. She remains on bond pending her sentencing hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.

"The U.S. Attorney's Office will continue to work with law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who engage in financial crimes," stated United States Attorney Ed Tarver.

U.S. Attorney Tarver recognized the extensive efforts of the FBI in bringing this criminal activity to light, and particularly praised the efforts of Statesboro FBI Special Agent Cornelius Harris, who investigated this case.

Assistant United States Attorney Natalie Lee is the lead prosecutor in this case.