Real Estate Fraud Scheme Leads to Prison Sentence for North Carolina Man

Dennis S. Lepka, Jr., 42, from Charlotte, North Carolina, has been sentenced to six and a half years in federal prison for his involvement in a real estate fraud scheme. The FBI launched an investigation following numerous complaints about Lepka’s fraudulent transactions. Lepka misled both sellers and buyers of residential properties, promising sellers he would take over their mortgages and buyers that they were in a rent-to-own agreement. In reality, Lepka did not own the properties and failed to inform banks about ongoing transactions, resulting in foreclosures and homelessness for some victims.

Lepka targeted members of the Hispanic community, exploiting their immigration status to prevent them from reporting the fraud. He also manipulated his victims by appealing to their Christian faith. During sentencing, victims expressed their pain over Lepka’s deceit.

U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Cain sentenced Lepka to 78 months in prison and ordered him to pay over $2 million in restitution. The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Watkins prosecuted.