Sam Antar Targets Letitia James, Alleging Mortgage Fraud Amid Ongoing Legal Battles

Sam Antar Targets Letitia James Alleging Mortgage Fraud Amid Ongoing Legal Battles

EXCLUSIVE: New York Attorney General Letitia James has faced scrutiny from several directions, particularly after accusing former President Donald Trump of mortgage fraud. Now, she must contend with challenges from Sam Antar, a notorious figure who claims to have intimate knowledge of fraudulent activities and has leveled serious allegations against her financial practices.

Sam Antar, who once managed the financial records for his infamous cousin “Crazy Eddie” Antar, contributed to a fraudulent scheme that brought down a major consumer electronics empire in the late 1980s. He has a history of manipulating financial statements and investor trust. Today, Antar asserts that he has located evidence of alleged wrongdoing in James’ real estate dealings.

“I know a crook when I see one, and I’m telling you, her filings smell fishy,” Antar claimed. According to him, he has made his findings publicly available and expressed confidence in their veracity. “If justice fails to convict her, that just reflects poorly on them, not me,” he added.

After pleading guilty to several felonies in the past, Antar has transformed himself into a consultant on financial fraud for government authorities and legal firms. He runs his own website, where he shares ongoing investigations into financial misconduct across sectors.

In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Antar revealed that he acted independently to uncover what he claims is James’ mortgage fraud. He asserts that his research, published on his website weeks ago, has prompted substantial interest, leading the Federal Housing Finance Agency to refer the case to the Justice Department.

“This isn’t some orchestrated effort from the Trump administration; it’s me holding Letitia James accountable,” he stated. “I was investigating her actions because that’s what I do best. I incurred significant risks, including potential retaliation and reputational damage, but I stand by my findings.”

Antar emphasized that he documents everything meticulously. While inquiries were made to the FHFA and the White House concerning his claims, no responses were received. “I’m a Democrat and not affiliated with Trump’s agenda, but I conduct thorough forensic accounting, and I’m confident in what I’ve uncovered,” he explained.

His investigation revealed documents dating back to 1983, suggesting James may have misrepresented her financial situation for years to secure favorable loan terms from lenders.

The FHFA has accused James of falsifying records to manipulate lending criteria. James, now 66, has denied all allegations and posits that these charges are part of a vendetta orchestrated by Trump following the $454 million civil fraud lawsuit she led against him last year. The Trump Organization is appealing the lawsuit’s decision.

In Trump’s civil fraud lawsuit, allegations centered around financial misrepresentation regarding his real estate dealings, which mirror the claims now levied against James by the FHFA.

Antar began his investigations into James’s records several months ago after scrutinizing her private flight costs as Attorney General.

Controversial Property Transactions

Among the allegations rests a property in Sterling Street, Norfolk, Virginia. The FHFA lists this property as a place James allegedly claimed as her primary residence in 2023, despite her official capacity in New York. She purchased the property as Trump’s trial began.

The FHFA outlines that primary residence mortgages enjoy lower interest rates and are more advantageous than secondary mortgage options. In her loan documents, James stated she would treat this property as her primary residence.

“She granted her relative power of attorney, attesting that she intended for the property to serve as her primary residence,” Antar stated. He argues that if her claim is accurate, it could jeopardize her eligibility for public office in New York. Neither she nor her relative applied for a homestead exemption, even as the mortgage was granted under the assumption both parties would inhabit the property. This situation fostered the perception that she obtained favorable loan conditions through deception.

A July 15, 2024 building permit linked to James’ New York home indicates ongoing occupancy. James’ office clarified to Fox News Digital that she is not using the Virginia home as her primary residence, asserting that her home remains in New York.

In a recent communication to the Justice Department, James’ lawyers affirmed that a power-of-attorney form originally misrepresented the Virginia property as her principal residence. They insisted that a previous statement to the mortgage broker implied she would not occupy the property as her primary home.

Discrepancies in Brooklyn Property

Additionally, James has faced accusations related to a property she purchased in Brooklyn. In 2001, documents listed this property as a five-unit dwelling, yet she has consistently reported it at four units in various mortgage applications.

This discrepancy allowed her to secure lower mortgage interest rates typically reserved for properties with four or fewer units. Correspondence from her lawyers to the Attorney General argued that the property functions as a four-person residence, countering allegations made by the FHFA.

Moreover, James faces claims regarding mortgages taken out in Queens, where her father was reportedly listed as her spouse on documents. This has raised questions about her transparency in prior mortgage applications.

As discussions surrounding these allegations continue, James’ attorney has accused the FHFA of selectively presenting facts that skew perceptions against her. Anticipating positive resolutions, James’ legal team has sought clarity and declared that incorrect information should not warrant further investigation.

Antar’s Firm Stance

Despite potential backlash and legal challenges, Sam Antar remains steadfast in his assertions. “I documented everything thoroughly and executed my research on my own time and expense,” he stated. His resolve hints at a continued public interest in an unfolding narrative that involves complex legal implications and deeply personal reputations.

As more details emerge about these allegations, the implications for both James and the ongoing legal climate loom large. The intersection of politics, public service, and personal accountability continues to draw scrutiny and provoke debate.