Man sentenced to 23-40 years in foreclosure fraud

PONTIAC (AP) -- A Detroit-area man who authorities say fleeced people by posing as someone who could modify their mortgages is heading to prison. The Michigan attorney general's office says Rickey White of Westland pleaded guilty and was sentenced last Wednesday to 23 to 40 years in prison by a judge in Oakland County Circuit Court. He was ordered to pay more than $280,000 in restitution to nearly 150 people. A message seeking comment was left last Thursday with defense lawyer Richard H. Morgan. Investigators say the 46-year-old, who operated two companies, told people that he would negotiate with lenders, but he was accused of doing nothing while charging fees. Authorities are looking for more people who may have lost money in the case. They may file complaints online. Published: Mon, Oct 8, 2012