Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette Wednesday announced that Robert Shumake, 49, of Southfield, has pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor violations of the Credit Services Protection Act, while his business Mortgage Auditors of America has pleaded guilty to two felony counts of Obtaining Money by False Pretenses Over $1,000 and 13 misdemeanor violations of the Credit Services Protection Act.
“Today’s plea brings victims of Mr. Shumake one step closer to resolution,” said Schuette. “Mr. Shumake is now required to pay restitution to his victims and while it will not replace the homes that many lost, I hope it will help his victims regain their financial footing. Crimes that take advantage of residents at a vulnerable financial time are despicable and my office will continue to seek justice for individuals in these situations.”
Shumake entered a guilty plea on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 before Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Alexander. The pleas were conditionally accepted upon Shumake submitting a $28,970.33 restitution check by January 12, 2018, that will be dispersed to the victims that are included in these charges.
Other victims, identified by the Office of Attorney General but not named in the charges, are eligible for compensation under the Homeowner Protection Reimbursement Fund.
A sentencing date was set for January 12, 2018.
Shumake operated his business Mortgage Auditors of America, in Southfield, during 2009-2010. The company offered to conduct an audit on a client’s mortgage for an upfront fee, which violates state statute. If any improper conduct was found the company stated an attorney would use that information to renegotiate any debt. However, the business was understaffed with inexperienced employees. This resulted in many clients who paid this company to help them with their mortgage debt being left in a worse financial situation, no longer able to save their homes.
After an investigation in 2016, Shumake was charged with two felony counts of Obtaining Money by False Pretenses over $1,000 and 18 misdemeanor counts of violations of the Credit Services Protection Act.
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