I shot and edited several interviews with victims of foreclosure fraud in Florida as part of our work with Floridians for Honest Lending. These stories were included in our push to pass a Florida Homeowner Bill of Rights.

Maria Williams-James: No Accountability in the Mortgage Industry

May 25, 2021

You might think that foreclosures are only filed against homeowners who fail to pay their mortgages. But in many cases, it’s exactly the opposite, including in this story. Maria Williams-James is a retired schoolteacher in Miami-Dade County who has spent the last ten years of her life defending her home from 3 fraudulent foreclosures. Throughout this process, she has always paid her mortgage on time.

Keith’s Story: the impact of illegal foreclosures in Florida

May 25, 2021

After the 2008 housing crisis devastated Keith’s construction business, Keith and his wife decided to restructure their finances and in 2011, they applied to obtain a mortgage modification. This modification was the beginning of a hellish odyssey which eventually left them without their home, and victims of one of the most widespread forms of mortgage fraud in the country. Their foreclosure documents were part of the “Robo-Signing” scandal, an illegal practice that banks continue to use in their foreclosure proceedings in Florida.

Maria’s Story: “Not Treated Like a Human Being”

Jun 14, 2021

We used to think of banks as the pillars of our communities… where you could walk in and be treated like a human being. Those days are over, as Maria discovered. Maria’s family was a victim of “dual tracking,” an illegal practice that their servicer, Nationstar, agreed to stop.

This video was used in a digital ad campaign to push for the Florida Homeowner Bill of Rights.

Florida: it’s time for a Homeowner Bill of Rights

Jul 27, 2021

For most Americans, our homes are our largest investments and what we hope to pass on to our kids. So, it is important that banks and mortgage servicers play by a fair and honest set of rules when marketing and dealing with financial consumers. Just as we expect the food and drug industry to sell safe, clean, and healthy products in the marketplace, we also need the mortgage and banking industry to abide by common sense rules to safeguard our homes from fraud, theft, and wrongful foreclosures. These are more than our houses — these are our dreams. Florida lawmakers are at work now on a Homeowners Bill of Rights that will provide much-needed safeguards for homeowners.

La historia de Dora Servan: “Error del Sistema”

Aug 19, 2021

Son necesarias protecciones para que los compradores tengan claro cuáles son sus derechos antes de comprar propiedades en subastas.

Julie Nicholas: “It’s Everything I Worked For”

Aug 25, 2021

In Florida, homes are being stolen from homeowners — even from people who are working hard and playing by the rules. People like Julie Nicolas: she’s a home health nurse who commutes every day to take care of patients in their homes.

“La Plantada – the Planted One” – Ana Lazara Rodriguez’s Stand Against Bank Fraud

Aug 27, 2021

Ana Lazara Rodriguez has been fighting in the courts to save her home for several years, and her case has been making some news. She purchased her home in the early 90s after surviving inside one of Fidel Castro’s prisons for 19 years. Her attorney says Bank of America foreclosed on her home using forged documents.

Losing His Home Over $20: Jose Torrado’s Fight to Save His Home

Oct 19, 2021

Florida is a beautiful place to retire. But too many older Floridians are spending their golden years fighting banks to save their homes. One case made headlines recently, when the banks claimed they were entitled to foreclose on a 91-year-old’s home over $20.

“Trapped” – A single mom’s home held hostage by bank for over 10 years

Feb 10, 2022

Cheri Melchione entered into a mortgage agreement with Bank of America in February 2008 just before the housing crisis hit, causing the largest recession in the twenty-first century. More than 10 years later, after battling abusive practices including dual tracking, and a foreclosure lawsuit which she won, Cheri just wants her nightmare to end.