WCNYH

LONGSHOREMAN SUSPENDED FOR MORTGAGE MODIFICATION FRAUD SCHEME

June 22, 2015

           Today, the Waterfront Commission issued a Notice of Hearing and suspended the registration of longshoreman Pedro Lopez in connection with his being charged last week with second-degree Theft by Deception.

           A joint investigation by the Waterfront Commission and the Union County Prosecutor's Office determined that Lopez misappropriated nearly $87,000 from his co-workers at Maher Terminals via a fraudulent mortgage loan modification program. He had allegedly promised the victims that their mortgage payments would be reduced or eliminated. None of the promised savings materialized.

           The Commission temporarily suspended Lopez's longshoreman registration pending the outcome of an Administrative Hearing on charges that he willfully misappropriated property at a waterfront terminal and his presence on the piers represents a danger to the public peace or safety. The Union County Prosecutor's Office is prosecuting the criminal matter.