FLORIDA BRIEFS: Ex-cop in gets 3-plus years in mortgage fraud | State | Bradenton Herald Today

FLORIDA BRIEFS: Ex-cop in gets 3-plus years in mortgage fraud | State | Bradenton Herald Today:

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Ex-cop gets 3+ years in mortgage fraud case

FORT LAUDERDALE A former South Florida police officer has been sentenced to more than three years in federal prison after pleading guilty in a mortgage fraud case.

A judge in Fort Lauderdale imposed the sentence Friday on 33-year-old Joseph Guaracino. The former Plantation police officer had initially faced 33 charges but reached a deal with prosecutors to plead guilty to mail and wire fraud conspiracy.

Investigators say the $16 million scheme involved use of false loan applications to buy properties, then rent or sell them at a profit.

Guaracino was among eight current or former law enforcement officers and an attorney originally indicted in the case. Three officers and an FBI agent were acquitted. Two former Plantation officers were convicted, and prosecutors dropped charges against another officer after a mistrial.