Source: https://www.scribd.com/doc/85083512/Complaint
Timestamp: 2017-03-29 02:49:40
Document Index: 577562903

Matched Legal Cases: ['§\n1331', '§ 1345', '§ 1355', '§ 3732', '§ 3729', '§ 1367', '§ 3732', '§ 3729', '§ 1391', '§ 3732', '§ 1709', 'art 203', '§ 1710', 'art 203', '§ 203', '§ 1708', '§ 1708', '§ 1980', '§ 1980', '§ 1980', '§ 3701', '§ 3702', '§ 36', '§ 203', '§ 203', '§ 203', '§ 203', '§ 1334', '§ 501', '§ 362', '§ 524', '§ 362', '§ 362', '§ 524', '§ 501', '§ 533', '§ 521', '§ 527', '§ 517', '§ 3729', '§3729', '§ 1833', '§ 1001', '§ 501', '§ 521', '§ 2201', '§ 362', '§ 524']

BrowseInterestsStay InformedCareerPersonal GrowthFiction & BiographiesHealth & FitnessLifestyleCultureBrowse byBooksAudiobooksNews & MagazinesSheet MusicBrowse allUploadSign inJoinIN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA __________________________________________ ) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ) 555 4thStreet, NW ) Washington, DC 20530 ) ) THE STATE OF ALABAMA, )
1031 W. 4th Avenue, Ste. 200 Anchorage, AK 99501
1275 W. Washington Phoenix, AZ 85007
THE STATE OF ARKANSAS, 323 Center Street, Suite 200 Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
455 Golden Gate Avenue, Ste. 14500 San Francisco, CA 94102-7007
1525 Sherman Street – 7th Floor Denver, Colorado 80203
55 Elm Street, P.O. Box 120 Hartford, CT 06141-0120
THE STATE OF FLORIDA, 3507 E. Frontage Road Suite 325 Tamp, FL 33607
THE STATE OF GEORGIA, 40 Capitol Square, S.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30334 THE STATE OF HAWAII, 425 Queen Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 THE STATE OF IDAHO, 700 W. Jefferson St. P.O. Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720-0010 THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, 500 South Second Street Springfield, IL 62706 THE STATE OF INDIANA, 302 West Washington St., IGCS 5th Fl. Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 THE STATE OF IOWA, 1305 E. Walnut St. Des Moines, IA 50319 THE STATE OF KANSAS, 120 SW 10th Avenue, 2nd Floor Topeka, KS 66612 THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY, State Capitol, Suite 118 700 Capital Avenue Frankfort, Kentucky 40601-3449 THE STATE OF LOUISIANA, 1185 N. Third Street Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 THE STATE OF MAINE, Burton Cross Office Building, 6th Floor 111 Sewall Street Augusta, Maine 04330 THE STATE OF MARYLAND, 200 Saint Paul Place Baltimore, MD 21202 2
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, One Ashburton Place Boston, MA 02108 THE STATE OF MICHIGAN, 525 W. Ottawa Street PO Box 30755 Lansing, MI 48909 THE STATE OF MINNESOTA, 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1200 St. Paul, MN 55101-2130 THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, Post Office Box 22947 Jackson, MS 39225-2947 THE STATE OF MISSOURI, PO Box 899 Jefferson City, MO 65102 THE STATE OF MONTANA, 215 N. Sanders Helena MT 59624 THE STATE OF NEBRASKA, 2115 State Capitol Lincoln, NE 68509-8920 THE STATE OF NEVADA, 100 North Carson Street Carson City, Nevada 89701 THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, 33 Capitol Street Concord, New Hampshire 03301 THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, 124 Halsey Street – 5th Floor P.O. Box 45029 Newark, New Jersey 07101 THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO, PO Drawer 1508 3
) ) THE STATE OF NEW YORK, ) 120 Broadway ) New York, NY 10271 ) ) THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, ) P. O. Box 629 ) Raleigh, NC 27602 ) ) THE STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA, ) Gateway Professional Center ) 1050 E Interstate Ave, Ste. 200 ) Bismarck, ND 58503-5574 ) ) THE STATE OF OHIO, ) 30 E. Broad St., 14th Floor ) Columbus, OH 43215 ) ) THE STATE OF OREGON, ) 1515 SW 5th Avenue, Ste. 410 ) Portland, OR 97201 ) ) THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, ) 16th Floor, Strawberry Square ) Harrisburg, PA 17120 ) ) THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND, ) 150 South Main Street ) Providence, RI 02903 ) ) THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, ) 1000 Assembly Street, Room 519 ) Columbia, SC 29201 ) ) THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA, ) 1302 E. Highway 14, Suite 1 ) Pierre, SD 57501 ) ) THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, ) 425 Fifth Avenue North ) Nashville, TN 37243-3400 ) ) THE STATE OF TEXAS, ) 401 E. Franklin Avenue, Suite 530 ) El Paso, Texas 79901 ) 4
THE STATE OF UTAH, 350 North State Street, #230 Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2320 THE STATE OF VERMONT, 109 State Street Montpelier, Vermont 05609 THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, 900 East Main Street Richmond, Virginia 23219 THE STATE OF WASHINGTON, 1250 Pacific Avenue, Suite 105 PO Box 2317 Tacoma, WA 98402-4411 THE STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA, State Capitol, Room 26E Charleston, WV 25305-0220 THE STATE OF WISCONSIN, Post Office Box 7857 Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7857 THE STATE OF WYOMING, and 123 State Capitol Bldg 200 W. 24th Cheyenne, WY 82002 THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 441 Fourth Street, N.W., Suite 600-S Washington, DC 20001 Plaintiffs, v. BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION, Corporate Center 100 100 North Tyron Street Charlotte, North Carolina 28255 BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., 100 North Tyron Street 5
) ) BAC HOME LOANS SERVICING, LP f/k/a ) COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS ) SERVICING, LP, ) 4500 Park Grenada ) Calabasas, California 91302-1613 ) ) COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC., ) 4500 Park Grenada ) Calabasas, California 91302 ) ) COUNTRYWIDE FINANCIAL CORPORATION, ) 4500 Park Grenada ) Calabasas, California 91302 ) ) COUNTRYWIDE MORTGAGE ) VENTURES, LLC, ) 4500 Park Grenada ) Calabasas, California 91302-1613 ) ) COUNTRYWIDE BANK, FSB, ) 100 North Tryon Street ) Charlotte, NC 282002 ) ) CITIGROUP INC., ) 399 Park Ave. ) New York, New York 10022-4614 ) ) CITIBANK, N.A., ) 399 Park Ave. ) New York, New York 10022-4617 ) ) CITIMORTGAGE, INC., ) 1000 Technology Drive ) O’Fallon, Missouri 63368 ) ) J.P. MORGAN CHASE & COMPANY, ) 270 Park Avenue ) New York, New York 10017 ) ) JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. ) 1111 Polaris Parkway ) Columbus, OH 43240 ) ) RESIDENTIAL CAPITAL, LLC, ) 6
) ) ) ALLY FINANCIAL, INC., ) 200 Renaissance Center ) P.O. Box 200 ) Detroit, Michigan 48265 ) ) GMAC MORTGAGE, LLC, ) 1100 Virginia Drive ) Fort Washington, Pennsylvania 19034 ) ) GMAC RESIDENTIAL FUNDING CO. LLC ) 8400 Normandale Lake Boulevard ) Minneapolis, Minnesota 55437 ) ) WELLS FARGO & COMPANY, ) 420 Montgomery Street Front ) San Francisco, CA 94104-1205 ) ) WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., ) One Home Campus ) Des Moines, IA 50328 ) ) Defendants. ) ________________________________________________)
1100 Virginia Drive Fort Washington, Pennsylvania 19034
COMPLAINT Now comes the United States, and the States of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, the Commonwealths of Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and 7
Virginia, and the District of Columbia by and through their undersigned attorneys, and respectfully allege as follows: INTRODUCTION 1. This is a civil action filed jointly by the United States; the States of
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming; the Commonwealths of Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia; and the District of Columbia against Residential Capital, LLC, Ally Financial, Inc., and GMAC Mortgage, LLC; Bank of America Corporation, Bank of America, N.A., BAC Home Loans Servicing, LP, Countrywide Financial Corporation, Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., Countrywide Mortgage Ventures, LLC, and Countrywide Bank FSB; Citigroup Inc., Citibank, N.A., and CitiMortgage, Inc.; J.P. Morgan Chase & Company and J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.; and Wells Fargo & Company and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., for misconduct related to their origination and servicing of single family residential mortgages. 2. As described in the allegations below, Defendants’ misconduct
resulted in the issuance of improper mortgages, premature and unauthorized foreclosures, violation of service members’ and other homeowners’ rights and
protections, the use of false and deceptive affidavits and other documents, and the waste and abuse of taxpayer funds. Each of the allegations regarding Defendants contained herein applies to instances in which one or more, and in some cases all, of the Defendants engaged in the conduct alleged. THE PARTIES 3. This action is brought by the United States of America, on behalf
of its agencies and departments, acting through the United States Department of Justice. 4. This action is also brought by the States of Alabama, Alaska,
Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming; the Commonwealths of Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia; and the District of Columbia. Collectively the plaintiffs identified in this paragraph are referred to here as the “plaintiff States.” This action is brought by the Attorneys General of the plaintiff States pursuant to consumer protection enforcement authority conferred on them by state law and pursuant to parens patriae and common law authority. The Attorneys General are authorized to seek injunctive relief, restitution for consumers, and civil penalties for violation of the consumer protection laws of their States.
Defendant Bank of America Corporation is a diversified global
financial services company and a bank holding company. It is a Delaware corporation headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Defendant Bank of America, N.A. is a national banking association headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Defendant BAC Home Loans Servicing, L.P. was a servicing company that had formerly been known as Countrywide Home Loans Servicing, L.P. It was a Texas limited partnership with its principal place of business in Plano, Texas. It was, for a time, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America, N.A. In July 2011, it was merged into Bank of America, N.A. This action is also brought against Countrywide Financial Corporation, a financial services company headquartered in Calabasas, California, and three of its subsidiaries, Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., Countrywide Mortgage Ventures, LLC, and Countrywide Bank, FSB (collectively, with Countrywide Financial Corporation, “Countrywide”). On April 23, 2009, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency approved Countrywide Bank, FSB’s (“CWB”) request to convert its charter back to that of a national bank and the request by Bank of America, N.A. to then immediately acquire CWB by merger. These transactions were executed on April 27, 2009, as a result of which CWB ceased to exist. Bank of America, N.A. was the surviving institution resulting from this merger. Thus, Bank of America, N.A. is the successor in interest to CWB. Collectively the defendants identified in this paragraph are referred to here as “BOA.” The business of BOA and its subsidiaries and affiliates includes origination and servicing of mortgage loans.
Defendant Citigroup Inc. is a diversified global financial services
company. It is a Delaware corporation headquartered in New York City. Defendant Citibank, N.A. is a national banking association. It is Citigroup Inc.’s primary U.S. subsidiary depositor institution. It is headquartered in New York City. Citibank, N.A. is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Citigroup, Inc. It provides residential real estate lending. Defendant CitiMortgage is a New York corporation, wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Citigroup, Inc., and is a residential mortgage loan servicing company headquartered in O’Fallon, Missouri. Collectively the three defendants identified in this paragraph are referred to here as “Citigroup.” The business of Citigroup and its subsidiaries and affiliates, includes the origination and servicing of mortgage loans. 7. Defendant J.P. Morgan Chase & Company is a diversified global
financial services firm. It is a Delaware corporation, headquartered in New York, New York. On May 30, 2008, J.P. Morgan Chase & Company acquired The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. (now the Bear Stearns Companies LLC) by merger, including its subsidiary EMC Mortgage Corporation (now EMC Mortgage LLC). Defendant JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. is a national banking association. It is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. On September 25, 2008, Washington Mutual Bank., F.S.B., a federal savings bank headquartered in Henderson, Nevada, failed, and J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., purchased substantially all of the assets and assumed all deposit and substantially all other liabilities of Washington Mutual Bank., F.S.B., pursuant to a Purchase and Assumption Agreement with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the FDIC as Receiver for
Washington Mutual Bank, F.S.B. Collectively the two defendants identified in this paragraph are referred to here as “J.P. Morgan.” The business of J.P. Morgan and its subsidiaries and affiliates includes the origination and servicing of mortgage loans. 8. Defendant Residential Capital, LLC is a residential real estate
finance company. It is a Delaware limited liability company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of GMAC Mortgage Group, LLC. Defendant Ally Financial, Inc. (formerly GMAC, Inc.) is a diversified financial services firm. It is a Delaware corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. Defendant GMAC Mortgage, LLC is a financial services company that engages in origination and servicing of residential mortgages. It is a Delaware limited liability company headquartered in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania. It was formerly known as GMAC Mortgage Corporation. Defendant GMAC Residential Funding Co. LLC is a residential mortgage servicing company. It is a Delaware corporation headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Collectively the four defendants identified in this paragraph are referred to here as “GMAC.” The business of GMAC and its subsidiaries and affiliates, includes origination and servicing of mortgage loans. 9. Defendant Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial
services company. It is a Delaware corporation, headquartered in San Francisco, California. Defendant Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is a national banking association and a subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company. Wells Fargo & Company is the successor in interest to Wachovia Corporation, a diversified financial services
company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Wachovia Corporation was acquired by Wells Fargo & Company in 2008. Collectively the two defendants identified in this paragraph are referred to here as “Wells Fargo.” The business of Wells Fargo and its subsidiaries and affiliates includes the origination and servicing of mortgage loans. 10. For this Complaint, defendants GMAC, BOA, Citigroup, J.P.
Morgan and Wells Fargo and all of their affiliated entities, during or prior to such time as they were affiliated, are referred to collectively as the “Banks” or “Defendants.” JURISDICTION AND VENUE 11. This Court has personal jurisdiction over the Banks because the
Banks have transacted business in this District, and because the Banks have committed acts proscribed by the False Claims Act in this District. 12. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §
1331 because the action arises under the laws of the United States, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1345 because this is a civil action commenced by the United States, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1355(a) because this is an action for the recovery or enforcement of a fine or penalty incurred under an Act of Congress, and pursuant to 31 U.S.C. § 3732(a) to the extent the claims arise under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. §§ 3729 to 3733. 13. Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1367 and 31 U.S.C. § 3732(b), this Court
has supplemental jurisdiction over the subject matter of the claims asserted by the States in this action because those claims are so related to the claims asserted by
the United States that they form part of the same case or controversy, and because those claims arise out of the same transactions or occurrences as the action brought by the United States under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. §§ 3729 to 3733. 14. Venue is proper in this District pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b)(1)
and (2) and 31 U.S.C. § 3732(a). I. A. BACKGROUND
Overview of Relevant Federal Programs 1. 15. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) The FHA provides mortgage insurance on loans made by FHA-
approved lenders throughout the United States. Among other things, FHA insures mortgages on “single family” housing, which refers to one- to four- family dwellings. See, e.g., 12 U.S.C. § 1709; see generally 24 C.F.R. Part 203. 16. FHA mortgage insurance provides lenders with protection against
losses when home buyers default on mortgage loans insured by FHA. See generally 12 U.S.C. § 1710, 24 C.F.R. Part 203. 17. FHA-approved lenders, known as Direct Endorsement Lenders,
ensure that loans meet strict underwriting criteria, including income-verification, credit analysis, and property appraisal, established by the FHA to be eligible for insurance. See 24 C.F.R. § 203.5(c)-(e) (Direct Endorsement requirements for underwriter due diligence, mortgagor income evaluation and appraisal). 18. The FHA insurance operations are funded by a statutorily
established Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund (MMIF). 12 U.S.C. § 1708(a). The
MMIF is sustained by insurance premiums, and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is required to provide for an annual actuarial study to assess the financial position of the MMIF. 12 U.S.C. § 1708(a)(4), (7). 19. The FHA insurance program, by reducing the risk borne by
approved lenders, is designed to stimulate lending to creditworthy borrowers, thereby increasing homeownership and aiding local communities in the form of community development, increased tax bases, and related benefits. 2. The Department of Agriculture’s Rural Housing Service Rural Housing Guarantee Program (RHS) The RHS program provides mortgage insurance guarantees for
loans made to qualified borrowers for housing in rural communities. See 7 C.F.R. § 1980.345 (applicant eligibility). The RHS partners with a broad range of eligible lenders. When an eligible lender certifies that all program requirements have been met, delivers a completed Loan Closing Report, and pays the guarantee fee, the RHS concurrently executes a loan note guarantee. 7 C.F.R. §§ 1980.309(a) (qualification of lenders), 1980.361 (issuance of loan note guarantee). 21. The RHS loan program is intended “to assist eligible households in
obtaining adequate but modest, decent, safe, and sanitary dwellings and related facilities for their own use in rural areas.” 7 C.F.R. § 1980.301(a). 22. Like the FHA insurance program, the RHS program promotes
lending to creditworthy borrowers that meet the Department of Agriculture’s underwriting requirements. 15
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Loan Guaranty Service Home Loan Program The VA Home Loan Program’s guaranties are issued to help
eligible service members, veterans, reservists and certain unmarried surviving spouses obtain homes, condominiums, residential cooperative housing units, and manufactured homes. 38 U.S.C. §§ 3701(b)(3), 3710(a), 3712. The primary purpose of the VA Home Loan Program is to help such individuals finance the purchase of homes on more advantageous terms than typically would be available to them. 24. The VA provides a repayment guarantee to qualified lenders equal
to a specified percentage of the loan upon default of the primary debtor. 38 U.S.C §§ 3702(d), 3712(c)(2)-(3); 38 C.F.R. §§ 36.4202, 36.4225. Only loans meeting the VA’s underwriting requirements are entitled to the VA’s insurance guarantee. 25. By providing protection in the event of a default, the VA’s
insurance program encourages lenders to provide financing to veterans. 4. 26. The United States Trustee Program The United States Trustee Program is a component of the
Department of Justice that seeks to promote the efficiency and protect the integrity of the Federal bankruptcy system. To further the public interest in the just, speedy and economical resolution of cases filed under the Bankruptcy Code, the Program monitors the conduct of bankruptcy parties and private estate trustees, oversees related administrative functions, and acts to ensure compliance with applicable laws and procedures. It also identifies and helps investigate
bankruptcy fraud and abuse in coordination with United States Attorneys, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other law enforcement agencies. 27. The primary role of the U.S. Trustee Program is to serve as the
“watchdog” over the bankruptcy process. 28. United States Trustees supervise the administration of liquidation
proceedings under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code, reorganization proceedings under Chapter 11, family farm and fisherman reorganization proceedings under Chapter 12, and “Wage-earner” reorganization proceedings under Chapter 13. 29. Specific responsibilities of the United States Trustees include
appointing and supervising private trustees who administer Chapter 7, 12, and 13 bankruptcy estates (and serving as trustees in such cases where private trustees are unable or unwilling to serve); taking legal action to enforce the requirements of the Bankruptcy Code and to prevent fraud and abuse; referring matters for investigation and criminal prosecution when appropriate; ensuring that bankruptcy estates are administered promptly and efficiently, and that professional fees are reasonable; appointing and convening creditors’ committees in Chapter 11 business reorganization cases; reviewing disclosure statements and applications for the retention of professionals; and advocating matters relating to the Bankruptcy Code and rules of procedure in court. B. The Single Family Mortgage Industry 30. The single family mortgage industry consists of financial services
and other firms that originate, underwrite, securitize, and service mortgages for residential properties designed to house one- to four-family dwellings.
Mortgage origination is the process whereby a lender loans money
to a borrower and receives a security interest in property, through a mortgage or comparable device that secures the loan. Origination generally includes all the steps from receiving a loan application through disbursal of the loan proceeds. 32. For more than thirty years, mortgages typically have been “pooled”
to create an investment vehicle, often denominated as a trust, and interests in the trusts have been sold to investors that own interests in payment streams generated by principal and interest payments by the borrowers. 33. After mortgages are originated, a “servicer” is responsible for
mortgage administration activities, known as servicing activities, which generally include collecting payments from mortgagors; applying payments made in an agreed-upon order to the mortgagor’s indebtedness; distributing payments after allowable deductions to the investment trust entities for distribution to investors; making advances to cover delinquent mortgage payments and other costs, such as the costs of protecting and maintaining properties that collateralize mortgage loans when mortgagors fail to do so; pursuing collections from delinquent mortgagors; and pursuing either loss mitigation or foreclosure, as appropriate, to minimize the loss to investors and others when mortgagors become delinquent on mortgage payments. C. The United States’ Stimulus / Rescue Efforts 34. Beginning in the fall of 2008, the federal government instituted
several measures to try to stabilize the housing and credit markets and assist troubled homeowners.
In October 2008, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of
2008 (EESA) was passed to promote stability and liquidity in the financial system. Among other things, EESA authorized the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). TARP funds were used, in part, to promote various mortgage loan modification programs. 36. The Making Home Affordable (MHA) Program. In March 2009,
the United States launched the MHA Program. The MHA Program included the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), a Treasury program that uses TARP funds to provide incentives for mortgage servicers to modify eligible firstlien mortgages. 37. HAMP uses incentive payments to encourage loan servicers and
owners of mortgage loans or bonds backed by mortgage loans to modify eligible first lien mortgages so that monthly payments of homeowners who are in default or at imminent risk of default will be reduced to affordable and sustainable levels. 38. The Home Price Decline Protection Incentives (HPDP) initiative.
The HPDP initiative is designed to encourage modifications of loans in markets hardest hit by falling home prices. The HPDP initiative provides investors with additional incentives for loan modifications on properties located in areas where home prices have recently declined and where investors are concerned that price declines may persist. 39. The Principal Reduction Alternative (PRA). PRA is designed to
encourage the use of principal reduction in modifications for eligible borrowers whose homes are worth significantly less than the remaining outstanding principal
balances of their first-lien mortgage loans. It provides investor incentives to offset a portion of the principal reduction. 40. The Home Affordable Unemployment Program (UP). UP is
designed to offer assistance to unemployed homeowners through temporary forbearance of a portion of their mortgage payments. 41. The Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program (HAFA).
HAFA is designed to provide incentives to servicers, investors and borrowers to utilize short sales and deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure for HAMP-eligible loans in cases in which the borrower can no longer afford to stay in their home but want to avoid foreclosure. Under this program, the servicer releases the lien against the property and the investor waives all rights to seek a deficiency judgment against a borrower who uses a short sale or deed-in-lieu when the property is worth less than the outstanding principal balance of the mortgage. 42. The Second Lien Modification Program (2MP). 2MP is designed
to modify second lien mortgages when a corresponding first lien is modified under HAMP. 43. The FHA-HAMP Program. The FHA-HAMP Program is designed
to provide compensation to the holders and servicers of FHA-insured mortgages that are modified under FHA-HAMP, to reduce payments to more affordable levels. 44. The Treasury/FHA Second-Lien Program (FHA2LP). FHA2LP is
designed to facilitate refinancing under the FHA Short Refinance Program by reducing second liens. Treasury provides incentives to participating servicers and
investors who agree to partial or full extinguishment of second liens associated with an FHA refinance. 45. The FHA Refinance for Borrowers with Negative Equity (FHA
Short Refinance) Program. This program is partially supported by TARP funds and allows servicers and investors who write down a borrower’s principal balance on a non-FHA-insured, existing, underwater, first-lien mortgage loan in connection with a refinancing to obtain FHA insurance on the newly refinanced mortgage. Treasury has provided a TARP-funded letter of credit for up to $8 billion in loss coverage on these newly refinanced FHA loans. 46. Housing Finance Agency Hardest Hit Fund (HHF). HHF is a
TARP-funded program designed to fund foreclosure prevention programs run by state housing finance agencies in states hit hardest by the decrease in home prices and in states with high unemployment rates. Eighteen states and Washington, D.C. have received approval for aid through this program. FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS A. The Banks’ Servicing Misconduct 47. Each of the Banks services home mortgage loans secured by
residential properties owned by individual citizens of the Plaintiff States, and of the United States. 48. Each Bank is engaged in trade or commerce in each of the Plaintiff
States and is subject to the consumer protection laws of the States in the conduct of their debt collection, loss mitigation and foreclosure activities. The consumer
protection laws of the Plaintiff States include laws prohibiting unfair or deceptive practices. 1. The Banks’ Unfair, Deceptive, and Unlawful Servicing Processes Under the States’ consumer protection laws, the Banks are
prohibited from engaging in unfair or deceptive practices with respect to consumers. 50. In the course of their conduct, management and oversight of loan
servicing in the Plaintiff States, the Banks have engaged in a pattern of unfair and deceptive practices. 51. The Banks’ unfair and deceptive practices in the discharge of their
loan servicing activities, include, but are not limited to, the following: a. failing to timely and accurately apply payments made by
borrowers and failing to maintain accurate account statements; b. services; c. failing to properly oversee third party vendors involved in charging excessive or improper fees for default-related
servicing activities on behalf of the Banks; d. imposing force-placed insurance without properly notifying
the borrowers and when borrowers already had adequate coverage; e. providing borrowers false or misleading information in
response to borrower complaints; and f. failing to maintain appropriate staffing, training, and
quality control systems. 22
The Banks’ Unfair, Deceptive, and Unlawful Loan Modification and Loss Mitigation Processes Under the States’ consumer protection laws, the Banks are
prohibited from engaging in unfair or deceptive practices with respect to consumers. 53. Pursuant to HUD regulations and FHA guidance, FHA-approved
mortgage lenders and their servicers are required to engage in loss-mitigation efforts to avoid the foreclosure of HUD-insured single family residential mortgages. E.g., 24 C.F.R. § 203.500 et seq.; Mortgagee Letter 2008-07 (“Treble Damages for Failure to Engage in Loss Mitigation”) (Sept. 26, 2008); Mortgagee Letter 1996-25 (“Existing Alternatives to Foreclosure -- Loss Mitigation”) (May 8, 1996). Thus, when acting as a servicer, the Banks were required to refrain from foreclosing on any FHA insured mortgage where a default could be addressed by modifying the terms of the mortgage or other less-costly alternatives to foreclosure were available. 54. Under the Treasury’s various rescue and stimulus programs, the
Banks received monetary incentives from the Federal government in exchange for the commitment to make efforts to modify defaulting borrowers’ single family residential mortgages. See, e.g., Making Home Affordable Handbook v.1.0, ch. 13 (“Incentive Compensation”) (Aug. 19, 2010). Under the programs, the Banks agreed to fulfill requirements set forth in program guidelines and servicer participation agreements.
Each of the Banks regularly conducts or manages loan
modifications on behalf of the entities that hold the loans and mortgages and that hired the Banks as servicers. 56. In the course of their servicing and oversight of mortgage loans,
the Banks violated federal laws, program requirements and contractual requirements governing loss mitigation. 57. In the course of their conduct, management and oversight of loan
modifications in the plaintiff States, the Banks have engaged in a pattern of unfair and deceptive practices. 58. The Banks’ failure to discharge their required loan modification
obligations, and related unfair and deceptive practices, include, but are not limited to, the following: a. b. failing to perform proper loan modification underwriting; failing to gather or losing loan modification application
documentation and other paper work; c. d. modifications; e. modifications; f. allowing borrowers to stay in trial modifications for failing to establish adequate processes for loan failing to provide adequate staffing to implement programs; failing to adequately train staff responsible for loan
excessive time periods; g. wrongfully denying modification applications;
failing to respond to borrower inquiries; providing false or misleading information to consumers
while referring loans to foreclosure during the loan modification application process; j. providing false or misleading information to consumers
while initiating foreclosures where the borrower was in good faith actively pursuing a loss mitigation alternative offered by the Bank; k. providing false or misleading information to consumers
while scheduling and conducting foreclosure sales during the loan application process and during trial loan modification periods; l. misrepresenting to borrowers that loss mitigation programs
would provide relief from the initiation of foreclosure or further foreclosure efforts; m. failing to provide accurate and timely information to
borrowers who are in need of, and eligible for, loss mitigation services, including loan modifications; n. falsely advising borrowers that they must be at least 60
days delinquent in loan payments to qualify for a loan modification; o. miscalculating borrowers’ eligibility for loan modification
programs and improperly denying loan modification relief to eligible borrowers;
misleading borrowers by representing that loan
modification applications will be handled promptly when Banks regularly fail to act on loan modifications in a timely manner; q. failing to properly process borrowers’ applications for loan
modifications, including failing to account for documents submitted by borrowers and failing to respond to borrowers’ reasonable requests for information and assistance; r. failing to assign adequate staff resources with sufficient
training to handle the demand from distressed borrowers; and s. misleading borrowers by providing false or deceptive
reasons for denial of loan modifications. 3. 59. Wrongful Conduct Related to Foreclosures Under the States’ consumer protection laws, the Banks are
prohibited from engaging in unfair or deceptive practices with respect to consumers. 60. FHA regulations and guidance and HAMP and other MHA
servicer participation agreements establish requirements to be followed in the foreclosure of single family residential mortgages that are FHA insured, or where the servicer conducting the foreclosure is an MHA participant. 61. Each of the Banks regularly conducts or manages foreclosures on
behalf of entities that hold mortgage loans and have contracted with the Bank to service such loans.
In the course of their conduct, management, and oversight of
foreclosures, the Banks violated FHA and MHA foreclosure requirements. 63. In the course of their conduct, management, and oversight of
foreclosures in the plaintiff States, the Banks have engaged in a pattern of unfair and deceptive practices. 64. The Banks’ failure to follow appropriate foreclosure procedures,
and related unfair and deceptive practices include, but are not limited to, the following: a. b. c. failing to properly identify the foreclosing party; charging improper fees related to foreclosures; preparing, executing, notarizing or presenting false and
misleading documents, filing false and misleading documents with courts and government agencies, or otherwise using false or misleading documents as part of the foreclosure process (including, but not limited to, affidavits, declarations, certifications, substitutions of trustees, and assignments); d. preparing, executing, or filing affidavits in foreclosure
proceedings without personal knowledge of the assertions in the affidavits and without review of any information or documentation to verify the assertions in such affidavits. This practice of repeated false attestation of information in affidavits is popularly known as “robosigning.” Where third parties engaged in robosigning on behalf of the Banks, they did so with the knowledge and approval of the Banks;
executing and filing affidavits in foreclosure proceedings
that were not properly notarized in accordance with applicable state law; f. misrepresenting the identity, office, or legal status of the
affiant executing foreclosure-related documents; g. inappropriately charging servicing, document creation,
recordation and other costs and expenses related to foreclosures; and h. inappropriately dual-tracking foreclosure and loan
modification activities, and failing to communicate with borrowers with respect to foreclosure activities. B. The Banks’ Origination Misconduct 1. 65. Unfair and Deceptive Origination Practices Under the States’ consumer protection laws, the Banks are
prohibited from engaging in unfair or deceptive practices with respect to consumers. 66. 67. Each of the Banks regularly originates mortgage loans. In the course of their origination of mortgage loans in the Plaintiff
States, the Banks have engaged in a pattern of unfair and deceptive practices. Among other consequences, these practices caused borrowers in the Plaintiff States to enter into unaffordable mortgage loans that led to increased foreclosures in the States. 2. 68. The Direct Endorsement Program The FHA’s Direct Endorsement Program is a vital part of its
single-family insured mortgage program. Under the Direct Endorsement
Program, the FHA does not review or approve borrower loan applications. Rather, the FHA approves lenders, called Direct Endorsement Lenders (DE Lenders), which have the responsibility and obligation for underwriting the loan and determining whether a proposed mortgage is eligible for FHA insurance according to FHA rules and requirements. Unconditional DE Lenders employ Direct Endorsement Underwriters, who are authorized to perform the underwriting of mortgage loans to be insured by the FHA. The DE Lenders give the FHA full information and documentation about an underwritten loan only after the mortgage has closed, and both the underwriter and DE Lender certify compliance with FHA requirements in submitting the loan for mortgage insurance. Although the FHA conducts regular desk reviews and brings enforcement actions, the FHA does not, and given its resources cannot, review the details of every loan. The FHA therefore relies on the underwriter’s and DE Lender’s certifications and due diligence as evidence of the insurability of a mortgage. 69. DE Lenders are responsible for all aspects of the mortgage
application, the property analysis, and loan underwriting. The FHA relies on DE Lenders to determine (1) a borrower’s ability and willingness to repay a mortgage loan, 24 C.F.R. § 203.5(d), and (2) appraisal of the property offered as security. 24 C.F.R. § 203.5(e)(3). 70. Careful compliance by DE Lenders with all FHA requirements is
important in part because if a borrower defaults on an FHA-insured mortgage, the
holder of the mortgage can submit a claim to the FHA for any loss associated with the defaulted mortgage. 71. FHA regulations provide that each DE Lender owes the FHA the
duty to “exercise the same level of care which it would exercise in obtaining and verifying information for a loan in which the mortgagee would be entirely dependent on the property as security to protect its investment.” 24 C.F.R. § 203.5(c). DE Lenders also owe the FHA a common law duty of due diligence. See 48 Fed. Reg. 11928, 11932 (Mar. 22, 1983). In addition, a fiduciary relationship exists between DE Lenders and the FHA. DE Lenders have a duty to the FHA to act with the utmost good faith, candor, honesty, integrity, fairness, undivided loyalty, and fidelity, and to refrain from taking advantage of the FHA by misrepresentation or lack of disclosure. DE Lenders are required to exercise sound judgment, prudence, and due diligence on behalf of the FHA in endorsing mortgages for FHA insurance. 72. DE Lenders are required to be familiar with, and to comply with,
the current versions of governing FHA Handbooks and Mortgagee Letters, including HUD Handbook 4155.1, Mortgage Credit Analysis for Mortgage Insurance on One- to Four-Unit Mortgage Loans, HUD Handbook 4155.2, Lender’s Guide to the Single Family Mortgage Insurance Process, and HUD Handbook 4150.2, Valuation Analysis for Single Family One- to Four-Unit Dwellings.
Failure to Comply with Underwriting Requirements At all relevant times, Countrywide was a mortgage lender that
participated in HUD’s Direct Endorsement Program. Subject to the requirements of the program, Countrywide was authorized to “originate” - i.e., make - and to underwrite mortgage loans to first-time and low-income home buyers and to lowincome home owners refinancing mortgages, that were insured by the FHA, an agency within HUD. In exchange for having the authority to originate and underwrite FHA-insured loans, Countrywide was obligated to determine whether prospective borrowers meet minimal credit-worthiness criteria and to certify to HUD that borrowers who received loans met the criteria. In the event that an FHA-insured loan originated by Countrywide goes into default, the FHA has guaranteed payment of the outstanding portion of the mortgage principal, accrued interest, and costs owed by the borrower. 74. During the period 2003 through April 30, 2009, Countrywide
knowingly failed to comply with HUD regulations and requirements of the Direct Endorsement Program governing the origination and underwriting of FHAinsured loans. As a result, the FHA has thus far incurred hundreds of millions of dollars in damages with respect to claims paid for loans that Countrywide knowingly made to unqualified borrowers. Additionally, thousands of the Countrywide loans are currently in default and have not yet been submitted as claims to the FHA. 75. BOA has submitted claims for payment to the FHA with respect to
FHA-insured mortgage loans originated and underwritten by Countrywide in
contravention of HUD regulations and the requirements of the Direct Endorsement Program during the period 2003 through April 30, 2009. 4. 76. Failure to Comply With Quality Control Requirements To qualify as a DE Lender, a lender has to have a fully functioning
Quality Control (QC) Program that complies with FHA requirements from the date of its initial FHA approval until final surrender or termination of its approval. 77. QC plans ensure that DE Lenders follow all the FHA requirements,
ensure that procedures and personnel used by DE Lenders meet FHA requirements, and provide for the correction, where necessary, and reporting of problems once a DE Lender becomes aware of their existence. 78. Under its QC requirements, the FHA requires DE Lenders to
review all early payment defaults. Early payment defaults are mortgages that go into default (i.e., are more than 60 days past due) within the first six payments of the mortgage. 79. Early payment defaults may indicate problems in the underwriting
process. DE Lenders are required to review early payment defaults so they can identify, correct, and report them to the FHA. 80. A DE Lender whose QC program fails to provide for appropriate
review of each early payment default is in violation of the FHA’s QC requirements. 81. The Banks submitted loans for insurance endorsement or claims
for insurance benefits for FHA loans that the Banks endorsed or underwrote as a
participant in the FHA’s Direct Endorsement Program while failing to implement applicable QC measures. 82. 83. 84. 85. The Banks failed to review early payment defaults. The Banks failed to dedicate sufficient staff to QC. The Banks failed to address dysfunctions in their QC system. The FHA has paid insurance claims relating to mortgages insured
by FHA based on the Banks’ false certifications that they had properly established and functioning QC programs. The FHA would not have made a financial commitment to pay such mortgage insurance if it had known about the Banks’ QC failures. 86. To get and maintain DE Lender status, a DE Lender has to submit
an annual certification to the FHA, stating that it conforms to all HUD/FHA regulations, handbooks, and policies. 87. Absent such a certification, a DE Lender cannot submit a mortgage
for FHA insurance endorsement. 88. Contrary to the annual certifications made by the Banks, they
failed to have QC programs as mandated by FHA requirements. 89. The FHA has paid insurance claims relating to mortgages insured
by FHA based on the Banks’ false certifications. The FHA would not have made a financial commitment to pay such mortgage insurance if it had known about the Banks’ false certifications.
The Banks’ Bankruptcy-Related Misconduct 90. In the ordinary course of their businesses, the Banks regularly
appear as creditors, or on behalf of creditors, in bankruptcy cases, including bankruptcy cases commenced in this district and over which this Court has original jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1334, seeking the payment of money from bankruptcy estates and/or prosecuting motions seeking relief from the automatic stay to foreclose on consumer mortgages. 91. The Banks have bankruptcy procedures that are utilized or relied
upon by the Banks and their attorneys, contractors, and other agents when the Banks file documents, including proofs of claim and motions seeking relief from the automatic stay in bankruptcy cases. Use of these bankruptcy procedures has resulted in an insufficient level of oversight and safeguards regarding pleadings and documents filed by the Banks or their agents in bankruptcy cases and their conduct during the bankruptcy cases. 92. Use of these bankruptcy procedures has resulted in the filing of
signed pleadings and documents in bankruptcy cases as to which the signatory has not conducted a reasonable inquiry into the factual contentions or allegations, as required by applicable law, including Fed. R. Civ. P. 11 and Fed. R. Bankr. P. 9011. 93. Use of these bankruptcy procedures has also resulted in a failure to
exercise adequate supervision over the Banks’ attorneys, contractors, and other agents in bankruptcy proceedings.
As a result of the use of inadequate bankruptcy procedures, the
conduct of the Banks or their agents has resulted in, among other things, some or all of the following: a. making representations that were inaccurate, misleading,
false, or for which the Banks, at the time, did not have a reasonable basis to make, including without limitation representations contained in proofs of claim under 11 U.S.C. § 501, motions for relief from the automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. § 362, or other documents; b. filing proofs of claim, motions for relief from stay, or other
documents that failed to include documentation required under the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, local court rules, local court standing orders, or other applicable rules or law, such as the original or a duplicate of the writing on which the secured claim is based, evidence that the security interest has been perfected, a statement setting forth the terms of and any documentation of a transfer of the claim, or other documentation; c. filing lost note affidavits in connection with proofs of
claim, motions for relief from stay, or other documents that were inaccurate, misleading, or false, or for which the Banks, at the time, did not have a reasonable basis to make; d. filing proofs of claim, motions for relief from stay, or other
documents where the Banks sought payment from debtors or bankruptcy estates for amounts that the Banks were not legally entitled to collect, such as seeking principal, interest, fees, escrow amounts, and/or advances that
were not incurred, were in excess of what is collectable under the loan documents, were not reasonable or appropriate to protect the note holder’s interest in the property and rights under the security instrument, or were inconsistent with an approved loan modification; e. filing proofs of claim or motions for relief from stay
without required itemizations for principal, interest, fees, escrow amounts, and/or advances; f. filing proofs of claim, motions for relief from stay, or other
documents that inaccurately represented or failed to document ownership of the claim or right to seek relief; g. commencing collection activities against the debtor or the
debtor’s property without court authorization, or in violation of the terms of a confirmed chapter 13 plan, the discharge injunction under 11 U.S.C. § 524, or the automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. § 362; h. filing proofs of claim, motions for relief from stay, or other
documents or otherwise commencing collection activities seeking to recover amounts on debts that have been paid or satisfied, including through a refinance of the debt, or a sale or short sale of the collateral; i. collecting, or attempting to collect, attorney’s fees and
other charges for the preparation and filing of proofs of claim, motions for relief from stay, or other documents, that the Banks ultimately withdrew or that a court denied;
failing to promptly and accurately apply payments resulting
in inaccurate loan accounting and wrongful or inaccurate allegations of loan defaults; k. filing proofs of claim, motions for relief from stay, or other
documents that inaccurately or falsely represented they were signed by a person with direct knowledge of the matters alleged in the filing; l. filing affidavits or other documents requiring notarization
where the Banks inaccurately or falsely represented that the documents were validly notarized; m. failing to provide required notices to the debtor, trustee, or
the court regarding payment changes resulting from a change in interest rate and/or escrow charges; n. failing to provide notice to the debtor, trustee, or court
regarding fees, charges, and expenses assessed or incurred after the petition date; or o. failing to promptly provide a reconciliation of payments
received with respect to the debtor’s obligations in the case or failing to appropriately update the Banks’ systems of record, including upon dismissal or closure of a bankruptcy case. 95. The Banks implemented and relied upon inadequate bankruptcy
procedures despite having actual or constructive notice that such procedures could, and did, lead to the errors described above.
Use of these bankruptcy procedures has also resulted in the Banks
seeking inappropriate relief from debtors under the Bankruptcy Code, including under 11 U.S.C. §§ 362 and 501, and in violation of 11 U.S.C. § 524. D. Violation of Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), 50 U.S.C. App. §§ 501-597b. 97. Financial firms responsible for servicing single family mortgages
failed to determine consistently and accurately the military status of borrowers in foreclosure. 98. As a result, the Defendants engaged in a pattern and practice of
violating servicemembers’ rights under the SCRA, including, but not limited to the following conduct: a. The Banks foreclosed upon mortgages without required
court orders on properties that were owned by service members who, at the time, were on military service or were otherwise protected by the SCRA, and who had originated their mortgages before they entered into military service in violation of 50 U.S.C. App. § 533; b. The Banks failed to file an accurate affidavit stating that
service members who had not entered an appearance in a civil action involving a foreclosure were at the time in military service or otherwise protected by the SCRA in violation of 50 U.S.C. App. § 521; c. The Banks wrongfully charged interest rates in excess of 6
percent per annum to servicemembers who were on military service or otherwise protected by the SCRA on mortgage debts that were incurred by servicemembers or servicemembers and their spouses jointly before 38
servicemembers entered military service and after servicemembers had made valid requests to lower their interest rates, as provided for by the SCRA. 99. In the cases of the above-described wrongful conduct, affected
servicemembers had not waived their rights under a separate agreement, as provided for by the SCRA, 50 U.S.C. App. § 527. 100. The servicemembers affected by such wrongful conduct suffered
damages and are aggrieved persons under the SCRA, 50 U.S.C. App. § 517. 101. The Banks engaged in the foregoing conduct in disregard of the
rights of the affected servicemembers. COUNT I UNFAIR AND DECEPTIVE CONSUMER PRACTICES WITH RESPECT TO LOAN SERVICING 102. The allegations in paragraphs 1 through 101 above are
incorporated herein by reference. 103. The loan servicing conduct of the Banks, as described above,
constitutes unfair or deceptive practices in violation of the consumer protection laws of each State. 104. The Banks’ unlawful conduct has resulted in injury to the States
and citizens of the States who have had home loans serviced by the Banks. The harm sustained by such citizens includes payment of improper fees and charges, unreasonable delays and expenses to obtain loss mitigation relief, improper denial of loss mitigation relief, and loss of homes due to improper, unlawful, or undocumented foreclosures. The harm to the States includes the subversion of 39
their legal process and the sustained violations of their laws. The States have had to incur substantial expenses in the investigations and attempts to obtain remedies for the Banks’ unlawful conduct. COUNT II UNFAIR AND DECEPTIVE CONSUMER PRACTICES WITH RESPECT TO FORECLOSURE PROCESSING 105. The allegations in paragraphs 1 through 101 above are
incorporated herein by reference. 106. The foreclosure processing conduct of the Banks, as described
above, constitutes unfair or deceptive practices in violation of the consumer protection laws of each State. 107. The Banks’ unlawful conduct has resulted in injury to the States
and citizens of the States who have had home loans serviced by the Banks. The harm sustained by such citizens includes payment of improper fees and charges, unreasonable delays and expenses to obtain loss mitigation relief, improper denial of loss mitigation relief, and loss of homes due to improper, unlawful, or undocumented foreclosures. The harm to the States includes the subversion of their legal process and the sustained violations of their laws. The States have had to incur substantial expenses in the investigations and attempts to obtain remedies for the Banks’ unlawful conduct.
COUNT III UNFAIR AND DECEPTIVE CONSUMER PRACTICES WITH RESPECT TO LOAN ORIGINATION 108. The allegations in paragraphs 1 through 101 above are
incorporated herein by reference. 109. The loan origination conduct of the Banks, as described above,
constitutes unfair or deceptive practices in violation of the consumer protection laws of each State. 110. The Banks’ unlawful conduct has resulted in injury to the States
and citizens of the States who have had home loans serviced by the Banks. The harm sustained by such citizens includes payment of improper fees and charges, unreasonably high mortgage payments, unaffordable mortgages, and loss of homes. The harm to the States includes the subversion of their legal processes and the sustained violations of their laws. The States have had to incur substantial expenses in the investigations and attempts to obtain remedies for the Banks’ unlawful conduct.
COUNT IV VIOLATIONS OF THE FALSE CLAIMS ACT, 31 U.S.C. § 3729(a)(1)(A), (a)(1)(B), (a)(1)(C) and (a)(1)(G) (2009), and 31 U.S.C. §3729(a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3) and (a)(7) (1986)
The allegations in paragraphs 1 through 101 above are
incorporated herein by reference. 112. By virtue of the acts described above, the Banks knowingly
presented or caused to be presented to the United States false or fraudulent claims 41
for payment or approval, including but not limited to improper claims for payment of FHA residential mortgage insurance or guarantees. 113. In so doing, the Defendants acted knowingly; that is, the Banks
possessed actual knowledge that the claims for payment were false or fraudulent; acted in deliberate ignorance of the truth or falsity of the claims for payment; or acted in reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of the claims for payment. 114. By virtue of the acts described above, the Banks made, used, or
caused to be made or used, a false record or statement material to a false or fraudulent claim. 115. In so doing, the Defendants acted knowingly; that is, the Banks
possessed actual knowledge that the information, statements and representations were false or fraudulent; acted in deliberate ignorance of the truth or falsity of the information, statements and representations; or acted in reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of the information, statements and representations. 116. By virtue of the acts described above, the Banks made, used, or
caused to be made or used, a false record or statement material to an obligation to pay or transmit money or property to the government, and concealed or improperly avoided or decreased an obligation to pay or transmit money or property to the United States. 117. In so doing, the Defendants acted knowingly; that is, the Banks
possessed actual knowledge that the information, statements and representations were false or fraudulent; acted in deliberate ignorance of the truth or falsity of the
information, statements and representations; or acted in reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of the information, statements and representations. 118. By virtue of the acts described above, the Banks conspired with
one or more persons: to present or cause to be presented to the United States false or fraudulent claims for payment or approval; to make, use, or cause to be made or used, a false record or statement material to a false or fraudulent claim; and, to make, use, or cause to be made or used, a false record or statement material to an obligation to pay or transmit money or property to the government; or to conceal or improperly avoid or decrease an obligation to pay or transmit money or property to the United States. COUNT V VIOLATION OF THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS REFORM, RECOVERY AND ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 1989, 12 U.S.C. § 1833A (FIRREA) 119. The allegations in paragraphs 1 through 101 above are
incorporated herein by reference. 120. The Banks knowingly made or presented false and fictitious claims
to Departments of the United States. 121. 122. The claims were material to decisions of the United States. In connection with matters within the jurisdiction of the United
States, the Banks knowingly and willfully engaged in conduct that: (a) falsified, concealed or covered up by artifices, schemes or devices, material facts, (b) made statements and representations that violate 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a), and (c) made and
used false writings or documents knowing the same to contain materially false and fictitious statements and entries. 123. institutions. COUNT VI VIOLATION OF THE SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT, 50 U.S.C. APP. §§ 501, ET SEQ. 124. The allegations in paragraphs 1 through 101 above are The Banks’ schemes affected federally insured financial
incorporated herein by reference. 125. The financial firms engaged in the wrongful conduct described
herein violated the protections afforded servicemembers by the SCRA and 50 U.S.C. App. §§ 521, 527 and 533 and constituted a pattern or practice of violation. 126. The servicemembers affected by such wrongful conduct suffered
damages and are aggrieved persons under the SCRA. 127. The financial firms engaged in the wrongful conduct described
herein acted intentionally, willfully, and/or in disregard of the rights of the affected servicemembers. COUNT VII DECLARATORY JUDGMENT UNDER 28 U.S.C. §§ 2201 and 2202 REGARDING THE BANKS’ BANKRUPTCY MISCONDUCT 128. The allegations in paragraphs 1 through 101 above are
The Banks implemented and relied on inadequate bankruptcy
procedures and thereby have prejudiced debtors, creditors, including the United States, and the courts in bankruptcy cases, have caused increased errors, delays, and costs of administration in bankruptcy cases, and constitute a continuing abuse of the bankruptcy process. 130. The Banks implemented and relied on inadequate bankruptcy
procedures and thereby have violated the standards of conduct required of creditors by applicable law, including the Bankruptcy Code and the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, or have caused violations of such law. 131. The Banks implemented and relied upon inadequate bankruptcy
procedures that abused the bankruptcy process. 132. The Banks’ unlawful conduct has resulted in injury to the United
States and to debtors in bankruptcy who have had their home loans serviced by the Banks. The harm sustained by such debtors includes payment of improper fees and charges, unreasonable delays and expenses in their bankruptcy cases, and loss of homes due to improper, unlawful, or undocumented foreclosures. The harm sustained by the United States includes reduced and delayed recoveries to the United States in its capacity as a creditor in bankruptcy cases. Such conduct has also caused the United States to assume increased administrative duties in monitoring bankruptcy cases, and to incur expenses in the investigations and litigation of the Banks’ unlawful conduct.
COUNT VIII DAMAGES UNDER COMMON LAW RELATED TO THE BANKS’ BANKRUPTCY MISCONDUCT 133. The allegations in paragraphs 1 through 101 above are
incorporated herein by reference. 134. The Banks implemented and relied on inadequate bankruptcy
procedures and thereby has prejudiced debtors, creditors, including the United States, and the courts in bankruptcy cases, has led to increased errors, delays, and costs of administration in bankruptcy cases, and constitutes a continuing abuse of the bankruptcy process. 135. The Banks’ abuse of the bankruptcy process violated a duty or
duties owed by the Banks to the debtors, the courts, and other parties in such bankruptcy cases, including the United States. 136. The Banks’ abuse of the bankruptcy process violates a federal
policy, reflected in the Bankruptcy Code and the Bankruptcy Rules, in favor of the efficient and equitable administration of bankruptcy cases, as well as the policy of ensuring accuracy in claims submitted to the bankruptcy courts. 137. The Banks’ unlawful conduct has resulted in injury to the United
States and to debtors in bankruptcy who have had their home loans serviced by the Banks. The harm sustained by such debtors includes payment of improper fees and charges, unreasonable delays and expenses in their bankruptcy cases, and loss of homes due to improper, unlawful, or undocumented foreclosures. The harm sustained by the United States includes reduced and delayed recoveries to the United States in its capacity as a creditor in bankruptcy cases. Such conduct 46
has also caused the United States to assume increased administrative duties in monitoring bankruptcy cases, and to incur expenses in the investigations and litigation of the Banks’ unlawful conduct. PRAYER FOR RELIEF WHEREFORE, the United States and the Plaintiff States respectfully request that judgment be entered in their favor and against the Banks as follows: 1. On Count I, judgment against the Defendants, injunctive relief to
restrain the Banks from further unlawful conduct; an order requiring disgorgement of unlawful gains obtained by the Banks as a result of their unlawful conduct; restitution or other remedial relief to compensate individual victims of the Banks’ unlawful conduct; civil penalties; and attorney fees and costs of investigation. 2. On Count II, judgment against the Defendants, injunctive relief to
restrain the Banks from further unlawful conduct; an order requiring disgorgement of unlawful gains obtained by the Banks as a result of their unlawful conduct; restitution or other remedial relief to compensate individual victims of the Banks’ unlawful conduct; civil penalties; and attorney fees and costs of investigation. 3. On Count III, judgment against the Defendants, injunctive relief to
restrain the Banks from further unlawful conduct; an order requiring disgorgement of unlawful gains obtained by the Banks as a result of their unlawful conduct; restitution or other remedial relief to compensate individual
victims of the Banks’ unlawful conduct; civil penalties; and attorney fees and costs of investigation. 4. On Count IV, judgment against the Defendants, for treble damages
and civil penalties in an amount as the Court may determine between $5,500 and $11,000 for each violation; 5. On Count V, for a civil penalty of up to $1 million dollars for each
violation, plus such other relief as is in connection with each false entry or assignment, or such greater amount as provided by law; 6. On Count VI, declaratory and injunctive relief, as appropriate, and
an award of damages to be paid to each identifiable victim of the Defendants’ violations of the SCRA; 7. On Counts VII and VIII, for appropriate declaratory relief and for
compensatory damages, in an amount to be determined at trial, and for necessary post-judgment relief to prohibit the Defendants from violating 11 U.S.C. §§ 362 and 501, and from acting in violation of 11 U.S.C. § 524; and 8. and equitable. For all other and further relief as the Court may deem just proper
Georgia Deparfrnent of Law 40 Capitol Square, S.W. Atlantao Georgia 30334 Tel.: 404-656-3337 Fax: 404-656-0677
___________________________ THOMAS J. MILLER Attorney General 1305 E. Walnut St. Des Moines, IA 50319 Tel: 515-281-5164 Fax: 515- 281-4209
For the State of Louisiana: JAMES D. "BUDDY" CALDWELL Attorney General
SETTRlA GLAS ER PLEASANT Louisiana State Bar # 25396 Assistant Attorney General Director of Public Protection Division 1885 North Third Street, 4th Floor Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Tel: 225-326-6452 Fax: 225-326-6498
~~ ~1~~+
68 For The Commonwealth Of Massachusetts: MARTHA COAKLEY Attorney General
AMBER ANDE SON VILLA Mass. BBO #647566 Assistant Attorney General Public Protection and Advocacy Bureau Consumer Protection Division One Ashburton Place Boston, MA 02108 Tel: 617-727-2200
ttomey General JAMES P. MOLLOY Assistant Attorney General Montana Department of Justice 215 N. Sanders
59624 406-444-2026 406-444-3549
MTCHAEL A. DELANE Attorney General N.H. Department of Justice 33 Capitol Street Concord, New Hampshire 03301 Tel.: 603-271-3658 Fax: 603-271-21[0
JEFFREY S. CHIESA ATTORNEY GENERAL O NEW JERSEY
Box 45029
Newark, New Jersey 07101 Tel.: 973-877-1280 Fax: 973-648-4887
___________________________ ALAN WILSON Attorney General JOHN W. MCINTOSH Chief Deputy Attorney General C. HAVIRD JONES, JR. Assistant Deputy Attorney General MARY FRANCES JOWERS Assistant Attorney General South Carolina Attorney General’s Office 1000 Assembly Street, Room 519 Columbia, SC 29201 Tel.: 803-734-3970 Fax: 803-734-3677
For the State of South Dakota:
___________________________ MARTY J. JACKLEY Attorney General 1302 E. Highway 14, Suite 1 Pierre, SD 57501 Tel.: 605-773-3215 Fax: 605-773-4106
For the State of Tennessee:
___________________________ ROBERT E. COOPER, JR. Attorney General and Reporter Office of the Tennessee Attorney General 425 Fifth Avenue North Nashville, TN 37243-3400 Tel.: 615-741-3491 Fax: 615-741-2009
SA. DAROSS te Bar No. 05391500 Assistant Attorney General Consumer Protection Division 401 E. Franklin Avenue, Suite 530 El Paso, Texas 79901 Tel.: 915- 834-5800 Fax: 915-542-1546
For the State of Utah:
__________________________ MARK L. SHURTLEFF Utah Attorney General 350 North State Street, #230 Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2320 Tel.: 801-538-1191 Fax: 801-538-1121
OBERT M.'MCKENNA WSBA# 18327 Attorney General 1125 Washington Street SE Olympia, WA 98504-0100 Tel: 360-753-6200
DAVID W. HUjPt""'WSSA #31380 Assistant Attorney General Consumer Protection Division Washington Attorney General's Office 1250 Pacific Avenue, Suite 105 PO Box 2317 Tacoma, 'JV A 98402-4411 Tel: 253-593-5243
- 96­
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