Real estate agent charged in fraud case

TAMPA — Tampa real estate agent David Morgan was charged on Thursday in federal court with two counts of bankruptcy fraud and one count of falsification of records in a bankruptcy proceeding.

Authorities allege Morgan engaged in a bankruptcy fraud scheme with the goal of interfering with a lawfully scheduled property foreclosure sale, according to a statement from U.S. Attorney Maria Lopez's office.

According to the release, Morgan filed fraudulent bankruptcy petitions in a homeowner's name — without the homeowner's knowledge or consent — in a bid to sell the property and obtain illegal real estate commissions.

The indictment also claims Morgan made false declarations on a fraudulent bankruptcy petition he had filed in the name of the homeowner, impeding the proper administration of a bankruptcy proceeding.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Poor will prosecute the case, which could see Morgan sentenced to 30 years in prison if convicted.