A Big Bribe Gave a Home Broker Some Jail Time
Larry Lupton, a Brookfield, Wisconsin home broker is convicted after asking for a $75,000 kickback from the buyer of the $30 million state office building and for being economical on the FBI with the truth.
Sentencing guidelines suggest 41 to 51 month imprisonment while the prosecution wants four years. Lupton’s lawyer then asks for probation only. But U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman decided to give Lupton 2 years instead and refused bail while the appeal is ongoing as she sees it as a delaying tactic to avoid prison time.
Judge Adelman says that this is a non-political and uncomplicated case of simple bribery.
Lupton have been defending himself for two long years and testified that he was only following the state law of Winsconsin by presenting his potential buyer a competitor’s bid. The home broker says that this is a usual practice in the real estate business. He reiterated until the day of his judgment that he did what was necessary and acted for the best interest of his state, Wisconsin.
And due to Lupton’s refusal to plead guilty, he had to face a tougher punishment.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Haastad says that the home broker’s defense is a big lie to try and cover his personal interests.
Judge Adelman says that Lupton may have opted to ask for a bribe because he can not handle his uncontrolled gambling problem. Investigation shows that Lupton used $576,000 of his so-called earnings to gamble within 5 years only. During the time of the bribery in early 2007, it was found out that the home broker is in the middle of losing straights in the casino while he was not doing well in UGL Equis Corp.
The sale of the office building was then cancelled after the bribery was exposed.
Here we can see how troubled home brokers can take advantage on their unknowing buyers. So, before sealing in a deal, make sure you know your real estate broker and the process you are going through. Validate that what you are paying for is necessary and legit. You can never tell when your home broker is taking advantage of your ignorance.
