Detroit Man Charged With Using Religion To Pull Off Mortgage Scam

SOUTHFIELD (WWJ/AP) - A Detroit man is accused of using religion to gain the confidence of people with mortgage problems and steal more than $300,000.

The Michigan attorney general's office says Anthony Carta's company called "Freedom by Faith Ministries" was a total scam.

Carta, 55,  is accused of taking money from more than 100 people who were led to believe he would help them with their montages through his company.  Authorities say Carta pocketed the cash, but did nothing to assist the customers.

At least one alleged victim lost her home.

Carta is charged with seven crimes: one count of conducting a criminal enterprise, a 20 year felony; one count of false pretenses $20,000 - $50,000, a 15-year felony; and five counts of false pretenses $1,000 - $20,000, all five-year felonies.

"Using the guise of faith to trick innocent people into entrusting their money to a sham organization is deplorable," said Schuette, in a media release.  "My team is committed to partnering with law enforcement to bring down these scam artists wherever they operate."

Carta  was arrested on Wednesday and was scheduled to be arraigned in 46th District Court in Southfield on Thursday.

He doesn't have a listed phone number and it's unknown if he has a lawyer.

Citizens who believe they may have been victims of Carta's "Freedom by Faith Ministries" mortgage assistance scam are encouraged to file complaints with the Attorney General's Office at this link.

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