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Fox News
4 days ago
- Business
- Fox News
How Trump's 'no shrinking violets' DOJ is digging in on Schiff's mortgage dealings as legal peril looms
The Department of Justice is likely digging into Sen. Adam Schiff's mortgage paperwork trail stretching back to a Maryland home purchase from the early 2000s as it weighs whether it has an airtight case to potentially prosecute the longtime political foe of President Donald Trump, according to a Cornell Law School professor. "The one thing they don't want to do is to bring a case that fails," William Jacobson told Fox Digital in a Zoom interview, referring to the DOJ potentially investigating Schiff's alleged mortgage fraud. Jacobson is a clinical professor and the Director of the Securities Law Clinic at Cornell. "Either it fails legally, or it fails in court. They don't want to lose that case if you're going against a major political opponent. And that's part of the calculation that will take place." Jacobson talked about the ins and outs of the Democratic California senator's potential legal woes following the U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency sending a letter to the DOJ this year claiming that Schiff falsified banking and property documents by listing two homes – on two separate coasts – as his primary residence out of an effort to allegedly get more favorable loans. The DOJ has not yet said whether it would take up the case, but is likely digging into Schiff's paper trail as it weighs whether to move forward, Jacobson explained. "I would expect that the first thing the Department of Justice is going to do is to gather documents. There will be a paper trail here. There will be many things that are documentable, and not 'he said, she said,' as to where Adam Schiff was actually living," he said. As investigators go through the documents, they will ask questions such as: What was his actual primary residence? What did he sign? Who was present when he signed? Did he have conversations with people about it? The law professor, who founded the popular conservative legal blog Legal Insurrection, said that there will likely be a "significant paper trail" to go through due to the case stretching back more than 20 years and due to companies keeping tight records following the 2008 financial crash. "Mortgage companies preserve all of these things because of the financial crisis and other things. They have to maintain these records. . . . And I would expect that that would be the first thing the Department of Justice would look at is the paper trail and the circumstantial evidence as to where Adam Schiff was, in fact, living," he continued, remarking that there are "no shrinking violets" at the Trump DOJ. Schiff first fell under scrutiny this year in May, when the U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) sent a letter to the Department of Justice sounding the alarm that, in "multiple instances," Schiff allegedly "falsified bank documents and property records to acquire more favorable loan terms, impacting payments from 2003-2019 for a Potomac, Maryland-based property." At the heart of the issue are two properties purchased by Schiff: a home purchased in 2003 in Potomac, Maryland, for $870,000 under a Fannie Mae-backed mortgage agreement for $610,000 at a rate of 5.625% over a term of 30 years, and a 2009 Burbank, Calif., condo. Schiff reaffirmed the Potomac property as his principal residence in mortgage refinancing paperwork in 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2013, according to the FHFA letter to the DOJ. Over the same time frame, Schiff took a homeowner's tax exemption on the Burbank condo while also claiming that home as his primary residence for a $7,000 reduction off of the 1% property tax, FHFA Director William Pulte wrote in the letter to the DOJ, citing media reports. In 2023, the letter continued, a spokesperson for Schiff asserted that "Adam's primary residence is Burbank, California, and will remain so when he wins the Senate seat." FHFA is an independent federal agency that oversees Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Bank System. In 2020, Schiff refinanced his mortgage, listing his Maryland home as his secondary residence. Trump publicly slammed Schiff over his mortgages in July on Truth Social, accusing him of fraud and putting the issue back on the public's radar following 2023 news reports on Schiff's homes in Maryland and California. "I have always suspected Shifty Adam Schiff was a scam artist," Trump posted to Truth Social Tuesday. "And now I learn that Fannie Mae's Financial Crimes Division have concluded that Adam Schiff has engaged in a sustained pattern of possible Mortgage Fraud." "Adam Schiff said that his primary residence was in MARYLAND to get a cheaper mortgage and rip off America, when he must LIVE in CALIFORNIA because he was a Congressman from CALIFORNIA. I always knew Adam Schiff was a Crook. The FRAUD began with the refinance of his Maryland property on February 6, 2009, and continued through multiple transactions until the Maryland property was correctly designated as a second home on October 13, 2020." Schiff has repeatedly denied and brushed off the accusations, including refusing to answer questions from Fox News Digital about his alleged mortgage fraud when confronted in the nation's capital on July 16. "Since I led his first impeachment, Trump has repeatedly called for me to be arrested for treason. So in a way, I guess this is a bit of a letdown. And this baseless attempt at political retribution won't stop me from holding him accountable. Not by a long shot," he posted to X in July following Trump's initial Truth Social attack on Schiff's mortgages. "This is just Donald Trump's latest attempt at political retaliation against his perceived enemies. So it is not a surprise, only how weak this false allegation turns out to be. And much as Trump may hope, this smear will not distract from his Epstein files problem," he added. Schiff's primary residence discrepancies first hit the public's radar in 2023, when Schiff launched an ultimately successful campaign to serve in the Senate after decades in the U.S. House. CNN published the first news article detailing that Schiff had claimed the Maryland home as a primary residence while also taking a homeowner's tax exemption on the Burbank condo. The campaign said at the time that Schiff's two properties were listed as primary residences "for loan purposes because they are both occupied throughout the year and to distinguish them from a vacation property." Trump and Schiff have long been political foes, which was underscored during Trump's first administration when Schiff served as the lead House manager during the first impeachment trial against Trump in 2020, and when Schiff repeatedly promoted claims that Trump's 2016 campaign colluded with Russia. Days after Trump first posted about Schiff's mortgages in Maryland and California, the president's Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, declassified documents that reportedly show "overwhelming evidence" that then-President Barack Obama and his national security team laid the groundwork for what would be the yearslong Trump–Russia collusion probe after Trump's election win against former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2016. Schiff was an incredibly vocal lawmaker amid the Russian collusion claims, most notably when the House censured him in 2023 over his promotion that Trump's 2016 campaign colluded with Russia. Schiff served in the House representing California from 2001 to 2024, when he was sworn-in as a senator after his successful 2024 campaign to serve in the nation's upper chamber. Schiff served as the ranking member of the House intelligence committee from 2015 to 2019, before becoming the committee's chair from 2019 to 2023. In that role, he was kept up to date on classified materials surrounding the Russian collusion claims. Trump also recently invoked Gabbard's alleged revelations while attacking Schiff over his mortgages in another Truth Social post. Trump went on to ominously warn during a White House event last week that Schiff has "a lot of other things far worse than" his mortgage inquiry. "He defrauded banks and insurance companies and the federal government, but it's, very simple. It's mortgage loan fraud ... But he has a lot of other things far worse than that. So no Adam Schiff, they have him 100% on mortgage fraud," Trump said last Tuesday from the White House while hosting a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Jacobson said that Democrats have boxed themselves out of attempting to claim that Trump is targeting a political foe over the mortgage criminal referral because the party had spent the last decade launching "lawfare" at Trump. "One of the ironies here that I think everybody understands, is that Democrats launched a lawfare campaign against Donald Trump. And it didn't just start once he took office this year. It's been going on for a decade," he said. "They have used every tool available to try to destroy him, including through criminal prosecutions, including through federal investigations. . . . They've really tried to get him. And for them now to say, 'oh, just because we did that to you for 10 years doesn't give you the right to do it to us.' Legally, that's sound. I mean, you have to prove your case in court. But politically, I don't think that's going to fly. Democrats screaming that Donald Trump is weaponizing prosecutors against them is not going to really impress a lot of people." Jacobson speculated that there will likely be more woes for Schiff in the coming days, but that potential legal cases hinge on prosecutors. "We don't know where this is going ahead, of course, but it does appear that Adam Schiff is in the sights of Donald Trump. No surprise about that, because Donald Trump has been in the sights of Adam Schiff for a decade. So, I fully expect that there will be more here. The question is going to be really though, once it moves into the realm of prosecution, what are the prosecutors going to do?" The Department of Justice declined comment when approached about potentially investigating and taking up the Schiff case. Schiff's office did not respond to Fox Digital's request for comment.
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dog the Bounty Hunter's Family Guide: Meet the Reality Star's Children and Their Mothers
Duane 'Dog the Bounty Hunter' Chapman is the head of a booming brood that contains 13 children from six different relationships. Scroll down to meet his family: Christopher Michael Hecht Dog became a father for the first time as a teenager when his ex-girlfriend Debbie White gave birth to son Christopher in 1972. At the time of his son's birth, the future bail bondsman was serving an 18-month prison sentence in Texas. He was later adopted by Keith Hecht and Gloria Hecht after his birth mother tragically died by suicide. Christopher has faced a series of legal woes throughout his life. He was reportedly arrested in 2008 on suspicions of a third-degree assault. In February 2021, the Sun reported he was sentenced to three years in prison following a menacing arrest in Colorado. Kris Jenner, Keke Wyatt and More Celebrity Parents With the Biggest Broods Duane Lee II and Leland Blane Chapman The reality star walked down the aisle for the first time with La Fonda Sue Darnell. The pair welcomed sons Duane Lee II and Leeland in 1973 and 1976, respectively. Both of his sons followed in their dad's footsteps to work as bail bondsmen and worked alongside Dog at Da'Kine Bail Bonds in Hawaii. Both Duane Lee II and Leland also appeared on their father's series Dog the Bounty Hunter. Leeland, for his part, has been married twice. He first tied the knot with Maui Chapman in 1995, and they went on to welcome sons Dakota and Cobie before their 2005 split. He also shares daughter Leiah with ex Lynette Yi, from whom he split before he wed model Jamie Pilar Chapman in 2016. Zebidiah, Wesley and James Robert Chapman After his split from Darnell, Dog moved on with second wife Ann Tegnell, whom he wed in August 1979. The twosome welcomed their first child son Zebadiah in 1980, but the infant passed away one month after his birth. After the loss of Zebadiah, they later welcomed sons Wesley and James Robert in 1980 and 1982, respectively, before deciding to separate. After his parents split, Wesley was raised by his maternal grandparents and reconnected with his dad later in life. He is the dad of two daughters, Chloe and Peyton, from a previous relationship. Wesley went on to found the nonprofit, The Human Project, and runs the Chapman Springs Ranch alongside his wife Jodie. Jennifer Lopez, Drew Barrymore and More Celebrities Who Have Been Married Three Times or More Barbara Katie, Tucker Dee and Lyssa Rae Chapman Dog tied the knot for the third time in 1982 with Lyssa Rae Brittain after meeting at a bar two days before their ceremony, which was reportedly performed by a Native American chief in the Colorado mountains. They share three children: Barbara, Tucker and Lyssa Rae who were born in 1982, 1983 and 1987, respectively. In 2006, Barbara tragically died at age 23 in a car crash. She is survived by her son Travis. Lyssa, for her part, is mother of daughters Abbie Mae and Madalynn with her ex-husband Braham Galanti. She later moved on with Leiana Evensen whom she wed in 2022. Bonnie Joanne and Garry Chapman The fifth time was the charm for Dog when he met his late wife, Beth Chapman. The couple — who ultimately wed in 2006 — welcomed two children: Bonnie Joanne and Garry in 1998 and 2001, respectively before they tied the knot. Since Beth's passing in June 2019 due to complications of throat and lung cancer, Bonnie and her father have had their fair share of ups and downs over the years. Before his 2021 nuptials to Francie Fane, Bonnie accused her father of being unfaithful to her mother which cost her an invite to his wedding. Cecily Barmore-Chapman Dog adopted Beth's daughter Cecily, whom she had from a previous marriage, once the couple walked down the aisle. Celebrity Dads Who Had Children Late in Life Jon In June 2023, Dog announced he had just 'discovered' he had fathered a son named Jon whose birthday coincidentally landed on the same day Beth had passed away. 'For the last four years, this day was a terrible reminder of one of the greatest losses of my life,' he wrote via Instagram on the fourth anniversary of the death of his late wife. 'But God redeemed this day when I discovered my son Jon, who I just met recently, was born on this day. So now instead of sorrow, this day has a new meaning. This is my son Jon and his wife Jodi.' While Dog did not share any details about the identity of his son's mother, he teased he would be sharing more about Jon in his upcoming memoir Nine Lives and Counting, which will be available in 2024. Gregory and Anthony Zecca On July 20, TMZ reported that his wife's grandson, 13-year-old Anthony, died as a result of an accidental shooting. 'We are grieving as a family over this incomprehensible tragic accident and would ask for continued prayers as we grieve the loss of our beloved grandson, Anthony,' Dog and Francie said in a statement to the outlet. The shooting happened in the Zecca family home in Naples, Florida. Gregory is Francie's son from her previous marriage. Solve the daily Crossword
Bloomberg
10-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
All Eyes on Bolsonaro With Lula, Trump Locked in Trade Fight
As Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Donald Trump trade blows, the person they are fighting over has sent mixed signals to investors trying to divine who will blink first. Jair Bolsonaro, Lula's arch-nemesis whose legal woes were the basis of Trump's 50% tariff salvo, is barred from running against a rival who staged the kind of comeback he aspires to now.
Fox News
20-06-2025
- Business
- Fox News
Ousted Dem 'super mayor' charges whopping price tag for tell-all book while dodging legal troubles
Print Close By Julia Bonavita Published June 20, 2025 The embattled former Chicago suburb "super mayor" has announced her latest business venture as her legal woes continue to pile up following a tumultuous time in office. Tiffany Henyard, the former Democratic mayor of Dolton, has announced she is peddling a "tell-all" autobiography, titled "Standing on Business." In a Facebook post, the disgraced politician vowed "the real story is coming" while sharing a link to pre-order the book - which boasts a price tag of $99 and is reportedly the first of a three-part series - from a self-publishing website. FORMER DEM 'SUPER MAYOR' PLEADS THE FIFTH AFTER FAILING TO PRODUCE PUBLIC RECORDS IN COURT "From mommy moves to making history, [Henyard] is not just showing up," she wrote. "She's standing on business." However, the former mayor's constituents appeared less than pleased, taking their opinions online to voice their skepticism of Henyard's latest business venture. "Still trying to hustle money!" one commenter said in the Dolton Politics Facebook Page. "Michelle Obama's bestseller was cheaper than this mess," another poster wrote. "The unmitigated gal!" SELF-PROCLAIMED DEMOCRATIC 'SUPER MAYOR' ORDERED TO COURT AS SCANDAL-PLAGUED TENURE UNRAVELS Henyard's attorneys did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Henyard's announcement comes as she faces several legal woes stemming from her time as Dolton mayor and Thornton Township supervisor after her reelection bid proved unsuccessful. Earlier this month, Henyard pleaded the Fifth in a court hearing over a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit from her time at the helm. "The smear campaign against Tiffany Henyard, which began while she was in office, continues even now that she is out of office," her attorney, Beau Bridley, previously said in a statement to Fox News Digital. CRITIC OF EMBATTLED DOLTON, ILLINOIS MAYOR SEES BUSINESS DESTROYED BY 'SUSPICIOUS' FIRE: OFFICIALS Henyard was previously held in contempt of court after she failed to hand over public documents related to the lawsuit. Her attorney subsequently acknowledged the former mayor does not have the requested documents, with an Illinois judge ruling Henyard's legal team can submit an affidavit in its place. "The mayor has no document that the plaintiff seeks," Bridley said. "This matter is going to be resolved with a simple affidavit. The whole hearing was much ado about nothing." The lawsuit was initially filed by the Edgar County Watchdogs Inc. in response to the organization suing Henyard and the Village of Dolton for failing to produce financial records after the documents were requested under federal FOIA laws. 'SUPER MAYOR' TIFFANY HENYARD SKIPS DOLTON MEETINGS AS CONTROVERSIAL TENURE NEARS QUIET END "We had little doubt Ms. Henyard would use losing the election as an excuse not to produce the documents," Edward "Coach" Weinhaus, attorney for Edgar County Watchdogs, previously said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Invoking the Fifth Amendment for a criminal investigation was an added wrinkle. The Watchdogs will keep looking for the documents even if the voters might have inadvertently thrown out the documents with the mayor." Henyard initially made national headlines in April 2024 after officials in her administration were served with subpoenas from the FBI in response to an alleged corruption investigation, FOX 32 Chicago reported. Henyard, however, was never charged. In response to the FBI's investigation, village trustees voted to hire former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightful to investigate Henyard's spending during her time as mayor, with the meeting spiraling into chaos as Henyard's supporters clashed with her opponents. SELF-PROCLAIMED DEMOCRATIC 'SUPER MAYOR' ORDERED TO COURT AS SCANDAL-PLAGUED TENURE UNRAVELS The financial probe reportedly revealed the village's bank account fell from its initial $5.6 million balance to a $3.6 million deficit. Earlier this year, Henyard subsequently lost the city's mayoral primary to Jason House, who was sworn into office in May. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP On the same day of her election loss, federal authorities slapped the Village of Dolton with a subpoena demanding records tied to a land development project allegedly tied to Henyard's boyfriend. Fox News Digital's Michael Dorgan contributed to this report. Print Close URL
