Former Willingboro mayor convicted of mortgage fraud.

A federal jury in New Jersey has convicted Nathaniel Anderson, a former mayor of Willingboro Township and current town councilman, along with his business associate Chrisone D. Anderson, of mortgage fraud. The verdict, announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, follows a trial that lasted two weeks and concluded with jury deliberations lasting under three hours.

Nathaniel Anderson, 59, and Chrisone Anderson, 58, from Sicklerville, were found guilty on multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution, bank fraud, and two counts of making false statements on a mortgage application. The case was overseen by U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch in Trenton, New Jersey.

Sentencing for both individuals is scheduled to take place on June 1. Chrisone Anderson’s attorney, Troy A. Archie, affirmed plans to appeal the conviction to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, expressing respect for the jury’s decision while indicating an ongoing challenge to the verdict. The legal representation for Nathaniel Anderson did not provide comments as the federal public defenders were unavailable for further inquiries.

Prosecutors detailed that the fraudulent scheme was orchestrated to avoid foreclosure on Nathaniel Anderson’s home in 2015. The plan involved Chrisone Anderson posing as a legitimate buyer of the property, asserting that Nathaniel Anderson would no longer reside there. This deception aimed to persuade the mortgage lender to forgive Anderson’s remaining loan, contingent upon the sale of the property under false pretenses.

Key elements of the fraud involved misrepresentation of the property’s intended use, particularly claims that Chrisone Anderson would occupy the home as her primary residence. The investigation revealed that Nathaniel Anderson had been facing financial difficulties since 2009 when he and his ex-wife began to fall behind on mortgage payments, ultimately leading to their divorce.

The legal ramifications of this case underscore the challenges in the housing market and the potential for fraudulent activity in distressed financial circumstances. As financial institutions and regulatory bodies remain vigilant against such fraudulent schemes, the convictions reflect ongoing efforts to address and penalize corporate and white-collar crime effectively. The outcome, coupled with the planned appeal, marks a significant development in local governance and financial integrity within the community.

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