Thousands Work with Criminal Records

Thousands with criminal records work unlicensed as loan originators BY: MATTHEW HAGGMAN, ROB BARRY and JACK DOLANmhaggman@MiamiHerald.com Gary Kafka, former body builder with a long rap sheet and violent past, wrote millions of dollars in mortgages in South Florida without ever applying for a state license. Fresh out of prison after serving time for bank fraud, he never went through a criminal background check before selling loans. He never took a competency exam. He never had to. More than half the mortgage professionals registered in Florida -- 120,563 -- entered the industry this decade without being licensed by the state, The Miami Herald found. Known as loan originators, they perform the same job as mortgage brokers but aren't bound by the same rules. To read more go to MiamiHerald.com. * Reminder: The South Broward Bar Association will be held at the Ark Restaurant at 12:00 PM in the ballroom. RSVP to Nellie Hassett at 954-791-3939, Hassettlaw@bellsouth.net, defenderno1@bellsouth.net, or online at the South Broward Bar Association Website. Thank You and we look forward to seeing you there! The information I am posting comes from the Web or Hassett and Associates P.A. If you would like to learn more about us go to http://www.criminaldefense.cc/.

Hate Crime Protection for Homeless

Treat crime severely, but not as a hate crime THE ISSUE: Duo seeks hate crime protection for homeless.

Topics: Homelessness Laws Crimes

Sun Sentinel Editorial Board July 11, 2009 Nobody questions that crimes against the homeless, in South Florida and elsewhere, have been gruesome, violent and cowardly.What is highly questionable is whether those deplorable crimes should be classified as hate crimes.State Rep. Ari Porth, D-Coral Springs, along with an assist from Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti, are spearheading the movement to make Florida the second state — after Maryland — to include homeless people as a protected group under its hate-crimes statute. A noble idea, to be sure, but the state would be best served by judges handing out stiff sentences for all violent crimes. The South Broward Bar Association is only a few days away. RSVP as soon as possible. Thank and we look forward to seeing you there! The information I am posting comes from the Web or Hassett and Associates P.A. If you would like to learn more about us go to www.criminaldefense.cc.