Two Houston-Area Women Indicted in Mortgage Fraud Involving Nearly $5.9 Million in FHA Losses
HOUSTON, Texas — Two Houston-area women have been indicted on federal charges for allegedly submitting falsified financial documents to mortgage lenders in a scheme that exposed the Federal Housing Administration’s insurance program to approximately $5.9 million in potential losses.
Tammi Hunnicutt, 64, and Taylor Dickson, 33, are accused of participating in a mortgage fraud scheme that operated from approximately October 2019 through September 2023.
According to an unsealed 11-count federal indictment, the women allegedly created fraudulent financial records to help borrowers qualify for FHA and conventional mortgage loans.
Hunnicutt made her initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Palermo on October 2, 2026. Dickson appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray on October 15.
Prosecutors Allege Falsified Pay Stubs, W-2 Forms and Bank Statements
Federal prosecutors allege that Hunnicutt and Dickson submitted mortgage loan applications supported by falsified financial documents.
The documents included pay stubs, W-2 tax forms and bank statements that allegedly misrepresented borrowers’ employment and income.
According to the indictment, the fraudulent records were intended to make borrowers appear financially qualified for mortgage loans they might not otherwise have received.
The alleged scheme involved applications submitted to multiple mortgage lenders over nearly four years.
U.S. Attorney Aaron F. Reitz said the alleged conduct threatened the integrity of mortgage lending.
“Mortgage fraud undermines the integrity of our financial system and puts lenders, taxpayers, and legitimate homebuyers at risk,” Reitz said. “The defendants allegedly created fraudulent financial documents to help borrowers obtain loans they might not otherwise qualify for.”
FHA Insurance Program Exposed to $5.89 Million in Potential Losses
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General said the alleged scheme exposed the FHA insurance program to approximately $5,890,112.30 in potential losses.
Special Agent in Charge Grant Permenter said investigators believe the defendants helped borrowers obtain FHA and conventional loans by falsifying their financial qualifications.
“By misrepresenting borrowers’ financial qualifications, their actions exposed the FHA insurance program to approximately $5,890,112.30 in potential losses,” Permenter said.
The figure represents potential exposure to the FHA insurance program, rather than a confirmed amount of financial losses.
Defendants Face Up to 30 Years in Federal Prison on Certain Charges
If convicted, Hunnicutt and Dickson face substantial federal penalties.
For conspiracy to commit wire fraud or wire fraud, each faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible fine of up to $250,000.
For making false statements to a mortgage lending business, each faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a possible maximum fine of $1 million.
Special Agent in Charge Christopher Lane of the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General’s Central Region said his agency investigates mortgage fraud schemes, particularly those involving industry insiders.
“The Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General vigorously investigates schemes to commit mortgage fraud, particularly those involving loan officers and other industry insiders who have a duty to conduct honest business,” Lane said.
Three Federal Agencies Investigated Alleged Mortgage Fraud
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General and the Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rodolfo Ramirez and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Shalimar Addy are prosecuting the case.
