California Three Strikes Law for Felony Fraud

The Los Angeles Times reports that a may accused of felony fraud may be the first white collar criminal to face life in prison under California’s controversial three strikes law.The current charges stem from an accusation that he has been defrauding elderly people as part of a home refinancing scheme. He allegedly tricks people into granting him title to their homes as part of the refinancing. The defendant claims that he is helping out people in serious financial trouble, and allows people to stay in their homes for 3 additional years.

There are 23 criminal charges in this case, including real estate fraud, theft from the elderly, and identity theft.

The defendant’s previous two strikes are the result of convictions for burglary.

California’s three strikes laws were indented to enhance penalties for dangerous, violent “career criminals” who appear to be unrepentant about continuing to commit crimes. After a third felony conviction, a person is sentenced to life in prison.

The fact that the defendant isn’t a violent criminal doesn’t change the fact that what he is accused of is incredibly serious, and destructive to people’s lives. If the accusations are true, then he stole people’s homes right out from under them.

While many people are uneasy with the three strikes laws in general, I agree with Kevin Drum of  Motherjones that having these penalties apply here is within the spirit of the law as intended. This individual, if found guilty, is probably more of a determent to society than the average burgler or serious drug user.

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