Attorney and wife indicted for defrauding foreclosure clients

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A Chicago attorney has been charged with defrauding clients who were seeking his help to save their homes from foreclosure — and his wife also faces federal charges for lying to cover up the scheme.

Philip Igoe, 61, is charged with one count of mail fraud, six counts of bankruptcy fraud and one count of obstruction of justice in a criminal indictment returned Tuesday, according to the U.S. State’s Attorney’s office.

His wife, Stacy Igoe, 45, also an attorney, was charged with one count of bankruptcy fraud, two counts of perjury and one count of obstruction of justice, the release said. Both live in Chicago and will be arraigned at a later date in U.S. District Court.

The indictment alleges Philip Ogoe solicited clients who were facing foreclosure by promising they could save their homes by filing for bankruptcy protection or loan modification, the release said.

The indictment alleges he collected funds from clients promising to use the funds to make payments for mortgages or Chapter 13 bankruptcy plans, the release said. In reality, he used all or most of the funds for his own benefit.

The indictment alleges Philip Igoe concealed important events in bankruptcy cases from clients, provided false reasons for the dismissal of bankruptcy cases and then filed additional bankruptcy plans and charged additional fees.

Stacy Igoe allegedly lied under oath at two bankruptcy proceedings when asked whether she had authorization to file for bankruptcy on behalf of a client. She also allegedly filed a false document stating that a client had completed a credit counseling course when he had not.

Mail fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, with restitution mandatory. Bankruptcy fraud carries a maximum penalty of 5 years and a $250,000 fine. Perjury carries a maximum of 5 years in prison.