Springfield man pleads guilty to concealing fraud

Simmy Wood
·1 min read
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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) – A Springfield restaurant owner has pleaded guilty in federal court to concealing a felony related to wire fraud and false statements on loan applications.

Prosecutors said acceptance of Hernandez-Lopez’s plea is pending before U.S. District Court Judge Sue Myerscough. He will remain free until his sentencing hearing on Aug. 29.

Starting in June 2018, Hernandez-Lopez spent a year hiding the fraudulent nature of several falsified documents that were submitted to loan providers. This included two fraudulent loan packages for his restaurant, La Fiesta Grande, and two more false loan packages for a home mortgage loan.

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On April 1, Hernandez-Lopez admitted that he was aware of the illegality of his actions and took steps to conceal them from loan companies and law enforcement.

He faces up to three years in prison, an up to $250,000 fine, a $100 special assessment and restitution in an amount ordered by the Court.

The Chicago Region of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General investigated this case.

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