Clay County Man Pleads Guilty In Nationwide Mortgage Fraud Scheme

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg  announces that Brian Roy Lozito (53, Orange Park) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Lozito faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and payment of restitution to the victims he defrauded. Lozito was arraigned on the indictment on January 11, 2021, and initially released on bond. The court revoked his bond on November 18, 2022, and subsequently ordered him detained. A sentencing date has not yet been set.    

According to court documents, Lozito owned and managed American Investigative Services (AIS). AIS purported to offer consumers mortgage auditing services in exchange for a fee. Lozito and his conspirators solicited customers nationwide through mailings and telephone calls. In these solicitations, Lozito and AIS employees, under the direction of Lozito, made false and fraudulent representations to consumers, including that AIS would perform “forensic audits” of mortgage documents to uncover evidence of deficiencies in the mortgage documents. Lozito claimed AIS would obtain quitclaim deeds and other remedies, so the mortgage holders would be relieved of their mortgage debt and own their properties free and clear. If AIS could not help the consumer, Lozito promised to refund their money. In reality, AIS did not perform the services paid for by consumers and did not refund money to consumers. Funds collected from consumers went to bank accounts controlled by Lozito. Lozito used the funds to keep AIS operating and for personal expenses. 

This case was investigated by United States Secret Service – Jacksonville Field Office and the State of Florida Office of Attorney General – Consumer Protection Division, with valuable assistance from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. It is being  prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney the Kevin C. Frein. The asset forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran.