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Pontiac Woman Charged With 10 Felonies in Alleged Real-Estate Scam Tied to Nearly $200,000

Prosecutors describe a scheme that took fake down payments for Pontiac homes the defendant did not own.

Overview

  • Oakland County prosecutors announced 10 felony charges against Amanda Escalante-Lopez, 28, with booking on Monday as the case moves into criminal court.
  • Counts include three false pretenses charges of $20,000–$50,000, three of $1,000–$20,000, one larceny by conversion of $20,000 or more, and three of $1,000–$20,000.
  • Authorities say the conduct dates to 2024 and involved verbal land-contract and title deals for properties in Pontiac the defendant did not own.
  • Prosecutors allege victims paid down payments totaling nearly $200,000 and received neither access nor legal title to the homes.
  • Sheriff Michael Bouchard says the scheme used a fake notary and fraudulent receipts, and a named victim describes paying $6,000 after a Facebook listing without ever obtaining a title.