Valley Businessman, Associate Charged in Widespread Real Estate Fraud Case

Valley Businessman, Associate Charged
in Widespread Real Estate Fraud Case

April 17, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Joe Scott, Director of Communications
Sandi Gibbons, Public Information Officer
Jane Robison, News Secretary
(213) 974-3525

LOS ANGELES – A Van Nuys businessman and his associate were arrested today on felony charges filed by the District Attorney’s Real Estate Fraud Unit in connection with the alleged swindling of eight victims facing foreclosure of their homes or other property.
Michael “Mickey” Henschel, 59 (dob 3-18-1949), of Van Nuys, and Alan Mitchell, 70 (dob 11-18-1937), of Canoga Park, were arrested on a felony complaint for arrest warrant filed earlier this month by Deputy District Attorney David Fleck They remain in custody and are scheduled to appear for arraignment tomorrow morning in Department (former Division) 30 of Los Angeles Superior Court.

“With the increasing number of foreclosure actions in Los Angeles County and throughout Southern California, unsuspecting home and property owners are being targeted by criminals who hope to enrich themselves through the misery of others,” said District Attorney Steve Cooley. “Those facing foreclosure need to be vigilant as they work to keep their homes. Check out those who claim to offer help. If you suspect that you are being victimized, report it to police immediately.”

Henschel and Mitchell were charged in case No. BA338524 with 71 criminal counts including conspiracy to commit equity purchase fraud, conspiracy to commit grand theft, foreclosure consulting fraud, grand theft, equity purchase fraud, forgery, using forged grant deeds, preparing false documentary evidence, attempted grand theft and attempting to file a false document.

If convicted, Henschel faces a possible maximum state prison term of 29 years and eight months. Mitchell faces a possible maximum term of 15 years and eight months. Henschel is being held on $2 million bail, while Mitchell is in custody on $500,000 bond.

The complaint alleged the crimes occurred starting in 2001 and stretching into the fall of 2007. Victims lived in North Hollywood, Rancho Palos Verdes, Glendale, Los Angeles, Palmdale and Altadena.

Deputies with the Sheriff’s Real Estate Fraud Unit, the lead investigating agency, made the arrests. Henschel was arrested at his office, located at Van Nuys and Victory boulevards in Van Nuys. Mitchell was taken into custody at his home. The arrests were without incident, said Fleck.

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