By DeeinAustin™
This Friday's story focuses on Austin custom home builder involved with Maravilla. (NOTE. The builder has not been indicted for charges, so names will be kept anonymous.)
According to readers, local sources, and information available to the public, a 'Maravilla Builder' may soon be under investigation by several Texas legal authorities for accusations around their involvement in Maravilla, a subdivision that resulted in Texas Builder Mike Kelly filing bankruptcy.
Kelly confessed to an agreed order from Texas Residential Construction Commission (TRCC) for his actions.
One Maravilla Builder's license was deactivated in February for reasons unknown to us.
We were told that current accusations from private individuals against a Maravilla Builder include:
- Fraud
- Misuse of Funds
- Improper advertising of a subdivision
- Improper use of an unlicensed person in performing real estate licensee duties
If you'd like more information about the Maravilla fraud case and related accusations against other builders, here are some local resources:
- KVUE Television Reporter Christine Haas. Christine filmed a follow up story regarding the accusations regarding a builder's involvement. The story may air at a future date.
- Detective Mike Griffin with Travis County DA office handled the Kelly case. He has been sent nine requests to investigate affidavits for further accusations.
- Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) has a consumer complaint process. They regulate estate licensees and may be able to provide records.
- Texas Residential Construction Commission (TRCC) Michael Chisum. He led the Kelly investigation and is an attorney for the TRCC. He can be contacted for copies of complaints against this builder or any Texas home builder.
Note: Lender Michael Breon was indicted for his involvement in a separate mortgage scheme. U.S Attorney Marc Lane is the prosecutor handling his trial, which takes place this week. No other builders or Michael Breon has been proven guilty, so are still presumed innocent at this time.
WANT TO READ MORE? SEE THESE STORIES
- Maravilla homes in financial trouble.
- Maravilla Files for Bankruptcy.
- Mike Kelly Confesses to Fraud at Maravilla.
- More from a Blogger covering the Maravilla Homes Story.
- KVUE's story November 2007 about the Maravilla scandal.
- Contact the Texas Residential Construction Commission.
- How to minimize risk when building a new home.
Dee, great follow up on this story. I applaud your efforts to cover issues that may be controversial and provide a great forum for people to exercise their first amendment rights.
Shame on lawyers that try to bully people like you with threatening letters when they should instead be focusing on doing their jobs and protecting their clients in the courtroom.
Posted by: Edward Lui | Friday, March 28, 2008 at 09:04 AM
UPDATE: Michael Breon was convicted Friday on all charges. I can't find a press release so maybe the news will cover it later?
Also, thanks Edward for your support! I had to remove the info on the letter from the builder because Keller Williams needed to avoid a slander lawsuit. When they go to justice, I'm going to post their name.
Posted by: Dee Copeland | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Hey
yeah - thanks for sharing this - the community should be aware of facts like this in order not to get in trouble in the future
thanks!
Posted by: Nashville Homes | Saturday, June 28, 2008 at 05:21 AM