CHICAGO (AP) - A 42-year-old Ohio man has been indicted in Chicago for allegedly defrauding more than $300,000 from churches and small businesses nationwide.
Jamal Lawson of Dayton faces three counts of wire fraud.
Federal prosecutors contend Lawson told at least 33 churches and small businesses that his companies had approved mortgage loans for them but that he needed advance fees to cover appraisals and other costs.
Prosecutors say Lawson collected at least $308,000 knowing that he never intended to provide the loans. He's accused of spending the money on travel, clothing, food and cars. The loans totaled at least $537 million.
Three of the churches are in Chicago. The other alleged victims are in: Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, and Virginia.
It wasn't immediately clear whether Lawson has an attorney.
