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An ethics complaint alleges that Representative Adam Schiff committed fraud and perjury by declaring both his California and Maryland homes as primary residences, violating state and federal laws. Investigators claim Schiff manipulated the system to obtain lower mortgage rates and other financial benefits.
Between 2001 and 2013, Schiff allegedly checked the "principal residence" box on mortgage applications in both states. This could constitute voter fraud in California, as his voter registration documents listed Burbank as his residence. Financial benefits include lower mortgage rates, property taxes, and insurance rates, as well as federal tax deductions.
In 2009, Schiff admitted to a "mistake," claiming it was a clerical error. However, he refinanced the Maryland property in 2011 and 2013, again checking the "principal residence" box. In a recent refinance around 2020, he checked "second home," suggesting awareness of the violations. Penalties for mortgage fraud are harsher in Maryland, potentially influencing Schiff's defense strategy. A Trump DOJ could prosecute these crimes, as the statute of limitations may not have kicked in due to recent discovery of the alleged fraud.