A Haverhill, Massachusetts, man has been sentenced to five years in prison and eight years of probation for cheating a Lawrence couple out of $24,000 in a mortgage scam.
James Kyricopoulos was sentenced Monday after he was found guilty of 19 counts of larceny.
The Eagle-Tribune reports that he was also ordered not to engage in providing any type of assistance to others involving money or finances once released.
Prosecutors say the 61-year-old defendant instructed the victims to send their mortgage payments to him rather than the mortgage company. He then used the money for personal expenses, including trips to casinos.
Prosecutors say he took advantage of the couple's difficulty reading English.
The mortgage company worked out a loan modification that allowed the couple to stay in their home.
Man Gets 5 Years in Mortgage Scam
James Kyricopoulos was sentenced Monday after he was found guilty of 19 counts of larceny
Copyright AP - Associated Press
