Watch CBS News

Lockhart Sentenced In Mortgage Fraud Scheme

DALLAS (AP) - Former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Eugene Lockhart Jr. has been sentenced to 41/2 years in federal prison for his role in a mortgage fraud scheme to swindle millions of dollars from home lenders.

Lockhart was sentenced Wednesday in Dallas after pleading guilty last year to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Lockhart and others indicted were accused of using fraudulent loan paperwork to deceive mortgage lenders in buying dozens of homes in the Dallas area. Prosecutors say some of Lockhart's co-defendants recruited potential home buyers with bonuses and promises of help with mortgage payments.

Lockhart formed several companies with names that referenced his career with the Cowboys, including "America's Team Brokers'' and "Cowboys Mortgage.''

Lockhart was drafted by the Cowboys in 1984 and played seven seasons for the team.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Also Check Out:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.