A McAllen resident has admitted to orchestrating a wire fraud scheme involving over $350,000 in real estate transactions. Mayela Saby Cantu, 55, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, according to U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Cantu was involved in a fraudulent operation that utilized falsified lien payoff statements, fake warranty deeds, and misleading emails to deceive lenders, title companies, and property buyers. The fraudulent activities took place from November 2020 until her arrest while she was employed at Sierra Title in McAllen.
Using her position of trust within the company, Cantu facilitated closings supported by false documents. In one significant instance, she instructed others to create an email address mimicking that of a legitimate lienholder. This fake account was then used to send incorrect payoff amounts through interstate wires, resulting in a title company disbursing more than $350,000 improperly.
Cantu also engaged in other fraudulent property transactions by arranging closings on properties already sold and accepting undisclosed cash payments. These actions caused considerable financial damage to those involved.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane is scheduled to sentence Cantu on March 3, 2025. She could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
Currently out on bond awaiting sentencing, Cantu's case was investigated by the FBI along with the McAllen Police Department and Texas Department of Insurance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric D. Flores is handling the prosecution.