The former operator of a mortgage business in Ventura County who offered to help homeowners in financial trouble, but instead stole their money has been sentenced to a year in jail.
Patrick Iturra was sentenced after being convicted of five counts of foreclosure consultant fraud, and grand theft.
Prosecutors say he was a partner in a company called Mercury Business Group which had eight documented victims. Seven of them lost their homes.
In addition to the year in jail, Iturra was ordered to pay $100,000 in restitution.