Foreclosure-rescue scammer facing time in Florida prison

MANATEE — The reputed ringleader of a foreclosure-rescue scam that operated in Manatee County and elsewhere in Florida now is facing more federal prison time.

Peter James Porcelli II, also known as Peter James, pleaded guilty in a Tampa federal courtroom Thursday to one count of mail fraud in connection with the rescue scheme, U.S. Attorney A. Brian Albritton said Friday.

Porcelli, who already is serving a 13-year federal prison sentence in an unrelated Illinois credit-card scam, now faces another 20 years in prison and $3.7 million in fines, fees and restitution. A sentencing date has not been set.

He initially was charged with fleecing 56 distressed homeowners, including three in Manatee and four from Sarasota County, out of more than $1.8 million, court records show.

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This story was originally published April 22, 2010 at 11:29 AM with the headline "Foreclosure-rescue scammer facing time in Florida prison."