Woman released from prison early in mortgage fraud case

LIMA — The sales pitch convicted thief Tina Crish gave Wednesday to get out of prison gave her a second chance at life and the opportunity to repay the $761,714 she stole.Representing herself, Crish successfully argued for her early release over the objections of the Allen County Prosecutor's Office.“I have taken these four years to look inside. Today, I have more peace than I ever had in my life,” she said.The 48-year-old Crish told the judge she wanted a chance to be part of her family's life again and not miss important dates in their lives.“I am a new person. I can be coming home a new mom to my kids and a new daughter,” she said.Crish was convicted of aggravated theft, a second-degree felony, for the theft from Security Title Guarantee of Baltimore. Crish ran 3-T Title Co. in Lima, handling mortgage closings and writing title insurance for Security Title. When Security Title became aware she was pocketing the money, the company shut Crish down and she no longer could take on new clients, which stopped her cash flow prosecutors said she used to fraudulently inflate her bank accounts.She spent the money on plastic surgery, and items such as jewelry and a motorcycle, Warren said during her sentencing four years ago.At the time of her sentencing in February 2008, Crish blamed a drug problem for her fall.Warren said he gave serious consideration to his decision, including considering whether she was punished and rehabilitated, and whether her sentence will serve as a deterrent to others. He placed Crish on five years probation and ordered her to take part in ReEntry Court, which he runs. The program will require her to meet with him once a month.“I will see you once a month so I know what's going on in your life,” he said.Warren also said Crish did not commit a violent crime and will be required to pay restitution based on her income. He ordered she submit to random urinalysis to make sure she stays off drugs. Warren said the victim in the case was an insurance company, not specific individuals. Security Title listed premiums received in 2006 of $31.7 million and more than $15 million in assets in 2006, he said.While Warren characterized the victim as a corporation, Prosecutor Juergen Waldick said when Crish was sentenced Security Title would pass its loss onto their customers in higher costs. The judge also cited a letter from Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Karol, who recommended early release in a 2010 letter. Karol told Warren that Crish helped him with eight cases of mortgage fraud including testifying at two trials. “Her cooperation with the government was extremely helpful,” Karol wrote. Crish also was sentenced to three years in prison in a federal court case for bank fraud. That time was to be served at the same time as her sentence in state court and she was ordered to pay $29,000 in restitution to First National Bank of Pandora.You can comment on this story at www.limaohio.com.