Another key defendant pleaded guilty Tuesday in the scheme to take over and defraud Las Vegas-area homeowners associations.
Bail bondsman Charles McChesney, 49, who is not in custody, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and three wire fraud counts, all felonies. Federal prosecutors are recommending dismissing 11 other wire fraud counts against McChesney.
He is to be sentenced on July 20 by U.S. District Judge James Mahan.
Prosecutors have alleged that McChesney was a straw buyer and controlled HOA board members in the massive takeover conspiracy that occurred between 2003 and 2009. He admitted in his plea agreement that he also participated in dirty tricks to help elect board members who could be controlled by the conspirators.
The conspirators, through election rigging and other dirty tricks, packed association boards with members who handed out legal and construction defect contracts worth millions of dollars at the expense of the homeowners.
The plea agreement allows McChesney to cooperate, if needed, against the remaining defendants in the high-profile case. Prosecutors will recommend a lighter sentence in response to his acceptance of responsibility and cooperation. Read more: