The Lede

National Mortgage Professsional, May 17, 2019California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced sentencing of Andrew Valles for operating a $2 million mortgage fraud scheme throughout Southern California. Valles was sentenced to 13 years in state prison, and restitution was ordered in the amount of $2.3 million.

National Mortgage News, May 17, 2019--Paul Centopani (subscription)The market for non-qualified mortgages has been robust thus far in 2019, offering a pragmatic option for otherwise viable borrowers, as long as lenders stay vigilant about pushing the envelope too far.

HousingWire, May 17, 2019The GAO, which was tasked with investigating whether Ben Carson's use of HUD funds violated federal laws, released a letter Thursday detailing its findings. While it approved of some of Carson's office expenditures for the benefit of the staff, it took issue with the purchase of a $31,000 dining set as well as a dishwasher and associated water treatment system for Carson's office.

Reuters, May 17, 2019--Roberta Rampton President Donald Trump said on Friday his administration was looking at alternatives to the conservatorship of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

National Mortgage News, May 17, 2019--Brad Finkelstein (subscription)Mortgage technology company Ellie Mae, which was recently bought by private equity investor Thoma Bravo, underwent restructuring and reduced its staff by 10%.

American Banker, May 19, 2019--Rachel Witkowski (subscription)For a year and a half, Comptroller of the Currency Joseph Otting has conducted an overhaul of key processes - reforming bank supervision, changing certain aspects of the comptroller's role at the agency and aiming to cut $20 million in expenses by the end of 2019.

UExpress, May 17, 2019--Lew SichelmanJust as some people look for love in all the wrong places, some homebuyers and sellers look for advice in all the wrong places.

Dodd-Frank Update, May 20, 2019The Mortgage Bankers Association will rename its annual award for members who demonstrate outstanding state and local association leadership for retiring Ohio Mortgage Bankers Association Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer Marianne Collins.