Cox, Gardner

Matthew Bevan Cox (born July 2, 1969) is an American former mortgage broker, admitted mortgage fraudster, con man, and true crime author who has written several stories paralleling his real life crimes. Cox falsified documents to make it appear that he owned properties, and then fraudulently obtained several mortgages on them for five to six times their actual worth. He acquired millions of dollars this way; estimates report the amount at between US$15 million and $55 million. Cox's first conviction occurred in 2002 when he was sentenced to probation for mortgage fraud. He then sold the mortgage company he owned in a Tampa, Florida-area firm. He began his life as a dedicated criminal in central Florida after that offense, before fleeing the area when his activities were discovered. His crime spree continued across the southern and southwestern United States, eventually landing him on the United States Secret Service's Most Wanted list. He was aided by several female accomplices, some of whom are in prison or have served time there for their participation in his fraudulent mortgage practices. Cox was arrested on November 16, 2006. Indicted on 42 counts, and facing prison sentences of...