2 Men Charged With Bankruptcy Fraud
One current and one former San Fernando Valley resident have been charged with bankruptcy fraud in a broad sweep by federal authorities that targeted 16 individuals across Southern California, the U. S. Attorney’s Office announced this week.
The cases, part of what the U. S. attorney said is an ongoing effort to combat abuses of the bankruptcy system, ranged from concealment of assets to the filing of bankruptcy using a false Social Security number--in some cases, that of an estranged relative.
Some hoped to reap the benefits of bankruptcy--protection from debt collectors--without damaging their credit records, Assistant U. S. Atty. Angela J. Davis said.
The local cases involve Joel Nater, formerly of West Hills, and Roger Croft of Northridge.
Nater, 43, allegedly used a false name and Social Security number to lease a house, then filed for bankruptcy using the same false identity.
Nater is a fugitive being sought by authorities for his conviction on similar fraud charges in January.
Croft, 53, is charged with failing to disclose a new Social Security number he obtained just before filing bankruptcy.
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