The fraudulent firms, including Synergy Law, collected fees ranging from $995 to $1,750 as retainers, with additional monthly payments of up to $1,200. Homeowners were directed to file pro se bankruptcy petitions and were told not to disclose their interactions with the firm. Marinelli and Babbs, both attorneys, were disbarred or suspended, yet continued their involvement in the fraudulent operation.
Blackstone joined Synergy Law in 2018 as an employee and quickly rose to the position of operations director. He oversaw more than 30 employees and reported directly to Maresca. Despite being aware that the firm’s representations were false, Blackstone continued his participation, with prosecutors stating that his compensation from the fraud amounted to $159,000—the same amount he was ordered to forfeit.
Terrylle Blackstone Foreclosure Fraud : Judge’s Remarks and Sentencing
Judge Moss expressed empathy for Blackstone, acknowledging that he was not the mastermind behind the fraud and citing letters from Blackstone’s community attesting to his character. However, the judge emphasized that the nature of the crime—stealing from people trying to save their homes—necessitated the harsh sentence.
