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Scarfo's wife admits mortgage-fraud conspiracy

The wife of convicted mobster Nicodemo S. Scarfo pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court to conspiracy related to mortgage fraud that hid her then-fiance's involvement in the purchase of a house in Egg Harbor Township, N.J.

The wife of convicted mobster Nicodemo S. Scarfo pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court to conspiracy related to mortgage fraud that hid her then-fiance's involvement in the purchase of a house in Egg Harbor Township, N.J.

Lisa Marie Scarfo, 34, of Elmer, N.J., admitted that she participated in a January 2008 scheme with her husband and others to obtain a $500,000 mortgage from St. Edmonds Federal Savings Bank.

Lisa Scarfo, also known as Lisa Murray-Scarfo, signed a fake tax return exaggerating her income. The return was then used in her loan application, which was approved.

A $215,000 down payment was made on the house using proceeds allegedly obtained by Nicodemo Scarfo from FirstPlus Financial Group Inc., a Texas-based financial-services company that was the target of an "extortionate takeover and looting" conspiracy, federal prosecutors said.

Lisa Scarfo, who pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler in Camden federal court, faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Her sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 10.

Nicodemo Scarfo, son of jailed Philadelphia mob boss Nicodemo D. "Little Nicky" Scarfo, is facing trial in October over his alleged involvement in siphoning more than $12 million from FirstPlus.

He is identified in his wife's charging document as "Nicodemo S. Scarfo, also known as 'Nicky,' also known as 'Nick,' also known as 'Cousin,' also known as 'Junior,' also known as 'Nick Primo,' also known as 'Mr. Apple,' also known as 'Mr. Macintosh.' "

In 1989, Nicodemo S. Scarfo survived what was called a mob assassination attempt when he was shot eight times on Halloween night as he dined at Dante's & Luigi's Restaurant in South Philadelphia.