Key defendants in Suffolk mortgage fraud ring

The roles of key defendants in an $82 million mortgage fraud scheme, according to Suffolk prosecutors:

George Guldi, 56

Former Suffolk legislator Prosecutors said he acted as the attorney for fraudulent transactions, sometimes for both buyer and seller. Many of the closings took place at his Westhampton Beach office. Accused of using father, now deceased, as straw buyer for a $1.8-million mortgage. Charged with 23 counts of first-degree grand larceny and other charges.

Donald MacPherson, 65

Publisher, SoHo Journal Prosecutors said scheme started with him in 1999. He recruited straw buyers and submitted

fraudulent documents, listing fake employment info (saying straw buyers worked in his corporations) to persuade banks to loan tens of millions of dollars. He signed employment verification letters with an alias. Charged with 23 counts of first-

degree grand larceny

and other charges.

Carrie Coakley, 39

MacPherson's wife, described as head dominatrix of The Dungeon, the club she owns with her husband, also called Arena Studios

Prosecutors said she also recruited straw buyers, including other dominatrix employees. Charged with one count each of first-degree grand larceny and first-degree scheme to defraud.

Ethan Ellner, 54

Attorney and operator of Suburban Abstract,

a title company in

Stony Brook

Prosecutors said he acted as the title agent at closings, using forged documents, false employment and income info on applications and false powers of attorney. Charged with 21 counts of first-degree grand larceny and other charges.

Dustin Dente, 37

Attorney

Prosecutors said he acted as settlement attorney representing banks during closings. Charged with four counts of first-degree grand larceny and other charges.

Thomas McVann, 66

Attorney who had shared office with Guldi

Prosecutors said he acted as attorney for the purported sellers

in the transactions. Charged with one count of first-degree scheme to defraud.