Wisconsin tax preparer arrested in Texas for alleged bank fraud of $3.3 million

Wis. woman accused of $3.3 million bank fraud

MADISON, Wis. — A 44-year-old tax preparer from Sun Prairie, Wis., faces federal charges for allegedly defrauding a bank of $3.3 million.

Gail L. Mendez was arrested Thursday in Laredo, Texas but indicted Sept. 30.

Mendez, who worked as Mendez Connections, and others not named in the indictment allegedly took part in mortgage fraud in 2006 and 2007. They are accused of submitting false income tax returns to Park Bank in Madison while applying for 19 loans for more than $3.3 million.

The indictment also said Mendez applied for a $349,000 loan from AmTrust Bank, a Cleveland-based online bank. She allegedly submitted 2005 and 2006 income tax returns showing an income $169,237 and $170,825, respectively, but only earned $29,402 and $40,868.

No attorney was listed in online court records. A message left at her office wasn’t immediately returned Friday.