Accused Mortgage Fraud Ringleader Back In Jail

The accused ringleader in a major mortgage fraud case is back in jail because of an Eyewitness News investigation that found he was already back in business even though he was out on bond. Friday, a judge revoked it.

It's become a familiar feeling for John Pavao of Windermere. Bailiffs slapped cuffs on him again and took him back to jail less than three months after he got out on bond.

Prosecutors said Pavao just couldn't help himself. Eyewitness News first discovered signs he was getting back into real estate, even before he goes on trial for $6 million in mortgage fraud.

Investigators say he offered to help people in financial trouble, but then took their homes.

Just last month, Eyewitness News took photos of a "for rent" sign in front of homes and alerted authorities, but Pavao still found a taker.

"I met him at a bank, where I gave him $500 cash," renter Jana Macon said.

Macon testified she gave Pavao a total of $1,700 before she moved in and learned her new landlord was an accused scam artist.

Not only did Pavao rent out the house, the owner of the place right next door says he approached her and said he had investors who wanted to buy it.

"I told him I was definitely not interested in selling it," the woman said.

But the judge said that testimony proved Pavao was trying to buy real estate, a clear violation of his bond. The house Macon rented from him is actually in foreclosure, but she's staying, for now.

"Do you think you'll ever get your money back from this guy?" WFTV reporter Eric Rasmussen asked Macon.

"No, I don't think I'll ever get my money back from him," she said.

John Pavao could remain locked up until he goes to trial later this year. His wife and daughter are also accused in the mortgage fraud, but they're still out on bond.