Abington Man Charged In $230K Mortgage Scam: Police

ABINGTON, PA — An Abington man has been charged with five felonies in connection with a mortgage scam that resulted in a loss of $230,000 for a Bucks County resident, police said Thursday.

Clinton Files, 57, of Abington has been charged with deceptive business practices, theft by deception, theft by unlawful taking, and related charges in connection with the alleged scam, which was reported to police in January.

According to Newtown Township police, the resident was looking for investment opportunities in 2016 and met with Files, a real estate investor.

The victim agreed to lend Files funds to purchase and rehabilitate a property in Philadelphia. The victim provided funds for a mortgage in December of 2016 and provided funds for a second mortgage in February of 2018.

The funds for both mortgages were never repaid, police said, and the victim grew suspicious when development did not start on the property.

The victim suffered a total loss of $230,000, according to police.

Files was arrested on Aug. 7. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 24, court records show.