Reports circulating last week suggested a federal grand jury in Maryland was investigating key Justice Department officials, Ed Martin and Bill Pulte, regarding their involvement in a probe into alleged mortgage fraud. The narrative quickly took hold that these officials were themselves under scrutiny for how they pursued allegations against Congressman Adam Schiff and others.
However, those reports are inaccurate. According to former DOJ official Chad Mizelle and journalist John Solomon, the Justice Department is *not* investigating Martin and Pulte. The focus remains squarely on the allegations against Congressman Schiff, a long-serving US House member from California.
The core of the Schiff investigation centers on accusations of occupancy fraud. Housing Director Bill Pulte formally referred the case to the DOJ, alleging Schiff falsified bank documents and property records over a 16-year period to secure more favorable mortgage terms.
The allegations stem from Schiff’s claim of primary residence. In 2003, he and his wife purchased a home in Maryland, stating it would be their primary residence for a year. Yet, records indicate he continued to vote in California during that time. This pattern continued through multiple refinances in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2013.
This isn’t a new issue. A House Ethics investigation in 2009 raised similar concerns, which Schiff dismissed as an error, later repaying taxes to Maryland. The current investigation, however, appears to be far more serious.
The confusion arose from a grand jury subpoena served to Christine Bish, a California realtor who initially brought the mortgage fraud allegations to light. Bish anticipated being questioned about Schiff’s fraudulent claims, but instead found herself asked about her communications with Martin and Pulte, leading her to believe they were the targets.
Mizelle clarifies the DOJ’s strategy: anticipating Schiff’s likely defense of attacking the evidence, they are proactively identifying all involved parties to preemptively address potential claims of tainted evidence or improper prosecution. It’s a move designed to ensure a solid legal foundation for any potential indictment.
According to sources close to the investigation, the subpoena issued to Bish was solely to secure documentation related to Schiff’s mortgages and trace their origins. The DOJ is preparing a significant case against Schiff, and ensuring a clean chain of custody for evidence is paramount.
The narrative being pushed by some media outlets was, in essence, a distraction. The Justice Department isn’t turning inward; it’s building a case, meticulously preparing to confront Congressman Schiff with the evidence gathered.
Despite the attempts to shift the focus, Christine Bish remains steadfast in her original claims, and the investigation into Adam Schiff’s alleged mortgage fraud continues to move forward.
