HOUSTON – A Missouri City couple who once worked at NASA admitted Friday to running a years-long mortgage fraud scheme tied to the financing of their luxury home, federal prosecutors said.
Noreen Khan, 52, also known as Noreen Khan-Mayberry, and her husband Christopher Mayberry, 53, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to make false statements to lenders. Khan worked as a technical manager for NASA, while Mayberry was employed by a NASA contractor.
According to court records, the pair began taking out large personal loans in 2016 to purchase their residence but quickly defaulted. They then attempted to dispute the debts, claiming they were victims of identity theft. Khan filed a false police report, submitted a fraudulent complaint to the Federal Trade Commission, and sent letters to credit bureaus in an effort to erase the loans.
Between 2017 and 2021, the couple signed three separate loan agreements tied to their home and provided lenders with fabricated employment information and fake pay stubs, tax documents, and account statements, prosecutors said.
Khan and Mayberry face up to five years in federal prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and possible forfeiture of their home. They must also pay $276,709 in restitution before sentencing, which is set for Dec. 18 before U.S. District Judge Charles Eskridge. Both remain free on bond until that hearing.
The case was investigated by NASA’s Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Winter.
Key Points
- Former NASA employees admitted to mortgage fraud conspiracy.
- The couple submitted false reports and fake financial documents to lenders.
- Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 18; they face up to five years in prison.