LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A Louisville man and a Chicago couple have been charged with aggravated identity theft and bank fraud in connection with a Cherokee Triangle real estate scam.

James C. Hardison is charged with aggravated identity theft and mail fraud in connection with the fraudulent obtaining of mortgage loans on a Cherokee Triangle residence. Hardison was arrested by the United States Secret Service and made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court Friday. Complaints were also filed in the United States District Court Clerk’s Office against Willie Collins and Marilyn Rainey, both of Chicago. Both remain in the custody of Metro Police and are awaiting transfer to federal custody for their initial appearances.

The complaints allege that Hardison, Rainey and Collins stole the identity of the owner of 2411 Longest Avenue to facilitate two fraudulent loan closings on the property. To effectuate their scheme, they also stole the identity of a southern Indiana man so that Hardison could pose as a buyer at the closing, while Rainey posed as the actual owner of the property. Using these stolen identities, Hardison, Rainey and Collins participated in two separate closings on this same property. At the first closing they were able to obtain approximately $290,000 in loan proceeds. They attempted to obtain a second closing and loan on the property in the same amount, but were arrested by Metro Police before they could withdraw these funds.   

Hardison is scheduled to appear for arraignment on January 3.