New Jersey man allegedly targeted police officers in mortgage fraud scheme

GLOUCESTER CITY., N.J. (WPVI) -- Authorities say the New Jersey man accused of scamming eight people in a mortgage fraud scheme allegedly targeted Philadelphia police officers.

40-year-old Daniel Sheehan is behind bars and charged with defrauding eight people in Gloucester Township.

Law enforcement sources say that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Police searched his house in Gloucester City, and sources say they found over 200 files of potential victims. Many of them are Philadelphia police officers.

Two officers allegedly victimized by Sheehan tell Action News that they were introduced by former officer Perry Betz, who was arrested last year on charges of shaking down drug dealers.

Investigators say Sheehan ran a mortgage loan modification scam. They say he promised to cut home loan payments in half.

Now police say his alleged victims are in danger of losing their homes because the money they gave to Sheehan was never turned over to the lenders.

"This man robbed $12,000 from me and that should have gone towards my mortgage," said Ronald Clemens.

"They had no payment history or any of the payments that I made to this guy," said Maryann Feldman.

At one point Sheehan allegedly began targeting Philadelphia police officers. Sources say many have already been interviewed by the FBI.

Gloucester Township police say since Sheehan was arrested earlier this week, several more alleged victims have come forward.

Action News spoke with a retired police officer who says his home, as well as a friend's home, are scheduled for sheriff's sale next month.

If you have had contact with Sheehan, and believe you may be a possible victim, then contact police immediately.