GREELEY, Colo. – This week, the Weld County Grand Jury issued an indictment for Matthew Sysum (DOB 08/13/1969) of Fort Collins for crimes he allegedly committed in Weld County. The indictment, which follows a two-year investigation by the Weld County District Attorney’s Office, charges Sysum with 14 criminal counts including:
• One count of COCCA –Pattern of Racketeering, a class two felony (8-24 years in prison)
• Nine counts of Forgery, class five felonies (1-3 years in prison)
• Three counts of Theft – $15,000 or more, class three felonies (4-12 years in prison)
• One count of Theft – $20,000 or more, a class three felony (4-12 years in prison)
The charges stem from an extensive white-collar crime investigation by the DA’s Office which began in 2009 when information was received by the DA’s Office regarding mortgage fraud. As the investigation proceeded, investigators uncovered several fraudulent transactions that involved Sysum.
The indictment alleges that between January 31, 2003, and December 31, 2007, Sysum, on his own behalf and through several companies under his ownership and control, engaged in racketeering activity that resulted in financial gain for Sysum through fraud and deceit regarding the purchase and sale of real property for the purpose of investment in real property.
The 26-page indictment outlines the series of transactions that involved Sysum’s alleged deceptive acts including forgery of real estate documents and contracts that, among other things, falsified property appraisal values which were used as a basis for bank loan applications.
On the morning of April 22, 2011, Sysum was arrested by Weld County DA’s Chief Investigator Keith Olson and Investigator Ed Jordan at Sysum’s home in Fort Collins. He was booked into the Weld County Jail and released on bond; his bond was set at $50,000.
Sysum is scheduled to appear in Weld District Court on May 4, 2011, at 9:00 a.m. in Division 16 for an appearance on bond.