Judge: Chicago man accused of scams must pay victims $2.7M

CHICAGO (AP) - A judge has ordered a Chicago man to pay almost $2.4 million to dozens of people he says were victims of a reverse mortgage and home repair scam that prosecutors say went on for decades.

Cook County Judge David Atkins entered judgment this week against Mark Diamond and several of his businesses.

The Illinois Attorney General's Office first sued Diamond more than 30 years ago, accusing him of taking money for home repairs that were never done.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan says the 59-year-old would change his scams over the years, but that he almost always targeted older, poor African-Americans who live on Chicago's West and South sides.

Attempts to locate Diamond for comment on Friday were unsuccessful. His attorney has previously called the proceedings a "circus" and denied wrongdoing.