Downers Grove couple facing federal mortgage fraud charges

Federal prosecutors say a Downers Grove couple bilked several mortgage lenders out of "at least $2.5 million" by faking loan documents and recruiting buyers who didn't qualify for the loans.

Marco Lurigio, 45, and Sandy Lurigio, 39, are accused of operating the scheme from 2011 through 2014, according to court records.

Prosecutors said the pair used aliases and a number of different companies to help recruits buy properties on Chicago's South Side, even though they knew the people they were recruiting didn't qualify for the loans.

In some instances, the Lurigios claimed to lenders the buyers were employees, even though they were not, authorities said.

The indictment lists at least 11 properties the Lurigios are accused of fraudulently obtaining loans for.

They face up to 30 years in prison if convicted.