Utah real estate broker loses license over fraud, forgery conviction

A Vernal real estate broker has had his license revoked after forging documents in order to get Federal Housing Authority loans, officials said Friday.

Kyle D. Ashworth, who pleaded guilty to several criminal counts of forgery and fraud in August, was sentenced to 30 days in jail and 36 months of probation for forging termite inspection documents and faking the signatures of prospective homebuyers in order to obtain the federal loan money.

On Jan. 15, the Utah Real Estate Commission revoked Ashworth's license.

The Commission appreciates the Division of Real Estate for bringing this case for action despite Mr. Ashworth's attempts to evade regulators," said Kay R. Ashton, Commission Chair. "Kyle Ashworth's criminal activity was very concerning as a risk to the community, so swift action against his license was necessary."

Ashworth must pay a civil penalty of $75,000 over two years. The Division of Real Estate's administrative rules state Ashworth may not be licensed for five years after completing his jail sentence but will be required to appear before the Real Estate Commission if he chooses to reapply for licensure after that time.

For more information on real estate fraud and how to avoid becoming a victim, contact the Utah Division of Real Estate by logging on to www.realestate.utah.gov or by calling 801-530-6747.