DHS official faces prison for mortgage fraud

Customs and Border Protection Officer Schleider Aristhyl was arrested for falsifying VA documents to a private lender and charged with wire fraud and making fraudulent statements.

The fraud happened regarding a property in Rhode Island.

Aristhly submitted two falsified VA documents to a private lender, one claiming he had a 100% VA disability rating with monthly benefits exceeding $3,000. In reality, he had no disability rating and was receiving no monthly benefits at the time, according to the charging documents.

To qualify for a VA loan, a veteran must meet specific active-duty service minimums and discharge standards. The VA issues a Certificate of Eligibility confirming that the veteran qualifies for the program.

"Aristhyl knew these representations were false because he had previously applied for a service-connected disability rating from the VA on or about November 16, 2023, and the VA had denied his claim," read the indictment.

He then falsified a funding fee expectation, avoiding paying $10,000, which the lender unknowingly paid out of pocket, according to the indictment.

Based on these fraudulent documents, the lender issued the loan on October 25, 2024, and the VA issued a loan guarantee backing a portion of the mortgage on January 21, 2025.

Each count carries a maximum statutory penalty of up to 30 years in prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

Because the mortgage was originated under false pretenses, the lender faced regulatory risk, compliance review, and potential repurchase demands. The federal government is now seeking a full criminal asset forfeiture and the seizure of the Rhode Island property.

Aristhyl was placed on administrative leave, according to a DHS spokesperson. The U.S.  Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts as well as Aristhyl's lawyer did not comment further.

post-closing audits. pre-funding reviews. mortgage quality control. mortgage QC plans.