William Wilkerson said Donald Gupton, of Creative Real Estate, convinced him to take a deal on a mobile home at payments higher than he could afford because he could refinance later. That plan backfired and Wilkerson lost his home.
"I still can't go out and get a home because if I get a home, I have to pay cash for it. Credit-wise, I can't do anything," Wilkerson said.
Wilkerson was not the only one affected.
"Because it was supposed to start off at $900 a month, so we could stand that with both of us working, but then after we got the house and signed the papers, then it was $1,025. That was different," said Jean Jones, who is in bankruptcy.
In a faxed statement to WRAL, Donald Gupton said, "I never intended to hurt anyone through my business, and I deeply regret any problems that may have been caused. I hope we can all move forward."
In addition to a state fine of $75,000, Gupton will make a confidential settlement with 65 of his former customers.
• Credits
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