 Cox often filed fraudulent mortgage documents , and in several cases was able to mortgage properties for five to six times their actual worth . In this practice , known as " shotgunning " in the real estate community , Cox either himself forged or had accomplices attain inflated appraisals to increase the value of the mortgages . One of his accomplices was a detention officer , who acquired 14 properties worth nearly $ 600 @,@ 000 , while making $ 35 @,@ 568 a year in his job . Cox took advantage of the Hillsborough County school district by selling it a property for much more than its appraised value , and arranged financing on a $ 90 @,@ 000 house for local politician Janet Cruz . He recorded that sale for $ 233 @,@ 000 , and hired Cruz to do some rezoning research . Cruz claims she was unaware he inflated the sale price , and that she was never paid for her research . When a female accomplice rented a house in Pinellas County as part of Cox 's schemes , then faked ownership of the property , the owner found out about the fraud . A title company manager had become suspicious of a loan Cox 's accomplice was applying for on the home and called the property 's real owner . The Clearwater Police department was contacted , and they began an investigation . 
