The man who regulates mortgage brokers in Florida is defending his
office against claims thousands of felons were allowed to work in the mortgage business. A 40-page report highlights problems with
published reports, but it may not be enough, soon enough, to save the regulators job.

Following published reports that more than 4 thousand felons were
licensed as mortgage brokers by the state, Don Saxon, the regulator
under fire, is fighting back.

A 40-page report by the office of Financial Regulation admits the agency made mistakes. Among them, not conducting federal background checks as required by law.

The office also says it has no authority to conduct a background check
when mortgage licenses are renewed every two years and that crimes may have been committed after initial licensing.

After requesting an interview and not hearing back, we went to the
agency’s office.

“He’s not available right now. I haven’t had a chance to tell him about
your request.”

“Ok, when do you think you might get that chance?”

“I haven’t been in with him. I hope later on today, that’s the best I
can say.”

CFO Alex Sink said earlier this week she lost confidence.

“Leaders ought to know what’s going on within their departments,”

And now the AARP says new leadership is needed to protect seniors who might be buying a home.

“Some of these people have backgrounds that you wouldn’t trust them
walking your dog.”

The fate of the agency leadership is now in the hands of the Governor
and three Cabinet members who could vote as early as next week on
whether to make a change.

The agency says lawmakers didn’t give it enough money to conduct Federal background checks, yet lawmakers say they were never
told more cash was needed. The agency did call us back Thursday afternoon and declined an interview.