Enrique Sandoval Martinez, 46, formerly of Thousand Oaks, was sentenced to the maximum term of 15 years imprisonment after a jury convicted him of six felonies involving real estate fraud on Dec. 2, 2010. Martinez had previously fled the country to Mexico.

In late 2004 Martinez used a fictitious identity to buy a $1.8-million new luxury home in Moorpark Country Club Estates. To make the purchase, Martinez obtained money from a victim who was led to believe he was investing in the property with Martinez.

Martinez, working with Terrance George “Terry” Tucker, convinced the victim to take out four simultaneous home equity lines of credit. The victim entrusted Martinez and others with more than $788,000 that was withdrawn from these credit lines.

Martinez bought the home in the name of “Antonio Padilla.” With Tucker he prepared and presented to lender Washington Mutual numerous false documents for a $1.3-million loan.

According to court documents, Martinez had obtained the Padilla identity in 2000 from the former Immigration and Naturalization Service by providing false documents and information.

Using this false identification provided by INS, Martinez obtained a new Social Security number and California driver’s license and established a credit profile in the name of Padilla. Martinez also used a third identity, Miguel Del Rio, to conduct banking transactions and acquire other real estate.

The jury convicted Martinez of making a false financial statement, grand theft, money laundering, fraud and three counts of causing a false instrument to be recorded.

In imposing the maximum sentence, Judge Patricia Murphy noted such factors of sophistication, a lack of remorse and the fact that Martinez fled the U.S. He was eventually arrested when he attempted to re-enter the U.S. from Mexico in March 2010.

Tucker and his wife, Sonya “Cheri” Tucker, were previously convicted for unrelated real estate fraud by pleading guilty and are serving their sentence in federal custody.