The fraudulent applications helped him and his co-conspirators buy homes in Chicago and suburbs including Monee, Woodridge, Mokena, Country Club Hills, Richton Park and Markham between 2004 and 2006.
Ballentine’s lawyer, Lewis Myers, unsuccessfully argued that Ballentine merely acted as an attorney at closings, and that Ballentine was not involved in any “hanky panky.”
Co-defendants who pleaded guilty and testified against Ballentine in return for reduced sentences got “millions” while Ballentine himself only “went home to his wife with $350 after each closing, Myers said.
Speaking after the verdict, he said Ballentine would appeal.
Ballentine, whose show was also carried on WVON radio before his indictment, lives and broadcasted from Durham, N.C., but grew up on the South Side and previously lived in south suburban Country Club Hills, where he maintained a law office. His radio show was picked up by urban radio stations nationwide.
He now faces up to 30 years behind bars on each of 6 counts and a $6 million fine, plus restitution.