Man's plan to skimp on mortgage debt fails

Sidney C. Hines, 67, of New Port Richey, admitted to impersonating U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Illinois, in order to avoid paying an outstanding mortgage loan.

Hines pleaded guilty to one count of false impersonation of a federal officer or employee of the United States, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's office. Hines faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison.

According to an indictment from the U.S. Attorney's office, Hines received a mortgage loan for his home in New Port Richey and fell behind on his payments. To help Hines as a delinquent borrower, the Federal National Mortgage Association issued him a $5,863.73 HomeSaver Advance loan in October 2008.