When Interviewing A Real Estate Scam Artist for Television -DUCK!
John Mattes, a reporter (and attorney) for a local television station in San Diego, was attacked by Sam Suleiman, a reported real estate scam artist. The reporter was interviewing Suleiman’s wife when he attacked and left Mattes with bite wounds, broken ribs, and a deep cut on his face.
We all thought he’d come screaming, but he literally just came flying straight at me and just BOOM!” Mattes told his station in a post-attack interview. “He didn’t even stop, didn’t even slow down. And I’m feeling someone ripping at my face, pulling my hair. We’re not talking about someone going a few rounds, we’re talking about someone ripping, gouging, scratching, and biting me! I just don’t understand … this cannot be going on.”
Also at the scene was Suleiman’s wife, Rosa Baraza, who Mattes says talked about grabbing a firearm.
“I’m fighting not to get hurt,” Mattes said, “but then to hear the screams of his wife, ‘I’m getting the gun,’ knowing the context of this person, I mean it was terrifying.” via WorldNetDaily
Here is some good advice to reporters – In a down market, do not interview people who are desperate and doing illegal things. They may become unhinged.
housing bubble real estate agent agent attacked Suleiman Mattes
Great points Tom - the flavor of the day solution is only adding to the instability and volatility.
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above.
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Pingback by Scared Monkeys on 7 September 2006:
[...] Read the full story and get the video of this brutal attack at The Real Estate Bloggers. [...]
Comment by Tommy Jefferson on 9 September 2006:
> “Here is some good advice to reporters – In a down market, do not interview people who are desperate and doing illegal things. They may become unhinged.”
Yeah, it was all that reporter’s fault. He should have known better.
Anyone investigating identity theft in a down market deserves to get their ass kicked.
Comment by Val on 8 July 2007:
It’s about REAL ESTATE FRAUD that has caused the market and individuals to be harmed .. not only the ones who are the victims but all of us. The fraud Suleiman executated, made him millions, caused comps to be accelerated without reason and halted sales. But, in the meantime caused properties to be sold at a higher price for many who today suffer, and don’t even know it. They paid too much for their property while the sellers didn’t get it. Example: using good credit from innocents, selling 820k, value 600k, buyer gets asking price 600k, 10k (sometimes) goes to the buyer and 210k is divided usually between crooks like Suleiman, and the lender and appraiser. False appraisal but who cares .. they are stealing from all of us and ruining lives and credit for many. This fraud should be erased and those like Suleiman should pay back their victims and go to prison.