Alan Sweetbaum

Alan Sweetbaum , Searle's lawyer , said he was unfamiliar with the commission's action and , therefore , could not comment.The Post reported in February that nearly 80 people had deeded their houses to companies headed by Searle's wife , becoming tenants in their own homes , in exchange for payment of an overdue mortgage bill.

Denver is considering bids from six banks competing for a city contract that forbids affiliations with predatory lenders.The contract will make Denver the third city , after Chicago and Philadelphia , to adopt a predatory lending prohibition.

Rep. Fran Coleman , D-Denver , said she plans to reintroduce legislation to combat predatory lending practices statewide.

"It's our position that Mr. Searle or any of his entities named as defendants did nothing wrong," said Alan Sweetbaum, attorney for Searle and his relatives.
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"In fact, he has done no more than attempt to provide a mechanism to individuals who are in foreclosure and about to lose their home to be able to stay in their home and have an opportunity to repurchase their home," Sweetbaum said.

"That is an opportunity they would not have had if the foreclosure process continued.

"Everything that Mr. Searle did was done with full disclosure to the sellers, was completely documented, and all documents were signed and initialed by the sellers," Sweetbaum said.