A Whitehall man yesterday pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy for his role in a mortgage fraud scheme.

Anthony S. Fields, 38, faces a prison term of up to 27 months when he is sentenced Sept. 10 by Chief U.S. District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

That time could be reduced if Mr. Fields follows through with terms of his plea agreement that require him to cooperate in the ongoing investigation against his sister-in-law, Kelly Fields, who is also charged with conspiracy.

According to federal prosecutors, Kelly Fields was operating a "fairly sophisticated scheme" in which she and other defendants inflated the value of properties to get higher-valued loans. They also provided false documentation -- including W-2s, employment verification and appraisals.

For his part, Mr. Fields was involved in buying five properties, including several in Beltzhoover.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Conway told Judge Ambrose that through his construction company, Mr. Fields would provide employment verification for other buyers.

Raymond Fields, Anthony Fields' brother, pleaded guilty to the same count in March.