PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - An admitted crook took the stand today in a federal courtroom in Philadelphia to implicate a New Hope (Bucks County), Pa. couple in a mortgage foreclosure scheme that cheated desperate victims who were on the verge of losing their homes.

John Bariana testified that he and defendants Edward and Jacqueline McCusker earned the trust of homeowners, then took their money and their homes (see previous story).

During questioning today by prosecutor Nancy Rue, Bariana said they did it with a barrage of false documents.

(Rue:)  “Did you see Ed McCusker create false documents?”

(Bariana:)   “Yes, I did.”

(Rue:)  “Did you see Jackie McCusker create false documents?”

(Bariana:)   “Yes, I did.”

(Rue:)   “Did you have discussions with Ed and Jackie McCusker about doing false documents instead of authentic ones?”

(Bariana:)  “Yes, it was clearly understood we were all on the same page — to get the loans approved as quickly as possible. We thought we were invincible.”

The McCuskers have pleaded not guilty, and the defense is sure to attack Bariana’s credibility during cross-examination.

Stay tuned to KYW Newsradio 1060 for updates on this continuing news story.

Reported by Tony Hanson, KYW Newsradio 1060