In what was once dubbed the “Nation’s Largest Mortgage Fraud” case, a tangled web of prosecutorial misconduct, suppressed evidence, and a tragic whistleblower’s death has cast a harsh light on the Justice Department and its representatives.
The case of Tony Viola, a man wrongfully convicted but later exonerated, continues to expose the darker sides of the American justice system. Central to this unraveling is whistleblower Dawn Pasela, whose brave attempts to reveal the truth ended in her untimely and suspicious death.
The Case Against Tony Viola: A Wrongful Conviction
Tony Viola faced three indictments and two trials as part of a multi-jurisdictional mortgage fraud task force’s crusade against alleged financial crimes. Accused of defrauding banks like JP Morgan to the tune of $46 million, Tony was convicted in his first trial and sentenced to over 12 years in prison. Yet, behind the scenes, the government’s case was built on shaky ground, bolstered by withheld evidence that contradicted its narrative.
In his second trial, Tony uncovered critical evidence that had been deliberately suppressed. This evidence not only proved his innocence but also raised questions about the convictions of others prosecuted by the task force. Tony’s second trial and acquittal were a testament to the importance of whistleblowers like Dawn Pasela, who played a pivotal role in exposing prosecutorial wrongdoing.
The Whistleblower’s Role
As an office manager for federal prosecutors Mark Bennett and Dan Kasaris, Dawn Pasela had a front-row seat to the misconduct in Tony’s case. She provided critical evidence, including FBI reports and internal lender documents, that showed banks knowingly approved risky “no income, no asset” loans. This evidence, withheld during Tony’s first trial, dismantled the government’s narrative of systemic fraud by mortgage brokers.
Dawn’s role extended beyond providing documents. She was prepared to testify about prosecutorial misconduct, including an inappropriate relationship between prosecutor Dan Kasaris and a key government witness. Tragically, Dawn was found dead in her apartment under suspicious circumstances just as she was preparing to testify. Evidence she intended to present in court, including her computer, was also missing.
Illegal Recordings and Constitutional Violations
One of the most shocking revelations in Tony’s case was the existence of illegal voice recordings. Prosecutors Mark Bennett and Dan Kasaris instructed Dawn to pose as a defense paralegal and record Tony’s privileged conversations with his attorneys. Such actions blatantly violated Tony’s Sixth Amendment rights, which protect the attorney-client relationship.
Despite repeated denials, disbarred federal prosecutor Mark Bennett eventually admitted in 2024 that the FBI and his office were aware of these recordings. However, defense attorneys in Tony’s case never received them. This withholding of evidence continues to fuel ongoing litigation.
A Legacy of Misconduct: Mark Bennett and Dan Kasaris
Mark Bennett’s professional history is riddled with misconduct. In 2020, he was fired by the Justice Department, and in 2023, the Ohio Supreme Court suspended his law license for widespread wrongdoing, including sexual harassment and abuse of authority. Similarly, Dan Kasaris has been accused of lying about the existence of voice recordings and shifting blame onto Dawn Pasela for the recordings made during Tony’s case.
The Justice Department’s Inspector General and other agencies have documented decades of Bennett’s wrongdoing. Despite these findings, many questions remain unanswered about how such individuals could wield unchecked power for so long.
Seeking Justice for Dawn Pasela
Dawn’s death has never been fully investigated. In 2023, new evidence and witness statements prompted the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office to recommend reexamining her case. However, officials in Parma, Ohio, refused to pursue the matter or transfer the case to another jurisdiction. This refusal has sparked public rallies, media coverage, and the creation of the Seeking Justice investigative series.
Tony Viola and his legal team continue to fight for transparency and accountability. A new lawsuit filed in Washington, D.C., seeks to compel the Justice Department to produce the voice recordings Dawn made, along with records of their investigation into prosecutorial misconduct.
A Call for Accountability
“The fact that Mark Bennett and Dan Kasaris are blaming Dawn for their illegal actions is completely unacceptable,” says Tony Viola. “We owe it to Dawn to uncover the truth about exactly what happened and who is responsible for her death.”
Tony and his supporters have launched petitions and public awareness campaigns to hold corrupt prosecutors accountable. The fight for justice not only honors Dawn’s memory but also serves as a stark reminder of the systemic issues within the U.S. legal system.
Learn More and Take Action
To learn more about Dawn Pasela’s death and Tony Viola’s case, visit JusticeForDawn.com and FreeTonyViola.com. A petition to hold Mark Bennett and Dan Kasaris accountable is also available on Change.org.
The unraveling of America’s “Largest Mortgage Fraud” case is more than just a legal battle. It is a story of courage, corruption, and the relentless pursuit of justice in the face of immense adversity.
