Source: Bakersfield.com - Real Estate

"Appraiser Kirksey J. "Mark" Newton Jr. will get to keep his appraiser's license, but he has to pay a fine of more than $28,000 to cover the cost of the state's investigation into "errors and omissions" in his appraisal work and undergo additional training."

Administrative Law Judge Samuel Reyes handed down his decision after a weeks-long hearing that began in Bakersfield and concluded in Los Angeles in January.

Reyes ruled on Feb. 24, but the state didn't officially issue the order until Thursday.

"On the one hand, there were multiple violations of USPAP (Uniform Standards for Professional Appraisal Practice) rules and requirements, including repeated violation of some of the provisions," the judge wrote. "On the other hand, these violations involve a small fraction of respondent's appraisal reports during the relevant period.

"Two of the most problematic appraisals were not actually prepared by respondent, and appeared to have been manipulated by a former employee."

Newton said his family would celebrate by going to Disneyland, but referred further questions to his attorney.

Defense attorney Eugene Suh e-mailed a statement that said after years of investigation, Newton was "happy and encouraged" to be "exonerated."

"Judge Reyes acknowledged the lack of evidence of any conspiracy to commit fraud, and made specific findings that Mark did not commit any fraud or intend to deceive anyone. We feel that Judge Reyes reached a balanced decision."

Source: Bakersfield.com