Archive · 8 Nov 2025
Trump Official Accused of Using Convicted Sex Offender in Housing Role
A man in charge of a government housing agency, Bill Pulte, hired a friend named Mark Zarkin to work with two big mortgage companies.
Some people are worried because Zarkin used to have a serious criminal conviction for a sex crime, although it was later canceled by a judge.
He also has no experience in the housing business.
Zarkin denies having a criminal record and says he never worked for these companies.
The news agency that found this out also reported that Zarkin is accused in another lawsuit of trying to bribe President Trump.
The housing agency says the news report is wrong.
Pulte, the boss, also said the report is false.
FHFA Director Bill Pulte appointed Mark Zarkin, a Trump supporter with no significant housing experience, as a consultant to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Zarkin previously pleaded no contest to a felony sex offense charge, though the conviction was later vacated.
A separate lawsuit alleges Zarkin was involved in a scheme to bribe President Trump for a pardon.
Zarkin and the FHFA have denied or disputed the accuracy of the allegations reported by Reuters.
Zarkin denies having a criminal record and claims he was never employed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
- Who
- Bill Pulte (FHFA Director) and Mark Zarkin (Trump supporter, consultant)
- What
- Appointment of Mark Zarkin, who had a vacated felony sex offense conviction and is accused in a bribery lawsuit, as a consultant to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
- When
- Recent weeks, with Zarkin described as a 'consultant' and having a Freddie Mac email. Pulte took office in March.
- Where
- Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (mortgage giants overseen by FHFA), and in Michigan courts regarding Zarkin's legal history.
- Why
- The article does not explicitly state Pulte's motivation for appointing Zarkin, but notes Pulte has cast some firings as a purge of White House opponents and that Pulte and Zarkin are from the same geographic area.
Reuters & Sources
Mark Zarkin & FHFA
Zarkin's Felony Conviction
Reuters & Sources
Reuters reviewed court records showing Zarkin pleaded no contest to a felony sex crime involving an incapacitated woman, leading to a jail sentence and sex offender registration. The conviction was later vacated.
Mark Zarkin & FHFA
Zarkin stated, 'I also have no criminal record.' He declined to be interviewed and stated any contrary claims are defamatory.
Zarkin's Role at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
Reuters & Sources
Six sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that Bill Pulte, director of the FHFA, appointed Mark Zarkin as a consultant to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, despite Zarkin having no significant housing experience. Zarkin was described internally as a 'consultant' and still had a Freddie Mac email.
Mark Zarkin & FHFA
Zarkin stated via text message, 'I have never been employed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.'
Allegations of Bribery for Pardon
Reuters & Sources
An ongoing Michigan lawsuit alleges Zarkin was involved in a plan to bribe President Trump to secure a pardon for an unidentified individual in New York.
Mark Zarkin & FHFA
Zarkin and Pulte declined to answer detailed questions about Zarkin's legal battles.
FHFA Response to Allegations
Reuters & Sources
The FHFA's media office provided an unsigned email stating, 'Nearly all of your statements are false, misleading, or defamatory,' without offering specifics.
Mark Zarkin & FHFA
Bill Pulte called Reuters' questions 'filled with completely false and defamatory statements.'
- Appointing Official
- Bill Pulte, Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA)
- Appointed Individual
- Mark Zarkin
- Zarkin's Role
- Consultant to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
- Zarkin's Past Conviction
- Pled no contest to attempted third-degree sexual conduct (felony sex crime)
- Conviction Status
- Vacated in 2009
- Other Allegations
- Involvement in a plan to allegedly bribe President Trump for a pardon
- FHFA Stance
- Called Reuters' report 'false, misleading, or defamatory'