A 45-year-old Mission man pleaded not guilty Wednesday to federal charges in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain loan proceeds through fake property sales, court records show.

Sergio Efrain Zamora Jr. was originally arrested and indicted on four counts of fraud on March 18. Wednesday was his initial appearance in federal court.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of Texas, Zamora sold multiple homes by forging signatures on the documents and transferring titles to his business, Socavi Properties LLC., without the homeowners’ authorization.

“The victims — some of whom were his own family and friends — were unaware their homes were being sold,” a news release stated. “Zamora allegedly created fraudulent documents, including warranty deeds and contracts of sale, to make the transactions appear legitimate.”

Zamora allegedly devised the scheme in June 2021, causing a total loss of $655,000 to the victims and title company, the release added.

The FBI conducted the investigation.

If convicted, Zamora faces up to 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine.

Court records show Zamora remains in federal custody.