We investigated allegations that Thomas Bechtel, a real estate broker, violated U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) real estate-owned owner occupancy program requirements.  The Cincinnati HUD office referred the complaint to HUD OIG.  Our investigation revealed that a bidder, using Thomas Bechtel as his real estate broker, made a false statement when the bidder purchased a HUD-owned single-family home.  The bidder submitted a bid as an owner-occupant when he did not intend to reside in the home as his primary residence.  Mr. Bechtel submitted a false statement by certifying that he was submitting the bid on behalf of an owner-occupant and not an investor.  The bidder’s sales agent, who worked under Mr. Bechtel’s supervision, knew the bidder did not intend to reside in the purchased home as his primary residence and furthered the submission of Mr. Bechtel’s false statement to HUD.  The bidder recently settled with HUD and admitted that he made a false statement about occupying the property.  The bidder’s sales agent also recently settled with HUD and admitted that she knew the bidder did not intend to reside in the purchased home as his primary residence.  To resolve the matter and to avoid the uncertainty of litigation, HUD accepted a settlement agreement from Mr. Bechtel.  He paid $500 to HUD to resolve the matter.