PITTSBURGH—Federal prosecutors say a Westmoreland County man diverted nearly $1 million in mortgage loans for personal use.

Prosecutors say between May 2002 and February 2007, Richard Thomas of North Huntingdon diverted loans intended to pay off clients' existing mortgages and down payments on new loans.

Prosecutors say Thomas was working as a mortgage broker. They say he convinced lenders that prior mortgages had been paid off during refinancing while sometimes leaving two or three outstanding mortgages on the same property.

Prosecutors say he continued making monthly payments to keep the proceeds of the loans or down payments.

Thomas was charged Thursday with mail fraud.

A phone number for Thomas could not immediately be found on Thursday.