Broker denying some handwriting is hers

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - A verdict could come as early as Wednesday afternoon for former Lafayette real estate broker Brenda Hatfield, who faces 13 felony charges ranging from forgery to business corruption.

43-year-old Hatfield's trial kicked off Tuesday.

Prosecutors said Hatfield had her assistants forge signatures on land contracts, so she could obtain tax breaks.

Hatfield is denying handwriting on some of the documents is her handwriting.

The state has called more than a dozen people to the stand who said they did not sign land contracts, and did not give permission to do so.

According to our NewsChannel 18 crew in the courtroom, Wednesday morning the judge is hearing an interview between Hatfield and Police from March of 2010, and is also trying to narrow down responsibility between Hatfield and her two assistants, Kelli Stump and Kori Lynn Perdue.

If convicted, Hatfield could face up to 10 years in prison and up to 10-thousand dollars in fines.