KAUFMAN, Texas—A North Texas woman charged in a mortgage fraud scheme that cost taxpayers more than $3 million has been sentenced to 18 years in prison.

The State Attorney General’s Office says 58-year-old Karen Hayes of Kemp pleaded guilty Monday to engaging in organized criminal activity and falsifying statements to obtain property or credit. Investigators say the scheme involved ensuring low-income home buyers who weren’t qualified were approved for loans. The loans were guaranteed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, so when buyers defaulted HUD had to cover the costs.

An indictment accuses Hayes of falsifying documents for the sale of manufactured homes.

Hayes sister, brother-in-law and niece also were indicted.