Isaac Toussie is a Brooklyn real estate developer who pleaded guilty in 2001 to fraudulently obtaining mortgages from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. He is also accused of using deceptive and unethical tactics to sell defective, overpriced homes to poor and minority homebuyers. Toussie was among 19 pardons issued by President George W. Bush on December 23, 2008. On December 24, 2008, a press release issued by Press Secretary Dana Perino stated that Toussie's pardon had been withdrawn pending review by the Pardon Attorney.White House: Statement by the Press Secretary (December 24, 2008)

Yesterday the President forwarded to the Pardon Attorney a Master Warrant of Clemency including 19 requests for pardons with direction that he execute and deliver grants of clemency to the named individuals.

With respect to the case of Mr. Isaac R. Toussie, the Counsel to the President reviewed the application and believed, based on the information known to him at the time, that it was a meritorious application. He so advised the President, who accepted the recommendation.

Based on information that has subsequently come to light, the President has directed the Pardon Attorney not to execute and deliver a Grant of Clemency to Mr. Toussie. The Pardon Attorney has not provided a recommendation on Mr. Toussie's case because it was filed less than five years from completion of his sentence. The President believes that the Pardon Attorney should have an opportunity to review this case before a decision on clemency is made.—White House press releaseWhite House: Statement by the Press Secretary (December 24, 2008)

• NY Daily News: Toussie's victims feel like the roof has fallen in (December 23, 2008)