War on Meth Part 2: Road to Recovery

Watch Video Here

Her quick smile and sparkling eyes offer no hint of a life once dependent on crystal meth.

“I don’t believe I would be alive today if I was still using.” Said Rachel Hamric, a recovered 6-year meth user. At 18 years old, Hamric had already been in and out of jail and Detox four times.

“The longer you do it, the more addicted you get to it, and the fun stops somewhere along the way, and you realize you have a problem and you feel like you’ll never be able to stop.”

As much as she craved the high she got from meth, it’s the crash afterwards that Hamric remembers most. “I remember feeling guilty, like my body had been through so much physically; you almost have to keep doing more to push your body to keep going, because your body is so sped up, your body crashes.”

It was one of those “crashes” that finally convinced Hamric she was over the edge.

“I was crossing over the Hathaway bridge and all the drugs hit me at one time, and I felt like I was going to pass out, I got really dizzy and I knew I was in trouble, I knew what was about to happen, so I started to press on the gas, and I knew I had to get home, and just thinking I got to get home, that’s the last thing I remember, they said the cops found me underneath the red light on Thomas drive, and um when they found me, I was almost dead.”

Hamric was in a coma for six hours. When she finally came to—she was all alone. She had overdosed. Since her family was used to her leaving for days at a time, she laid their helpless and hopeless in a local hospital.

“I almost died and nobody even knew and would anyone even really care? Because of when I had done in my life, it was like I had no purpose.”

Hamric went back to jail and Detox for a fifth time, she said it gave her time to think about what she was throwing away…her children, her family…her health.

“I wanted my son back, I wanted my life back,” said Hamric. “It was when I started going to church in jail, and I began to walk his way and not mine, because the way I walked was leading me down a path of destruction.”

At 29 years old–Hamric is living proof there is life after meth. She credits God with deliverance.

“For the first time in my life, I have a purpose……my favorite place to be in the world is teaching at the jail. Because I was there, I can feel their pain, and I want them to know they don’t have to live like that, because when you’re in it, you really feel hopeless, because you’re helpless, the drugs, the lifestyle you’ve created.”

Sober for five years now–her faith freed her from the bondage of crystal meth.

“I want to thank ya’ll for coming to the most excellent way tonight. Especially for those who are here for the first time.”

She’s found a new home as a mentor at the most excellent way, a faith-based support group for women battling addiction.

“Rejoice and be exceedingly glad for Great is your reward to Heaven and the statement that goes along wth that is: I stand firm in my faith that Jesus is in control of all things.”

She hopes to reach the torn and hopeless with her living message.

“Telling my story keeps me sober because it reminds me of what God has done in my life so far,” said Hamric. “You’re not alone, there are other people that have walked through what you’ve walked through and it’s possible to get victory.”

If you or anyone you may know of that needs help–please call before its too late.

Update on Byrd & Melanie Billings Murder Case

I just received grueling details in the Byrd and Melanie Billings murder case.  For those of you not familiar with this case, several weeks ago, a relative found Byrd and Melanie Billings, the mother and father of 16 children — 12 of them adopted — shot to death in an apparent home invasion.  The couple is known for adopting children with disabilities ranging from Down Syndrome to autism. The couple was found in the bedroom of their home in Beulah, just west of Pensacola near the Alabama border. 

This story has made national headlines, and is finally coming to an end. So far, 7 people have been indicted, one of which is a maintenance special operations at Eglin Air Force Base.  The family lived in a rather large estate, and happened to have surveillance video of three suspects dressed in martial arts attire, entering through the front door and two through the back.  Nine kids were at home at the time, but were unharmed.

Today, the AP released details depicting how the couple was murdered. The content of which you are about to read is graphic.

According to the Associated Press, authorities released hundreds of pages of crime scene reports and witness interviews detailing the deaths of a Panhandle couple known for adopting many special needs children. According to documents released on Monday, an autopsy after the July 9 deaths showed Melanie Billings, 43, was shot twice in her chest, once in her left nostril, once in her right eye and once in her left temple. Byrd Billings, 66, was shot twice in the back of his head and once in each of his legs.
  
Nine of the couple’s children were home when they were killed. All of the young children have varying special needs from autism to Down Syndrome. The documents show that one child used sign language to communicate with investigators about what he witnessed before his parents were shot.

My question is to all of these suspects involved in the case, “What was your motive?” “Why?”

Several reports indicate the suspects made off with a safe, that, according to investigators this week, contained a large amount of cash.  You know what they say about Karma right? What the suspects didn’t know was the contents in the safe they made off with…wasn’t what they were looking for afterall. 

Justice will prevail.

Craigslist or Victims’ List, Part 1

It’s a wildly popular virtual community where you can post a job, find a job, buy and sell goods and services; even find romance…but at what cost?

NewsChannel 7’s Nicole Morten explains in her special report on what could be the newest potentially dangerous website. Is it Craigslist or victims list?

With nine billion page views a month, Craigslist has grown into one of the largest and most popular online classifieds community–serving 450 cities worldwide. With the ability to buy and sell just about anything imaginable, legal or illegal, users are pushing limits and in some cases, going over the edge.

If you’ve ever looked at Craigslist beyond the help wanted or for rent ads, you’ll find this section.

It’s filled with girls on the prowl for a buck, posting provocative images along with personal services guaranteeing a night that will not be forgotten. It’s no wonder law enforcement officials across the nation are calling Craigslist one of the largest sources of prostitution in America.

Captain Ricky Ramie, of the Bay County Sheriff’s Department, tells NewsChannel 7, “If there are 40 on there, I could tell you 39.9 of the 40 are there for prostitution.”

And Bay County officials are taking notice.

“It’s very dangerous,” Captain Ramie explained.

While police have been dealing with street prostitution for years, prostitution on the internet is a whole new ball game.

Bay County Public Information Officer, Ruth Corley said, “Craigslist is another way to advertise, perhaps a new twist on an age-old profession on the internet.”

But lately, that new twist taking a tragic turn.

“Look at what’s happening in the national media with the Craigslist killer.”

Earlier this month, Massachusetts authorities arrested Boston University medical student Philip Markoff, charging him with the murder of Julissa Brisman. Investigators say Brisman, who was from Manhattan, advertised massages on Craigslist as a front for sexual services.

Markoff allegedly arranged to meet her at a Boston hotel, then robbed and killed her.

Authorities have labeled Markoff the Craigslist killer, because he apparently arranged several similar meeting with other men and women through the website.

You might expect something like this to happen in a major city; but no city is immune…and Panama City is no exception.

Craigslist allows users to reach out to people in their hometown. That ability to target local customers makes it difficult for police to track prostitution.

“We can make a dent in it; we can slow it down,” said Captain Ramie. “But as long as Craigslist allows for this to be on their website, it makes it difficult for law enforcement, I know it does for us personally.”

Still, investigators know it’s going on. Last week sheriff’s deputies arrested Jessica and Jolie Coleman a pair of 18-year-old Port St. Joe twins at a Callaway hotel.

Inside their room, authorities say they found 24-year-old Korian Durrell Thomas, who they describe as the girls alleged ‘pimp’, $10,000 cash in a trash can and their Craigslist ad on a laptop computer.

“These girls could have been murdered,” said Ramie.

Ramie says two more were arrested on the very same charges just a few weeks ago. And they’re not the only ones from Panama City. In fact, officials nationwide say most of the ads under erotic services are in fact selling sex for money.

Captain Ramie said, “They try to skirt around the edges of the law for prostitution.”

CEO Jim Buckmaster said, “Craigslist does not condone or endorse illegal activity on its erotic services section.”

Ramie says Buckmaster could help law enforcement’s efforts.

“Craigslist could help us out by eliminating it period,” said Ramie.

But Buckmaster says that’s not happening anytime soon.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of ‘Craigslist or Victims list?’ As NewsChannel 7’s Nicole Morten interviewed a local woman who is lucky to be alive after one Craigslist close encounter.

Watch ‘Craigslist or Victims List’ Part 2 below.

 

more about “Craigslist or Victims’ List, Part 1“, posted with vodpod

Craigslist or Victims’ List, Part 2

We found out how local law enforcement is having a difficult time battling the sex for money trade advertised on the website’s erotic services section. But there is a far more sinister and dangerous side to this activity. After last week’s arrest of Philip Markoff, the so-called ‘Craigslist Killer’, you’d think women would be scared to solicit their services to strangers on Craigslist.

We went onto the website’s erotic services category and contacted a local woman who was a frequent advertiser. She told us, she’s fully aware of the potential dangers associated with her business.

It’s something she hoped would never happen. “He grabbed my arm and started snatching on me.” Just like thousands of others around the world, this woman, who we willl call “Ashlyn”, is a frequent advertiser in this section on Craigslist. She’s a local who says she’s just trying to get by.

“A lot of women are trying to make money right now, times is hard.”

One day her friends convinced her to post an ad on Craigslist, claiming she would cash in for something she already knew how to do best.

“I started out dancing. I was a dancer for 6 years.”

Offering private dances for $170 an hour, the money started rolling in.

“They would get a hotel and we would go there, and I would do a dance for an hour and then I would leave.”

But it was when the clients would hand over the money.

“That’s when I have trouble” She says that’s when the aggression and demands would get out of hand. One night she got a call from a man who took interest in her erotic ad on Craigslist. That night she compromised her safety for a little bit of extra cash, letting her worst fears get the best of her.

“I invited a man who I didn’t know was obnoxious and drunk and I did it at my own home. I basically told him what he’s getting…he’s only getting a lap dance…So I started doing the dance and he came out and was like ‘I didn’t ask for the dance I wanted to have straight up sex.’ “

Things got a little out of hand that night.

“I was thinking does this man have a knife, is this man going to cut me or shoot me?”

It turned out he did have a knife. Fortunately Ashlyn was armed with a can of pepper spray.

“That was my protection, I got away.”

When asked if it was all worth it…

“No, No Not really, I would rather be on the street than lose my life.” My mom and dad….they’re always talking to me saying well, we wonder if you know, were going to get a call the next day, calling us saying hey your daughter is dead.”

Although many might say this lifestyle is on the fringe of normal society, it’s very lucrative, making it more common then you might think. But even innocent Craigslist ads can attract the wrong people.

When meeting someone for the first time, please remember:
-Insist on a public meeting place like a cafe
-Tell a friend or family member where you’re going
-Take your cell phone along if you have one
-Consider having a friend accompany you
-Trust your instincts

more about “Craigslist or Victims’ List, Part 2“, posted with vodpod

Underage Drinking a Concern as Local High Schools’ Spring Break Underway, Prom on its Way

With spring break underway and prom on its way, many teens here in Bay County will face an overwhelming amount of peer pressure to drink alcohol.

Bryan Russell, with the Bay County Health Department has a mission to combat underage drinking.

On Monday Russell along with a few other members of the Health Dept. and Freedom 180 Abstinence Program had a hard day at work—They were out on the beach at Pineapple Willy’s giving away lots of freebies and spreading knowledge about the consequences of underage drinking.

 “We’re hoping to educate,” said Russell. “We can’t make anybody do anything; it’s just a matter of educating teens and letting them know the stats and dangers of underage drinking. That’s all we can do and hopefully they’ll make the right decisions.”

Russell says his main goal right now is getting the message out effectively.

“Recent statistics show 40% of Bay County teens drink every weekend and 42% of Bay County Parents approve of underage drinking,” said Russell.

The month of April is Alcohol Awareness month. According to the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco, during Alcohol Awareness Month, the public is encouraged to understand the issues of underage drinking and the devastating effects it can have on youth.

“It’s so important to be aware that underage drinking leads to other things such as: sexual assaults, rape, DUI crashes and deaths,” said Russell.

Rain or shine, Russell will be out on the beach again on Friday. For more information you can call the Bay County Health Dept. at: 872-4455.

Statistics from the Bay County Health Department :
• 42% of Bay County parents approve of underage drinking
• 88% of parents and teens know of parents who host teen alcohol parties
• 63% of Bay County students believe drinking one or more drinks daily is NOT harmful

Signs of Alcohol Abuse :

• Missing bottles of alcohol
• Withdrawal from peers and others
• Excuses for late hours and missed curfew
• Irrational desire for parents to go out for the evening
• Sneaking alcohol or drugs
• Sudden or unexplained drop in grades

Watch: Sky Cobras Precision Flight Demonstration Team Get Ready For Weekend

Among the many performers at the much anticipated air show this weekend at Tyndall Air Force Base is the Sky Cobras Precision Flight Demonstration Team.

News Channel Seven’s Nicole Morten took a ride in the AH1-F Cobra Helicopter just hours before this weather moved in!

The team consists of a dedicated group of veteran pilots who perform at events around the country in support of our country’s military and veterans.

LTC J.R. “Skip” Lam has been flying for 40 years and says this show is something you don’t want to miss.

“We’re very excited to bring the AH1 attack helicopter Cobra back to Panama City,” said Lam. We’ve been here before with the team and we really enjoy coming back. This team is unique and this cobra helicopter was born and bred in Vietnam. It’s served honorably for more than 20 years and silently retired from the U.S Army in 2001.”

The Sky Soldiers is composed of an elite group of decorated, veteran military aviators and ground support personnel who have served their country. Many have combat experience from Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

According to Lee Maynard, Executive VP of the Cobra Team, “The Sky Soldiers are one of the most flight-experienced of the military demonstration teams. Team Pilots have accumulated over 85,000 flight hours in military aircraft, 7000 combat flight hours, 10 distinguished Flying Crosses, 9 Bronze Stars, and 168 Air Medals.”

The Sky Soldiers Precision Flight Demonstration Team was founded in 2006 as one of three aerial demonstration programs that make up the performing arm of the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation.

Also performing at the Gulf Coast Salute Air Show is the U.S. Army Golden Knights and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.

 

Facing The Dead – Is This Normal?

Week #2 at KBTX
June 9-13, 2008

“When Human Nature Kicks In.”

 

 

I got sent out to cover a wreck on Highway 6. It was my sixth day on the job. I was pumped up to get out of the newsroom and see some action. When we arrived I realized this was real. I immediately knew what I had gotten myself into. 

Three 18-wheelers and one extended cab pick-up collided on highway 6 near Calvert. All vehicles caught fire. 

Two drivers were rushed to the hospital while another was trapped and pinned inside the cabin of his 18-wheeler…while it burned…his body to his death.

It was so hot and dry that day as I stood on the black-top road staring at all of the debri and smoke; the soles of my $8.99 payless shoes felt as if they were melting from underneath my feet. It was then that I realized this was the day I would see my first dead body.

 I am not going to lie. I wanted to see it. Badly. Afterwards, I felt horrible. I don’t think it was because it was frightening, but because at the time I didn’t understand what human nature can do to your mind and your body when placed outside of your bubble. And well, I was curious. But, why would a human want to look at death?

These past two weeks on the job have given me such a different perspective on reporting, interviewing, and truly understanding the essence of time. Every day I go up to Mama’s Kitchen and have breakfast with Mack, my 68-year-old neighbor. Breakfast normally consists of five or six cups of coffee and a delicious breakfast taco where I sit and listen to his story.

The other day, something clicked while he was talking; I was not only hearing him, but I was listening to every single word that came out of his mouth. I was listening effectively and efficiently for the first time in 24 years. Not because I had to, but because I genuinely wanted to. 
        
This week I have learned to listen. I feel like I have been selfish and completely ignorant on the “listening boat” for 24 years, because I have been listening to only what I want to hear. I pay attention to that special sound byte I so desperately need to ‘complete’ my story. Day in and day out I hear teachers, professors, my parents tell me how important it is to listen.

It’s taken me 24 years to realize this. But once I moved to Somerville, my mother-nature, it took me three days, nearly 32 cups of coffee and three breakfast tacos to realize the ‘art of listening.‘

Secondly, I have learned the power of silence.

I was sent out with Meredith, one of the main anchors, to cover a memorial. A PHI helicopter crashed few weeks ago, killing a pilot, two medics and a patient on board. This was a huge deal. I was nervous because I knew I would be walking up to people with a microphone asking them why they were there, and how they wanted there loved ones to be remembered.

It got easier as I listened to each person’s response however it wasn’t until I walked up to this man who happened to know Mr. Kirby, the pilot who was killed. After I had asked him why he was there, he answered my question, and then I just kept quiet, hoping for more. After about 4 seconds of us staring at each other he began to tell me that they had flown together for more than 30 years. Then he started crying. I couldn’t help myself to see a grown man cry, let alone a man who I knew for 11 seconds. I made him cry. And that made me cry. I didn’t cry in front of him though. It took so much for me to stand there and ‘pretend’ I wasn’t crying inside. But I wanted to brake down and just cry with him.

A journalist is a human too. Everything that they teach us in school: a journalist must remain neutral while reporting the truth as fully as possible, be clear, concise and correct. I am a human, and a compassionate one at that, Secondly, I am a journalist. First comes the human part then comes the Journalist. I know these situations will get easier and I will grow thicker skin, but I’m a rookie, and I’m working on it.

I have realized the importance of being prepared and anticipating. I remember Jim Douglas mentioning that he reads poetry. I fell in love with Chekhov, Tolstoy and Capote after my world lit MayMester course,. I read a short story each night, and it gets my mind working and thinking analytically and creatively, if that makes sense. The power of words can take your imagination to so many different places. I forgot what it was like to use my imagination the way I used to when I was a kid, and reading these short stories have taken me back to my childhood when I used to use it so often.

Also, I can’t forget, the coolest trick I just learned: when you want to shift back and forth from multiple open windows on your computer, all you have to do is press ALT and TAB. That’s amazing! Hah! 

“Growing Importance Of The Web In Today’s News Operation”

Reporter: Nicole Morten

“In the old days you had to call people and hope they were home because nobody had cell phones,” says Joe Brown, KBTX News Anchor. “There is just so much more that we can do to package the news to make it easily digestible to the viewer.”

The 21^st century brought change. It’s helped to create and cultivate a new era of technology. Since the inception of the world-wide-web, newsrooms have had a quicker, more creative and efficient way of communicating.

The journalism industry has been faced with the inevitability of change: newspapers, and many newsrooms have or are in the process of reinventing themselves, not only to survive, but more importantly, to remain relevant.

Brown has lived through this change.

“The Internet, by far, has been the biggest break though in the newsroom,” he says.  “The information gathering process has been sped up so much more due to technology.” 

He explains that conducting research on the Internet is much more convenient and quicker.  When Brown first began his journalism career nearly 18 years ago, digging for news entailed a lot more work.

“First of all the Internet wasn’t even here. Back then we didn’t even have computers. We wrote all of our scripts on electric typewriters. The gear we were carrying around was a lot heavier and more cumbersome, the editing was a lot different, and it wasn’t as exact as the non-linear stuff we do here,” says Brown.

In today’s society, it’s hard to imagine life without the Internet, especially in the newsroom. Resources are at hand for reporters with a simple click of a button. The Internet has provided a voice for millions of people, even connecting the community together. The Internet is also an extremely economical tool that can help save money and time.

Many people continue to speculate the future of print newspapers. As technology becomes more advanced, people become better acquainted and more accustom to convenience. Many newspapers have converted the daily-paper-circulation onto their website for those who don’t purchase the local paper. However, high fuel prices have forced more than a handful of major companies to discontinue home-delivery of newspapers. Until newspapers completely converge to the web, people will continue to speculate.

The Internet has many benefits that the newsroom that many people across the world are taking advantage of.  It offers the unique ability to combine several different elements from traditional media. For example, users can read articles in depth just as they would a printed article, listen to audio like the radio; and even watch video like television.

Technology has allowed many newsrooms, nationwide, to become technology innovators–rather than technology adopters.

For example, for first time parents out there, take a look back at the day you dropped off your first-born at his or her first day of kindergarten.

The media industry has reached a moment of self-examination. The public is growing and discovering new freedoms and ideas. Living in a world filled with infinite information offers new opportunities, choices and challenges.

Newsrooms who accept, learn and adapt to change have the ability to become affective, while bringing people and communities closer.

According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, more than 70 percent of Americans use the Internet at least once a month, and the average user is online for nearly 12 hours per week. The Internet has changed the way we communicate, view politics, and attend class and meetings, do research, and interact far beyond the borders of our country.

The KBTX web channel developers are aware that the web has become a vital source, if not the only source for some viewers to receive their daily dose of the news.

Developers work day-in and day-out to inform the community with the most up to date content on the stations web channel. Most of the time, the stories are posted to the web channel before they make the air. Followed by each posted story, is the option for viewers to make comments, and voice personal opinions about that story. Comments, both good and bad, provide feedback from the community.

With this, the newsroom can become more knowledgeable about the demographics within the community, and also become informed about what the community likes or dislikes. Throughout the newscast at KBTX, the anchors promote the web channel, ensuring viewers they can view clips of the newscast on the web.

For example, on Monday afternoon, anchors announced on-air, the launch of a new and free, online-classifieds website called “fleajockey.com.” 

Shortly after the announcement, Zack Morgan, a web content manager, came into the newsroom and said,  “Nearly 15 people have registered for ‘fleajockey’ from the time Steve made the announcement on air, which was  seven minutes ago.” 

Word travels fast, and with both mediums working together, efficiently, people become more informed. Like Marshall McLuhan says, “The median is the message.”

Many media outlets urge people in the community to become citizen journalists. In other words, citizens within the community can share community events, photos of a wreck, and even personal photos on the stations web channel. The web channel at KBTX has a special section called “Eye on You.”  The page is devoted to community involvement, giving citizens the opportunity to be heard and recognized in their community.

Each person has a different outlook, or ‘lens’ that they view the world with, and given this opportunity, other citizens in that community can become educated with a new view on life from different perspectives.

Blogs are yet another way that dozens of newsrooms can virtually interact with the community. Blogging has become a very influential component of the Internet, and their importance is growing exponentially.

 ”Blog” is a shortened form of “web log,” and it stands for a web site that keeps a log of people’s thoughts, actions, and their reactions to other people’s thoughts and actions. Journalists and citizen journalists, nationwide are jumping onto the ‘Blogging’ bandwagon. Many are even taking their blogs to the next level equipping them with audio and picture slideshows, and video.

Electronic media is the future of journalism. Some people don’t know what life is like without the web, others would rather not know what life is like with the web. Either way, as more seasoned journalists retire, newsrooms are seeking young professional journalists who are equipped with a strong knowledge of the web.

Journalism schools across the country are putting emphasis on Electronic Media in order to prepare students for the future of the journalism industry. Students are learning how to work as a One-Man-Band, Backpack Journalists, Mobile-Journalist (MoJo), or even Video-Journalist (VoJo). All of these names combined, share the same definition: a Television Journalist who shoots, writes, edits and voices his/her own stories.

Over the years the One-Man-Band concept has become more popular, gradually creeping its way into the larger markets around the nation.

“I sent out 18 resume tapes before I got a first call, and I have a friend that works in Tyler she sent out 23 tapes before she even got her first callback,” says Jordan Meserole, a KBTX photojournalist. “Don’t expect to graduate and have your first job handed to yah. It’s brutal but it’s true.”

Jordan has one leg up on other photojournalist’s; he is not only a news photojournalist, but he is also a talented, creative-writer and reporter. 

Call it what you will, but, independently mastering all of these skills, will make you become a more desirable asset to a media outlet and the future of journalism.

Clean-up of Train Derailment in Brenham

 **Breaking News**
Reporter: Nicole Morten
View on KBTX web channel

Intersections are still closed but cleanup is almost complete after a train traveling through downtown Brenham fell off an overpass shortly after 6 p.m. Monday. 24 Cars came off the tracks closing many roads in the area.

Brenham Police told News Three all of the cars were empty.

Officials from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, or BNSF, arrived Monday night to begin their investigation. We will have more information as it comes available to us. As for now, Brenham Police have referred all questions about the cause of the derailment to BNSF.

Federal Reserve Adopts New Plan To Curb Shady Mortgage Practices

Reporter: Nicole Morten
View on KBTX web channel

The Federal Reserve has adopted rules to give homebuyers more protection from shady lending practices that have contributed to the housing crisis– driving foreclosures to record highs.

The board approved a plan Monday that would crack down on the type of practices that have hurt many of the riskiest borrowers. Lenders wouldn’t be able to make loans without proof of a borrower’s income.

According to a report, the plan will: bar lenders from making loans without proof of a borrower’s income; require lenders to make sure risky borrowers set aside money to pay for taxes and insurance; restrict lenders from penalizing risky borrowers who pay loans off early.

Such “prepayment” penalties are banned if the payment can change during the initial four years of the mortgage. In other cases, a penalty can’t be imposed in the first two years of the mortgage; prohibit lenders from making a loan without considering a borrower’s ability to repay a home loan from sources other than the home’s value.

The borrower need not prove that the lender engaged in a “pattern or practice” for this to be deemed a violation.

That marks a change sought by consumer advocates from the Fed’s initial proposal. It should also make it easier for borrowers to lodge a complaint.

“Rates of mortgage delinquencies and foreclosures have been increasing rapidly lately, imposing large costs on borrowers, their communities and the national economy, said Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke. “Although the high rate of delinquency has a number of causes, it seems clear that unfair or deceptive acts and practices by lenders resulted in the extension of many loans, particularly high-cost loans, that were inappropriate for or misled the borrower.”

Lenders, for example, have to credit a mortgage payment to the homeowner’s account on the day it is received. Brokers and others are forbidden from “coercing or encouraging” an appraiser to misrepresent the value of a home.

Consumer groups initially complained that the new rules are not strong enough, meanwhile, lenders worry they are too tough and could potentially limit mortgage options for people–making it harder for some to obtain financing.

The plan would apply to new loans made by thousands of lenders, including banks and brokers. It would not cover current loans. Those different lenders fall under a patchwork of regulators at the federal and state levels.

Fed Governor Randall Kroszner, the central bank’s point person on the new rules, said the Fed’s goal was to protect borrowers from unfair or deceptive practices while also not impeding the flow of credit.

The Fed’s rules, he said, should “better protect consumers, while preserving their access to credit as they make some of the most important financial decisions of their lives.”