A Hemet woman allegedly operated a Ponzi scheme disguised as a wholesale avocado business that defrauded at least seven people between 2023 and 2025. Victims invested thousands of dollars, and the collective losses were estimated at about $195,000, money allegedly used by the suspect for personal benefit rather than business investment. The suspect allegedly targeted Hispanic individuals and sometimes threatened deportation. On Aug. 20 the suspect was arrested and booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center after a thorough investigation. Charges include theft by false pretenses, grand theft and passing counterfeit checks; bail was set at $193,000. Authorities seek additional information.
A Hemet woman allegedly defrauded at least seven people of nearly $200,000 through what the Riverside County Sheriff's Office described as a "wholesale avocado business" scam. Deputies from the Perris Sheriff's Station were called in on April 23 for a fraud investigation, according to a news release. After speaking with a fraud victim, deputies found that seven people had been affected by the scheme.
Between 2023 and 2025, the victims had been duped in a Ponzi scheme, investing thousands of dollars into the "business." Instead of investing the funds, which collectively amounted to an estimated $195,000, the suspect allegedly used the money for "personal benefit." On Wednesday, Aug. 20, the suspect was arrested and booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center after a "thorough investigation."
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