A Riverside County man paid out over $100,000 in what authorities described as an extortion plot based on his immigration status.
“A female threatened to have the victim deported if he did not pay the money requested,” the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department stated in a news release Friday.
Deputies were alerted to the blackmailing scheme on March 4 and assigned the case to the Rancho Mirage Special Enforcement Team.
Investigators later identified 43-year-old Yvette Lopez of Hemet as a suspect in the case.
On March 25, Lopez was located in the 32000 block of Bob Hope Drive and taken into custody without incident.
An accomplice, identified as 67-year-old Bertha Gasso was found with Lopez and also taken into custody, the Sheriff’s Department said.
Both women were booked on suspicion of multiple theft-related charges, including extortion.
“Due to the large amount of money involved, a formal “White Collar” crime enhancement will be sought with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office,” the Sheriff’s Department said.
Anyone with additional information was asked to contact Deputy Paull with the Special Enforcement Team at 760-836–1600.
The Sheriff’s Office encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities. “Extortion is a serious crime, and no one should be made to feel fearful or pressured into giving up their hard-earned money.”
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