Westminster, Orange County - A trio from Westminster were caught trying to pull off a real estate fraud scam that is worth $17.5 million. Kathy Chen, her boyfriend Richard Gonzalez, and his brother Daniel Gonzalez, are being charged with 157 felony counts of conspiracy, grand theft, forgery, recording false documents, and identity theft. Chen used to work as a real estate broker and owned several businesses. The three of them bought 35 properties around Orange County with stolen identities. They used the identities of unsuspecting victims that had little income and could not speak English. The group had planned to take out the loans and never pay the loans back. Chen's boyfriend and his brother are fugitives. Authorities allege that the two have a house in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Orange County Fraud defense attorney Michael Guisti explains the charges in this case. Grand theft can be defined in the California Penal code 487(a), which states that grand theft has occurred when the money, property or real property amounts over $400. Chen is also being charged with identity theft. This can be found in the Penal code 530.5(a) and occurs when a person willfully obtains personal identification with the intent to use it for an unlawful purpose. Irvine criminal defense attorney Michael Guisti goes on to state that both of these charges are considered felonies in California. If a person is convicted of these crimes then they will face lengthy prison sentences and large fines.
White collar crimes is a very serious offense. A white collar crime can be medical fraud, grand theft, real estate fraud, identity theft, check fraud, health care fraud, credit card fraud, money laundering and embezzlement. When first being charged with a white collar crime such as grand theft, it can be overwhelming. Hiring a skilled Newport Beach white collar crime defense attorney is the most important thing a person can do when defending a white collar crime charge.
How could an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney or a highly qualified Los Angeles criminal defense attorney help you in your fraud defense or grand theft defense case?
Newport Beach criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael Guisti have spent years handling cases in both state and federal court rooms all across Orange County, such as Newport Beach, Irivne, Fullerton, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Costa mesa. Our attorneys know how the Orange County court system and Los Angeles court systems work. We have suceesfully represented clients in many different kinds of criminal cases, such as appeal, habeas corpus, murder, sex crimes, domestic violence, assault and battery, white collar crimes, violent crimes, theft crimes, assault, battery, and many other felony charges.
When being charged with a felony like grand theft, it is important to hire an attorney that has the experience to guide you through the Orange County criminal process. Our Santa Ana criminal attorneys have not only handled cases in Orange County but also in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, and San Bernardino County. If you or a loved one needs to retain an experienced Southern California criminal defense attorney, contact our law offices today at (714) 530-9690 or visit our website at www.topcalifornialawyer.com.
