Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog

Laguna Niguel, Orange County - Laguna Niguel resident, William Baker, was arrested Thursday for stealing almost a million dollars from investors in a investment scheme. Instead of using the fund for his clients, he used the fund for his personal use. From 2006 to 2008, Baker embezzled nearly $1 million from at least 10 investors. Baker had promised investors the he would buy run down houses and then remodel them. Baker took the money from the investors and bought property, then put the properties in a trust for his son. He also used some of the investor's funds to pay back earlier investors.

Orange County white collar crime defense attorney and Los Angeles County investment fraud defense attorney Michael Guisti recently discussed about this case, stated that Baker could be facing serious felony crime in grand theft, embezzlement, real estate fraud and investment fraud charges. The Los Angeles criminal attorney also commented that a defendant like Baker with bail amount of 1 million dollars, need to prove the legal source of money before posting bond. California has very harsh penalties for people that commit real estate fraud, investment fraud and embezzlement.

Orange County white collar crime defense attorney Michael Guisti also states that these types of crimes are considered felony crimes which come with not only long prison sentences, but large fines and restitution. Baker is most likely going to also face the charge of grand theft which is defined in California Penal code section 487(a ) and it states a person has committed grand theft when the money, labor, or real or personal property taken is of a value exceeding four hundred dollars ($400). A Laguna Niguel judge might also decide to add an aggravated white collar crime enhancement which adds five years to the prison sentence and is a $500,000 fine.

The first move a person needs to make when facing a white collar crime in Southern California, such as real estate fraud, credit card fraud, insurance fraud, investment fraud, and mortgage fraud, medical fraud, healthcare fraud, grand theft or embezzlement, or need professional license defense is to retain a experienced Los Angeles criminal attorney or an Orange County white collar crime defense attorney immediately. Newport Beach fraud defense attorneys and Newport beach white collar crime defense attorney at law Offices of Michael Guisti have handled hundreds of white collar crimes in Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Costa Mesa, Fullerton, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Westminster, Los Angeles, Beverly hills, santa monica, redondo beach, pasadena and many other cities.

Continue reading "Laguna Niguel Man Arrested for embezzlement and fraud in house flipping scheme" »

Santa Ana, Orange County - Six Los Angeles residents were charged with check fraud today. The defendants have stolen more than$ 650,000 from various retail stores around the area. The defendants Tyrone Grey, Tyrica Goff, Jazmine Williams, Brittnay Myvett, Niesha Johnson and Nedra Beard allegedly have been writing the checks in several stores.

The scheme consisted of the defendants writing counterfeit American Express travelers checks at stores like T.J Maxx, T.J Maxx Home Goods and Marshall's. The defendants would then buy merchandise that amounted over $100. Then the six defendants would return the merchandise to get the money. They used the counterfeit checks in different stores within those chains.

In California theft crime are a very serious offense and the punishments can be very harsh. There are various forms of theft crimes such as: grand theft, white collar crime, shoplifting, petty theft, fraud, medical fraud, issurance fraud, larceny, grand larceny, embezzlement, auto theft, and credit card fraud. Los Angeles criminal attorney Michael Guisti, of a Leading criminal defense law firm in Orange County and Los Angeles, spoke about the case, indicated that if these 6 people are convicted with theft crime or check fraud using or making counterfeit checks, the punishments could be severe, such as prison time in a federal prison and large fines as outlined in California Penal Code section 470-483.5.

A person that is being charged with a theft crime they need to hire an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney or an Orange County criminal attorney

Orange County theft crimes defense attorney Michael L. Guisti has handled hundreds of theft crimes cases and has the experience you need to represent you. If you or someone of know is getting charged with a theft crime. Contact the Law Offices of Michael Guisti and consult with our skilled Southern California criminal defense attorney. Call him at (714) 530-9690 or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com.

Los Angeles - Recently, a Los Angeles golf course operated by the Veterans Affairs Medical Center was shut down due to financial improprieties. Two employees Christopher Spelio and Brian Clark were charged with embezzlement. The two had been undercounting green fees and concessionaire profits and pocketing thousands of dollars.

The pair was caught after local police had place surveillance equipment in the course's club house. The police had been tipped of by some employees that had been suspecting Spelio and Clark of stealing. Police found that the stealing had been going on for six years. They have estimated that the amount that has been embezzled amounts to $180,000.Other employees think it could be as much as $200,000

The two men entered in misdemeanor guilty pleas in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Orange County Theft Crimes attorney and Los Angeles white collar crime attorney, Michael Guisti predicts that these men might also charged with other theft crimes such as grand theft and money laundering

Embezzlement is considered a "White Collar" crime. This type of crime is also referred to as employee crime. Under the California Penal Code 186.11(a) embezzlement consist of a pattern of related felony conduct and the pattern of related felony conduct involves the taking, or result in the loss by another or entity of, more than $100,000 a person that is facing such a charge would need a good Orange County Criminal attorney. If you are facing these charges you could face upon conviction you could be facing imprisonment in federal prison.

There are a wide variety of theft crimes such as grand theft, petty theft, grand theft, petty theft, embezzlement, forgery, shoplifting, medical fraud, insurance fraud, band fraud, credit card fraud, identity theft, auto theft. Under California law if you are charged with a theft crime it can be very serious. Penalties for being charged with a theft crime are prison time, large fines, restitution, probation and parole. Theft crime penalties depend upon the seriousness of the crime and prior criminal records. It could also mean the loss of your professional license.

It is critical that if you are charged with theft crime that you retain a criminal defense attorney that has experience in this area of the law. If you or someone you know has been arrested or charged with a theft crime or a white collar crime like embezzlement. Call our skilled Los Angeles Criminal Attorney or Orange County criminal lawyer at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti at 714-530-9690.

NEWPORT BEACH, Orange County - An Ex-CFO of an Irvine based architectural company, was arrested Thursday for grand theft and white collar crime. Salvatory Josef Fulwider, of Yorba Linda, was charged on Thursday with embezzlement for stealing over $1.9 million from the firm's business accounts and the firm owner's personal account from 2003 to 2009. Fulwider is held on $1.3 million bail and will be arraigned on Monday at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach.

According to Orange County Theft Crime attorneys at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, if Fulwider wants to post the bail of $1.3 million, he needs to prove that the fund he will use for bail is from a legal source instead of the illegal source.

After reviewing the case, the Orange County criminal defense attorney and Irvine Theft Crime defense lawyer, Michael Guisti, analyzed that it looks like that the CFO, Fulwider, could be convicted of white collar crime, grand theft, forgery, falsifying records, and also he could get sentencing enhancements for grand theft of over $1.3 million. If this corporate financial executive is convicted, he is most likely to be sentenced to over 40 years in prison.

There are various types of theft crime charges, such as grand theft, petty theft, embezzlement, forgery, shoplifting, medical fraud, insurance fraud, band fraud, credit card fraud, identity theft, auto theft, and money laundering.

Under California criminal law, theft charges are serious crimes and the punishment is very harsh, it includes: prison time, large fines, restitution, probation and parole. Theft crime penalties depend upon the seriousness of the crime and prior criminal records. If you or someone you know has been arrested or investigated for theft crime, embezzlement or white collar crimes, it is critical to retain the services of a criminal defense attorney who has the knowledge and experiences to ensure a successfully defense for your theft crime charges.

Continue reading "Newport Beach CFO charged with White Collar crime, Grand Theft and Embezzlement " »

NEWPORT BEACH, Orange County - A Newport Beach woman, Bethany Jane Brady, who was working as an account for a Newport Beach salon for13 years, was charged with grand theft and embezzlement for stealing more than $250,000 from the employer. Brady had been using funds from the salon's account for her personal use for the past three years. Brady was convicted of grand theft, embezzlement and identity theft.
Brady was sentenced to two years in state prison for felony theft crime of embezzling more than $250,000 from the Newport Beach salon. Besides, she also has to pay $250,000 in restitution. She was also facing enhanced sentencing for stealing more than $200,000.

There are various charges involved with theft crimes and white collar crimes, such as grand theft, fraud, embezzlement, insurance fraud, bank fraud, real estate fraud, credit card fraud, forgery, medical fraud, shoplifting and petty theft.

Under California law, embezzlement is defined as illegal transfer of money for personal use. In California, embezzlement is also called employee theft crime. It is a theft crime that committed by employees.

In a case involved someone such as Bethany Brady, who steals money from the employer for the amount over $400, can be charged with a serious Grand Theft and embezzlement. It can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. If the person is charged with felony Grand Theft, the punishment usually includes: state or federal prison, restitution, Fines and more. If you have been charged with white collar crime or embezzlement or grand theft in California, it is important to hire an experienced Los Angeles Theft crime attorney or Orange County white collar crime attorney to protect your rights.

Continue reading "Newport Beach Woman convicted of Felony Grand Theft and Embezzlement" »

Long Beach, Los Angeles - A Long Beach California resident Insurance Agent has been convicted of felony count of grand theft in Orange County superior court. Matthew Shawn Bissell has pleaded guilty. His sentencing includes five years probation, restitution and community service. Bissell's insurance license was revoked.

Bissell Los Angeles Insurance Company provided various insurances services and products to his business clients. Bissell was allegedly took the client checks from the business account to his personal bank account. It caused the extreme financial risk to his clients. From 2005 to 2007, Bissell also allegedly committed insurance fraud by issuing bogus certificates of insurance.

There are different types of theft crime charges, such as grand theft, fraud (Bank Fraud, Credit Card Fraud, Healthcare Fraud, Insurance Fraud, Real Estate Fraud Investment), embezzlement, white collar crime, bribery, petty theft, shoplifting, burglary, receiving stolen property. If convicted, the consequences for the theft crimes are very serious and the punishments can be very harsh. It usually includes the jail time or prison time, substantial fine, probation and restitution.

Whether it is a misdemeanor or felony theft crime charge, you need to consult with an Orange County theft crime defense lawyer or Los Angeles criminal defense attorney immediately to protect your legal rights.

Continue reading "Long Beach Insurance Agent Convicted of Felony Grand Theft" »

Los Angeles, California - Orange County register reports that the CEO of Homestore Inc, has pleaded guilty for committing stock fraud and white collar crimes on Tuesday. Stuart Wolff, the CEO and chairman of the real estate listing firm is sentenced in April for investment and securities fraud. He is facing up to five years in prison. There are also 11 other defendants involved in this case.

In 2001, the News broke that the Homestore was under the federal investigation for its fraudulent accounting practices. It caused company's stock price plummeted and the investors lost over $100 million dollars. Wolff was convicted in 2006 of over 12 charges for white collar crimes and fraud scheme. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

In Caifornia, White Collar crime is usually committed by professionals, such as CEO, corporate executive, professionals, doctors and public officials. White collar crimes usually involve fraud and theft for the purpose of obtaining money.

Under California law, white collar crimes are one of the most aggressively prosecuted crimes by the federal government. It is extremely important that you have an experienced California Criminal Defense attorney to work by your side in both state and federal court.

If you or someone you know have been charged with fraud or white collar crime, the punishment can be very serious. If convicted, the consequences for a white collar can be severe, include lengthy prison time, large amount of restitution, professional license issue, Professional Reputation. A white collar crime charge can damage one's profession and career for life. There are different type of white collar crimes, such as : Bank Fraud, Credit Card Fraud, Health Care Fraud, Medicare fraud, Medical fraud, Extortion, Embezzlement, Identity Theft, Insurance Fraud, Securities Fraud. If you are a professional or an executive who have been charged with white collar crimes or fraud crimes, you need to consult with an experienced Southern California criminal defense attorney immediately to ensure your rights are protected.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Ex-Executive Convicted in fraud case " »

Mission Viejo, Orange County - A bank robbery occurred in Mission Viejo which authorities are attributing to the lone operative known to investigators as the "blue note bandit."

According to The Orange County Register, tellers at La Jolla Bank identified the man from photo stills taken of the "blue note bandit" from other bank robberies. The "blue note bandit" is believed to have also held up banks in Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Tustin, Irvine, Laguna Hills and San Juan Capistrano and Lake Forest.

California Penal Code Section 211 identifies Robbery as "the felonious of personal property in the possession of another, from his person or immediate presence, and against his will, accomplished by means of force or fear."

If you or your loved one have been charged or arrested for robbery, theft, fraud, embezzlement or white collar crimes or related felonies and/or misdemeanors in the State of California, it is imperative to hire an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney or Southern California theft crime defense lawyer to protect your rights and freedom.

Orange County Criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti have handled hundreds of criminal cases in both state and federal court, including white collar crime, theft, fraud, medical insurance fraud, embezzlement, grand theft, robbery, among many other crimes. Our theft crime defense attorneys represent clients in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego.

To further discuss your case about theft crimes, please call our skilled Southern California Criminal Defense Attorney and Orange County theft crime Defense attorney at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti at 714-530-9690 or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com

According to the Orange County Register, Fountain Valley police responded to a burglary alarm at R. L. Ebbert Co., a construction/mining equipment wholesaler, thereafter arresting a man who they suspect broke into a wholesale equipment business and stole several computers and a TV.

In relevant part, Charles Daniel Perez Jr., 32, of Santa Ana, was arrested and charged with burglary and possession of stolen property. Moreover, Perez is currently on parole from the State Department of Corrections, and is now being held without bail.

Under California criminal law, Burglary is a serious criminal offense which carries heavy fines, penalties and and/or possible jail/prison time. If you or your loved one have been charged or arrested for burglary, grand theft, embezzlement, fraud or rany related felonies or misdemeanors in the State of California, you need to hire an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney or Southern California theft crime defense lawyer to protect your rights and ensure your liberties and freedom.

Orange County Criminal defense attorneys at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti have handled hundreds of criminal cases in both state and federal court, including burglary, grand theft, fraud, insurance fraud, medical fraud, embezzlement, white collar crimes among many other causes of action. Our Orange County criminal defense attorneys represent clients in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino. If you have been arrested or charged with any type of crimes, please contact us for a free consultation at 714-530-9690 or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com.

SANTA ANA, Orange County - A former assistant working at children's shelter was convicted of felony charges of embezzlement and white collar crimes for stealing almost half million dollars from the company. Lydia Fitzgerald, was convicted of 49 felony grand theft and embezzlement charges, and was ordered to pay $390,000 in restitution.

During 2004 to 2007, she worked as an assistant at the organization. She was charged with credit card fraud and forgery for using the company credit cards and forging checks. She transferred the fund from the company account to her personal account for personal use. She is facing 4 years in prison.

SANTA ANA, Orange County - A Brea CPA, Stephen Frlekin, was convicted of white collar crime, felony grand theft, felony money laundering and computer fraud. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison for stealing from an insurance company and using the money for his personal expenses. He pleaded guilty to 103 felony counts of money laundering and white collar sentencing enhancements. He was also ordered to repay $2.7 million in restitution. During the time he was working with the company, he took $2.7 million from the company bank account and put into his own personal account.

Under California law, White collar crimes, grand theft or fraud crimes are serious charge. It is usually charged with felony and it can be prosecuted at the State or Federal level, depending on the seriousness of the case. If convicted of committing a white collar crime in California , the punishment is usually very severe, and consequences are harsh. The punishment include: prison time, substantail fines and restitution. The punishment and consequences can severely impact a person's life, career and future, and it could also take away your business or professional license.

Our skilled Orange County criminal defense attorneys have handled wide range of white collar crimes and California Professional License Defense in the areas of Grand Theft, Bank Fraud, Computer fraud, Conspiracy, Embezzlement, Counterfeiting, Credit Card Fraud, Forgery, Fraud, Internet Fraud.

I f you have been charged with a white collar crime, Money Laundering. you should contact an Orange County white collar crime defense attorney or Southern California Professional License Defense attorney at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti as soon as possible for a free consultation at 714-530-9690 or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com.

Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, our experienced criminal defense lawyer have represented clients charged with both federal and State White Collar Crimes. Our Southern Callifornia White collar crime attorneys defended individuals throught out Southern California, Orange County, Newport Beach, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Fullerton, Costa Mesa, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, San Diego and any surrounding areas in Southern California.

SANTA ANA, Orange County - An Orange county caretaker is charged with Grand Theft, aggravated white collar crime and fraud for stealing more than $100,000 from disabled people by writing checks from their accounts.

Shandie Rosete, of Placentia, was a caretaker for an Orange County nonprofit organization helping disabled adults. She was charged with felony grand theft for stealing over $100,000 by making 663 checks and transfer to her personal account.from 2004 to 2007. She is charged with 14 felony fraud, grand theft plus sentencing enhancements for aggravated white collar crime of more than $100,000.

SANTA ANA, Orange County - An Orange County Ex- CPA and trustee, Margot Strawn, of Laguna Hills, was convicted of 2 felony counts of grand theft plus sentencing enhancements for aggravated white collar crime over $500,000. She has been sentenced to 4 years in prison Monday for felony grand theft over $500,000 from client's trust fund.

She was required pay back in restitution to her client, according to the Orange County District Attorney's office. She was hired by her client fund management. During 2001 and 2007, she took over $500,000 by transferring money from the trust account to her personal bank account.

TUSTIN, Orange County - A Tustin man, Clifford Polston, the chief executive officer of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tustin, was convicted of grand theft and embezzlement for stealing $114,000 from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tustin. He pleaded guilty to grand theft with a sentencing enhancement for stealing fund over $50,000. Other counts of grand theft and forgery charges were dismissed. He is facing 4 years in prison.

Under California Law, California Penal Code Section PC 487, Employee embezzlement is a grand theft crime. It defines as illegally transferring or taking of property or money to personal use which has been entrusted. Embezzlement is common theft crime committed by corporate executives, such as CEO, executives or a professional.

Embezzlement is also called employee theft or employee fraud, it is considered as a white collar crime. It is a very serious crime and it could be charged to a corporate executive or a professional. It can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depends on the seriousness of the case. Embezzlement is also a fraud crime. If convicted of embezzlement or grand theft in Southern California, a person can be facing harsh punishment, such as jail time, substantial fines, restitution and probation.

If you or someone you know has been arrested or investigated for embezzlement or a white collar crime, you need to consult an experienced Southern California Theft Crime Attorney or Orange County White Collar Crime Attorney immediately. At the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, we are committed to the highest quality of representation and we will work tirelessly to protect your rights and provide the best possible results.

Continue reading "Tustin Corporate Executive Convicted of Embezzlement and Grand Theft " »

San Clemente, Orange County - An Orange County corporate executive for a skateboard company was charged with embezzlement and grand theft on Friday for stealing over $365,000 from the company's business account.

Matthew Mercuro, of Orange County, a Corporate Chief Financial Officer, has been charged with embezzlement, 2 felony grand theft, plus sentencing enhancements for excessive taking over $200,000.

During the years he had been working with the skateboarder's company, he has used the funds from the company's account for his personal expenses. According to the Orange County District Attorney, if convicted, he could be sentenced to 6 years and eight months in prison.