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" »

La Habra, Orange County - A Westminster resident was murdered at a Halloween party in 2006. His killer was finally charged on Wednesday for the murder of Leland Washington. It is alleged that the suspect David Parga has ties with a gang that is in La Habra and killed Washington because of his race.

The victim was standing outside when Parga came up to him and shot him several time. Witnesses say that the attack was unprovoked. Prosecutors allege that this was no ordinary murder but that it is a hate crime. Washington was treated at UCI Medical Center in Orange where he was pronounced dead.

Orange County criminal defense attorney Michael Guisti commented on this incident. He stated that gang related crimes and hate crimes are very serious charges in California. He states the Parga will probably be facing serious murder charges. The punishments for murder can be found in the California Penal code section code 187 which states that a person will be sentence to federal prison if found convicted of murder. Southern California defense attorney Michael Guisti goes on to say that Parga will also face gang enhancements. The law covering gang enhancements are found in Penal code 186.22. It states that any person can have their prison sentence enlarge if it if discovered they did it for the benefit for the gang that they are associated with.

Being convicted of first degree murder is a serious charge. If convicted you could face a long prison sentence, fines restitution and you could possible lose your life. If you or someone you know has been charged with violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, first degree murder, second degree murder, three strikes, felony assault, homicide, manslaughter, domestic violence, assault, battery, sex crimes etc. and other crimes, it is critical to retain a skilled Orange County criminal defense attorney or Los Angeles criminal defense attorney immediately to protect your right and freedom.

Orange County criminal attorneys at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti has successfully handled hundreds of violent crime cases in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego and San Bernardino and are committed to providing the highest quality of legal representation for your case. If you or someone you love has been arrested or charged with felony crimes, violent crimes, murder, second degree murder, first degree murder, felony assault and battery, assault with deadly weapon, attempted murder, you need to call the experienced and skilled Southern California criminal defense attorney at the Law Offices of Michael Gusiti immediately at (714)530-9690 for a free consultation or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com.

Garden Grove, Orange County - Garden Grove gang member, Ivan Garcia, was found guilty of shooting a Garden Grove resident outside of his home. Garcia was convicted of attempted murder and street terrorism, with penalty enhancements for gang activity. He is also convicted of unlawful firearm. He faces up to 40 years in prison.

The victim, David Pulga, was close to his Orange County Garden Grove home when he was shot several times by two gang members in Garden Grove. His wife reported to the Garden Grove police. From this injury he suffers memory loss, physical control and no longer has basic motor skills. The DNA evidence retrieved helped police find the Orange County attempted murder suspect, Ivan Garcia. Garden Grove police also found second gang member linked to this attempted murder case by the tagging. Cesar Mina also known as "Sleepy" has been tied to the shooting.

According to Orange County criminal attorney Michael Guisti, who has successfully handled many high profile felony crime cases, murder crime defense and attempted murder cases, states that "attempted murder" can be found under the California Penal code 187 which defines murder as the unlawful killing of a human being. The punishments for murder are the most severe among all other crimes, and it is the most aggressively prosecuted crime. The punishments for murder crimes, such as attempted murder, first degree murder, second degree murder, homicide and manslaughter, are very harsh, it could carry very long term prison sentences, the death penalty and heavy fines. The consequences could impact a person's entire life.

Orange County criminal defense attorney also explains that a person committed a murder or any other crime as part of a gang could also face gang enhancements. An enhancement is defined under California Penal code 186.22. This law states that any person committed of a felony in California can have their sentenced enlarged if it was to benefit the gang. If you have committed a felony for the gang, you could face an additional 4 years of prison time.

Making the right decision for hiring the most qualified criminal defense attorney for your case is the most important decision in the whole legal process. Southern California murder crime defense attorney at Law Offices of Michael Guisti have handled hundreds of felony cases in Orange County and Los Angeles. Attorney Michael Guisti has not only has the exceptional knowledge in California criminal law, federal law and extensive experience with Orange County court systems, Los Angeles court, San Bernardino courts, Riverside courts, San Diego courts. Our Los Angeles felony crime defense attorneys are experienced in felony criminal defense in areas such as: murder, attempted murder, three strikes, sex crimes, domestic violence, assault and battery, federal cases, felony drug cases, white collar crimes, felony fraud cases, grand theft cases, etc. Los Angeles and Orange County murder defense lawyers at Law Offices of Michael Guisti has also had experience defending clients that have been charged with gang related offenses.

Continue reading "Garden Grove Gang Member convicted of attempted murder " »

Orange County - Dr. Steven Kooshian was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for not giving his patients the correct dosage of their medication. Kooshian is a well know AIDs doctor in Orange County and runs many clinics. He pled guilty to two counts of health care fraud and two counts of making false statements relating to health-care matters. Kooshian would purposely prescribe or administer a lower dosage of the patients AIDs medication.

Kooshian's assistant Virgil Opinion, was the person that had started this investigation. He had been Kooshian'd assistant for more that 10 years. He terminated his employment with the doctor and then went to the press with the information. He told the police that his conscience had been killing him. He pled guilty to being an accessory to the crime and will serve three years probation and is ordered to pay restitution jointly with Kooshain.

According to Orange County criminal attorney and professional license defense attorney, Los Angeles Medical fraud defense attorney, Michael Guisti, that under the California Insurance Code Section 1871.4 and California Penal Code Section 550, a person who is charged with healthcare fraud in a situation when he / she makes a false statement to obtain or deny insurance benefits while claiming for insurance. the person could also be charged with penal code section 118 together as the insurance claim is based on false statement.

Continue reading "Orange County Doctor charged with health care fraud for Skimping on AIDS Medicine" »

Santa Ana, Orange County - A Costa Mesa dentist that killed three patients in his dental chair wants to be paroled. Protopappas is currently serving for three counts of second-degree murder. His patients died while sitting in his dentist chair after receiving an overdose of anesthesia. Protopappas in past years stated that he was not responsible for the death of the three victims. The Board of Prison Terms claims that Protopappas does not demonstrate an understanding of what he had done, and is therefore in ineligible for parole. However, Protopappas says that he understands what he has done and is no longer a danger.

A Santa Ana criminal attorney is filing an appeal in Orange County court system stating that the parole board has violated Protopappas's due proves rights. His Orange County criminal defense attorney says that the parole was wrong in using Protopappas insight in to the murders as a gauge for parole and that he knows has remorse. He also claims that he can no longer be a danger because he will no longer be a dentist.

Under California Law, Second -degree murder can be defined in California Penal Code 187 as the unlawful killing of a human being, or a fetus, with malice aforethought. Murder is considered as one of the most serious crimes among all crimes. In California the punishment for murder is very harsh. If found guilty of murder, you could face life in prison with out parole. Orange County criminal defense attorney Michael Guisti has noted in this case that a professional, such as a doctor, a physician, a surgeon, a therapist or any medical health care professional, who is convicted of murder, first degree murder, second degree murder, attempted murder, could you get life in prison, and the defendant could also lose his professional license. If you or someone you know is facing murder charges or under investigation for murder, it is imperative to retain an experienced Southern California criminal lawyer immediately to protect your rights.

Continue reading "Costa Mesa Dentist charged with second degree murder for killing three patients" »

Orange County - According to Orange County Register, a man who illegally practiced medicine, distributed unapproved drugs, and ran an unauthorized HMO was sentenced today to five years of probation and 270 days in jail.

Daryn Wayne Peterson plead guilty to several charges including: one felony count each of the unauthorized practice of medicine, operating a health care service plan without a license, offering an unapproved drug for cancer treatment, and one misdemeanor count of selling misbranded food.

Not only did Peterson practiced medicine without a license, but also claimed to have obtained his PhD from "Canterbury University." However, investigators found out anyone can get a "degree" from "Canterbury University" for $180 from an internet website. Peterson illegally ran an HMO under "National Health Care Organization," which claimed "doctors" can cure cancer patient without surgery. These "doctors" were not licensed to practice medicine in California.

The practicing of medicine without a license or nursing without a license is also known as the unauthorized practice of medicine. Practicing medicine without a license can include the examples such as: claiming to be a doctor without a license, using the letters "M.D." or "D.O.", prescribing medication to a person without a license, providing medical treatments without a license, etc.

Medical doctors who practice medicine outside of their scope of license are also considered as an unauthorized practice of medicine. The same goes for doctors who had their medical license revoked but continues to practice medicine.

Orange County criminal attorney and Los Angeles professional license defense lawyer, Michael Guisti, recently discussed about this case in an interview. He commented that unlawful practice medicine in California, whether in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Newport Beach, Irvine, Beverly Hills, can be charged by Business & Professions Code section 2052(a), grand theft by deception (Penal Code section 487(a), or perjury (Penal Code section 118(a), all of them are considered as felonies.

Under California law, practicing medicine without a license is a serious crime and can be punished by jail and prison sentences, fines, community service, and parole. In addition, practicing medicine without a license can result in civil action. The victims can institute a civil lawsuit against the person pretending to be a doctor for assault, battery, emotional distress, etc.

If you have been charged with unauthorized practice of medicine, whether you are a doctor, physician, a surgeon, a doctor, a nurse or a medical health care professional, it is imperative to retain an experienced criminal defense attorney and professional license defense attorney immediately.

Continue reading "Orange County 'Doctor' practicing medicine without license is sentenced " »

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.

Fountain Valley, Orange County - Fountain Valley police go undercover at a local restaurant to investigate what is called "Bikini Night". Undercover police went to the restaurant Aysya after learning that on Sunday and Monday nights. The police were able to buy at the restaurant five ecstasy pills for fifty dollars from the waitress.

Three weeks later the undercover police went back to the restaurant looking to see if they were able to buy more. Police wrote in a search warrant. Three people have been charged with the selling of ecstasy pills to the undercover police. Among those charged are Vinh Pham Buu, the restaurant's owner, the waitress who sold the pills Cindy Thi Thuy Huynh, and John Phi Ma for supplying the pills that the detective bought.

In California, drug crimes involves illegal drugs or controlled substances can be charged with drug possession for Personal Use; possession of Drugs for Sale; drug trafficking (drug transporting, drug buying, drug selling); drug distributing; drug Cultivating or Manufacturing or drug conspiracy.

Under Calfornia Law, the possession of drugs with the intent to sell is a serious offense. The California Health and Safety Code 11352 states that any person that posses or tries to sell a controlled substances can be imprisoned. Orange County Criminal Defense Attorney at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti who reviewed this case noted that drug crime cases are usually serious charges and mostly can be charged with felony charges and that people that face these charges can be imprisoned in the state prison for three, six or nine years.

Does this sound like a situation that you are in? Have you been charged with either selling or possessing controlled substance? Protect your freedom. At the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, a leading Southern California Criminal Defense law firm, we can help you through this difficult time. Michael L. Guisti has the exceptional knowledge and experience in drug crime defense at both state and federal level. Our attorneys will provide you with the highest quality representation you need. Orange County criminal defense attorney Michael Guisti is very familiar with the court systems, prosecutors, judges in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside. He is often able to reduce a serious felony drug crime, to a lesser misdemeanor charge. We will put many years of our experience to work for you.

Continue reading "Fountain Valley Restaurant Owner Charged with Drug Sales to Undercovered Orange County Police" »

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" »

Costa Mesa, Orange County - The Orange County Register reports that Costa Mesa Police have served search warrants at the West Coast Wellness Center medical marijuana dispensary. The dispensary is located on the 1200 block of Logan Avenue . Three employees, ranging in age from 23 to 49 were booked on charges of illegally selling marijuana. A female customer was also cited for drug possession.

California voters approved Proposition 215 in 1996, allowing qualified patients to use marijuana for its medicinal properties. The law, however, did not establish a uniform, statewide framework for the distribution of the drug. Since then, cities have enacted conflicting approaches for regulating and sanctioning medical marijuana dispensaries. Costa Mesa prohibits such facilities from operating within its city limits.

Prop. 215 has also generated confusion regarding the legality of any marijuana sales. The face of the law prohibits sale of marijuana for profit, but allows qualified distributors to collect "reasonable compensation" for their services.

The three employees arrested in yesterday's raid will likely be charged under section 11360(a) of the California Health and Safety Code. That provision makes any unauthorized sale of marijuana a felony punishable by up to 4 years in state prison, depending on the quantity of marijuana sold and the defendant's prior record. The fourth suspect will most likely be charged under section 11357(b) of the Health and Safety Code. That provision makes possession of less than one ounce of cannabis by an adult a misdemeanor punishable by a $100 fine, unless she can provide proof that she uses marijuana pursuant to a doctor's recommendation or approval.

California Drug charges can be very serious, possibly resulting in lengthy prison sentences. Only an aggressive, experienced Southern California criminal defense attorney or Orange County Drug crime defense attorneys can help navigate the complicated judicial process and protect your legal rights. At Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, our Orange county criminal attorneys and Los Angeles drug crime defense lawyers have extensive experience in defending against all types of drug charges in both state and federal courts in Orang County, Los Angeles, San Diego and throughout Southern California. We represent clients who are accused of drug crimes, such as drug possession, drug transportation, drug cultivation and drug distribution. If you or someone you know has been accused of any drug-related offense, contact us immediately at 714-530-9690 to speak to our Orange County drug crime defense attorneys to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect your freedom or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com

CYPRESS, Orange County - Cypress Police Department has been contacted by a 17-year-old Orange County boy who reported a sexual assault case happened in Monday early morning. According to the report, the boy was driving in Cypress, and he pulled over on the side street to make a phone call, and he was approached by a man who claimed that he was an off-duty police officer. He sexually assaulted the boy several times during the search. He fled the scene after the assault.

The Orange County sex crime defense attorney and Los Angeles crimina defense attorney Michael L. Guisti has reviewed this case and comments that the alleged man could be charged with sex crime charges of child molestation with the under aged, false impersonation of a police officer, kidnapping, and sexual assault and battery.

Under California law, sex crimes are very serious criminal offenses. If one is convicted of sex crime, the conviction can carry long term prison sentence or a lengthy probationary sentence. Additionally, defendant who is convicted of sex crimes in California is required to register as a sexual offender. The registration has all the information available on the internet for the public

Whether you have been charged in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, or anywhere in Southern California, and either a felony charge or misdemeanor sex crime charges, such as solicitation of prostitution, pandering, pimping, rape, Sexual assault and battery, child pornography, child molestation, Lewd act with a child (molestation); Indecent exposure, and other sex crimes, it is imperative that you seek the legal representation of an experienced Orange County criminal defense lawyer.

Continue reading "Orange County Boy sexually assaulted by man claim to be police " »

SANTA ANA, Orange County - A disbarred Orange County attorney and his two business partners in the loan modification business were charged with a felony count of conspiracy for committing fraud, grand theft and felony counts of grand theft by false pretense. Christopher Lee Diener, Stefano Joseph Marrero, and Terrence Green Sr., of Ladera Ranch, were arrested today for the grand theft and white collar crimes in defrauding over 400 homeowners. The business was under the name of Home Relief Services LLC and US Loan Mod Processing and Diener Law Firm. The business provided service to people who need loan modification and facing home foreclosures.

Under California criminal law, white collar crime, grand theft are very serious crimes. Under California Penal Code Section PC 487, Grand theft is defined as the unlawful taking someone else's money or property valued above $400. Theft crimes are serious offenses and it carries severe penalties. It can be charged as misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity of the case, circumstances of the case and prior criminal records.
And the punishment for the felony white collar crimes are severe. If convicted, they could be sentenced to 70 years in prison. They could also face sentencing enhancements for white-collar crime and excessive taking.

If you're charged with a California felony theft crime, you need to consult wit an experienced Orange County Criminal defense attorney or Southern California Theft crime defense lawyer immediately. A highly qualified attorney can help you avoid jail, minimize the penalties and achieve favorable outcome of your case.

Continue reading "Orange County Attorney and partners charged with White Collar Crime, Fraud and 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 " »

SANTA ANA, Orange County - A San Juan Capistrano man, Jeffrey Butler, was convicted of 700 felony counts of white collar crime, grand theft and investment fraud for stealing from elderly investors. He bilked 124 investors of over $11 million through a Ponzi scheme. He was sentenced to 90 years and eight months in prison. The trial was the longest trial in Orange County.

Butler worked with elderly clients on their wills and trusts and offered them unrealistic investment returns. He stole $11.4 million through Ponzi scheme in which money paid to earlier investors by later investors.