“Investigations into financial crimes can be lengthy and complex, particularly when multiple victims are affected. We appreciate the California Department of Justice’s commitment to protecting Californians.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

LOS ANGELES — On June 9, 2026, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the arrest of, and charges against, a licensed Professional Fiduciary and his accountant who allegedly stole more than $6 million from five clients in assets they were hired to protect and manage. After a thorough investigation by California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the California Franchise Tax Board, it was revealed that the fiduciary and his accountant conspired to steal from client accounts and evade income taxes between August 2018 and October 2025.  

“Bad actors who intentionally prey on the most vulnerable within our state will be swiftly brought to justice,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Our elders deserve to be treated with respect, care, and dignity, not victimized. The California Department of Justice remains committed to defending the fundamental rights of all Californians, ensuring that we hold bad actors accountable to the maximum extent of the law.” 

A comprehensive forensic accounting investigation of five client trusts, estates, and conservatorships exposed a systematic pattern of unauthorized fund diversions and probate court violations. The fiduciary is accused of abusing his signatory authority to illicitly write checks to himself and to his accountant for a total net theft of over $6 million. The two are facing charges that include grand theft, grand theft from an elder or dependent adult, and failure to file an income tax return. 

DOJ’s White Collar Investigation Team (WCIT) investigated this case, served four search warrants and arrested both suspects. WCIT investigates complex financial crimes impacting Californians, including major fraud, money laundering, embezzlement, and corporate schemes. Focusing heavily on sophisticated investigations linked to organized crime and criminal networks, WCIT handles cases originating both within California and across state lines. The program works in close partnership with local, state and federal partners to dismantle the multi-layered fraud operations that threaten the state’s residents and economy.

Here is a copy of the criminal complaint.