Agent Pleads Guilty to Felony Grand Theft

Press Release Date:

May 12, 2010

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that John William Vanderwall (DOB 12/13/63), a licensed real estate agent from Simi Valley, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of felony grand theft and admitted a special allegation of taking more than $50,000 in a case filed by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Real Estate Fraud Unit.

Notary Charged with Identity Theft, Forgery and Grand Theft

Press Release Date:

March 26, 2010

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Alysa Rosen (DOB 3/11/63) of Thousand Oaks, a former member of the California State Bar, was arraigned on felony charges of identity theft, forgery and grand theft. Rosen is currently in custody in the Ventura County jail on $100,000 bail. Also, Kelly Clough Gladstone (DOB 7/1/60) of Thousand Oaks, was cited and released on a single misdemeanor charge of failure to perform duties of a notary public in violation of California Government Code section 8228.1(a).

Westlake Village Man Arraigned in Oil Lease Scam

Press Release Date:

March 16, 2010

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Clinton Tod Harwell (DOB 10/1/58) of Westlake Village was arraigned on March 15, 2010, in the Ventura County Superior Court on one count of felony grand theft and a special allegation that he took more than $65,000. Harwell pleaded not guilty and denied the special allegation.

Full Restitution for Crime Victim

Press Release Date:

September 29, 2009

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that the Real Estate Fraud Prosecution Unit obtained full restitution in the amount of $220,091 on behalf of crime victim Carolyn Koenig.

On September 17, 2009, Ronald Ted Hasson (DOB 1/19/54) of Encino was sentenced on two felony counts – theft from an elder and securities fraud. At the sentencing hearing, Judge Edward Brodie ordered the court-appointed Receiver to disburse these funds to the victim, Ms. Koenig, who is 70 years of age. The funds were obtained by use of California ‘s “Freeze and Seize” law which allows prosecutors to seek court orders to liquidate assets owned or controlled by convicted criminals who have violated the aggravated white collar crime enhancement.

Felony Complaint Filed Against Local Pastor and Wife

Press Release Date:

September 17, 2009

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Real Estate Fraud Prosecution Unit filed a felony complaint against Alonzo Gene McCowan (DOB 7/5/60) and Kimberly Ann Oglesby McCowan (DOB 11/6/63), a married couple from Camarillo. The felony complaint charges Alonzo McCowan with two counts of theft from an elder (Penal Code section 368(d)) and two counts of money laundering (Penal Code section 186.10(a)). It is also alleged as to Alonzo McCowan that the crimes were committed in violation of the aggravated white collar crime enhancement (Penal Code section 186.11(a)(2)) in that the crimes were related felonies, a material element of which is fraud, and that the taking was more than $500,000.

$1.6M Grant to Fight Real Estate and Mortgage Fraud

Press Release Date:

September 17, 2009

Recovery Act Edward Byrne Memorial Competitive Grant of $1,665,231 Awarded to Ventura County District Attorney for the Prosecution of Real Estate and Mortgage Fraud
District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that the District Attorney’s Office has received an award in the amount of $1,665,231, over the course of two years, to assist, investigate, and prosecute cases involving real estate and mortgage fraud in Ventura County.
The grant comes from the American Recovery Reinvestment Act and is aimed at curbing recent increases in real estate and mortgage fraud.

Local Mortgage and Real Estate Company Admit Guilt

Press Release Date:

August 3, 2009

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that the Special Prosecutions Division has concluded a civil prosecution conducted against real estate businesses owned and operated by Oscar Soto Vasquez (DOB: 11/30/71 ), of Fillmore and his wife Delia Vasquez, along with his loan company, Quest Home Loans, Inc. (“Quest”), dba Quest Mortgage of Oxnard, and his realty company, Real Estate Vision, Inc. (“ REV ”), dba Century 21 New Vision of Oxnard, and Vasquez’s wife, Delia Vasquez (DOB: 05/25/71 ) of Fillmore, agreed to pay restitution, civil penalties, and costs of the suit. The Final Judgment and Permanent Injunction were signed this afternoon by Judge Frederick Bysshe.

Pair Sentenced in Fraudulent “Rent-A-Credit” Scheme

Press Release Date:

November 12, 2008

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Manuel “Manny” John Perez, Jr. (DOB 5/7/72), of Oxnard , was sentenced to the California Department of Corrections following his convictions for several real estate fraud-related crimes. Perez had previously pled guilty to four counts of grand theft, arising from his actions between May and September 2005, under the guise of his wholly-owned businesses, Case Bonita Realty, Creative Mortgage Solutions and Elite Escrow. Perez received a total sentence of ten years, eight months. His prison sentence included enhanced punishment for excessive taking and violating the aggravated white collar crime statute.