California man loses $100,000 in immigration extortion scheme

Riverside, California – A Riverside County man paid more than $100,000 as part of an extortion scheme tied to his immigration status, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

In a news release issued Friday, authorities said a woman had threatened to have the victim deported unless he paid her a large sum of money. The incident was reported to deputies on March 4 and was investigated by the Rancho Mirage Special Enforcement Team.

Following an investigation, deputies identified 43-year-old Yvette Lopez of Hemet as a suspect. She was located and arrested without incident on March 25 in the 32000 block of Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage.

Also taken into custody was 67-year-old Bertha Gasso, who was found with Lopez at the time of the arrest. Both women were booked on suspicion of multiple theft-related offenses, including extortion.

Authorities said the case will be referred to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office with a request for a formal “White Collar” crime enhancement, due to the significant amount of money involved in the alleged extortion.

The Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone with additional information related to the case to contact Deputy Paull with the Special Enforcement Team at 760-836–1600.

“Extortion is a serious crime, and no one should be made to feel fearful or pressured into giving up their hard-earned money,” the department said in its statement. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity.