5 More Victims Emerge in Ponzi Case, Sheriff's Seek Others

At least five more victims of an run by three Diamond Bar women have contacted investigators since two of the women were arrested Tuesday.

Capt. Mike Parker of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau said investigators are still clearing voicemails from people identifying themselves as victims of the scheme that authorities believe siphoned up to $4 million from over 45 "investors."

These investors learned that their investments had been part of a Ponzi scheme from news reports following those arrests.

Parker said the five victims that contacted Sheriff's since charges brought against 51-year-old Eva Perez, 50-year-old Juliana Menefee, and 41-year-old Maricela Barajas (aka Maricela Torres) are "stunned."

"You can only imagine the damage that would cause to people's relationships," Parker said.

Parker said in a previous statement that the women had used their positions in the PTA at Neil Armstrong Elementary to develop trust with potential investors.

" The common denominator in all of this was trust," Parker said. "And a high degree of trust will cause you to do something you wouldn't ordinarily do."

Investors contributed anywhere from $5,000 to $208,000 individually, Parker said.

Officials were not able to confirm how many victims were from Diamond Bar or had connections to the school, but did previously state that school staff, teachers, and administrators were reportedly victims of the scheme.

Investigators do not know how many more victims might have invested with the group, who promised 100 percent returns with Disney resorts and other businesses to distribute AltaDena Dairy products.

Investigators ask that anyone else who believes they were involved in the investment scheme contact Sgt. Dana McCants with the Sheriff's Commercial Crimes Bureau at (562) 946-7217.

Sheriff's will need the name, address, amount of loss, and receipts from any additional victims.

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