A 53-year-old Hemet resident, Consuelo Carrasco-Ramirez, has been arrested in connection with a Ponzi scheme that targeted the Hispanic community, resulting in the theft of approximately $195,000 from victims. The investigation, which was led by the Perris Station Investigation Bureau, began after deputies were called to the scene on North Perris Boulevard on April 23, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities allege that between 2023 and 2025, Carrasco-Ramirez lured seven individuals with the enticement of investing in a wholesale avocado business. The funds, however, were diverted for her own use instead. In some instances, Carrasco-Ramirez even resorted to threats of deportation to intimidate her victims.
The suspect was arrested on Wednesday and is currently held at the Cois Byrd Detention Center, facing charges including theft by pretense, grand theft, and passing counterfeit checks, as reported by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. The bail for Carrasco-Ramirez has been set at $193,000…