Los Angeles: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department, Financial Crimes Division, have been involved in an extensive investigation of an endless chain scheme perpetrated by an organization known as "La Luz De Oro" or "The Light Of Gold". The operators of this scheme targeted primarily Spanish-speaking victims with promises of great wealth, new automobiles or new homes. Their influence reached victims in communities throughout Southern California, Las Vegas, Nevada and Baja California, Mexico.

On Thursday, December 27, 2001, detectives from Financial Crimes Division and the California Department of Motor Vehicles served arrest warrants at several locations throughout the County of Los Angeles.

As a result of this investigation, Mercedes Navarrete and Felix Navarrete of Arleta, Joan Frederick of Canoga Park, Pedro Miramontes of Burbank, Alejandra Nunez of Lancaster, Rolando Soza of Downey, Juan Alvarado of Whittier and Jose G. Garcia of Van Nuys were arrested. Each is being held in custody on a one million-dollar bail. The investigation is continuing.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.