Los Angeles - The "La Luz de Oro" endless chain scheme is a high profile case that is currently being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department, Financial Crimes Division. The case has received an extensive amount of media attention, especially in the Spanish speaking press.

The investigation included the service of search warrants and the arrest of the primary operators of the scheme, Felix and Mercedes Navarrete, on April 18, 2001.

The suspects were ordered to appear at San Fernando Superior Court for arraignment on Wednesday, July 11, 2001. However, due to the large number of victims and the complexities of this case, the investigation is on going. As a result of the on going investigation, the case, to date, has not been filed. Although the deadline for filing the case is four years from the date of any theft, it is anticipated that the investigation will be concluded, and the case be filed, well before that deadline.

This updated information was provided by the investigators, Detectives John. D. Rodriguez and Gene Arreola, Financial Crimes Division.

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