Los Angeles: Financial Crimes Division, Valley Forgery Section, is conducting an investigation into Grand Theft, Credit Card Fraud, Forgery, and Money Laundering, involving a ring of suspects who have operated children's music schools in the Southern California area since 1997.

The suspects were specifically targeting Spanish speaking parents in the Hispanic community by calling and advising that their child had won an opportunity at receiving free music lessons. The suspects would then provide free accordion lessons for a few weeks. Following this trial period, they would talk the parents into signing for permanent classes. The enrollment process involved obtaining the parents' credit card and other financial information. The suspects then made numerous unauthorized credit card purchases and used the parents financial information to commit identity thefts. The suspects also talked parents into investing thousands of dollars into worthless company bonds. After operating at a location for a few months, the suspects would close the music school without notifying the parents, or providing a new school location. These music schools are known to have operated in North Hollywood, Toluca Lake, Panorama City, Long Beach, Montclair, Glendora, Riverside, and Mission Hills, resulting in losses to the victims in excess of five-hundred-thousand dollars.

On October 25, 2001, LAPD officers served search and arrest warrants at four locations in the Calabasas, Woodland Hills, and Mission Hills areas, resulting in the arrest of Delia Milagros Leon (AKA Maria Alberto Yunis and Maryleen Cohen Spielberg), and Juan Manuel Rocha (AKA Juan Carlos Ortiz and Pablo Vazquez). Officers also recovered thousands of dollars in cash, numerous credit cards and hundreds of financial records belonging to unsuspecting families. The suspects are being held at Van Nuys Jail and bail has been set, for each, at two million dollars.

Detectives are requesting assistance in locating an additional suspect who is also wanted on a felony warrant for Grand Theft in connection with this case. The suspect has been identified as Omar Adalberto Arroyo, a Latin singer and actor known in the Hispanic community as Luis Omar. He is believed to be in Puerto Rico promoting the release of his recent Salsa CD titled "Asi, Asi". He is Hispanic, black hair, brown eyes, 6'0" tall, 185 pounds and is 26 or 27 years old.

Additional victims and anyone with information as to Arroyos' whereabouts are asked to contact Detectives Juan Baello or Sharon Horan at 818-756-8323. Information for this press release was provided by Detective Baello.

This press release was prepared by Officer Don Cox, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.