LAPD Commercial Crimes Division Arrest of Suspect for Recording Fraudulent Mechanical Liens on Multiple Properties NR26041ma

Los Angeles: On Thursday, February 26, 2026, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Commercial Crimes Division’s (CCD) Real Estate Fraud Unit, arrested Los Angeles resident, 58-year-old Rita Ortiz, for a violation of California Penal Code (PC) 115(A) – Filing a False Document.

Beginning in 2025, detectives assigned to the CCD Real Estate Fraud Unit began investigating a series of recorded mechanics liens on several properties within the City of Los Angeles that were reported to be false or fraudulent. The mechanical liens recorded on property titles listed extraordinary amounts, some as high as $24,640,000.00, for services rendered by Ortiz Consulting LLC for cleaning or consulting services. The investigation identified Ortiz as the person controlling Ortiz Consulting LLC and as the one who recorded the fraudulent liens. Multiple victims’ properties have been affected in Los Angeles, with additional victims and affected properties in the City of Beverly Hills and Riverside County.

Additionally, Rita Ortiz purports to be a Real Estate Consultant and business coach who specializes in property sales, investment properties, home leasing, short sales, and loan modifications. It is believed that Ortiz may have offered “services” to unsuspecting victims through a non-profit organization named “Make Your Dreams Come True.” Ortiz is not licensed by the Department of Real Estate to perform any real estate services.

Currently, the investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call Commercial Crimes Division at (213) 486-6620 between 6:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. During non-business hours or weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.