A California Investigation Uncovered Suspected Property Fraud Involving Seniors. Then Deputies Arrested Three Extra

A California investigation has uncovered suspected actual property fraud involving older residents and individuals who have since died. Detectives recognized a minimum of 4 further alleged fraud victims earlier than arresting three Moreno Valley residents in October.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Workplace mentioned the property investigation developed as detectives examined a separate incident involving an aged man in December 2024. Lester Earl Watkins was arrested that month.

Darnell Thompson, 72, Danielle Thompson, 22, and Nakethia Jacquin Taylor, 53, had been arrested on October 13, 2026.

The sheriff’s office introduced the developments October 15. All fees stay allegations except established in courtroom.

Detectives Found Property Fraud Proof Throughout an Earlier Investigation

On December 8, 2024, deputies responded to a reported assault at a house within the 27000 block of Storrie Lake Drive in Moreno Valley. The injured aged resident informed them that somebody had tried to kill him. He was taken to a hospital in secure situation.

Moreno Valley Station detectives recognized Lester Earl Watkins as a suspect and situated him in Diamond Bar on December 16. They arrested him with out incident and booked him on suspicion of tried homicide and elder abuse. Metropolis Information Service later reported an attempted-murder cost with a sentence-enhancing allegation involving a lethal weapon.

As detectives continued investigating Watkins’ actions, they found proof of suspected actual property fraud involving different folks.

At Least 4 Further Fraud Victims Had been Recognized

Metropolis Information Service reported that multiple suspected fraud sufferer had since died, apparently of pure causes, in line with sheriff’s officers. The Riverside County District Lawyer’s Workplace Actual Property Fraud Unit joined the investigation.

Metropolis Information Service described the alleged thefts as involving 1000’s of {dollars}. The sheriff’s workplace mentioned detectives imagine there could also be further victims.

Search Warrants Result in Three Extra Moreno Valley Arrests

On October 13, 2026, Moreno Valley Station investigators and the station’s Particular Enforcement Crew served search warrants at a number of areas within the metropolis. They arrested Darnell Thompson, Danielle Thompson and Nakethia Taylor with out incident, reserving all three initially on the Robert Presley Detention Heart.

The sheriff’s release mentioned Darnell was booked on suspicion of tried homicide, conspiracy, cash laundering, grand theft, forgery and stopping or dissuading a witness.

Darnell Thompson Pleads Not Responsible, With Bail Reported at $1 Million

City News Service reported that prosecutors filed practically two dozen felony fees in opposition to Darnell Thompson, together with a white-collar-crime sentencing enhancement.

Thompson appeared earlier than Riverside County Superior Court docket Decide Gary Polk on October 15 and pleaded not responsible. Polk scheduled a felony settlement convention for October 26 on the Riverside Corridor of Justice.

Thompson was being held on the Byrd Detention Heart in lieu of $1 million bail on the time of the courtroom report.

Different Defendants Face Separate Fraud and Doc Prices

Danielle Thompson faces a money-laundering rely, whereas Nakethia Jacquin Taylor faces 4 forgery counts and one perjury rely, Metropolis Information Service reported.

Each girls had posted bonds reported within the $20,000-to-$30,000 vary and had been launched from custody earlier than their scheduled arraignments. Danielle Thompson was due in courtroom November 25, whereas Taylor’s arraignment was scheduled for November 30.

The sheriff’s workplace invited anybody with details about the investigation or further suspected victims to contact Grasp Investigator Gomez on the Moreno Valley Station, 951-486-6700, or Senior Investigator Shea on the district lawyer’s workplace, 951-955-0723.

How Property House owners Can Verify for Unauthorized Actual Property Filings

The Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder sends courtesy notices when deeds, deeds of belief or related paperwork are recorded in opposition to property. Owners who obtain notices about transactions they don’t acknowledge are inspired to contact the district lawyer’s Actual Property Fraud Unit.

House owners ought to hold copies of recorded deeds, mortgage paperwork, escrow paperwork and correspondence related to sudden modifications. The district lawyer advises residents to not signal paperwork transferring property to a different particular person or belief with out acquiring unbiased authorized recommendation.

Suspected property fraud could be reported to the Real Estate Fraud Unit with a chronology and copies of related information. Riverside County’s actual property fraud hotline is 877-723-7779.