Sun. Jul 27th, 2025

The Santa Ana Police Department announed the arrest of a #WantedWednesday suspect Frank Ivan Sanchez (39).

Sanchez targeted residents in Santa Ana by posing as a home expert, offering to help “invest” or “prevent foreclosure,” only to “ghost” his clients after taking their money. Is there anything worse than taking advantage of people who are already struggling financially?

A warrant was issued for his arrest in a case where he defrauded a victim out of thousands of dollars.

If you’ve been a victim or have information on his whereabouts, please contact Detective E. O’Rourke at (714) 245-8378 or EORourke@santa-ana.org.

Here’s a summary of the potential penalties Frank Ivan Sanchez could face:


1. Fraud and Theft Charges

  • If he defrauded victims out of thousands of dollars, he could be charged with felony fraud or theft.
  • Penalties may include up to 3 years in state prison, fines up to $10,000, and restitution to victims.

2. Financial Elder Abuse (if victims were seniors)

  • If any victims were 65 or older, he could face additional felony charges.
  • Penalties may include up to 4 years in prison, fines up to $10,000, and civil penalties.

3. Civil Lawsuits

  • Victims can sue him for restitution.
  • In some cases, they may be awarded triple damages, attorney’s fees, and punitive damages.

4. Other Consequences

  • He could lose any professional licenses.
  • He may be barred from working in financial or caregiving roles.
  • If convicted, he could face probation, asset forfeiture, and long-term restrictions on employment and housing.

By Art Pedroza

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

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