SAPD detectives have arrested Frank Sanchez, a wanted suspect who posed as an advisor to prey on vulnerable victims facing foreclosure.
Sanchez posed as an advisor working with an attorney to draft fraudulent contracts promising to reverse foreclosures, stealing over $45,000 from multiple victims.
Of course Sanchez was unable to stop any of the foreclosures. Instead, the foreclosure processes continued and the victims were ultimately evicted.
Sanchez was already a fugitive in another case involving more than $150,000 in fraud.
He was arrested this morning at The Gardens Casino in the City of Hawaiian Gardens with assistance from OCDA AB 109 Task Force Investigators.
Sanchez was accompanied by another fugitive, Sergio Alejandro Gonzalez, who was also wanted for defrauding a victim of more than $150,000.
Both of these grifters were taken into custody without incident.
Based on California law and the nature of the crimes committed by Frank Sanchez and Sergio Alejandro Gonzalez, here are the likely penalties they face:
Frank Sanchez
Charged with:
- Foreclosure fraud (posing as an advisor, drafting fake contracts)
- Theft by false pretenses
- Criminal conspiracy
- Prior fraud case involving $150,000+
Potential Penalties:
- Felony charges likely due to the amount stolen and repeat offenses
- State prison: 16 months to 3 years per count under Penal Code §532
- Fines: Up to $10,000 per felony count
- Restitution: Full repayment of $45,000+ to victims
- Asset forfeiture: Any property obtained through fraud may be seized
- Probation or parole violations if applicable
- Sentence enhancements under California’s white-collar crime laws (Penal Code §186.11) could add 2–5 years
Sergio Alejandro Gonzalez
Charged with:
- Fraud exceeding $150,000
- Conspiracy to commit crime (PC §182)
- Street gang enhancement (PC §186.22)
- Prior felony convictions (PC §1170.12)
Potential Penalties:
- Felony fraud: 2–5 years in state prison
- Gang enhancement: Adds 2–4 years to the sentence
- Three Strikes Law: If prior felonies qualify, could face 25 years to life
- Restitution: Full repayment of $150,000+
- Fines: Up to $10,000 per count, possibly more under federal statutes
- Asset seizure: Any fraudulently obtained property may be confiscated
Additional Considerations
- If elder financial abuse is involved (victims aged 65+), penalties may include:
- Up to 4 years in prison
- Double or treble damages (twice or three times the amount stolen)
- Disinheritance under Probate Code §259