A 42-year-old man is charged with embezzling money for work never performed and the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station is seeking possible additional victims. (File Photo)
By G.T. Houts
Twin Peaks, CA – The arrest of a suspected embezzler — Bacilio Lopez Hernandez, 42 — for allegedly taking money from a mountain resident for “work supplies” comes as Twin Peaks Sheriff’s deputies are handling similar reports across the mountain.
Bacilio Lopez Hernandez AKA Arturo (Photo by San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department)
The Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station has released Hernandez’ picture in hopes additional victims may come forward as the investigation continues.
Individuals who may have also been a victim should call (909) 336-0600.
THE MAIN INCIDENT
The main incident was reported Wednesday, June 18, at 9:57 a.m. The reporting party told deputies a man identified as “Arturo” initially offered to paint the woman’s deck. She indicated she needed some tree trimming and clean-up work and gave the man $500 to do the job.
The female victim gave the money in good faith and the man — later identified as Hernandez –reportedly promised to show up on Monday, June 16, to do the work. The man never arrived.
Deputies were told the victim called the man several times but he refused to return her calls.
On June 17, the man called the victim and told her he still intended to do the work but needed and additional $200. The woman refused and asked for her money back.
When the victim called the Twin Peaks Station she indicated she had not received the money, the work was not done and she had not had additional contact with the suspect.
THE ARREST
On Sunday, June 22, Hernandez was placed under arrest at his residence at 9:25 a.m. on Burnt Mill Road by Deputy Sandoval.
Hernandez was booked and then released on bail at 9:55 p.m. on June 22.
The suspect is charged with violating Penal Code 503 – Embezzlement is the fraudulent appropriation of property by a person to whom it has been intrusted.
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