Los Angeles, Ca

Adult webcam scammer in Southern California cons victims out more than $1M

Published

15 seconds ago

July 23, 2024

Adult webcam scammer in Southern California cons victims out more than M

A 54-year-old man from Los Angeles County could face up to 20 years in prison after conning investors out of nearly $1.2 million by promising an ownership interest in several adult entertainment webcam websites and then using those funds to cover personal expenses and fund an exorbitant, luxurious lifestyle, federal officials announced Monday.

Prosecutors say that between Nov. 2009 and Oct. 2016, Montrose resident Patrick Khalafian solicited investments for three limited liability companies that purportedly developed and operated adult entertainment websites.

The 54-year-old claimed the victims’ investments would be used for operating the business, developing software, paying for computer servers, hiring employees and purchasing advertising.

“He also falsely promised that the victims would be repaid for their investments by a specific date, that they would receive ownership interests in the companies, and would receive a share of the companies’ profits,” a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Central District of California Office stated.

At a July 2015 meeting at Maestro’s Steakhouse in Beverly Hills, Khalafian secured a $1 million investment from one of his victims.

On the same day that the funds were wired to an account he controlled, prosecutors say the 54-year-old withdrew $200,000 to pay for his rent and lease luxury cars. A day later, he used $60,000 of the victim’s money to purchase a new Ford F-150 truck.

Later, Khalafian used $100,000 to pay back another investor, fund a lavish trip to a casino and a shopping spree at high-end retailers, including Tiffany’s, Barney’s, Fendi, Saks Fifth Avenue and Louis Vuitton.

Two other victims, one in 2015 and another in 2016 were conned out of $80,000 and $90,000, bringing Khalafian’s fraud losses to at least $1.17 million, prosecutors said.

None of the victims were ever paid back and by Oct. 2016, the 54-year-old had changed his phone number and email address to evade their inquiries.

The 54-year-old, who pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, is scheduled to be sentenced in Feb. 2025, at which time he could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, officials said.

Los Angeles, Ca

Disneyland Resort to host first-ever D23 day at Disneyland event

Published

7 hours ago

July 22, 2024

Press Room

Disneyland Resort to host first-ever D23 day at Disneyland event

The Disneyland Resort will host the first-ever D23 Day at Disneyland on Aug. 8 ahead of the sold-out ultimate Disney fan event.

The one-day event, open to all guests with a valid park reservation and theme park admission, will include limited-time character appearances, a cavalcade featuring 23 characters and select Disney Legends, the debut of a new merchandise collection, and more.

Here’s what you can expect from D23 Day at Disneyland:

Complimentary Mickey Mouse ear hats will be handed out to guests beginning at park opening while supplies last
Characters making limited-time appearances, including Goofy and Max from “Goof Troop” and Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear from “Toy Story 3”
A Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party at Disney California Adventure
A dance party at Tomorrowland Terrace. Musical group Suburban Legends will play at the same location beginning at 7 p.m.
The debut of a merchandise collection celebrating the 25^th anniversary of “Tarzan”
Complimentary unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken on Aug. 8

Downtown Disney will also offer discounts on select offerings and entertainment from Aug. 4 to Aug. 11.

More information can be found here.

Those unable to attend D23 Day at Disneyland can also celebrate the kickoff to the biannual convention with a special D23 Day at Angel Stadium on Aug. 4.

The first 23,000 fans who enter the gate will receive a complimentary one-of-a-kind D23 Mickey Mouse bobblehead.

Los Angeles, Ca

Officials searching for soldier who disappeared from Southern California Army base

Published

14 hours ago

July 22, 2024

Press Room

Officials searching for soldier who disappeared from Southern California Army base

Army officials at Fort Irwin National Training Center are searching for a soldier who went missing late last week.

According to a press release issued Sunday by the Army base’s public affairs office, U.S. Army PFC Alejandro Espinola of the 11^th Armored Cavalry Regiment failed to report for duty on Thursday and was subsequently reported missing.

Espinola, 26, is said to be 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighs 164 pounds. He is a native of Los Angeles, one of his friends told KTLA.

He drives a dark gray 2018 Hyundai Elantra with temporary tags, the friend added.

U.S. Army PFC Alejandro Espinola as seen in an undated photo. (Fort Irwin National Training Center)

Authorities at Fort Irwin, which is located in San Bernardino County northeast of Barstow, are using “all available means” in their search for Espinola.

“The health and safety of our soldier is our number one concern,” Col. Kevin T. Black, 11^th Armored Cavalry Regiment Commander said. “The chain of command is actively communicating with PFC Espinola’s family to keep them informed of ongoing search efforts.”

Anyone with any information regarding Espinola’s whereabouts is asked to call local their law enforcement agency or contact Fort Irwin’s Criminal Investigation Division by calling 760-442-9316.

Los Angeles, Ca

Deputy in Los Angeles charged for alleged inmate assault, falsifying records

Published

21 hours ago

July 22, 2024

Press Room

Deputy in Los Angeles charged for alleged inmate assault, falsifying records

A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy is facing nearly four years in prison after being accused of assaulting an inmate at a downtown Los Angeles courthouse more than two years ago, officials announced late last week.

The incident, according to a news release from the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office, occurred on Jan. 20, 2022, at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

Prosecutors allege that 43-year-old Deputy Maria Torres, who was working in the court lock-up, encountered an inmate that refused to leave his cell.

“Torres allegedly unlawfully sprayed the inmate through a gap in the cell door and then falsified a report about her use of force,” the release stated.

The 43-year-old has been charged with a felony count of assault by a public officer and felony count of filing a false report by a police officer.

“The alleged actions of Deputy Maria Torres are not only contrary to the values and principles that we uphold in law enforcement, but they also represent a significant breach of trust within our community,” District Attorney Gascón said. “The victim deserved to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of the circumstances.”

If convicted as charged, Torres could be sentenced to a maximum of three years and eight months in state prison to be served in local custody.

The investigation into the allegations was being handled by the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department’s Internal Criminal Investigation Bureau.