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

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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. 

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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.  

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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.  

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Los Angeles, Ca

30 homeless people removed from Los Angeles County encampment

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30 homeless people removed from Los Angeles County encampment

Thirty homeless people were moved out of an encampment in Santa Fe Springs earlier this month.

The effort, led by L.A. County’s Pathway Home program, was conducted with the help of local agencies and the county’s sheriff’s department on Dec. 19.

The operation focused on an encampment of 30 people living along the San Gabriel River and the 605 Freeway where people lived in makeshift structures and tents.

  • Thirty homeless people were moved out of an encampment in Santa Fe Springs as part of L.A. County's Pathway Home operation on Dec. 19, 2024. (Pathway Home)
  • Thirty homeless people were moved out of an encampment in Santa Fe Springs as part of L.A. County's Pathway Home operation on Dec. 19, 2024. (Pathway Home)

Homeless residents were moved inside to local motels for interim housing as officials worked to clear the encampment of debris and dilapidated structures.

“The goal of Pathway Home is to address homelessness in each community where, as people become homeless, we’re able to quickly and efficiently bring them inside, triage them and get them the services they need so we no longer have these big encampments,” explained Ivan Sulic, Deputy for L.A. County’s Homeless Initiatives and Outreach. “So when people go to their parks or civic centers, they are free and clear of these encampments. I think it’s a win-win for the quality of life in the community and for those experiencing homelessness.”

Multiple agencies helped with the operations, including:

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  • Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA)
  • L.A. County Sheriff’s Department
  • City of Santa Fe Springs
  • L.A. County Department of Public Works

“Encampments are communities and we have seen that people are more likely to accept help and housing if they know their entire encampment is accepting help together,” said L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn. “I am grateful that, thanks to the hard work of our outreach workers, first responders, and public works employees, these 30 individuals are inside safe for the holidays and on a pathway to long-term housing.”

“This innovative encampment resolution program is not just about providing shelter, it’s about restoring dignity, hope, and opportunity,” said Santa Fe Springs Mayor Bill Rounds.

More information about Pathway Home can be found here.

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Los Angeles, Ca

Armed suspects pose as police officers, allegedly rob person at Los Angeles apartment building

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Armed suspects pose as police officers, allegedly rob person at Los Angeles apartment building

Suspects dressed in black police-style attire are alleged to have performed an armed robbery at an apartment building in Los Angeles, authorities say.

The incident was reported at about 2:40 a.m. Saturday morning at an apartment building on the 3100 block of Wilshire Boulevard in Koreatown.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, four suspects entered the building and assaulted a resident. The victim, who wasn’t identified, didn’t sustain any major injuries and refused medical treatment.

A group of men posing as police officers allegedly performed an armed robbery at an apartment building in Koreatown early Saturday morning. (OnScene.TV)

The suspects, three of which were dressed as police officers, made off with a “large sum” of cash and jewelry, according to LAPD.

Authorities say a black semi-automatic handgun was used in the alleged robbery, although the weapon was not found at the scene.

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The suspects remain unidentified as of Saturday evening and remain at large.

No additional details were immediately made available.

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Los Angeles, Ca

Anaheim police officers shot and kill robbery suspect

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Anaheim police officers shot and kill robbery suspect

Police in Anaheim shot and killed a man that they say was suspected of robbery on Friday night.

The officers were called to a reported robbery at about 8 p.m. in the 1200 block of E. South Street, according to the Anaheim Police Department.

After arriving to the scene, four officers were involved in a shooting with the suspect, a man police said was about 30 years old.

He was struck by gunfire and pronounced dead at the scene; he has yet to be publicly identified as of early Saturday morning.

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Police said a realistic-looking replica gun was found at the scene. No additional details about the shooting were immediately made available.

The California Department of Justice, among other agencies, will investigate the incident.

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