Neral Returns to San Diego, Seeks Plea Deal

North County businessman Robert Neral, who disappeared in February with what investors claim could be as much as $2 million in their money, has returned to San Diego and is negotiating a plea bargain with federal prosecutors, according to sources familiar with the case.

Neral, 43, of Fallbrook, is the general partner in several North County real estate limited partnerships. He also owns several small firms and partnerships that own and manage office buildings, and, in February, was given approval by the state for a cellular telephone network in North County.

He abandoned his wife and three children in late February and left behind dozens of investors who charged in civil lawsuits that Neral initiated a real estate Ponzi scheme to defraud investors.

A federal grand jury is investigating Neral’s ventures, but, according to sources close to the case, Neral and federal authorities are in the middle of plea bargain talks.

“Neral is in town (and) he’s making every effort to straighten things out,” said his attorney, Robert Grimes. But Grimes would not confirm or discuss the plea-bargain talks.

Neral could not be reached for comment.

Assistant U.S. Atty. Charles Gorder also would not comment on the case.

Neral reportedly is living with his family in Fallbrook. When he disappeared in February, Neral’s wife, Pamela, was described by acquaintances as “devastated and shocked,” and virtually penniless.

Neral’s investors number no more than 50, but sources familiar with his deals maintain that his business ventures brought in $800,000 to $2 million.

Several North County investors have sued Neral, according to North County attorney Robert Jackson, who represents the former clients.

Because of federal laws that give victims input into plea negotiations, these investors may also be involved in discussions with authorities.

Neral, according to acquaintances, began investing in real estate in the early 1970s, working in development and land and office management.