Local News in Brief : Fraud Charges Dropped
Charges have been dismissed against a former employee of Delta Homes Inc., a defunct firm that authorities charge was at the center of a massive home and apartment construction fraud scheme.
Citing insufficient evidence, Municipal Judge Larry Fidler dismissed the case against Ciro Aramayo, 62, of Los Angeles, a former Delta salesman, at the conclusion of a preliminary hearing.
But Fidler ordered Aramayo’s co-defendant, Anthony Escario, 49, of Irvine, the former vice president and general manager of the West Los Angeles firm, to stand trial.
A third defendant, Joseph Polifroni, 47, of Marina del Rey, was previously convicted in the case and faces sentencing Aug. 17.
Authorities allege that Delta defrauded hundreds of property owners out of more than $2 million by failing to live up to its sales claims that the firm could quickly construct low-cost homes and apartments.
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