Ringleader of Alleged Party Scam Sought
Authorities are seeking the mastermind of an alleged scam involving the rental of city-owned property to unsuspecting clients for private celebrations.
Authorities believe Ricardo Pineda, an El Monte resident, is the ringleader. Two of his alleged associates, arrested in a sting, were charged last week with four counts each of grand theft. Eduardo Castaneda Villarruel, 38, and Norma Leticia Villalobos, 28, both of El Monte, were arrested at a Rosemead banquet hall as they tried to collect additional money from a client and an undercover detective posing as his cousin.
Four people said they paid $1,200 to $1,500 in cash to hold celebrations at the Rosemead Community Recreation Center’s banquet hall, according to Los Angeles sheriff’s detectives, who said more victims are likely.
Fliers advertising party halls in several other communities were found in the suspects’ car.
The suspects targeted non-English speakers, detectives said.
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