Story perspectives

Businesswoman Evicted for Alleged $570M Homeowner Fraud

2/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rita Ortiz, a Beverly Hills businesswoman, has been evicted amid allegations that she attempted to defraud homeowners of hundreds of millions of dollars.
She is accused of filing 35 mechanics liens totaling $570 million against various properties, claiming unpaid labor.
Homeowners, including Marjorie Josaphat, reported liens for exorbitant amounts for services they never received.
The Los Angeles Police Department and the Beverly Hills Police Department are investigating.

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Story summary

Rita Ortiz, a Beverly Hills businesswoman, has been evicted amid allegations that she attempted to defraud homeowners of hundreds of millions of dollars.
She is accused of filing 35 mechanics liens totaling $570 million against various properties, claiming unpaid labor.
Homeowners, including Marjorie Josaphat, reported liens for exorbitant amounts for services they never received.
The Los Angeles Police Department and the Beverly Hills Police Department are investigating.