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Beverly Hills Woman Charged with $568 Million Forgery Scheme

3/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rita Cedeno Ortiz, a Beverly Hills woman, has been charged with 25 counts of aggravated felony forgery for filing fraudulent multimillion-dollar liens against homeowners in Los Angeles County.
Ortiz was arrested on February 26, 2023, after allegedly filing 35 mechanic’s liens claiming over $568 million for unpaid work she did not perform.
Victim Marjorie Josaphat found liens exceeding $100 million on her property, which she intended to renovate.
Ortiz asserts she is a victim, claiming she had agreements with homeowners, and is currently held on a $700,000 bond, with an arraignment scheduled.

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Story summary

Rita Cedeno Ortiz, a Beverly Hills woman, has been charged with 25 counts of aggravated felony forgery for filing fraudulent multimillion-dollar liens against homeowners in Los Angeles County.
Ortiz was arrested on February 26, 2023, after allegedly filing 35 mechanic’s liens claiming over $568 million for unpaid work she did not perform.
Victim Marjorie Josaphat found liens exceeding $100 million on her property, which she intended to renovate.
Ortiz asserts she is a victim, claiming she had agreements with homeowners, and is currently held on a $700,000 bond, with an arraignment scheduled.