Los Angeles woman faces 24 years in prison for real estate fraud
By John Ross Ferrara
Published on March 4, 2026.
A Los Angeles woman, 58-year-old Rita Ortiz, has been charged with 25 felony counts of real estate fraud in relation to a dozen falsely filed mechanics liens accusing Los Angeles County homeowners of millions of dollars in unpaid contracting work. If convicted, Ortiz could face more than 24 years in state prison. The case reportedly cost the victims more than $500,000 in losses.
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