West Valley : 2 Face Charges in Pyramid Scheme
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Los Angeles police arrested two Valley residents Tuesday morning on suspicion of running a pyramid scheme throughout the San Fernando Valley.
Liliana Marquez, 23, of Northridge, and Jose Luis Gonzalez, 34, of Winnetka, were arrested at their homes by Los Angeles vice officers, who were alerted to the alleged scam by complaints from Valley residents who attended meetings of the organization Friends Helping Friends, Deputy City Atty. Greg Parham said.
Marquez and Gonzalez solicited money from the victims, promising they would reap large profits if they brought other friends into the scheme, Parham said.
They have been charged with two counts of running a pyramid scheme and grand theft, for instances in which they allegedly took a total of $5,250 from a Van Nuys woman and a Pacoima couple, Parham said. If convicted, they face up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine for each count.
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