Daniel Montano, a licensed real estate agent from Camarillo, was sentenced to 180 days in jail, formal probation for two years, and required to repay $102,000 in victim restitution after being convicted of forgery according to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. 

Having plead guilty on August 2, 2023, Montano admitted to the court that he had planned and executed his crimes. The investigation found that Montano forged his clients' signatures on California Association of Realtors forms during his employment at RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors in Ventura the District Attorney’s Office reported.

Dominic Kardum, Senior Deputy District Attorney and member of the Ventura County District Attorney's Office Real Estate Fraud Unit, who prosecuted the case, underlined the importance of trust within the industry. "County residents rightfully place a lot trust in the real estate agents they hire to represent their families. When those agents violate this trust, the District Attorney's Office will hold them accountable by thoroughly investigating and prosecuting their violations of the law via the Ventura County District Attorney's Office."

About his sentence, Montano is not only expected to serve time in jail, but he is also barred from undertaking real estate-related occupational activities while on probation. Montano's pre-sentencing restitution payment of $68,500 demonstrates these consequences are both financial and reputational.