Residents of Riverside were thrown into a mix of shock and intrigue when deputies at the Riverside Superior Courthouse came across a man masquerading as an attorney during court proceedings on April 16. Before law enforcement could engage him, the suspect made a swift exit from the premises.
An investigation unfurled the threads to reveal that the man had been collecting retainer fees from clients under the guise of a licensed attorney. He had adopted the identity of a legitimate lawyer from Orange County, concealing his true nature behind a facade of legality. The suspect was identified by deputies as the 66-year-old Erick Porras Rivera from Upland, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Office.
With the progression of the investigation, a search warrant led deputies to Rivera's location at the 200 block of West 9th Street in Upland. The search brought to light several evidentiary items pertinent to Rivera's faux-legal activities. Following the search, Rivera was taken into custody and booked at the Robert Presley Detention Center. Charges against him include false impersonation, theft by pretense, burglary, and the unauthorized practice of law.
The Sheriff's Office is currently probing for more possible victims who might have fallen prey to Rivera's ploy. They encourage anyone with information to step forward and contact Sergeant Jonathan Bodnar. Reports of criminal activity can be directed to the Sheriff's Dispatch at (951) 776–1099 or through the We-Tip Crime Reporting Hotline at (909) 987–5005.
