Man who defrauded Simi Hospice investors awaits sentencing

Ventura County District Attorney Gregory Totten recently announced that Valentin Garcia Lopez Jr., 34, a former resident of Chatsworth, pleaded guilty on June 29 to 17 felonies related to Lopez’s role in soliciting investments in Archangel Hospice, Inc. of Simi Valley. Lopez was convicted of grand theft, identity theft, making deceptive statements to sell securities, selling unregistered securities and failing to appear in court.

Simi Valley Police investigated the case.

From Oct. 3, 2003 through Sept. 11, 2004, Lopez defrauded five separate investors out of more than $145,000. He committed identity theft with the personal information of one victim.

After charges were filed, Lopez failed to appear in Superior Court. He was arrested in Texas and extradited by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department.

Lopez faces up to five years and eight months in state prison and will be ordered to pay restitution to the victims. Sentencing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Mon., Aug. 15 in Courtroom 12.

Lopez is being held in lieu of posting a $1-million bail.