An arrest has been made in the investigation of the embezzlement of more than $300,000 from the Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT).
The Sheriff’s Department said that based on information provided by MDLT staff, they have been investigating fraudulently-written checks possibly written by a former MDLT employee.
The Sheriff’s department identified the suspect as Ernest Frias Ybarra, a 45 year-old resident of Desert Hot Springs, a former employee of the MDLT. The Sheriff’s Department said that Frias Ybarra embezzled over $300,000 over a period of several months by depositing MDLT checks into his own bank accounts at various banks, which he had opened under fictitious business names. They say he then made several transactions with the money, including written checks and online transfers to other accounts in an attempt to conceal the source of the money and carry on the fraudulent activity.
On Wednesday (March 5) detectives from the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station located Frias Ybarra in Desert Hot Springs. Detectives served a search warrant at his residence and say they located additional evidence of the crime.
The Mojave Desert Land Trust issued a statement to Z107.7 News:
“We are grateful to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for the arrest of a former employee accused of felony embezzlement, money laundering, and aggravated white collar crime. It is particularly distressing when a community-based, nonprofit organization is targeted by criminal activity. The Sheriff’s Department has consistently provided support to the Mojave Desert Land Trust in the investigation of this case and their diligence ensured justice is being served.”
Ernesto Frias Ybarra was arrested on suspicion of embezzlement and was booked into the Morongo Basin Jail on $750,000 bail. The District Attorney’s Office filed 23 felony charges against him, including embezzlement, aggravated white collar crime, and money laundering.
