A California investigation has uncovered suspected real estate fraud involving older residents and people who have since died. Detectives identified at least four additional alleged fraud victims before arresting three Moreno Valley residents in October.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said the property investigation developed as detectives examined a separate incident involving an elderly man in December 2024. Lester Earl Watkins was arrested that month.
Darnell Thompson, 72, Danielle Thompson, 22, and Nakethia Jacquin Taylor, 53, were arrested on October 13, 2026.
The sheriff’s office announced the developments October 15. All charges remain allegations unless established in court.
Detectives Discovered Property Fraud Evidence During an Earlier Investigation
On December 8, 2024, deputies responded to a reported assault at a home in the 27000 block of Storrie Lake Drive in Moreno Valley. The injured elderly resident told them that someone had attempted to kill him. He was taken to a hospital in stable condition.
Moreno Valley Station detectives identified Lester Earl Watkins as a suspect and located him in Diamond Bar on December 16. They arrested him without incident and booked him on suspicion of attempted murder and elder abuse. City News Service later reported an attempted-murder charge with a sentence-enhancing allegation involving a deadly weapon.
As detectives continued investigating Watkins’ activities, they discovered evidence of suspected real estate fraud involving other people.
At Least Four Additional Fraud Victims Were Identified
City News Service reported that more than one suspected fraud victim had since died, apparently of natural causes, according to sheriff’s officials. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office Real Estate Fraud Unit joined the investigation.
City News Service described the alleged thefts as involving thousands of dollars. The sheriff’s office said detectives believe there may be additional victims.
Search Warrants Lead to Three More Moreno Valley Arrests
On October 13, 2026, Moreno Valley Station investigators and the station’s Special Enforcement Team served search warrants at multiple locations in the city. They arrested Darnell Thompson, Danielle Thompson and Nakethia Taylor without incident, booking all three initially at the Robert Presley Detention Center.
The sheriff’s release said Darnell was booked on suspicion of attempted murder, conspiracy, money laundering, grand theft, forgery and preventing or dissuading a witness.
Darnell Thompson Pleads Not Guilty, With Bail Reported at $1 Million
City News Service reported that prosecutors filed nearly two dozen felony charges against Darnell Thompson, along with a white-collar-crime sentencing enhancement.
Thompson appeared before Riverside County Superior Court Judge Gary Polk on October 15 and pleaded not guilty. Polk scheduled a felony settlement conference for October 26 at the Riverside Hall of Justice.
Thompson was being held at the Byrd Detention Center in lieu of $1 million bail at the time of the court report.
Other Defendants Face Separate Fraud and Document Charges
Danielle Thompson faces a money-laundering count, while Nakethia Jacquin Taylor faces four forgery counts and one perjury count, City News Service reported.
Both women had posted bonds reported in the $20,000-to-$30,000 range and were released from custody before their scheduled arraignments. Danielle Thompson was due in court November 25, while Taylor’s arraignment was scheduled for November 30.
The sheriff’s office invited anyone with information about the investigation or additional suspected victims to contact Master Investigator Gomez at the Moreno Valley Station, 951-486-6700, or Senior Investigator Shea at the district attorney’s office, 951-955-0723.
How Property Owners Can Check for Unauthorized Real Estate Filings
The Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder sends courtesy notices when deeds, deeds of trust or similar documents are recorded against property. Homeowners who receive notices about transactions they do not recognize are encouraged to contact the district attorney’s Real Estate Fraud Unit.
Owners should keep copies of recorded deeds, loan documents, escrow paperwork and correspondence connected to unexpected changes. The district attorney advises residents not to sign documents transferring property to another person or trust without obtaining independent legal advice.
Suspected property fraud can be reported to the Real Estate Fraud Unit with a chronology and copies of relevant records. Riverside County’s real estate fraud hotline is 877-723-7779.