Los Angeles Man Accused of Defrauding Elderly Victim, Arrested

A Los Angeles man has been taken into custody for allegedly defrauding an elderly resident while claiming to be a private investigator.

The suspect, identified as 66-year-old Vincent Tarter, was arrested in connection with a financial scam that targeted a senior citizen in Palm Desert, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

Alleged Scheme Uncovered

Authorities say that in June 2024, Tarter met with the elderly victim and falsely presented himself as a former federal agent currently working as a private investigator. He allegedly promised to resolve the victim’s legal issues in exchange for a substantial payment.

However, after receiving the funds, no services were ever provided, and the victim realized they had been deceived.

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By December 2024, investigators linked Tarter to a second suspect, identified as 55-year-old Tamela King of Glendale, who was believed to be involved in the fraudulent operation.

Arrest and Ongoing Investigation

Tarter was located on Feb. 26 in the 100 block of North Broadway in Los Angeles, where he was taken into custody. He is facing charges of financial elder abuse and is currently being held without bail.

Detectives believe there may be additional victims who have been targeted in similar scams involving Tarter or King.

Authorities also warned that Tarter has used multiple aliases, including Tony, Anthony Costa, Tony Costa, and Vincent Ziti.

Seeking Additional Information

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has stated that more charges will be pursued against King as the investigation continues.

Anyone with relevant information or who may have been victimized is urged to contact Investigator Grasso at (760) 836-1600.

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Layla Hango

Layla Hango is a dedicated author at The Chieftain Spear, where she delves into stories that highlight cultural richness, social issues, and community empowerment. With a passion for storytelling that inspires and informs, Layla brings a fresh perspective to her writing. Her work resonates with readers seeking meaningful dialogue and a deeper understanding of diverse experiences. Through her articles, Layla aims to spark positive change and celebrate the strength of collective voices.

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