Martha Gutierrez Deromero told authorities she stopped Chevrolet vans in fruit trees outside Madera, central California, which were when people showed up during swap exchange meetings.
The 57-year-old traveled on the morning of May 23 near the intersection of 21st Avenue and 26, a two-lane rural road near the fire department, with $60,000 worth of fitness merchandise piled up in her car.
She said that the moment she stopped, two men masked with knives approached Di Romero and stole the van.
It's a story of timing – for Deromero, the poverty and contingency of the carjackers – not very friendly with the Madeira County Sheriff's deputies.
Authorities say the van contains about $60,000 worth of merchandise, including fitness clothing, waist trainers and supplements.
(Madeira County Sheriff's Office)
After several rounds of interviews with investigators, Di Romero's story finally collapsed. Sheriff’s officials said authorities believe that carjacking is nothing more than a scam, with the goal of cash through insurance fraud.
Madera, 57, and her boyfriend Alfredo Ledezma, were charged Friday with filing a false police report on felony and misdemeanors of insurance fraud, according to court records.
“It was initially a serious, report on violent carjacking was quickly revealed under a careful investigation,” Madeira County Sheriff Tyson Pogue said in a statement. “It is illegal to try to use emergency services for the personal benefit and it transfers resources from those who really need help.”
Madeira County Sheriff’s Officer did not call back from the New York-era phone call for other comments. Deromero and Ledezma cannot be contacted immediately for comment. It is not clear whether they have lawyers.
Both will have a trial hearing in court on July 8.
After 8 a.m. on May 23, when Deromero summoned the authorities at 8 a.m. on May 23, she was hijacked by investigators and immediately launched an operation.
Delegates circulated descriptions of the vehicles and the suspects. Authorities eventually discovered a abandoned white van in nearby Mercede County, and a storage locker containing items that match the description of the stolen goods.
According to a criminal lawsuit filed by the Madeira County Superior Court, the entire incident “stages” in another round of questioning detectives determined that Deromero and Ledezma were part of the insurance fraud plan.
“I'm proud of our team seeing people who cheat and take responsibility,” Pogue said.
