A Cathedral City man suspected of stealing and using his former 90-year-old employer’s checks was out on bail Thursday.
Agustin Zaragoza, 31, was arrested and booked into the Benoit Detention Center in Indio on Wednesday on suspicion of first-degree burglary, embezzlement of more than $400, check fraud and committing a felony while out on bail for a prior offense.
Zaragoza was released on $55,000 bail Thursday.
On Jan. 23, deputies responded to a call regarding fraudulent activity about 10 a.m., according to Riverside County sheriff’s Sgt. James Mills.
The victim, only identified as a 90-year-old woman, told authorities she reported fraud occurring with her checking account.
An investigation revealed Zaragoza was hired in Dec. 2024 by the victim to perform unspecified work at her residence, where he stole her checks, Mills alleged.
He was taken into custody without incident shortly before 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in the area of Ramon Road and Da Vall Drive in Rancho Mirage.
Anyone with additional information was urged to contact Deputy Pouchoulen at the Palm Desert station at 760-836-1600.