Player in fraud scheme that scammed elderly Riverside residents to be sentenced

An undocumented immigrant who participated in a telephone-based scheme that conned tens of thousands of dollars from elderly Inland Empire residents and others faces federal prison time at sentencing Monday, March 29, in Los Angeles.

William M. Barrios, 36, pleaded guilty to a federal conspiracy charge, admitting he acted as a collector for overseas conspirators in the scheme, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Also charged are Barrios’ cousin, Elmer M. Barrios, 35, and 30-year- old Anuj M. Patel, both of Lake Elsinore. Patel is scheduled to plead guilty to the conspiracy charge Tuesday,...