LCPD: Man duped elderly residents out of $200K; bought mobile homes, vehicles

Police arrested a 23-year-old man suspected of embezzling more than $200,000 from two elderly residents he befriended, police officials say.

Investigators have reason to believe Raiden Castro may have victimized others in the community.

Police said Castro, who has addresses at 5800 Stern Drive and the 300 block of Linda Vista, is charged with 18 counts of embezzlement, including five felony counts for embezzlement of more than $2,500 and four felony counts for embezzlement of more than $500.

LCPD detectives learned Castro allegedly approached potential customers as the owner of two businesses: Zia Landscaping and Zia Detailing. Detectives said Castro offered his services to customers but then befriended them, gained their trust and began embezzling large amounts of cash from them.

Detectives said Castro allegedly tricked a 93-year-old man into writing 11 checks – under the guise of loans – from Dec. 21, 2016, through Jan. 3, 2017. The 11 checks totaled $45,360, police said. Detectives also believe Castro embezzled more than $180,000 from a 79-year-old woman in 2015 and 2016.

Castro allegedly spent some of the money on paying off two mobile homes he rents, purchased multiple vehicles, and paid for repairs and upgrades to those vehicles, police officials said.

LCPD detectives obtained a warrant for Castro’s arrested on Jan. 20. He was arrested on Friday, Jan. 27, and booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center, where he’s initially being held on a $25,000 cash-only bond.

Anyone suspicious of dealings with Castro, or anyone who feels they may have fallen victim to Castro, is asked to contact police at (575) 526-0795.