The suspect who was wanted in a scam that resulted in monetary losses for multiple victims has been arrested.  29-Year-Old Perlita Afanacio-Ballester was arrested in Orange County on January 28, 2020 on her active warrant for the case.  She is facing felony charges including grand theft and false personation.

On September 22, 2019 at approximately 9:30 a.m. Sacramento Police Department patrol officers responded to the 1400 block of Helmsman Way after several people reported being the victim of a theft.  When officers arrived on scene they determined that at least ten of the callers had become victims of fraud.

The suspect in the case represented herself as a psychic, and promised to double any amount of money given to her.  The victims were told to return to a specific location, after a few days, to receive their doubled funds.  When the victims arrived, they learned that the suspect had fled with their money.  The total losses amounted to approximately $100,000.

Sacramento Police Department detectives worked diligently to obtain a suspect description and photograph.  This photograph was shared to the community through various local media outlets, social media, and Crime Stoppers.  Local media who ran the story were extremely helpful in getting the suspect description out.  It is because of these efforts, that anonymous tips were submitted through Crime Stoppers and detectives were able to identify the suspect as Perlita Afanacio-Ballester.  These efforts also resulted in the identification of more people that had fallen victim to this scam.

This is a great example of what can be achieved when the community, local media, and the police department work together to solve crime.

If you have any further information, or believe you know someone who may have been a victim regarding this case, please contact the Sacramento Police Department at 916-808-5471.  Tips can also be submitted through Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916)443-HELP (4357).  Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.  Anonymous tips can also be submitted using the free “P3 Tips” smartphone app.