Ruben Oscar Palagonia, 67, San Bernardino, California, was arraigned in San Bernardino Superior Court on Forgery and Identity Theft charges for allegedly obtaining a home mortgage loan with false credit information.
The defendant is charged with two counts of 115 (A) (1) PC, Recording a False Document, two counts of 470 (D) PC Forgery, and four counts of 530.5 (A) PC Identify Theft. In Aug. 2007, Palagonia befriended the victim and offered to assist him in qualifying for a loan to purchase a home. Palagonia requested a large upfront fee and several months later told the victim he did not qualify for the loan.
Palagonia allegedly used the victim’s credit information to obtain a home mortgage loan to purchase the residence. The victim filed a Real Estate Fraud complaint with the District Attorney’s Office which resulted in the criminal investigation. On Aug. 1, 2013, a felony arrest warrant was issued against Palagonia, and he was arrested by San Bernardino County District Attorney Investigators assigned to the Real Estate Fraud Prosecution Unit on Aug. 5, 2013.
Palagonia is scheduled for a Pre-Preliminary Conference Aug. 14 at 8:30 a.m. in Dept. 23 of the San Bernardino Superior Court. Deputy District Attorney Lance Cantos will prosecute the case. If convicted as charged, Palagonia faces 6 years, 4 months is state prison.
