SALINAS, California - The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office is warning residents and businesses about several fraud schemes currently circulating in Monterey County, including those involving fake government invoices, claims of compromised accounts, and real estate title fraud. “Fraud affects everyone, whether through higher insurance rates, lost wages, or threats to a family’s home and life savings,” said District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni. “Our specialized fraud units are working every day to protect Monterey County residents, but tips from the public are often the first step in stopping these crimes. If something feels suspicious, report it right away.” The Office urges anyone who receives a suspicious payment request, money-transfer instruction, or property document to stop, verify independently, and report concerns to the Fraud Hotline at (831) 755-3224 or ReportFraud@countyofmonterey.gov. Scam Alert: Fake County Invoices Scammers are sending fake invoices and em...
SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on July 17 that on July 16, 2026, Judge Jennifer J. O’Keefe sentenced 42-year-old Juan Antonio Garcia Jimenez of Greenfield, to 25 years to life in prison. In 2009, he forcibly raped a Salinas woman in her home, a case that was unsolved until a DNA match implicated him in 2023. Jimenez pled guilty and admitted a special allegation that he committed the rape during the commission of a first- degree burglary. On December 1, 2009, Salinas Police officers were dispatched to Jane Doe’s residence because she reported someone was inside and she needed help. When officers spoke to Jane Doe, she told them she was decorating for Christmas with her 18-month-old son when Jimenez burst into her living room. Jane Doe had never seen Jimenez before. Jimenez told Jane Doe that if she didn’t do what he wanted, he would kill her son. Jimenez forced her into a bedroom and began striking her in the face. He then forc...