On January 23, 2025, deputies from the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station were alerted to a fraud investigation involving a 90-year-old female victim. The investigation revealed fraudulent activity in her checking account. The Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station Robbery and Burglary Suppression Team took over the case and identified Agustin Zaragoza, a 30-year-old Cathedral City resident, as the suspect. It was found that Zaragoza had been hired by the victim in December 2024 to perform work at her home. During this time, he allegedly gained access to her residence and stole checks.
On July 23, 2025, around 1:20 p.m., with help from the Rancho Mirage Special Enforcement Team, Zaragoza was located near Ramon Road and Da Vall Drive in Rancho Mirage and apprehended without incident.
Zaragoza was booked at the John Benoit Detention Center on charges of residential burglary, committing a felony while out on bail, elder abuse, and check fraud. The investigation is ongoing with no further details available at this moment.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Deputy Pouchoulen at the Palm Desert Station by calling (760)-836-1600.
For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.
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