Alleged conspirators in nationwide fraud scheme are behind bars
Two of three men indicted for allegedly conspiring in a telephone-based scheme to steal tens of thousands of dollars from Inland Empire residents and others throughout the country were behind bars Friday, Oct. 23, awaiting trial on federal charges.Elmer Miranda Barrios, 35, of Lake Elsinore and his cousin, 36-year-old William Margarito Barrios of Mexico, were arrested Thursday, Oct. 22, after an indictment was unsealed charging both with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud. William Barrios is additionally charged with living in the United States illegally after deportation.A third defendant, 30-year-old Anuj M. Patel of Lake Elsinore, remains free and is likely to make a court appearance before the end of the year, according to U.S. Attorney’s Office representative Cia