Cerritos Realtor Mario Gonzalez Arrested in Escrow Fraud Scheme That Netted Over $500K

By Brian Hews

A Cerritos man was arrested for taking part in a two-year escrow fee scam that stole over $500,000 from over 30 victims.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Mario Gonzalez, a broker at MCR Escrow, located at 1800 Studebaker Road #700 on Thursday.

The office was apparently just a rented space, Gonzalez worked “by appointment only.”

Researching further, Hews Media Group found another MCR Realty address at 8351 Denni St in Cypress, California, which is a single family residence.

Gonzalez, 45, is suspected of participating in the scam that involved homes that were fraudulently listed as short-sale properties, investigators in the fraud bureau said.

The alleged scheme required buyers to pay escrow fees to secure a property after they submitted a bid, but the sales were never finalized nor were the fees returned to the victims.

There was several recent complaints about Gonzalez on ripoffreport.com highlighting the alleged scheme.

On person wrote, “’IM ALSO A VICTIM of Mario Gonzalez/ MCR Realty.
I was on escrow for 11 months on a short sale property in Fontana. I gave $10,000 deposit and just a month ago I found out on the internet about all Mario Gonzalez FRAUDS. I went to talk to the seller of the property I was on escrow and the owner of the house told me that his property wasn’t for sale and it never was. I tried to contact Mario Gonzalez or Peter Martinez the escrow officer but now they don’t answer the phone and don’t return my emails. The last time that I spoke to Alyssa Logan she told me she would email me the cancellation but she never did. I went to his office and I was told that they just rent a space on the suite. They work by appointment only.I already filed a complaint with the DRE Department and a report with Cerritos Police Department. I don’t understand how these people are free, they should not be doing business and should be arrested for defrauding clients.I know I’m not the only victim, there are more out there. Hey guys please contact me to talk and see what can we do together.”

Investigators are asking the public’s help identifying other victims. Anyone with information about the crime is can contact Detective Keith Clark at 562-946-7217.

Gonzalez is currently being held in lieu of a $70,000 bail at the Norwalk Sheriff Station

Core Power Elite High Protein Shake, Chocolate, 42g Bottle, 14oz, 12 Pack

(20642)

$43.41 (as of May 10, 2025 06:29 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

CELSIUS Assorted Flavors Official Variety Pack, Functional Essential Energy Drinks, 12 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)

(112155)

$22.49 (as of May 10, 2025 06:29 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

ZAGKOO Mother's Day Gifts - Mom Gifts from Daughter Son Husband for Birthday Christmas - Best Mom Ever Gift Ideas for Mothers, Wife, Granny, Mothers in Law, Moms To Be - Funny Moms White Tumbler 20 Oz

(3)

$22.95 (as of May 10, 2025 17:25 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

WHOOP Life – 12-Month Membership – MG Device – Health & Fitness Tracker – Blood Pressure Insights, Activity Tracking – ECG Software – 14+ Days Battery Life

(2)

$359.00 (as of May 10, 2025 17:25 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

The Tenant

(5438)

$14.39 (as of May 10, 2025 06:29 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max streaming device (newest model) supports Wi-Fi 6E, free & live TV without cable or satellite

(51900)

$39.99 (as of May 10, 2025 06:29 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

BETHEGIFT Funny Card for Mom from Daughter, Son, Kids on Mothers Day - Heartfelt Message to Mother, Perfect for Birthday, Mother's Day, Humorous Mom Greeting Cards, Premium Quality

(55)

$10.95 (as of May 10, 2025 17:25 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

NewEleven Gifts For Mom, Mothers Day Gifts Cards For Mommy From Daughter, Son, Kids On Mother's Day - Funny Present For Birthday, Mother's Day, Humorous Mom Greeting Cards

(6)

$11.49 (as of May 10, 2025 17:25 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Premier Protein Shake, Chocolate, 30g Protein 1g Sugar 24 Vitamins Minerals Nutrients to Support Immune Health, 11.5 fl oz (Pack of 12)

(236385)

$31.98 (as of May 10, 2025 06:29 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Ninja Swirl by CREAMi Ice Cream and Soft Serve Maker, Sorbet, Milkshake, Frozen Yogurt, Low Calories Program & More, 13-in-1, Soft Serve Handle, (2) CREAMi Swirl 16oz Pints, For Kids & ALL ages, NC701

(250)

$348.00 (as of May 10, 2025 17:25 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)