LAWSUIT: Mario Beltran Extorted Marijuana Businesses in Commerce, Alleges City Officials are Involved

BY BRIAN HEWS • September 30, 2020

A lawsuit obtained by HMG-CN is alleging that East Los Angeles political operative Mario Beltran has been demanding  kickbacks from businesses trying to open a marijuana dispensary in Commerce and that some city officials are participating in the extortion.

The lawsuit was filed by From the Earth, LLC and includes Beltran and the city of Commerce.

In an explosive accusation, the lawsuit stated, “the action is based upon the corrupt conduct of the city of Commerce illegally conspiring with convicted felon and disgraced former Bell City Councilman Mario Beltran to develop a plan in which each would profit off the issuance of licenses in the city of Commerce.”

As evidence, the lawsuit included an email conversation that was at first between the owner of From the Earth, LLC, Arion Jafari,  and Commerce’s “Commercial Cannabis Permit Team,” who are employees of Commerce.

The conversation began on November 24 when the team sent a developer agreement to Jafari. Jafari sent the signed agreement back November 28, and responded once again one hour later.

On November 30 the incriminating email was sent from the Cannabis Team back to Jafari with a salutation that included Jafari, another owner Kintu, and “Mario.”

The lawsuit alleges the Mario in the email is Mario Beltran and is evidence that he is working with the city in his illegal scheme.

________________________________________

Email between the Commerce Cannabis Team and Jafari, in the circle is “Mario,” a name the lawsuit alleges is Mario Beltran and is clear evidence he is working with the city in his illegal kickback scheme.

________________________________________

The scheme involved marijuana dispensaries first paying a license fee and providing all necessary information.

Dispensary owners would receive calls from Commerce representatives informing them that they made it to the final cut and that’s when Beltran would call, a strong indication that there was communication between Commerce employees and Beltran.

Beltran would inform the company that if they did not engage him as a lobbyist and pay kickbacks, Beltran would not allow the license to be approved.

__________________________________

The email between From the Earth owner Kintu Patel and Mario Beltran, two days after From the Earth was approved for final review. Included with the email was Beltran’s kickback contract.

__________________________________

In what could be a smoking gun, included in the lawsuit was Beltran’s extensive legal contract, which demanded a $50,000 payment, 10% ownership in the company if it was sold, and a $2,500 payment for an indefinite length of time.

__________________________________

See contract click here

____________________________________

Beltran threatened that if From the Earth did not return the contract in 24 hours the license would be pulled.

Days later, Jafari told Beltran they he would not participate in his illegal kickback scheme, and just a few days after that the Commerce Planning Commission subsequently pulled From the Earth’s license.

The lawsuit is asking for $400,000 from Commerce and Beltran along with punitive damages.

Commerce Councilmembers Ivan Altimirano and John Soria are good friends with Beltran, in fact they participated in a Cannabus to Las Vegas last year as exclusive reported by HMG-CN.

L.A. County Sheriff’s Employee & Commerce Mayor Sponsor Pot Bus to Las Vegas

Soria, who worked for the LA County Sheriff’s, was investigated for the trip and eventually left his job. He was hired by the city of Montebello months later.

Hews Media Article Results in a L.A. Sheriff’s Investigation of Commerce Mayor John Soria

CANNA BUS: from (l-r) Mario Beltran, John Soria, and Commerce Council candidate Carlos Maravilla. Note Maravilla’s t-shirt has a pot leaf inside the Teamster’s logo.

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

(50245)

(as of April 18, 2025 06:23 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.)

Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler with Handle and Straw 30 oz | Flowstate 3-Position Lid | Cup Holder Compatible for Travel | Insulated Stainless Steel Cup | BPA-Free | Cherry Blossom

(54280)

(as of April 18, 2025 06:23 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.)

MAONO Wireless Lavalier Microphone for iPhone/Android/Camera/PC, Mini Lapel Mic with 48khz 24bit, Voice Filter, Noise Cancellation, 30h Battery, USB-C/Lightning Plug for Video Recording - Wave T5

(115)

$99.99 (as of April 16, 2025 17:20 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.)

MAONO Wave T1 Mini Wireless Lavalier Microphone for iPhone 16 15, Android, Tablet, PC, Clip on Lapel Mic with USB-C Plug, Noise Cancellation, AI Voice Filter for Video Recording Vlog TikTok YouTube

(10)

$29.99 (as of April 16, 2025 17:20 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.)

Summer Tops for Women 2025 Trendy Short Sleeve Cotton Linen Shirt Casual Button v Neck Tunic Blouses Outfits

(50)

$12.69 (as of April 16, 2025 17:20 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.)

Soucolor 9" x 12" Sketch Book, 1-Pack 100 Sheets Spiral Bound Art Sketchbook, (68lb/100gsm) Acid Free Artist Drawing Book Paper Painting Drawing Writing Sketching Pad for Kids Adult Teens Girls Boys

(5002)

(as of April 18, 2025 06:23 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.)

3M Super 77 Multi-Surface Spray Adhesive, 14.1 oz., Low VOC, Quick Bond, Fast Drying, Clear Finish for Foil, Foam, Paper, Metal, Plastic, Fabric, and Cardboard (77-NAT)

(33)

$13.28 (as of April 16, 2025 17:20 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.)

nsxsu Easter Basket Stuffers for Teens, 8 Pieces Art Supplies Rainbow Pencils Easter Basket Essentials for Kids and Adults, Jumbo Colored Pencil Multicolored Pencils for Drawing, Coloring

(6264)

(as of April 18, 2025 06:23 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.)

Compact HD Binoculars for Adults and Kids, Children Small High Powered Binoculars with Clear Low Light Night Vision, Mini Pocket Lightweight Waterproof for Hunting Bird Watching Travel Concert

(25)

$12.99 (as of April 16, 2025 17:20 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.)

Dowsabel Clay Beads Bracelet Making Kit for Beginner, 5000 Pcs Preppy Polymer Clay Beads with Charms Kit for Jewelry Making, DIY Arts and Crafts Birthday Gifts Toys for Kids Age 6-13

(4995)

(as of April 18, 2025 06:23 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.)