Fake attorney represented client in court, took retainer fees, CA deputies say
A man accused of collecting retainer fees from a client while posing as an attorney has been arrested, California deputies say.
Erick Porras Rivera, 66, of Upland was booked into jail on multiple counts, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said in an April 24 news release.
Deputies responded to Riverside Superior Courthouse in Riverside on April 16 about a man posing as an attorney during court proceedings, deputies said.
The man, however, fled the courthouse before deputies arrived.
Through an investigation, deputies said they learned the man said he was a licensed attorney practicing law in Orange County.
The man, identified as Rivera, “fraudulently” represented himself as an attorney and “collected retainer fees from a client,” according to deputies.
While serving a search warrant, deputies said they found evidence that further tied him to the crime, deputies said.
Rivera was booked into jail on counts of “false impersonation, theft by false pretenses, burglary, and practicing law without a license,” according to deputies.
Deputies said they believe Rivera may have additional victims, and anyone with information is asked to contact 951-776–1099.
This story was originally published April 25, 2025 at 1:43 PM with the headline "Fake attorney represented client in court, took retainer fees, CA deputies say."
