On December 28th, 2023, at about 10:00 p.m., Santa Paula Police Department detectives concluded an investigation that culminated in an arrest for extortion and elder abuse. The suspect, identified as Jose Delgadillo, age 49 of Ventura, demanded $200,000 from the victim and threatened harm to the victim and his family if the demand was not met.
Delgadillo showed up to a location in Santa Paula to collect the money and was arrested shortly after without incident. He was booked into Ventura County Jail with bail set at $70,000. His arraignment is January 2nd, 2024, in Ventura County Superior Court.
The male victim, age 80 of Santa Paula, received a letter at his residence earlier in December, with a note of demand and threats. The letter, addressed to the victim, also included a map indicating the address and map of where the victim lived. In addition, the note included a specific meeting location, date, and time.
Santa Paula Police Department detectives immediately investigated the incident upon a report being taken by a patrol officer. On December 28, 2023, detectives conducted surveillance at the designated meet location where Delgadillo intended to pick up the money. Delgadillo arrived in his vehicle, stopped at the location for several minutes, and then attempted to leave the area shortly after. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle by detectives and Delgadillo was taken into custody. There were no other occupants in the vehicle.
During the investigation and surveillance, patrol officers and detectives provided extra patrols of the victim’s residence.
If anyone has information on this case or experienced similar incidents, they are encouraged to contact Detective Sgt. Daniel Potter at 805-525-4474 ext. 282, or email dpotter@spcity.org.
Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).