Yuma man accused of defrauding victim now facing formal charges

Man formally charged with three counts

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The yuma man accused of defrauding a victim out of $775,000 dollars was back in court today to face formal charges.

Local and state law enforcement served search warrants at the home and business of 29-year-old Andres Fernandez last week. 

YCSO investigators say they have been working this case, involving a victim being defrauded for a false business start-up.

“So there was a suspect that was arrested on a fraudulent schemes case that our investigators have been working for quite a few months now. As of right now, the victim was defrauded out of $775,000 dollars in both cash and crypto currency,” said Tania Pavlak, YCSO Public Affairs Specialist.

YCSO says since the arrest, more victims have come forward also accusing Fernandez of defrauding them. 

“The suspect was arrested on Thursday, the 28th and since then there have been more victims that have come forward, as of right now we have approximately four more victims,” said Pavlak.

Deputies believe Fernandez used the money to buy luxury items, including an exotic vehicle and travel. 

Fernandez was formally charged on three counts.

“Count one theft, a class two felony, count two fraudulent schemes and artifices, a class two felony, and count three, money laundering in the first degree, a class two felony,” said judge Gregory S. Stewart.

His mom, who wants to remain anonymous, approached me after court, saying her son was on the phone with her when sheriffs arrived with the warrant, saying she had no idea her son was allegedly involved in this scheme.

Fernandez has a cash-only bond of one-million dollars. 

Deputies say if you think you were a victim, call them right away.