Fernando Jauregui Ochoa, 30, of Ceres, California, has been convicted of defrauding approximately $1 million through his business, 8A Food Trucks, which prosecutors claim preyed on vulnerable customers, including immigrant workers.
Prosecutors allege that Ochoa promised to build custom food trucks and trailers for his clients, many of whom were working-class individuals, including farmworkers, cooks, custodians, and construction workers, who had saved for years to start their own businesses. Many of these customers reportedly lost their life savings, with some borrowing money from relatives in Mexico for the down payments.
According to the Los Angeles Times, customers alleged that Ochoa collected payments for trailers or trucks that either did not function or were never delivered. Investigations by the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with the Ceres Police Department, revealed a fraud scheme involving over 40 victims and hundreds of thousands of dollars.
During the investigation, authorities also uncovered claims that some customers who confronted Ochoa about the missing funds were met with threats, including one incident where men brandished a weapon at a restaurant's drive-thru. Ochoa was arrested in April 2024 and has remained in custody on $1 million bail.
He was convicted on 18 counts of obtaining money by fraud, with alleged losses exceeding $500,000, and one count of witness intimidation. Prosecutors stated that Ochoa exploited the trust and vulnerabilities of his victims.
"This case demonstrates the devastating impact fraud can have on unsuspecting victims," Stanislaus County District Attorney Jeff Laugero said in a statement. "These individuals trusted Ochoa with their life savings. Instead, he exploited their trust and vulnerabilities and stole from them."
Authorities said Ochoa also flaunted a lavish lifestyle on social media, posting images of himself on jet skis, golfing, and with fast cars, while allegedly using funds to finance drugs and vacations. The funds were reportedly never used for completing customer orders.
Ochoa is scheduled to be sentenced on October 30 and is expected to receive a 20-year state prison sentence and be ordered to repay his victims.
