California man posing as lawyer arrested in immigration scam, alleged rape

An Orange County man, 65, who claimed to be an attorney has been arrested for reportedly raping a woman who was seeking assistance with her immigration status late last year.  

The victim, who has not been identified, told investigators with the Santa Ana Police Department that she met with the suspect, Jose Bernal, on Nov. 12, 2024, at his office located at 1203 E. 17^th St. In Santa Ana.  

“Jose told the victim the process would cost $14,000 but said he would offer a discount if she entered into a relationship with him,” SAPD said in a post to social media.  

After she declined the offer, Bernal allegedly grabbed the victim and sexually assaulted her in his office.  

“The suspect offered the victim $400 and a discount on her case if she did not contact police,” authorities added.  

After asking for the public’s help in locating Bernal and posting his picture online this week, employees at a McDonald’s in Tustin recognized the suspect and immediately contacted law enforcement resulting in his arrest nearly a year after the incident, on the morning of Oct. 29.  

Authorities did not provide any information on whether Bernal is actually or has ever been an attorney. The State Bar of California has a record of a Jose Arthur Bernal that practiced law in Southern California but was disbarred in June 2012, though it’s unclear if that is the same person as the suspect in this case.  

A University of California, Santa Cruz study found that immigration fraud is likely underreported because of noncitizens fearing arrest and deportation.  

Information from the Federal Trade Commission showed that between 400 and 700 such scams were reported yearly between 2011 and 2014, though the study’s author, Associate Professor of Sociology Jose Manuel Pedroza, suggested those numbers are likely “just the tip of the iceberg.” 

Detectives in Orange County believe Bernal may have additional victims and are asking anyone with information about this investigation or anyone who may have been victimized by the suspect to contact Santa Ana Police Department Detective M. Tapia at 714-245-8379 or by email at mtapia@santa-ana.org.