False Impersonation of Attorney

Reporting Supervisor: Jonathan Bodnar

File: CW251070017

Details:

Erick Porras Rivera

On April 16, 2025, deputies were alerted to a person in the Riverside Superior Courthouse impersonating an attorney during court proceedings. The suspect fled the courthouse before being contacted by deputies.

Deputies began an investigation that revealed the suspect had collected retainer fees from a client while fraudulently representing himself as a licensed attorney. The suspect was determined to have represented himself as an actual attorney who practices law in Orange County. During their investigation, deputies were able to positively identify the suspect as 66-year-old Erick Porras Rivera of Upland.

Deputies served a search warrant in the 200 block of West 9th Street, Upland. Rivera was arrested during the search warrant service, and deputies located multiple items of evidence related to the crime. Rivera was subsequently booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center for false impersonation, theft by false pretenses, burglary, and practicing law without a license.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office believes there may be additional victims. Anyone with additional information regarding the investigation is urged to contact Sergeant Bodnar with the Riverside County Sheriff’s dispatch at (951) 776–1099 or the Sheriff’s Court Service Division at (951) 955–2420.

As a reminder, “Community Policing” involves partnerships between law enforcement and community members. Business owners and residents are encouraged to report criminal activity directly to law enforcement by calling Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951) 776–1099 or 911 if the matter is an emergency. Criminal activity can also be reported through the We-Tip Crime Reporting Hotline, (909) 987–5005.

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