Former Nonprofit Employee Accused Of Extorting Undocumented Residents

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — A Santa Rosa man was arrested on suspicion of extorting at least nine undocumented community members who came to him for help with becoming U.S. citizens, police said this week.

The investigation into Victor Farfan, 52, began in December 2021. Santa Rosa Police Department Property Crimes detectives worked with leadership from his former employer, Santa Rosa-based nonprofit California Human Development, to understand Farfan's potentially criminal actions.

Detectives learned that from 2017 until 2019, Farfan was employed by California Human Development, which provides assistance with immigration and citizenship.

"During this time, he was responsible for assisting clients with immigration paperwork associated with visas and citizenship," Santa Rosa police Sgt. Christopher Mahurin said. "During the investigation, it was discovered that Farfan would meet with clients, and offer services, but demand cash payments at several points throughout the process. Farfan would also withhold critical and essential immigration documentation, like Permanent Resident Cards, until the client paid him additional cash payments."

Between December 2021 and February 2022, clients came forward and alleged that a former employee of California Human Development was demanding cash payments, beyond normal fees, to assist them with citizenship paperwork, Mahurin said.

On July 27, detectives served a search warrant at Farfan’s Santa Rosa residence where they found additional evidence. Farfan was also contacted and detained inside the residence.

Based on the investigation, detectives with the help of California Human Development identified at least nine victims, Mahurin said.

Detectives believe Farfan stole approximately $25,000.

Farfan was arrested on suspicion of nine count felony counts of embezzlement, nine felony counts of theft by false pretenses and nine felony counts of extortion.

"This is an ongoing investigation and Property Crime detectives are attempting to identify any additional victims of Farfan," Mahurin said. "If you are a client and worked with Victor Farfan between 2017 and 2019 and believe you may have been a victim, please email Detective Tim Gooler at tgooler@srcity.org."