Man arrested for impersonating attorney during court proceedings in Riverside County

Authorities arrested a man who was allegedly impersonating an attorney during court proceedings in Riverside County earlier in April. 

They were made aware of the suspect on Wednesday, April 16 while the man was pretending to be an attorney during court proceedings at the Riverside Superior Courthouse, according to a press release from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

"Deputies began an investigation that revealed the suspect had collected retainer fees from a client while fraudulently representing himself as a license attorney," said RSO's release. "The suspect was determined to have represented himself as an actual attorney who practices law in Orange County."

They identified him as 66-year-old Upland man Erick Porras Rivera. 

Deputies served a search warrant in the 200 block of W. 9th Street in Upland, which led to Rivera's arrest. During the incident, deputies located "multiple items of evidence related to the crime," the release said. 

He was booked for false impersonation, theft by false pretenses, burglary and practicing law without a license, deputies said. 

Due to the nature of Rivera's crime, investigators believe that there may be more victims. Anyone who knows more is asked to contact them at (951) 776-1099.