Two Clearlake residents suspected of falsifying fire losses in attempt to defraud relief fund

Two Clearlake residents were arrested this week on suspicion of trying to scam thousands of dollars out of a local relief fund by falsely claiming they lost construction materials and tools during the October wildfires.

Investigators with the Lake County District Attorney’s Office set up a sting operation after local Rotary District 5150 leaders became suspicious of Ralph Gordon Darting, 33, and Sabrina Deann Rich, 29, who said they lost $2,900 in roofing materials and $900 in tools during the Sulphur fire, the office said.

The owners of the property where Darting and Rich claimed losses said they weren’t having construction and didn’t know Darting. Neighbors said they hadn’t seen any construction, either, according to the D.A.’s office. Investigators, posing as Rotary officials, then met with Darting and Rich, who reiterated the location where they said the fires claimed their property and made other false claims, the office said.

Darting and Rich were presented Tuesday with a $5,000 check from Rotary by the D.A.’s chief investigator. After accepting, they were arrested with the help of Clearlake Police on suspicion of grand theft and conspiracy.