Suspects Arrested for Extortion in Rancho Mirage 

March 27, 2025 – Riverside County Sheriff's Office officials report that on March 4, 2025, deputies received information regarding a victim who had been extorted for over $100,000 in the city of Rancho Mirage. A female threatened to have the victim deported if he did not pay the money requested. The Rancho Mirage Special Enforcement Team assumed the case. During the course of the investigation, they identified Ilivia Yvette Lopez, a 43-year-old resident of Hemet, as the suspect.

March 25, 2025, at 2:57 p.m., the Rancho Mirage Special Enforcement Team located Lopez in the 32000 block of Bob Hope Drive, where she was taken into custody without incident. Additionally, an accomplice, identified as Bertha Gasso, a 67-year-old resident of Hemet, was found with Lopez and was also taken into custody. Both suspects were booked into the John Benoit Detention Center for multiple theft-related charges, including extortion. Due to the large amount of money involved, a formal “White Collar” crime enhancement will be sought with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Deputy Paull with the Rancho Mirage Special Enforcement Team at (760) 836-1600.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office encourages the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. If you or someone you know is being threatened or coerced, do not hesitate to contact law enforcement. Extortion is a serious crime, and no one should be made to feel fearful or pressured into giving up their hard-earned money.

Reporting Supervisor: Sergeant Bryan Whitley

File # S250630032 

Source: Riverside County Sheriff's Office