California Man Charged with Assaulting Woman Seeking Immigration Assistance

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A 65-year-old man from Orange County, who falsely presented himself as an attorney, has been taken into custody on accusations of sexually assaulting a woman seeking immigration assistance late last year.

The woman, whose identity remains confidential, reported the incident to the Santa Ana Police Department. She recounted meeting the suspect, identified as Jose Bernal, on November 12, 2024, at his office located at 1203 E. 17^th St. in Santa Ana.

According to a statement from the Santa Ana Police, Bernal initially quoted a fee of $14,000 for his services but suggested a discount if she agreed to start a relationship with him.

When the woman rejected this proposition, Bernal allegedly assaulted her within his office premises.

“The suspect offered the victim $400 and a discount on her case if she did not contact police,” authorities added.

After asking for the public’s help in locating Bernal and posting his picture online this week, employees at a McDonald’s in Tustin recognized the suspect and immediately contacted law enforcement, resulting in his arrest nearly a year after the incident, on the morning of Oct. 29.

Jose Bernal seen in handcuffs after his arrest by Santa Ana PD on Oct. 29, 2025. (SAPD)
Jose Bernal is accused of posing as a lawyer to a woman seeking immigration advice and sexually assaulting her on Nov. 24, 2024. (SAPD)

Authorities did not provide any information on whether Bernal is actually or has ever been an attorney. The State Bar of California has a record of a Jose Arthur Bernal who practiced law in Southern California but was disbarred in June 2012, though it’s unclear if that is the same person as the suspect in this case.

A University of California, Santa Cruz study found that immigration fraud is likely underreported because of noncitizens fearing arrest and deportation.

Information from the Federal Trade Commission showed that between 400 and 700 such scams were reported yearly between 2011 and 2014, though the study’s author, Associate Professor of Sociology Jose Manuel Pedroza, suggested those numbers are likely “just the tip of the iceberg.”

Detectives in Orange County believe Bernal may have additional victims and are asking anyone with information about this investigation or anyone who may have been victimized by the suspect to contact Santa Ana Police Department Detective M. Tapia at 714-245-8379 or by email at mtapia@santa-ana.org.