Woman claimed masked men stole van with $60,000 in goods; investigation reveals staged hoax

A dramatic carjacking report that prompted a swift law enforcement response in Central California has turned out to be an elaborate insurance fraud scheme, according to Madera County investigators.

Authorities say 57-year-old Martha Gutierrez DeRomero of Vallejo, California, fabricated the May 23 incident in which she claimed two masked men armed with knives stole her white Chevrolet panel van, loaded with approximately $60,000 worth of merchandise, near a rural intersection in Madera County.

“She told us she pulled over to adjust some shifting cargo when she was ambushed,” said Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue in a statement. “But that story fell apart quickly.”

Details of the alleged hoax

According to the arrest report, DeRomero called 911 around 8 a.m. that morning, claiming she had stopped near Avenue 21 and Road 26, just outside Madera, to secure her load of fitness clothing, waist trainers, and supplements en route to a local swap meet.

She alleged that, at that very moment, two men in masks approached and carjacked her at knifepoint, escaping with the van and its cargo.

But investigators were skeptical. “It seemed too convenient,” said one official familiar with the investigation.

A search was launched immediately. The van was later found abandoned in nearby Merced County. Detectives also discovered a storage locker containing goods that matched the description of the “stolen” merchandise.

Charges filed against DeRomero and boyfriend

Following multiple interviews, DeRomero’s account began to unravel. Detectives determined that she and her boyfriend, Alfredo Ledezma, 57, of Madera, had staged the entire incident to file a fraudulent insurance claim.

Both have now been charged with one felony count of insurance fraud and one misdemeanor count of filing a false police report, according to Madera County court records. They are scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on July 8.

Sheriff slams exploitation of emergency services

Sheriff Pogue criticized the defendants’ actions, emphasizing the strain such false reports place on law enforcement and emergency responders.

“What began as a serious and concerning report of a violent carjacking quickly unraveled under careful investigation,” he said. “Attempting to exploit emergency services for personal gain is not only illegal, it diverts resources from those who truly need help.”

Neither DeRomero nor Ledezma could be reached for comment, and it remains unclear whether they have retained legal representation.

Broader context of false claims and enforcement challenges

The incident underscores ongoing concerns about fraudulent claims and misuse of emergency services, particularly in rural counties with limited resources.

“This isn’t just about fraud—it’s about public trust,” said one law enforcement source. “When people lie to the police, it makes it harder for real victims to be heard.”

The Madera County Sheriff’s Office declined further comment on the case.

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