Beverly Hills Homeowner Slapped with $100M Secret Bill by Consulting Firm

Neighbors also targeted in alleged mechanics lien scam by Rita Ortiz's company

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A Beverly Hills homeowner, Marjorie Josaphat, has revealed she was hit with a secret $100 million bill from consulting firm Ortiz Consulting LLC for work allegedly done on her property over the past 10 years. Josaphat claims she had never heard of the firm or its founder Rita Ortiz, and only bought the home last year in need of repair. Josaphat's neighbors Mary Tosky and Andrea Knowles have also been targeted with $24 million liens from Ortiz Consulting. The company has filed over 35 mechanics liens across the city since 2023, totaling $570 million.

Why it matters

This case highlights an alleged scam involving the abuse of mechanics liens, a legal tool meant to protect unpaid laborers, but which is being exploited to target homeowners. The high-dollar claims and the number of liens filed raise concerns about potential fraud and the need for reforms to California's mechanics lien laws to prevent such abuse.

The details

Ortiz Consulting LLC, run by 'life coach' Rita Ortiz, has filed 35 mechanics liens across Beverly Hills since 2023, totaling $570 million. On Benedict Canyon Drive alone, the company has filed 10 claims against 6 homes for $317 million over supposed unpaid labor costs. Josaphat, Tosky, and Knowles all deny ever working with or owing money to Ortiz Consulting. The liens effectively paralyze the homeowners from selling their properties for 90 days, until the liens are lifted or dismissed by a court.

  • Ortiz Consulting LLC has filed 35 mechanics liens across Beverly Hills since 2023.
  • The company filed 10 claims against 6 homes on Benedict Canyon Drive for $317 million.

The players

Marjorie Josaphat

A Beverly Hills homeowner who was hit with a $100 million bill from Ortiz Consulting LLC for work allegedly done on her property, which she claims she knew nothing about.

Rita Ortiz

The founder of Ortiz Consulting LLC, a consulting firm that has filed over 35 mechanics liens across Beverly Hills totaling $570 million.

Mary Tosky

A neighbor of Josaphat's on Benedict Canyon Drive who was also targeted with $24 million liens from Ortiz Consulting LLC.

Andrea Knowles

Another neighbor on Benedict Canyon Drive who was hit with a $24 million lien from Ortiz Consulting LLC for alleged 'cleaning service and equipment' fees.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know who Rita Ortiz is. This place was abandoned. There's nothing to clean. If she did a job of $24 million, then she owes me money because this place was really a mess.”

— Marjorie Josaphat (ABC7)

“I can tell you that I know how much I pay someone to clean my house and it's not $25 million.”

— Andrea Knowles (ABC7)

“For all Benedict Canyon Dr. the Neighbors stole my property when I have agreement with the bank. I cleaning this property for around 10 years working for this property for over 10 years, they neighbors Benedict Canyon Dr. destroyed my property several times.”

— Rita Ortiz (ABC7)

What’s next

The LAPD and Beverly Hills Police Department are investigating the claims against Rita Ortiz and her company Ortiz Consulting LLC. Lawmakers may also consider reforms to California's mechanics lien laws to prevent such alleged abuse.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger protections against mechanics lien abuse, as well as the potential for fraud and exploitation of legal tools meant to protect unpaid workers. It raises concerns about the ease with which such liens can be filed and the impact they can have on homeowners, even if the claims are unfounded.