Beverly Hills' Biggest Grifter Evicted After $570M Lien Scheme

Rita Ortiz accused of filing dozens of false liens against homeowners in the city

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A Beverly Hills businesswoman named Rita Ortiz is accused of going on a campaign of terror across the city by filing dozens of legal claims totaling $570 million against homeowners. Ortiz allegedly sent 35 liens - a form of legal hold against a property by unpaid laborers - against her victims, meaning they could not sell their homes. On Wednesday, Los Angeles sheriff's deputies were seen evicting Ortiz from a home in Westwood after she was locked out.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of real estate-related fraud and abuse in affluent communities like Beverly Hills. Ortiz's alleged actions paralyzed homeowners and prevented them from selling their properties, causing significant financial and emotional distress. It also raises questions about the ease with which mechanics liens can be filed in California and the need for legislative reforms to prevent such abuse.

The details

Ortiz is accused of filing 35 mechanics liens across the city since 2023, adding up to $570 million. On Benedict Canyon Drive alone, she filed 10 claims against six homes for $317 million over supposed unpaid labor costs. Homeowners like Marjorie Josaphat, Mary Tosky, and Andrea Knowles were hit with liens of $24 million or more for alleged 'cleaning services' and 'business consulting' despite never having heard of Ortiz or her company. Mechanics liens effectively paralyze a homeowner from selling for 90 days, until the person who filed it lifts it or until the case is dismissed by a court.

  • In 2020, Ortiz sued Tosky and Knowles claiming they 'mislead the LAPD' over her claims she owned the house that now belongs to Josaphat.
  • On Wednesday, Los Angeles sheriff's deputies evicted Ortiz from a home in Westwood.

The players

Rita Ortiz

A Beverly Hills businesswoman accused of going on a campaign of terror across the city by filing dozens of legal claims totaling $570 million against homeowners.

Marjorie Josaphat

A homeowner on Benedict Canyon Drive who discovered a secret $100 million lien on her property from Ortiz Consulting LLC, a company she had never heard of.

Mary Tosky

A neighbor of Josaphat's who was hit with two liens from Ortiz totaling over $24 million for alleged 'cleaning services, labor and materials.'

Andrea Knowles

Another neighbor of Josaphat's who was dragged into a $24 million fight over supposed 'cleaning service and equipment' fees from Ortiz.

Bruce Rudman

An attorney who was staggered by the Ortiz case, admitting 'I've never seen anything like this.'

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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, Homeowner (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, Neighbor (ABC7)

“I've never seen anything like this.”

— Bruce Rudman, Attorney (ABC7)

What’s next

The LAPD and the Beverly Hills Police Department confirmed they are looking into the claims against Ortiz. California state law may need to change to stop mechanics liens being filed so easily.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing problem of real estate-related fraud and abuse, as well as the need for legislative reforms to prevent such abuse. It also raises questions about the ease with which mechanics liens can be filed in California and the significant financial and emotional distress they can cause for homeowners.