Full Notification

In May 2013 Deputy Garcia from the Morongo Basin Sheriff's Station started an investigation into the validity of a "Living Trust Will." The victim (Ernest Vilmos) had passed away in August 2011. Vilmos' daughter opened a Civil Probate case against his former caretaker Stephanie Danna, a 24-year-old resident of Yucca Valley. Vilmos' family had reason to believe the Living Trust was altered and the signatures were forged. The Notary book containing Vilmos's signature was recovered during a search warrant and sent to Sheriff's Crime Lab for fingerprint comparison. The Sheriff's Crime Lab discovered the fingerprints attached to Ernest Vilmos' name did not belong to Vilmos. Two additional search warrants were served at Danna's home and a second residence in June 2013. Evidence was gathered at both locations showing that the Living Trust was altered and the signatures were forged. The case was submitted to the District Attorneys office, and on September 24, 2013, an arrest warrant was issued for Stephanie Danna. Deputy Garcia arrested Danna at her home on September 26, 2013 on the active warrant. Danna was booked into the Morongo Basin Jail for charges including, Perjury, Forgery and Identity Theft. She is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Refer: Deputy Adrian Garcia

Station: Morongo Basin Station

Phone No: 760-366-4175

Case No: 231300944

JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department