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Dozens of Hanford residents tell council they were defrauded by local money‑transfer business
Summary
During public comment, multiple victims described losing thousands to a local money‑transfer business (identified in remarks as Kahita Mex / TeleMx / Verified); police confirmed an active investigation and directed victims to Detective Pacheco.
A group of residents used public comment to press the council for action after an apparent local money‑transfer fraud that victims say affected between about 100 and 140 people. Speakers named the business (variously cited as Kahita Mex, TeleMx or Verified) and described individual losses ranging from several thousand dollars to more than $20,000.
Victims said some transactions were for urgent medical needs for relatives in Mexico and that many affected residents are Spanish‑speaking. Several speakers said they filed police reports and urged administrative hearings, business license review and referral to the county district attorney.
Police Chief Huddleston told the council the department is aware of the crime, is actively investigating and that detectives are working through evidence. He asked victims to contact Detective Pacheco for case updates. Councilmembers acknowledged the scale of harm and encouraged patience as detectives compile evidence.
