Scam artists convicted

In all, about 50 Ventura County residents were defrauded by Everclear Water Systems, Inc., based in Burbank. Not only would company representatives used rigged water tests, they would tell the victims that that the water was runoff from sewer systems, cemeteries and hospitals that contained urine, feces and tuberculosis that could cause fatal illnesses ranging from cancer to AIDS.Sales visits would last up to four hours to close the deal on the water filtration system that would cost the victims, many of them low-income, $4,500. Victims were not told that the five-year contract they signed carried an 18 percent interest rate, nor was the interest rate disclosed in the Spanish language contract; the contracts would be filled out again in English - including the interest rate - and sold to a finance company for about $4,000.In all, the water filtration system could cost the victims about $10,000 including interest. The finance company would also be victimized, unknowingly holding a contract that was unenforceable by law.Sentencing for Ortega, Vergara and Abanto will take place in October; they are facing sentences for grand theft, fraud and conspiracy, among others that could land them in jail for up to six years.