The Santa Paula Police Department has arrested a suspect for extortion and elder abuse. On December 28, 2023 around 10 p.m., detectives with the Santa Paula Police Department concluded their investigation and identified the suspect as 49-year-old Jose Delgadillo. Detectives say Delgadillo demanded $200,000 from the victim and threatened to harm the victim and his family if his demand was not met.

When Delgadillo showed up at the location to collect the money, he was arrested without incident and booked into the Ventura County Jail. The 80-year-old male victim received a letter earlier in December with a note of demand and threats. The letter also included a map indicating the address where the victim lived.

The note also provided the victim with a specific meeting place, date, and time. The investigation was immediately started by Santa Paula Police Department detectives. On December 28, 2023, detectives staked out the meeting location where Delgadillo allegedly intended to pick up the money.

The suspect arrived in a vehicle, waited a few minutes, and attempted to leave, according to authorities. Detectives carried out a traffic stop and took Delgadillo into custody.