A Newport Beach couple facing dozens of felony counts related to fraud and financial crimes involving a Montecito woman has pleaded not guilty to the 68 charges and denied all enhancements.
Byron Richard “Rick” Tarnutzer and Vonna Tarnutzer were arrested at their primary home in Newport Beach last month. (The pair also owns a home in the Montecito area.)
Both have been released from custody on $100,000 bail.
The pair is accused of taking more than $2 million from a Montecito woman, Mystica Fleury. A complaint filed last month alleges the pair solicited a $1.75 million promissory note from Fleury for a “fraudulent investment.”
It also alleges they convinced her to purchase the house next to theirs in the Montecito area, pay them money to remodel it, and then failed to pay subcontractors, among other allegations largely related to Fleury and the Montecito home.
Fleury separately sued them in civil court in 2022 over the remodel and alleged failure of payments on the note.
The civil case has been stayed until the criminal case is wrapped up, a judge ruled earlier this month.
The Tarnutzer’s pleas were entered last week before Superior Court Judge Teresa Martinez.
The couple is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday for a preliminary hearing setting.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated to include information about Vonna’s plea.
