The District Attorney’s Office charged a Santa Barbara man with 49 counts of financial crimes alleging he stole more than $1 million.
Stefan Bernard DeWitte, 38, is accused of stealing from three victims and the charges include embezzlement, theft by false pretense, securities fraud, and 37 counts of money laundering dating back to 2022.
DeWitte allegedly forged a grant deed, investment contracts and other documents, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
He also created a false company, Better Futures Fund IV/Green Triange Corp, as part of his efforts to defraud Carolina DeWitte, Tanja DeWitte and California Pacific Realty, the criminal complaint alleges.
DeWitte is also being charged with enhancements for allegedly taking more than $500,000 and laundering more than $50,000 within a three-day period.
In the criminal complaint, DeWitte is accused of using the money to purchase hotels and meals in Texas, festivals in New York City, Uber rides, plane tickets, video games, OnlyFans, and other services.
DeWitte was being held at the Santa Barbara County Jail on $800,000 bail as of Monday, according to sheriff’s jail records. His arraignment hearing was scheduled for Monday at Santa Barbara County Superior Court.
