Banning-Beaumont, CA|News|
Ponzi Scheme Operator Who Bilked Seniors Sentenced In Federal Court
Paul Horton Smith Sr., 61, of Moreno Valley sold fake investment products to unsuspecting retirees and seniors.

Toni McAllister has more than 25 years of journalism experience and has been on editorial staffs with a number of national and local media outlets. She has been published thousands of times and has even authored a few books along the way. In her free time she enjoys running, hiking, tennis, cycling, swimming and spending time with her horses. She is a graduate of Cal State Long Beach with bachelor's degree in journalism. Reach her at toni.mcallister@patch.com with news tips and story ideas.
Paul Horton Smith Sr., 61, of Moreno Valley sold fake investment products to unsuspecting retirees and seniors.

The class is aimed at saving young lives.
State prison officials said the death of 29-year-old inmate David Dominguez from San Diego County is being investigated as a homicide.
The hub is storing supplies that will enable Amazon to deploy critical relief to communities across the U.S. affected by wildfires.
The checkpoint was held from 7 p.m. Aug. 23 to 1 a.m. Aug. 24 at Jefferson and Sanborn avenues.
During a traffic stop, the K-9 and agents found the cocaine stashed in a non-factory compartment behind a motorist's dashboard.
Caltrans said the #4 lane on westbound Interstate 10 was closed from the weigh station to the Ramsey Street offramp.
Additionally, four sex registrants were out of compliance, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
The 680-acre South Fire broke out Aug. 25, 2021. The blaze destroyed nine residential and commercial structures and damaged 28 others.
The suspect is linked to two incidents reported this week, according to the sheriff's department.
The blaze, dubbed the Edna Fire, was reported at 3:30 p.m. Thursday at state Route 243 and Mount Edna Road, according to authorities.
The blaze was reported at 12:54 p.m. Thursday near Limonite Avenue and Beach Street.
Senate Bill 94 could open the door to parole hearings for some California inmates serving life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The incident was reported on Pheasant Place, a residential street just east of Wolf Creek Park.
Mary Marshall, 63, of Menifee raised her kids with love, strength, and determination. Now, they seek a respectful farewell for her.
Drivers convicted of a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, and a suspended driver's license.
The U.S. Postal Service is looking to fill 60 job openings in Riverside and San Diego counties.
The one-day event is expected to attract over 300 colleges, vocational schools, military institutions, and military branches, the city said.
The hiring event takes place from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, at the arena located at 75-702 Varner Road in Palm Desert.
One firefighter was transported to an area hospital for treatment of minor injuries, according to the fire department.