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Last month, John Blanton Breland of Lodi surrendered to an investigator with the San Joaquin District Attorney’s Office. The 52-year-old insurance agent was charged with 11 felony counts consisting of theft from elder or dependent, grand theft, sales of unqualified securities, and false statements to sell securities.

According to investigators, in an attempt to recover from financial problems due to large gambling losses in casinos in Nevada and California, Breland would urge victims to either make an investment or purchase an annuity. He would then redirect a portion or all of the money for personal use. The San Joaquin Country Superior Court petition alleges that Breland embezzled nearly $300,000.

As a result of his allegedly fraudulent activities, the total loss to consumers is roughly $275,000.