On July 9, authorities announced that a woman from North Hollywood had been taken into custody for her suspected involvement in a string of scams aimed at individuals searching for affordable housing in Glendale, Los Angeles County.
According to a statement by Stephanie Mikhlian from the city of Glendale, in April 2024, the Glendale Housing Authority and the Glendale Police Department were made aware of a fraudulent activity. The scheme involved Sima Karapetyan, a 47-year-old from North Hollywood, who approached elderly individuals at public aid offices and local non-profit support agencies and posed as a Glendale Housing Authority employee.
According to Ms. Mikhlian, the victims were promised better status on the Section 8 Housing Voucher waiting list and access to low-income housing units in exchange for cash payments. She further added that the perpetrator gained their trust before making these promises.
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According to the city official, Ms. Karapetyan purportedly utilized social media channels to lure victims.
Ms. Mikhlian stated that Karapetyan had taken money from a minimum of 11 victims since 2021 during the investigation.
According to Ms. Mikhlian, Ms. Karapetyan currently remains in custody on $450,000 bail after being arrested on May 23. She was arraigned in Los Angeles County Superior Court on seven counts of theft by false pretense and four counts of elder abuse.
According to Mr. Mikhlian, the City of Glendale and Glendale Housing Authority are vigilant in investigating accusations of fraud. He advised the public not to entertain any offers of low-income housing assistance in exchange for money and instead report such activities to the Glendale Housing Fraud Hotline at 818-548-6442 or through email.
