Beverly Hills woman angry after receiving a hidden $100 million charge for new mansion

Beverly Hills Homeowner Faces $100 Million Invoice Surprise

A homeowner in Beverly Hills is expressing outrage after receiving an unexpected invoice exceeding $100 million following his mansion purchase.

Marjorie Josaphat revealed that Ortiz Consulting LLC attempted to charge her for various services claimed to have been rendered over the last decade on her property located on Benedict Canyon Drive.

However, Josaphat insists she had no prior interaction with the firm or its founder, Rita Ortiz, and only acquired the house last year, which required significant repairs.

Other residents in the area have also been affected, with neighbors Mary Tosky and Andrea Knowles facing lawsuits amounting to $24 million each.

Josaphat purchased the three-bedroom, 1,400-square-foot property in a dilapidated state and undertook a complete renovation before selling it three weeks ago.

She found that two mechanic liens related to the property amounted to $48 million, categorized as “cleaning services” and “business consulting.”

Subsequently, another lawsuit demanded $98 million for “10 contracts” and “80 contracts,” as indicated by legal documents.

Josaphat remarked, “I don’t even know who Rita Ortiz is. This place was in shambles. If she did a $24 million job here, then she owes me money because it was not looking good.”

Nearby resident Tosky also encountered liens totaling over $24 million from Ortiz for supposed “cleaning services, labor and materials.” She described the claims as absurd, stating, “I know how much cleaning typically costs, and it’s definitely not $25 million.”

Ortiz Consulting LLC, reportedly managed by “life coach” Rita Ortiz, has filed 35 mechanic liens across the city since 2023, accumulating to around $570 million.

On Benedict Canyon Drive alone, Ortiz has pursued 10 claims totaling $317 million against several homes over unpaid amounts.

The conflict seems to trace back to 2020 when Ortiz filed a lawsuit against Tosky and Knowles for allegedly misleading the LAPD regarding claims that Ortiz owned Josaphat’s recently purchased home. Although that lawsuit was dismissed, Tosky and Knowles suspect Ortiz’s recent actions stem from a personal vendetta.

In a lengthy statement to ABC7, Ortiz claimed, “I have been cleaning this property for about 10 years and have been involved with it consistently. My neighbor, Dr. Benedict Canyon, has vandalized my property multiple times.” She insisted that allegations of fraud against her were unfounded and emphasized her long-term commitment to the property.

Mechanics liens can be filed easily at the county recorder’s office, which can complicate a homeowner’s ability to sell their property for up to 90 days until resolved in court.

Interestingly, California laws do not allow the removal of inaccurate lien information until a judge has reviewed the case.

Attorney Bruce Rudman expressed his astonishment over the situation, stating, “This is unlike anything I’ve encountered.” Meanwhile, David Beitchman, who represents affected homeowners, argued for legislative changes to prevent the easy filing of mechanic liens.