Bail reduced for woman accused of scamming immigrants

A Cathedral City woman accused of duping people out of $500,000 remained in custody Wednesday night despite her bail being significantly reduced.

39-year old Sara Salcido is charged with 8 counts of felony grand theft and one count of illegally representing a client during an immigration hearing.

Wednesday, a judge ruled her bail should be reduced to $32,000, down from $500,000.

Salcido is expected back in court in November.

Authorities say she posed as an immigration consultant and unlawfully gave legal advice to clients.

She was taken into custody at her home in September by investigators.

Search warrants were also served at her home and her business.

Prosecutors say they collected evidence suggesting as many as 175 people were scammed by Salcido.