The Region - News from March 25, 1986

Four people have pleaded not guilty in Los Angeles federal court to charges that they conspired late last year to defraud the Bank of America out of $10.2 million by depositing fake corporate checks into banks overseas. The bank, however, lost only $330,000 after authorities were tipped off in January. Trial was set for May 6 for Naomi Jerez, 42, an American residing in Guatemala; her father, Clyde Lewis, 74, of Gardena; Juan Solorzano, 26, a Guatemalan, and Gerardo Carvajal, 40, a Costa Rican. Three defendants have remained in custody since their arrests earlier this month. Lewis was released after his arrest on $20,000 bail.