Maricopa Child Private Investigator Loses License Amid Fraud Allegations

Maricopa’s most recognized private investigator, Chris Castorena, has lost his license following a fraud ruling by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Castorena, who led investigations into several missing children cases, including those of Talesa Predmore, Javier Alzuhair-Sainz, and Adriana Del Angel-Rivera, faced multiple allegations of unethical practices.

Testimonies provided during a hearing on October 31 revealed disturbing claims against him. Witnesses recounted instances where Castorena failed to deliver on promises made during investigations. Notably, Christin Aragon, who hired him following her sister’s tragic death, expressed disappointment over the lack of significant findings attributed to his work.

Aragon reported that Castorena claimed to have met with Walmart’s security and local law enforcement, a statement contradicted by officials who had no record of such meetings. “He thought I was just going to hire him, sit back, and let him do all of the work,” she stated. Aragon was among the key witnesses during the hearing against him.

In his defense, Castorena maintained that he indeed conducted interviews as claimed, stating he was “misled” regarding the boundaries of his surveillance. Another individual testified that Castorena had conducted unauthorized monitoring, revealing a tracking device attached to his car post-divorce.

Despite his assertions and promises to cease surveillance activities, the board found Castorena guilty of willful misconduct, including failing to provide agreed-upon services and misrepresenting his capabilities. The decision to revoke his license was based on evidence of gross negligence and fraudulent claims linked to his private investigation practices.

Serious concerns about his operational methods were underscored during the investigation. A prior claim indicated that Castorena suggested that a missing teen might be dead without substantial proof, reflecting a pattern of assuming scenarios without factual backing. Fortunately, the teen later confirmed her safety on her 18th birthday.

Moreover, Castorena’s business website was scrutinized for containing misleading information, including false testimonials and unauthorized bios of non-existent staff members. This raised further alarm regarding the integrity of his operations.

As it stands, Chris Castorena, once a trusted figure in Maricopa’s private investigative landscape, now faces the repercussions of his actions, leaving families seeking justice and closure questioning who to trust.