A California man accused of financial crimes related to his missing mother will stand trial on more than 40 charges, including fraud, forgery, and grand theft. The charges were filed months after investigators discovered the remains of his mother, 65-year-old Nadine Jett, on the rural ranch where the two lived together.
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Disappearance
Jett was last seen in December 2023, according to family members who spoke to CBS 8, FOX 5, and The San Diego Tribune. She had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and her daughters—who are identical quadruplets—began raising alarms when they lost contact with her.
Her son, Cedric Von Ferdinand, served as her primary caretaker during her final months. However, after her sudden disappearance, family members say he began distancing them from her, claiming that she had passed away in Mexico. One of her daughters, Tiffany Lucci, told FOX 5 that Von Ferdinand had isolated the family from their mother.
Discovery
In July 2025, investigators discovered skeletal remains on the Valley Center property where Jett lived. DNA testing later confirmed the remains belonged to Nadine Jett. It’s still unclear how or when she died. Despite the discovery, Von Ferdinand has not been charged in connection with her death.
Instead, authorities turned their attention to a series of alleged financial crimes. A criminal complaint reviewed by PEOPLE details how Von Ferdinand allegedly assigned himself power of attorney and forged Jett’s signature on multiple documents. Prosecutors say he used her identity for fraudulent purposes after her death.
Investigation
The case took a turn when a local realtor, Noel Lawton, became suspicious while attempting to help Von Ferdinand sell the ranch. During a property tour, Von Ferdinand reportedly made an unusual request: that whoever bought the property plant a rose garden in memory of his mother.
This moment reportedly triggered concerns that were passed along to authorities, helping to revive the investigation into Jett’s disappearance. Meanwhile, her daughters had already begun their own search—speaking with neighbors, checking the property, and trying to piece together what had happened after Von Ferdinand allegedly cleared out the home.
Charges
Von Ferdinand is now facing more than 40 charges, including:
- Forgery of name
- Using another person’s identity
- Perjury
- Grand theft of personal property
He is not currently under arrest and has pleaded not guilty to all charges, according to the Valley Road Runner. Another man, Raymond Joseph Alto, a notary public, is also named in the complaint and is facing similar charges.
The full details of how Von Ferdinand allegedly used forged documents and stolen identity remain under investigation. Law enforcement has not yet announced whether further charges, including possible homicide charges, will be filed in connection with Jett’s death.
As of now, the focus remains on the fraud case. Prosecutors are moving forward, and both defendants are expected to face trial in the coming months.
FAQs
Who was Nadine Jett?
She was a 65-year-old woman found dead on her California ranch.
What is Cedric Von Ferdinand charged with?
He faces over 40 charges including fraud and forgery.
Has Von Ferdinand been arrested?
No, he is not under arrest as of now.
Was anyone else charged?
Yes, notary Raymond Alto faces similar charges.
Has anyone been charged with murder?
No murder charges have been filed at this time.
