California Divorce Attorney Found Buried on Own Ranch
When 65-year-old Nadine Jett, a respected California divorce attorney, disappeared in late 2023, her family was left in the dark about her fate. Her daughters were told she had died and been cremated in Mexico, a story that seemed to close the chapter on her sudden absence. But the truth, as it often does in cases of betrayal and deception, was far more disturbing. In July 2025, skeletal remains were found buried on the very ranch where Jett had lived in Valley Center, California. Now, the man who was supposed to care for her — her foster son, Cedric Von Ferdinand — is facing serious charges of fraud and forgery, accused of exploiting legal tools like power of attorney to transfer her properties to himself and drain her bank accounts. While no one has been charged in connection with Jett's death, the case exposes a chilling abuse of trust and legal authority.
A Trusted Caregiver Turns Suspect
Nadine Jett's disappearance raised immediate concerns among her family, especially her four daughters, who had been kept away from her in her final months. Cedric Von Ferdinand, who had been acting as Jett's caregiver, was the last person to see her alive. According to Jett's daughters, Von Ferdinand told them that their mother had died in Mexico and had been cremated there, a claim that investigators later found no evidence to support, according to reports.
The family's suspicions grew when they discovered that the ranch where Jett lived had been cleared out, and no one seemed to know what had happened to her. It wasn't until a realtor working with Von Ferdinand became suspicious during an attempt to sell the property that authorities were alerted. The realtor recalled Von Ferdinand's unusual request that whoever bought the ranch plant a rose garden in memory of Jett, a detail that seemed oddly sentimental given the circumstances.
The Fraudulent Power of Attorney Scheme
The heart of the legal case against Von Ferdinand revolves around his alleged misuse of power of attorney, a legal instrument that allows one person to act on behalf of another in financial or legal matters. Prosecutors claim Von Ferdinand forged Jett's signature to assign himself power of attorney, giving him control over her assets without her consent. Using this authority, he is accused of transferring ownership of Jett's Valley Center ranch and two other properties in Los Angeles County into his name. Additionally, he allegedly siphoned hundreds of thousands of dollars from her bank accounts, even purchasing another residence in Los Angeles with the stolen funds.
The case also involves Raymond Joseph Alto, a notary public based in Escondido, who is accused of notarizing documents that prosecutors say bore Jett's forged signature. Both men face more than 40 felony charges, including forgery, identity theft, perjury, and grand theft. Despite the gravity of the allegations, neither Von Ferdinand nor Alto is currently in custody, and both have pleaded not guilty.
How the Deception Unfolded
The timeline of events paints a picture of calculated deception. Jett was last seen in December 2023, shortly after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Von Ferdinand, who had quit his job to care for her full-time, allegedly began transferring properties and funds to himself in early 2024. Investigators found no death certificate for Jett in either Mexico or the United States, contradicting Von Ferdinand's claims to the family.
A former animal caretaker on the ranch testified that Von Ferdinand told her in January 2024 that Jett had died about a week earlier, yet no official records support this. Meanwhile, Von Ferdinand continued to manage Jett's affairs, using the forged power of attorney to control her assets and finances. The daughters' attempts to investigate were initially stonewalled, with Von Ferdinand reportedly keeping them away from their mother and the property.
Legal Battles and Defense Claims
Von Ferdinand's defense attorney argues that the transfers of money and property were made willingly by Jett, asserting that the documents bear her genuine signature. A former legal assistant testified that she had spoken with Jett via Zoom in January 2024, during which Jett appeared frail but aware of the property transfers. The defense also claims that the case was pushed by Jett's daughters, who were estranged from their mother and that Von Ferdinand was the one who cared for her in her final days.
The preliminary hearing is ongoing, with attorneys expected to make their final arguments soon. Meanwhile, the San Diego County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Jett's death, though no arrests have been made in connection with the homicide.
The Abuse of Legal Tools: Power of Attorney and Notary Authority
This case highlights the potential for abuse inherent in legal instruments like power of attorney and notary services. Power of attorney is designed to help individuals manage their affairs when they are unable to do so themselves, but it requires a high level of trust. When that trust is broken, as alleged here, the consequences can be devastating.
Similarly, notaries public serve as impartial witnesses to the signing of important documents, ensuring their authenticity. The involvement of a notary in notarizing forged documents raises serious questions about oversight and accountability in these roles.
For you, the reader, this story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of vigilance when granting legal authority to others. It underscores the need to monitor financial and legal transactions closely, especially when a loved one is vulnerable.
A Story of Betrayal and Legal Intrigue
The disappearance and death of Nadine Jett, followed by the shocking discovery of her remains on her own property, is a tragic story of betrayal by someone entrusted with her care. Cedric Von Ferdinand's alleged scheme to forge power of attorney documents and transfer assets to himself reveals how legal tools can be manipulated for personal gain.
As the trial unfolds, the case will likely shed more light on the dark intersection of caregiving, legal authority, and fraud. For now, it stands as a stark reminder that even the most trusted relationships can harbor deception — and that the law, while a powerful protector, can also be exploited.
References: Renowned Divorce Lawyer Found Buried on Ranch - and Foster Son Who Allegedly Gave Himself Power of Attorney Will Face Trial on Fraud Charges | Foster son's court hearing in alleged fraud case advances | cbs8.com
