Attorney Found Buried on Ranch After Foster Son's Alleged Fraud

Skeletal remains found buried on a Valley Center, California, ranch in July 2025 have been identified as those of Nadine Jett, 65, a prominent California divorce attorney who disappeared in late 2023. Her foster son, Cedric Von Ferdinand, faces more than 40 felony charges including forgery, identity theft, perjury, and grand theft, accused of using a fraudulent power of attorney to transfer Jett’s properties and drain her bank accounts. No charges related to Jett’s death have been filed, and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the cause and circumstances of her death.

Disappearance and Discovery

Jett’s four daughters had been told by Von Ferdinand that their mother died in Mexico and was cremated there - a claim investigators found no evidence to support. Her family’s attempts to reach her went unanswered, and they were reportedly kept away from the ranch during this period. It was not until a realtor working with Von Ferdinand grew suspicious during an attempt to sell the property that authorities were alerted. The realtor later recalled Von Ferdinand making an unusual request that the future owner plant a rose garden in Jett’s memory.

The Alleged Fraud Scheme

Prosecutors allege Von Ferdinand forged Jett’s signature to assign himself power of attorney and used that authority without her consent. He is accused of transferring Jett’s Valley Center ranch and two additional Los Angeles County properties into his name, as well as siphoning hundreds of thousands of dollars from her bank accounts, including funds allegedly used to purchase a separate Los Angeles residence.

Raymond Joseph Alto, a notary public based in Escondido, is also charged in connection with the scheme. Prosecutors allege Alto notarized documents bearing Jett’s forged signature. Both Von Ferdinand and Alto face more than 40 felony counts and have pleaded not guilty. Neither is currently in custody.

Defense Claims and Legal Proceedings

Von Ferdinand’s defense attorney argues that all property transfers were made voluntarily by Jett and that the documents carry her genuine signature. A former legal assistant testified that she spoke with Jett via video call in January 2024, during which Jett appeared frail but reportedly aware of the transactions. The defense has also indicated that Jett’s daughters were estranged from her and that Von Ferdinand was her primary caregiver in her final months.

The preliminary hearing is ongoing. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office investigation into the circumstances of Jett’s death remains open. No arrest in connection with her death had been announced as of initial reporting.

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