Elite Rooter’s Book Keeper Arrested After Embezzling Hundreds of Thousands in Oxnard

A long-term financial investigation has led to the arrest of 49-year-old Efrain Barragan, a trusted bookkeeper accused of defrauding a local business.

Ventura Police detectives took Barragan into custody this week following a deep-dive probe into the finances of Elite Rooter.

The investigation revealed that Barragan reportedly bled the company of hundreds of thousands of dollars between 2024 and 2025.

Barragan is currently being held at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility with bail set at a massive $1,000,000.

This arrest is far from Barragan’s first encounter with the California legal system. Records show that Barragan is already awaiting trial in Santa Barbara for two separate felony theft cases.

His criminal history dates back decades, including a 1998 conviction for drug sales in Los Angeles County. He has also faced multiple legal consequences for violating terms of his supervised release in various jurisdictions.

Despite this extensive record, Barragan managed to maintain high-profile positions of trust within the community. He operated his own professional firm, known as AB Bookkeeping, and served as the Treasurer for the Oxnard Elks Lodge.

Management at Elite Rooter is now speaking out to ensure other local businesses do not fall victim to similar schemes.

The company stated that they are working hand-in-hand with the Ventura Police Department to see the case through to prosecution.

While the financial loss was significant, Elite Rooter confirmed they remain fully operational and continue to thrive. They are using their experience to put the Ventura County business community on notice about the importance of deep background checks.

Authorities noted that this marks the second high-profile arrest of an embezzling bookkeeper in Ventura within a very short timeframe.

Detectives are currently reviewing files from AB Bookkeeping to determine if other local clients were affected by Barragan’s activities. Prosecutors are expected to file multiple counts of grand theft and specialized white-collar crime enhancements.

Barragan’s massive bail reflects the court's concern regarding his long trail of financial crimes and flight risk.

The Ventura Police Department is encouraging any other business owners who employed Barragan to conduct an immediate internal audit.

The case will now move toward an early disposition conference where the full extent of the diverted funds will be presented.