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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, June 18th, 2013
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department On June 16, 2013, at approximately 5:10 PM, the Camarillo Police Department, Ventura County Fire Department and AMR responded to the intersection of Carmen Dr. and Edgemont Dr. in reference to an injury traffic accident. Initial reports were that a vehicle hit a juvenile riding a bicycle. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the juvenile was riding his bicycle northbound along the west side of Carmen Dr. with two other bicyclists. Carolyn Skinner was driving her 2000 Toyota Avalon northbound on Carmen Dr. approaching Edgemont Dr. The juvenile attempted to cross Carmen Dr. at Edgemont Dr. and was struck by Skinner. The juvenile sustained life-threatening injuries as a result of the accident and was transported to Los Robles Regional Medical Center by AMR where he later died. The juvenile was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. The accident is still under investigation by the Camarillo Traffic Bureau. Anyone who might have witnessed the accident or is aware of anyone that might have been involved in the accident is asked to contact the Camarillo Police Department at (805) 388-5100. Nature of Incident: Fatal Traffic Accident Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, June 18th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department A man was shot by deputies Saturday evening, after he rammed one patrol car and attempted to drive his car into another deputy. The incident began with a hit-and-run traffic collision on Westlake Boulevard. Deputies were checking the area for the suspect vehicle, when one of them found a similar vehicle in the area of Lakeview Canyon Road and Agoura Road. When the deputy tried to stop the vehicle, it fled through a shopping center at the northwest corner of Lakeview Canyon and Agoura. The deputy followed the suspect vehicle, which then drove eastbound on Agoura Road in the westbound traffic lanes. The suspect vehicle continued eastbound and intentionally accelerated and rammed a marked sheriffâs patrol car traveling westbound on Agoura Road. The suspect then reversed his vehicle toward the first deputy who had followed him. That deputy had exited his patrol car and was in imminent danger of being struck by the suspectâs vehicle. The deputy fired several shots at the suspect. The suspect then tried to drive away, but the second deputy rammed the suspectâs vehicle and pushed it into the curb to prevent the suspect from being a further danger to the public. The suspect, who was later identified as 33-year-old Rogelio Gutierrez of Gilroy, Ca., suffered several gunshot wounds and was taken to Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center for treatment. Anyone who was in the area and witnessed the incident is asked to contact Sgt. Ian Laughlin of the Sheriffâs Major Crimes Bureau (805)383-8791 or (805)384-4737. Nature of Incident: Officer Involved Shooting |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, June 18th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On 6/13/2013, detectives with the Ventura County Sheriffâs Narcotics Unit concluded a month long investigation of a Los Angeles County resident who was selling illegal narcotics to Ventura County residents. Detectives arrested Robert James Heitz, age 45, after he left his residence located in Agoura Hills. A search warrant was served at Heitzâ residence where detectives seized two ounces of heroin, three ounces of marijuana, a half ounce of cocaine and a half ounce of methamphetamine. A small marijuana grow was also discovered inside the residence. Additionally, detectives seized a significant amount of currency they determined to be proceeds from illegal drugs sales and evidence Heitz was actively involved in the illegal sales of narcotics. Heitz was booked at the Ventura County Main Jail in Ventura for violations of sales of heroin, possession for sales of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana. Heitzâs bail is pending review at $250,000.00 He is scheduled to appear in Ventura County Superior Court for arraignment on 6/17/2013, at 1:30 PM. Nature of Incident: Narcotics Arrest Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). |
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By Gazette Staff Writer — Tuesday, June 18th, 2013
SAN FRANCISCO -- Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today announced criminal charges and the arraignment of three brothers who face up to five years in prison for operating an illegal website that allowed users to watch bootleg versions of copyrighted television shows and movies. Hop Hoang, 26, Tony Hoang, 23, and Huynh Hoang, 20, all brothers, were arraigned in Alameda County Superior Court on Thursday, June 13 for allegedly operating the website mediamp4.com which allowed users to illegally stream more than 1,000 copyrighted television and movie titles on computers and mobile devices. The three have each been charged with one count of conspiracy, four counts of receiving stolen property and one count of grand theft. âDigital piracy is theft. It is a serious crime that harms one of Californiaâs most important economic engines â our entertainment industry,â said Attorney General Harris. âThis case sends a clear message that the California Department of Justice will investigate digital piracy and prosecute violators to the fullest extent of the law.â The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) initially began an investigation into iphonetvshows.net and movieiphone.net and sent a cease and desist letter to Tony Hoang. Thereafter, Tony Hoang and his co-defendant brothers allegedly resumed the illegal operation under a new domain name, mediamp4.com. The Attorney Generalâs office then initiated an investigation into mediamp4.com, executed a search warrant, seized property used in connection with the illegal operation and filed charges against the Hoang brothers. âThe MPAA deeply appreciates the leadership of Attorney General Harris and her office in helping to combat websites that illegally profit from the creative content produced by the men and women of the American movie and television community,â said former Senator Chris Dodd, the MPAAâs CEO and Chairman. âThere are now nearly 80 legal online services in the United States dedicated to providing movies and television shows to viewers. But to realize the enormous potential of these businesses and ensure an Internet that works for everyone, it is critical that government, content creators, the tech community and others work together to stop illegal rogue sites.â Over the 18 months of the websiteâs operation, the brothers earned approximately $150,000 in advertising revenue. Hop Hoang allegedly confirmed that the brothers generated traffic to the website through Google search ads. Subscribers could illegally access television shows like âHow I Met Your Mother,â along with films such as âBlack Swan,â âTangledâ and âHarry Potter and the Deadly Hallows Part 1.â The investigation was conducted by the eCrime Unit of the California Attorney Generalâs Office, California Highway Patrol, and REACT, a law enforcement task force located in Santa Clara, CA specializing in investigating technology crimes and identity theft. The Attorney Generalâs eCrime Unit conducted the forensic analysis of the computer seized during a search and is prosecuting the case. In 2011, Attorney General Harris created the eCrime Unit to identify and prosecute identity theft crimes, cybercrimes and other crimes involving the use of technology. The charges in the complaints are only allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, June 17th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department There has been a recent burglary trend in the Ventura County area targeting residential and commercial structures, which are undergoing fumigation. Several residences and commercial buildings in the Ventura County area have been burglarized after being âtentedâ for fumigation. The structures are being targeted between the time the buildings are covered with the tent and when the tent is removed. The suspects have been cutting the tents and forcing entry into the structures, stealing jewelry, money and electronics. The Ventura County Sheriffâs Office would like to warn residents and business owners of this current trend and to take any necessary precautions from becoming victimized. We recommend residents remove any money, jewelry or other items of value from the home that can be taken with you while your residence or building undergoes fumigation. Nature of Incident: Burglary trend Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, June 12th, 2013
 Brandon Wimsatt On May 28, 2013, Burlington Coat Factory received a telephonic bomb threat. Several patrol units from the Thousand Oaks Police Department responded and searched the business with the help of store management. No bomb or suspicious packages were located. Detectives from the Thousand Oaks Police Department Investigations Unit conducted an investigation and learned Brandon Wimsattâs telephone was used to call in the false bomb threat. The investigation also revealed Wimsatt took steps to hide his phone number from being discovered. On June 11, 2013, Thousand Oaks detectives located Wimsatt in the City of Thousand Oaks. Wimsatt was arrested for Falsely Reporting a Bomb to a Business. Wimsatt was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura and his bail was set at $10,000. Nature of Incident: Burlington Coat Factory Bomb Threat Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, June 12th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On May 20, 2013, Camarillo High School Officials received an accusation that Associate Principal Felix âDavidâ Gallegos was involved in offensive behavior on the school campus. School officials immediately placed Gallegos on administrative leave and then reported the information to the Camarillo Police Department. The Ventura County Sheriffâs Major Crimes Unit conducted an investigation into the allegations. Two separate victims, one adult female staff member and one juvenile female student, each claimed that Gallegos had inappropriately touched them while on the school campus. These were separate incidents and the two victims were unaware the other had been victimized until the crimes were reported. On June 5, 2013, Gallegos was arrested on four misdemeanor counts of child molestation and one misdemeanor count of sexual battery. Gallegos was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility on $30,000.00 bail. He is scheduled to appear in Ventura County Superior Court on June 6, 2013. The Ventura County Sheriffâs Office would like to point out that Oxnard Union High School District officials fully cooperated with the investigation in a desire to learn the truth about these allegations. The Ventura County Sheriffâs Office is asking that anyone with information about these crimes contact Detective Greg Guilin at (805) 384-4725. For those who wish to remain anonymous, Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against persons responsible for these types of crimes. These calls are not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). Nature of Incident: School Official Arrested for Child Molestation and Sexual Battery |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, June 12th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On June 3, 2013, the Thousand Oaks Police Department received information that a local travel soccer team trainer/coach was having sexual relations with a minor. Detectives followed-up on the report and conducted several interviews with both the victim and suspect. At the conclusion of the investigation, Christopher Capellini was arrested for the allegation and booked into custody at the East County Sheriffâs Jail in Thousand Oaks. Nature of Incident: Local Travel Soccer Team Trainer Arrested for Sexual Assault Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, June 11th, 2013
 Daryl Westerback, Thousand Oaks, 55 On March 8, 2013, Dr. Daryl Westerback was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs and felony child endangerment when he was involved in a traffic collision in the City of Thousand Oaks. On June 5, 2013, Dr. Westerback was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs after he was seen by a narcotics detective exhibiting a driving pattern consistent with impaired driving. Dr. Westerback was interviewed by members of the Ventura County Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit and the investigation revealed he had been treating patients while impaired due to prescription drug use. The investigation also revealed evidence of potential improper prescribing practices. At least one death related to his practice is being investigated. The California Medical Board and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration are assisting in the investigation. The Ventura County Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit is a newly formed task force which is comprised of members of law enforcement from the Ventura County Sheriffâs Office, Simi Valley Police Department, and Ventura County District Attorneyâs Office. The unitâs responsibilities include investigating crimes relating to prescription drug misuse, abuse, and sales. A primary mission of the unit is investigating doctors and pharmacists who have abandoned their duties related to their profession and have become engaged in criminal activity. The unit spawned out of the realization that prescription drug abuse leads to heroin abuse, which unfortunately, all too often, leads to death. Rogue doctors and pharmacists are frequently the source of supply for prescription drug abusers. Nature of Incident: Thousand Oaks Doctor Arrested Twice in Past Three Months |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, June 10th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department Camarillo Patrol Deputies arrested two adults and one male juvenile for a string of vehicle burglaries in Camarillo this morning. At 5:00 AM, deputies responded to a call of subjects breaking into vehicles in the 700 block of Mobil Avenue, in Camarillo. When deputies arrived in the area, they saw a male juvenile who immediately fled on foot. After a short search of the area, deputies located all three subjects. The subjects were arrested and found to be in possession of a large quantity of stolen property. Camarillo Detectives interviewed the suspects and learned they have been stealing property from unlocked vehicles or âcar hoppingâ for several months. They admitted to opening at least 20-30 cars a night, throughout the city, over the last two months. Detectives are still trying to identify all of the victims. If you have been a victim of a theft from your vehicle and have not reported it to the police, please contact Detective Scott Norris (805)388-5120 or Detective Robert Shirk (805)388-5157. Tyler Buchanon and Patrick Sturm were booked at the Ventura County Jail for burglary, possession of stolen property and conspiracy. The male juvenile was cited for theft and released to a relative. The Sheriffâs Office would like to remind the public to remove any items of value from their vehicle and ensure the vehicles doors are locked. These crimes are examples of âcrimes of opportunityâ and could have possibly been prevented. More importantly, we would like to thank the public for reporting this crime and encourage others to call the police anytime they observe suspicious subjects. Nature of Incident: Two Adults and One Juvenile Arrested for a Series of Vehicle Burglaries Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). |
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By Santa Paula Police Department — Wednesday, June 5th, 2013
 Santa Paula Police Department On Saturday 6/1/13 at approximatley 2125 hours, officers from the Santa Paula Police Department were dispatched to the area of 12th Street and Corto Street for a report of a subject with a shotgun. Officers were advised the subject was firing the shotgun in the area of Corto Street and the river bottom and was leaving the area in a silver four door sedan. When officers arrived in the area they located a vehicle matching the description and conducted a stop of the vehicle. The vehicle was driven by Eliceo Varas and was also occupied by his wife, Kimberly Rodriguez, and their one week old son and three year old daughter. The vehicle was stopped and Vargas and Rodriguez were detained for investigation. During the investigation Vargas was found to be in possession of a shotgun shell. While speaking with Vargas it was determined a shotgun was in the trunk of the vehicle. When the shotgun was recovered it was found to be less than 26" in length. During the investigation Vargas was also found to be under the influence of alcohol and unlicensed. At the conclusion of the investigation Vargas was booked into Ventura County Main Jail for 246.3(a) PC; Discharge of a Firearm with Gross Negligence, 33215 PC; Possession of a Short Barreled Shotgun, 273a(a) PC; Child Endangerment, 23152(b) VC; Driving with a BAC of .08 or Higher, and 12500(a) VC; Driving without a Valid CDL. Nature of Incident: Discharge of a Firearm with Gross Negligence Report number: SG1301027 Location: Santa Clara River Bottom at Corto Street Date & Time: Saturday, 06/01/2013 at approximatley 2125 hours Unit Responsible: Patrol Bureau |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, June 3rd, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department Ojai Patrol Deputies became aware of illegal marijuana sales advertised on Craigslist. The seller was contacted and arrested for a misdemeanor warrant. An illegal marijuana cultivation was discovered in the suspectâs residence. On 5/28/2013, Ojai Patrol Deputies saw an advertisement on Craigslist offering marijuana for sale. Through investigation, deputies were able to identify the seller, William Pollick, and found he had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest. Pollick was contacted at his residence in the 400 Block of Mesa St in the community of Meinerâs Oaks. At this time deputies found one room of the residence contained a sophisticated marijuana growing operation with 21 marijuana plants. Narcotics Detectives were summoned and a Search Warrant was obtained for the residence. Pollick was subsequently arrested for the misdemeanor warrant and cultivation of marijuana. He was booked into the Sheriffâs Main Jail. Nature of Incident: Marijuana cultivation investigation |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, June 3rd, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On May 21, 2013, the City of Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement / Gang Unit concluded a two month graffiti investigation with the arrest of two juveniles. During the latter part of March through the middle of May, the City of Thousand Oaks Public Works Department removed graffiti from 27 different locations around the City. All of this graffiti was associated with a particular tagging crew. The graffiti was applied on the street, sidewalks, trees, curbs, block walls, city signs, guardrails, business walls, mailboxes, utility boxes, and bus stops. Spray paint was used on all occasions. In all, the estimated cost of clean-up to the City of Thousand was approximately $5,000. The investigation revealed the above-mentioned graffiti was associated to two suspects. Detectives from the City of Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement / Gang Unit interviewed the two suspects who took responsibility for their actions. Both juveniles were arrested for graffiti vandalism and released with a citation to their mothers. In addition to the graffiti vandalism, the 16-year-old juvenile was also arrested for being in possession of a knife on school grounds. The following is an excerpt from the City of Thousand Oaks website, http://ci.thousand-oaks.ca.us/government/depts/police/default.asp WHAT IS THE CITY DOING ABOUT GRAFFITI? GRAFFITI TRACKING PROGRAM Tracking graffiti helps to identify graffiti hot spots and targets specific incidents. When a vandal is prosecuted the cost of removal for each incident he/she is responsible for can be more easily identified allowing the City to recover the costs. WHAT TO DO IF YOU SEE GRAFFITI IN THOUSAND OAKS PRIVATE PROPERTY GRAFFITI IN COUNTY AREAS GRAFFITI ON FREEWAYS Public or Private Property Public Schools Nature of Incident: Graffiti Vandalism Arrests Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, June 3rd, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On April 19, 2013, at approximately 2:40 P.M., a male victim was parked and waiting to pick up his younger brother from Thousand Oaks High School. The victim saw his brother walking east on Avenida De Las Flores and crossing Moorpark Road. A male juvenile, 14 years old, approached the victimâs younger brother and challenged him to a fight. The victimâs brother refused to fight. S-Felipe, brother of the male juvenile, arrived and joined the conversation. The victim exited his vehicle and went to his brotherâs aide. S-Felipe threw a punch at the victim; the victim then punched S-Felipe in the face. The male juvenile then pulled a switchblade type knife from his pants pocket, and chased the victim with the knife in his hand. The victim and his brother were able to make their way back to their vehicle and leave the area. The victim did not sustain any injuries. On April 30, 2013, at approximately 3:00 P.M., a male juvenile victim and a female friend walked from Thousand Oaks High School to Acorn Acres Park. While sitting on a park bench, the victim was approached by four subjects; two male juveniles, S-Felipe and S-Alvarez. S-Alvarez and S-Felipe claimed their gang and told the victim to fight one of the juveniles one on one. The victim refused to fight. One of the male juveniles approached the victim, claimed his gang, and then punched the victim in the face. S-Felipe and another male juvenile joined in and began punching the victim in the head and upper torso. After several minutes S-Alvarez ordered the beating to be stopped. The suspects stopped the beating, however, one of the male juvenile delivered one last kick to the victimâs rib cage. The victim and his female friend walked back to Thousand Oaks High School to seek help. The victim did not seek medical attention. On May 29, 2013, in the early morning hours, 20 law enforcement personnel from the City of Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement Unit, Detectives Bureau, and the Bike Patrol Unit executed search warrants at four residences in the City of Thousand Oaks. As a result of the investigation, 4 suspects were arrested for the attack at Acorn Acres Park and 1 male juvenile was arrested for the Assault with a Deadly Weapon in the street. The above suspects were arrested for a variety of charges that include; Gang conspiracy, assault with a deadly weapon, participation in a criminal street gang, willful harm or injury to a child, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor The adult males were booked into the East County Jail, and the juveniles were lodged into the Juvenile Justice Facility. Nature of Incident: Gang Related Search Warrants Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, May 29th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On Tuesday morning (5-28-13), sometime between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m., an unknown person set fire to the residence at 69 Wales Street in the city of Thousand Oaks. No one was injured as a result of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the fire are being investigated by Sheriffâs Office Major Crimes Bureau and Sheriffâs Arson Unit. Detectives are seeking the publicâs help with any information about any suspicious activity or suspicious vehicles seen in or around the area before the fire. Anyone with information is encouraged to phone the Sheriffâs Major Crimes Bureau at 805-379-8790 or provide the information through Crime Stoppers. Nature of Incident: Suspicious Fire (Arson) Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, May 29th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On May 22, 2013 Camarillo detectives and detectives from the Ventura County Sheriffâs Office, Special Crimes Unit, coordinated with the Los Angeles County Sheriffâs Department (LASD) to apprehend Gurgen Martirosyan and Vigen Manukyan for a series of residential burglaries that occurred in Ventura, Los Angeles and Orange counties. On May 1, 2013 a burglary occurred at a residence in the 5000 block of Paseo Monteleno, in the Mission Oaks area of Camarillo. On May 9, 2013 a burglary occurred at a residence in the 5300 block of Fieldcrest Dr., also in the Mission Oaks area of Camarillo. Detectives from the Camarillo station began their investigation of the burglaries and discovered that during both crimes, the victims received a large number of missed calls from the same telephone number. The point of entry and the items taken were also very similar in nature. Detectives learned that similar methods of operation were also used in burglaries in Thousand Oaks and Agoura Hills. During the ensuing investigation, detectives were able to identify Martirosyan and Manukyan as likely suspects in these serial crimes. After contacting numerous agencies in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, Camarillo detectives discovered the same method of operation had been used in burglaries in all three counties. On May 22, 2013 at approximately 1200 PM Camarillo detectivesâ notified detectives with the Los Angeles County Sheriffâs Department of a potential residential burglary in progress in the 5800 block of Allott Ave., in the city of Van Nuys. Detectives with LASD, acting on information from the Camarillo detectives, located and arrested Martirosyan and Manukyan for an in progress Home Invasion Robbery in the 5800 block of Allott Ave., in the city of Van Nuys. Martirosyan was shot by a LASD deputy in his lower extremities during the apprehension and taken to a local hospital. After the suspects were in custody, detectives from the Ventura County Sheriffâs Gang Unit and the Camarillo Special Enforcement Detail served simultaneous search warrants at Martirosyanâs residence in Arleta and at Manukyanâs residence in Glendale. Detectives located burglary tools, pepper spray, simulated weapons, and stolen property at both locations. Martirosyan is currently on parole for being a felon in possession of a gun and was out on bail from another residential burglary that occurred in Pasadena in June of 2012. Martirosyan and Manukyan are both being held without bail in Los Angeles County for home invasion robbery. Camarillo detectives obtained warrants for both subjects arrest for conspiracy, burglary and theft of a firearm for the crimes committed in Camarillo. Warrants for the crimes committed in the other jurisdictions are also expected. The arrest of these serial burglars could not have been accomplished without the collective collaboration of all of the agencies and units combined. Nature of Incident: Arrest of Serial Residential Burglary Suspects and Search Warrants |
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By Gazette Staff Writer — Wednesday, May 29th, 2013
SACRAMENTO, CA - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today announced the sentencing of three defendants in a human trafficking ring in which women from Mexico were used as prostitutes in five Northern California cities. Nery Najarro-Rodriguez, 42, Jorge Perez-Hernandez, 37, and Luis Mata, 30, pled no contest to conspiracy to commit pimping and pandering as part of a multi-county investigation. The defendants were each sentenced in Sacramento County Superior Court to three years in county jail. The charges stemmed from an extensive FBI investigation into a human trafficking network that spanned several northern California counties. Young women, ages 21 to 30, were trafficked from Mexico and sold for sex to as many as 20 clients in a single day. The sex acts occurred in brothels identified in Chico, Stockton, Yuba City, Fairfield and Sacramento. âHuman trafficking is a horrific crime that brutalizes millions of victims,â said Attorney General Harris. âIt is important that we investigate, prosecute and imprison those who force this kind of cruelty and depravity upon women. These sentences send a message that human traffickers will be prosecuted and punished.â In January, the FBI served arrest and search warrants at the brothel houses and recovered evidence which was presented to the Attorney Generalâs Special Crimes Unit. FBI surveillance showed that the women spent approximately one week at a particular brothel before being driven to a bus station or another brothel location. Federal prosecutors have charged three additional defendants with harboring an alien and conspiracy to harbor an alien. That case is still pending. California Department of Justice Special Agents obtained arrest warrants for five suspects on state conspiracy and pimping charges. Three of those five suspects were sentenced today. A fourth suspect, Adelaida Teran-Bravo, 42, was previously convicted of felony accessory and sentenced to six months in county jail. Charges against the fifth defendant, Garrido Fuentas, 32, are currently pending in Butte County Superior Court. Last year, Attorney General Harris released The State of Human Trafficking in California 2012, a report that outlines the growing threat of the crime of human trafficking, as well as the increasing involvement of sophisticated transnational gangs in perpetrating the crime and the use of the Internet in both facilitating and preventing it. For more information on human trafficking, go to: http://www.oag.ca.gov/human-trafficking |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, May 29th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On 05-24-13, Investigators with the Thousand Oaks Fraud & Forgery Unit concluded an identity theft investigation by arresting Kyle Zimmerman at the Ana Mesa Inn #207 in the city of Costa Mesa. The investigation started after a city of Thousand Oaks resident reported to the police that somebody attempted to open several credit card accounts using their personal identifying information. The suspect also accessed the victimâs checking account and transferred out money. Through the investigation, a person believed to be responsible for the crime was identified and a search warrant was served on his residence. Evidence related to this incident and possibly other identity theft related crimes was located inside the suspectâs residence. Follow-up work by investigators will be completed to determine if there are other victims, which warrant additional charges against the suspect. Kyle Zimmerman was arrested for Identity Theft and booked into the East County Jail. His bail is currently set at $50,000 dollars pending his arraignment in Superior Court. The Thousand Oaks Police Department would like to remind its residents to frequently check their credit reports and to monitor their savings/checking accounts for unauthorized activity and to report any suspicious activity to the police. Nature of Incident: Identity Theft Arrest Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, May 29th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On Sunday evening at approximately 9:20 p.m., Carlos Perez was driving a 1982 Datsun 280ZX north on A Street when he failed to stop or slow for the stop signed intersection at First Street and he collided with the rear end of Martha Sandovalâs 2005 Honda Accord. Prior to the collision, Martha Sandoval was going north on A Street and she was accelerating away from the stop sign at First Street to continue north. Perezâ Datsun sustained major front end damage from the collision and was no longer operable. He fled the crash scene on foot running south on A Street. Martha Sandovalâs Honda sustained moderate rear end damage, but was still drivable. She pursued Perez in her car while calling 9-1-1 for assistance. Responding deputies from the Fillmore Station captured Perez on Sespe Avenue east of A Street. The investigation established that Perez had been driving while under the influence of alcohol. A passenger in Martha Sandovalâs Honda was injured as a result of the collision. Joanna Sandoval, 7 mos. pregnant, was admitted at the Ventura County Medical Center for observation. Perez was arrested and he completed a blood test. He was then booked at the Sheriffâs Pre Trial Detention Facility for Driving under the Influence of Alcohol Causing Injury and Hit and Run with Injury. Nature of Incident: Driving Under the Influence / Injury Hit And Run Traffic Collision Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, May 29th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On Sunday night at approximately 6:34 p.m., a 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser driven by Carlos Pineda was westbound on Old Telegraph Road when it made an unsafe turning movement leaving the roadway and colliding with a raised curb, a drainage culvert, and a tree. Pineda refused medical treatment at the scene. The passenger in Pinedaâs vehicle, Olga Rodriguez, was transported to the Santa Paula Emergency Room for injuries sustained during to the collision. Deputies from the Fillmore Police Department responded to the collision. Their investigation resulted in Pineda being arrest for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Causing Injury. Pineda consented to a blood test and was later booked into the Ventura County Jail. Nature of Incident: Driving Under the Influence Traffic Collision Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). |