Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On February 17, 2015, Ventura County Sheriff’s Inmate Anthony Baty walked up to another inmate who was asleep on his bed and slashed him with a jail made “shank” (knife) across his face just missing his neck area. Medical staff and jail personnel responded and treated the victim for his injury. The victim was transported and received further treatment at the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC).

An investigation by the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau and Jail Classification Unit was conducted. It appeared Baty and the victim had a verbal argument the day prior which prompted Inmate Baty to attack the victim.

The victim sustained an approximate 6” laceration to the right side of his lower face. The victim was treated for his injury and returned to the Ventura County Jail.

Baty was subsequently arrested for 664/187 PC (attempted murder) and 4502(b) PC (manufacture a weapon in a custody facility).

Nature of Incident: Ventura County Sheriff’s Inmate Slashes The Face Of Another Inmate
Report Number: 15-3713
Location: Ventura County Sheriff’s Pre Trial Detention Facility
Date & Time: February 17, 2015 / 0830 Hours
Unit(s) Responsible: Sheriff's Detention Services Division & Major Crimes Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, City of Residence
(V) Male Victim Oxnard
(S) Anthony Aaron Baty Ventura
Prepared by: Sgt. Anthony Aguirre
News Release Date: February 23, 2015
Media Follow-Up Contact: Sgt. Anthony Aguirre / 805 384-4730
anthony.aguirre@ventura.org
Approved by: Captain Melissa Smith

 


 
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has released its 2014 Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) statistics for Part I Crimes in all Sheriff’s jurisdictions. Overall, Part I Crimes were down 10%. Reported Violent Crime was up 1% and Property Crime was down 11%.

Specifically, the cities of Thousand Oaks, Fillmore, and Ojai saw an increase in burglaries, mainly commercial type. Additionally, the city of Ojai saw an increase in grand thefts, which included thefts from vehicles and buildings. The city of Fillmore had an increase in “Aggravated Assault” with the use of a firearm. One of these reported assaults was a shooting at a group of 11 people who were classified as victims. A single shot was fired at the group and none of the victims were injured.

While reviewing the information, you will notice an increase in the category of “Rape.” In January of 2014, the definition changed and the UCR Program started collecting uniform information from law enforcement agencies with the new definition of “Rape” which broadened the scope of the previously narrow definition. For more information about this change, visit http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/new-rape-fact-sheet.

This new definition will redistribute currently captured crime information from the category Part II “Sex Offenses” to the category Part I “Rape.” As predicted by the FBI Assistant Director of the Criminal Justice Information Services Division, there will be a more accurate accounting of rape crimes alone with a noticeable increase in the category this year.”

The full report can be viewed at: http://goo.gl/bC7Uf5.

Part of our success as a law enforcement agency is due to our partnerships with the communities we serve. We encourage people to actively report suspicious and/or criminal actively immediately by calling 9-1-1. Non-emergency reports can be made through our Sheriff’s Communication Center by calling (805) 654-9511.

For questions on specific patrol area crime statistics please contact:

Camarillo Police Department
Commander Monica McGrath: 388-5102

Fillmore Police Department
Captain Dave Wareham: 524-2233

Moorpark Police Department
Captain Steve Wade: 532-2705

Ojai Police Department
Captain Dave Kenney: 646-1418

Thousand Oaks Police Department
Commander Tim Hagel: 494-8265

Nature of Incident: Sheriff Releases 2014 Crime Statistics
Location: Countywide
Date & Time: January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014
Unit(s) Responsible: Sheriff’s Crime Analysis Unit
Prepared by: Captain Don Aguilar
News Release Date: February 23, 2015
Media Follow-Up Contact: Captain Don Aguilar (805) 797-7349
don.aguilar@ventura.org
Approved by: Assistant Sheriff Steve DeCesari

 


 

On February 20, 2015, members of the Health Quality Investigation Unit (HQIU) of the California Division of Investigation (formerly known as the Medical Board of California) and the Ventura County Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit (PCU) arrested Dr. Randolph Nordyke for multiple Health and Safety Code and Penal Code violations at his home in San Diego, California.

The HQIU and PCU concluded an investigation into Podiatrist Randolph Nordyke on February 20, 2015, with his arrest and service of a search warrant at his home. Investigators recently learned Dr. Nordyke, who was reportedly retired from his Ventura practice, was doctor shopping, and falsifying prescriptions, in order to feed his own oxycodone addiction. Dr. Nordyke, on multiple occasions, wrote prescriptions in one of his former Ventura County patient’s name for large amounts of oxycodone. Dr. Nordyke then went to Ventura and San Diego area pharmacies and picked up the prescriptions posing as the husband of the patient. Dr. Nordyke was also visiting multiple doctors in the Ventura County area to obtain oxycodone prescriptions.

Dr. Nordyke was arrested for charges including identity theft, unlawfully prescribing controlled substances, forging prescriptions, and burglary. The investigation is continuing as to the extent of his “doctor shopping” as well as identifying other potential identity theft victims.

Dr. Nordyke relinquished his privilege to prescribe controlled substances to the Drug Enforcement Administration who also assisted in the investigation.

Dr. Nordyke was booked at Ventura County Main Jail with bail set at $50,000.

The Ventura County Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit is a task force comprised of members from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Simi Valley Police Department, the District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation, and the California Highway Patrol. The primary mission of the task force is combatting the transfer of legal prescription medication to the illegal market.

In addition, the task force works to identify and stop new trends of abuse among the younger population and investigates overdose deaths due to both prescription medication and illicit drug use. Anyone with information regarding these topics is encouraged to contact the Ventura County Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit at (805) 383-8700 or via e-mail at pharm.tip@ventura.org.

Nature of Incident: Ventura Podiatrist Arrested for Prescription Fraud
Report Number: 15-3983
Location: 1100 block of Pacific Highway, San Diego
Date & Time: February 20, 2015 at 08:00 am
Unit(s) Responsible: Division of Investigation- Health Quality Investigation Unit
Ventura County Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Dr. Randolph Nordyke San Diego 60
Prepared by: Sergeant Victor Fazio
News Release Date: February 20, 2015
Media Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Victor Fazio
victor.fazio@ventura.org
(805) 856 8793
Approved by: Captain Curt Rothschiller

 
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On February 21, in the early morning hours, patrol deputies responded to a report of vehicles on fire at the Ventura County Government Center public parking lot. Upon arrival at the scene there were several parked vehicles on fire as they encountered suspect Jeffrey Landis. Deputies attempted to detain Landis for arson but he resisted. Less Lethal force and a Sheriff’s K9 was used to take Landis into custody. Landis sustained minor injuries and has been booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility.

The vehicle fires were first observed by CHP officers as they were leaving the Pre-Trial Detention Facility. Shortly after, deputies arrived on scene and arrested Landis. Ventura City Fire Department extinguished the fire. Landis was treated at a local hospital for his injuries prior booking.

Five vehicles were burned. Four of the vehicles were property of the County of Ventura. One County of Ventura vehicle had moderate damage. The rest of the burned vehicles were total losses.

A small backpack claimed by Landis was on the ground at the scene of the vehicle fires. Landis made statements of a possible explosive device in the backpack. The Sheriff’s Bomb Squad responded and rendered the backpack safe. There were no evacuations or street closures during the incident.

Sheriff’s and Ventura County Fire Department Arson Investigators as well as Sheriff’s Major Crimes detectives are continuing with the investigation. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call Sheriff’s Major Crimes Detective Ryan Clark at (805) 384-4721.
Landis was booked for arson and resisting arrest. His bail is set at $ 20,000.

Nature of Incident: Suspect Arrested on Arson Charges for Vehicle Fires at County Government Center
Report Number: 15-4075
Location: Ventura County Government Center
800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura
Date & Time: February 21, 2015 @ 4:15 a.m.
Unit(s) Responsible: Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau, Bomb Squad, Arson Unit, Ventura County Fire Department Arson Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Landis, Jeffrey Santa Monica 36
Prepared by: Captain Don Aguilar
News Release Date: 2/21/15
Media Follow-Up Contact: Captain Don Aguilar (805) 797-7349
don.aguilar@ventura.org
Approved by: Captain Melissa Smith

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).

 
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 2/18/2015, deputies with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office served an eviction order on Ricardo Hernandez, 100 block of Maegan Place. Hernandez was home and left the residence after being served with eviction and stay away orders. Shortly after Hernandez left, deputies observed illegal drugs inside the residence.

Sheriff Narcotic Detectives responded to assist with the investigation. A search warrant was obtained and the residence was searched. Detectives located numerous grams of methamphetamine packaged for sale, loaded shotgun, two assault rifles- one of which was a loaded AK47 rifle, two loaded handguns, ballistic vest, various military knives and evidence that Hernandez was actively involved in the sales of illegal drugs.

After completing the search of the residence, detectives conducted a surveillance of the location in hopes that Hernandez would return. An hour later, Hernandez arrived at the location with Alberto Castro and Alejandro Hernandez. All three subjects entered the residence and left after a few minutes. Detectives followed them away from the residence where deputies with the Thousand Oaks Police Directed Enforcement Team conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and arrested Hernandez.

During the traffic stop, the deputies determined Alberto Castro and Alejandro Hernandez were under the influence of a controlled substance and they were arrested. They also provided false identification to the deputies but their true identities were quickly determined with the use of a portable fingerprint identification system. The fingerprint identification device that identified Castro also alerted deputies that Castro had three outstanding warrants for his arrest.

Detectives searched the vehicle and located over 19 grams of methamphetamine and evidence of illegal drugs sales. Detectives determined Alberto Castro and Alejandro Hernandez both resided at a residence located on the 1200 block of Avenida De Los Arboles. Based on the ongoing investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for their residence on Avenida De Los Arboles.

Shortly after 2200 hours, Narcotic detectives and deputies with the Directed Enforcement Team converged on Castro and Hernandez’s residence and served the warrant. They encountered over 15 individuals inside the residence and had to summon patrol units to assist with the service of the warrant.

After securing the residence, detectives observed numerous make shift shelters and room additions that were made into living quarters. The shelters and rooms were obviously not up to code so detectives requested the assistance of the City of Thousand Oaks Code Enforcement. An officer from Code Enforcement arrived and conducted an investigation. A determination as the status of the residence will be made at a later time.

Detectives searched the residence for evidence of drug activity, but nothing notable was found.

Ricardo Hernandez was arrested for disobeying a court order, possession for sale of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with a firearm, and possession of ammunition designated to penetrate metal or armor. His bail is set at $50,000

Alberto Castro was arrested for possession for sales of a controlled substance, transportation of controlled substance, under the influence of a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, conspiracy, providing false information, and three outstanding warrants. His bail is set at $70,000

Alejandro Hernandez was arrested for possession for sales of a controlled substance, possession for sale of a designated controlled substance, and conspiracy. His bail is set at $50,000

All three subjects are scheduled to appear in court on 2/20/2015, at 1:30PM.

Nature of Incident: Narcotic Arrests-Thousand Oaks
Report Number: 15-3865
Location: 100 block Maegan Place, Thousand Oaks
1200 block Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks
Date & Time: 2/18/2015, 0700 hours
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Hernandez, Ricardo Thousand Oaks 34
Castro, Alberto Thousand Oaks 27
Hernandez, Alejandro Thousand Oaks 34
Prepared by: Sergeant Jose Rivera
Media Release Date: 2/19/2015
Media Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Jose Rivera, 805-797-6341, jose.rivera@ventura.org
Approved by: Captain Curt Rothschiller

 

VENTURA, California – District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that the review by the District Attorney’s Office of the circumstances surrounding the September 7, 2013, shooting of Devon Costa by Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputy Danielle Delpit has been completed.

The full report, authored by Senior Deputy District Attorney Chris Harman, is available on the Ventura County District Attorney’s Web site (http://www.vcdistrictattorney.com) and explains the District Attorney’s conclusions that Deputy Delpit acted reasonably, and the killing of Devon Costa was a justifiable homicide.

 
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Scammers have been busy pretending to be police officer’s by defrauding residents out of thousands of dollars by employing the red light scam.

Recently, several Thousand Oaks residents have been contacted by phone claiming their photograph was captured while failing to stop for a red light at an intersection. The suspect tells the victim the violation had been ignored and there is a warrant for their arrest. The victim is told the warrant can be cleared by paying the bail. The victim is instructed to purchase a “Reload It” gift card for the full amount of the bail and to re-contact the suspect to provide the information on the gift card. This information allows the suspect to take the money from the card. Once the money is removed from the card, the money is lost.

The Thousand Oaks Police Department and other local police agencies do not attempt to collect fines by phone. Traffic violators are told to either go to court to pay the fine or mail their payment to the courthouse. No police agency will ask you to pay a fine using a gift card or reloadable card.

Although the intersections within the city of Thousand Oaks are not equipped with red light cameras, we ask residents to drive safely. Avoid becoming a victim of a scam by researching the particular request from the suspect or by calling Detective Lohman (805) 494-8232, before you send money or reloadable gift cards.

Nature of Incident: Police Warn Public of Red Light Scam
Location: Thousand Oaks
Date & Time: 02/17/2015 – 1:30 PM
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Investigations Unit
Prepared by: Detective Timothy Lohman
Media Release Date: February 19, 2015
Media Follow-Up Contact: Timothy Lohman (805) 494-8232 Tim.lohman@ventura.org
Approved by: Captain Ross Bonfiglio

 

On February 18, 2015, the Ventura County Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit concluded an investigation into an organization dealing cocaine to teenagers and young adults in the east end area of Ventura County. George Ramirez, Francisco Ramirez, and Eddy Franco were arrested after it was learned they were in possession of nine ounces of cocaine destined for Ventura County. This investigation was a continuation of a prior investigation that was conducted in September of last year, when Marco and Sandy Cuevas were arrested for similar activity.

Search warrants were served at Ramirez’ residences in the 6600 block of Chimineas and 5600 block of Tyrone in the City of Los Angeles. Additional cocaine and several thousand dollars in US Currency were located at the Chimineas address. Motorcycle “chop-shops” were located at both locations and three stolen complete motorcycles, two stolen motorcycle frames, a stolen motorcycle engine, and thousands of dollars in suspected stolen motorcycle parts were recovered. One of the motorcycles was stolen out of the City of Simi Valley. George Ramirez was also arrested for felony child endangerment when his three and eight year old children were found home alone with cocaine accessible to them.

George and Francisco Ramirez are in custody at the Ventura County Main Jail with a bail of $500,000. Eddy Franco is in custody at the Ventura County Main Jail with a bail of $100,000. They all have court dates on February 19, 2015.

The Ventura County Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit is a task force comprised of members from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Simi Valley Police Department, the District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation, and the California Highway Patrol. The primary mission of the task force is combatting the transfer of legal prescription medication to the illegal market. In addition, the task force works to identify and stop new trends of abuse among the younger population and investigates overdose deaths due to both prescription medication and illicit drug use. Anyone with information regarding these topics is encouraged to contact the Ventura County Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit at (805) 383-8700 or via e-mail at pharm.tip@ventura.org.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office East County Narcotics Street Team and the Ventura County Auto Theft Task Force assisted in the investigation.

Nature of Incident: Three Arrested in Cocaine Sales / Motorcycle Theft / Child Endangerment Investigation
Report Number: 15-1737
Location: Ventura and Los Angeles Counties
Date & Time: February 17, 2015
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) George Ramirez Los Angeles 26
(S) Francisco Ramirez Los Angeles 38
(S) Eddy Franco Los Angeles 22
Prepared by: Sergeant Victor Fazio
News Release Date: February 18, 2015
Media Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Victor Fazio
(805) 856-8793
victor.fazio@ventura.org
Approved by: Captain Curt Rothschiller

 

On May 11, 2014, Bradley Marquez died from an overdose of heroin and valium at a residence in the 3300 block of Hollygrove, Thousand Oaks. After several months of investigation, multiple search warrants, and numerous interviews, detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Ventura County Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit concluded
their investigation with the arrest of Corita Aburto and Mateo Peterson for their role in Marquez’
death.

The investigation revealed all three subjects were using heroin and valium at Aburto’s residence on May 11, 2014, in the 3300 block of Hollygrove, Thousand Oaks. Marquez suffered an
overdose from the drugs. Instead of immediately calling 911, Peterson, Aburto, and another subject at the residence, who happened to be a nurse, attempted to treat him themselves. After
several hours and no improvement in his condition, Marquez was dragged out of the house and left at a neighbor’s door step. Peterson and Aburto then attempted to destroy and hide Marquez’
phone and then Peterson “discovered” Marquez and called 911. Peterson initially disavowed any knowledge of Marquez’ identity and Aburto hid in the residence. Paramedics responded and
pronounced death.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed one count of §11366 of the California Health and Safety Code / Maintaining a Place for drug use or sales against Aburto. The Ventura County
District Attorney’s Office filed one count of §32 of the California Penal Code / Accessory after the fact and one count of §135 of the California Penal Code / Destroying or concealing evidence
against Peterson. The investigation is continuing as to who supplied Marquez the drugs and additional charges are possible.

The Ventura County Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit is a task force comprised of members from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Simi Valley Police Department, the District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation, and the California Highway Patrol. The primary mission of the task force is combatting the transfer of legal prescription medication to the illegal market. In addition, the task force works to identify and stop new trends of abuse among the younger population and investigates overdose deaths due to both prescription medication and illicit drug use. Anyone with information regarding these topics is encouraged to contact the Ventura
County Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit at (805) 383-8700 or via e-mail at pharm.tip@ventura.org.

The task force investigates all drug related overdose deaths in the County of Ventura and will continue to aggressively pursue all individuals involved in the furnishing of drugs resulting in
another person’s death. Arrests will be made and cases will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office in investigations where investigators believe charges can and should be filed.

All too often, young adults begin their opiate addiction innocently enough with exposure to prescription medication received for an injury. They may also be introduced to medication through friends or family. Prescription medication use, sometimes leads to abuse. This abuse of highly addictive, yet very expensive drugs, regularly leads to heroin use. Heroin users become heroin dealers to support their habits. It is a vicious cycle that very frequently ends in tragedy and
death.

The PCU supports responsible prescribing and dispensing of opiate medication from doctors and pharmacists, in the hope that increased scrutiny from medical professionals will curtail heroin
abuse in the future. Several sources state that the United States has about 5% of the world’s population but consumes nearly 80% of the opiate medications produced, most notably 99% of the world’s hydrocodone (Vicodin).

Nature of Incident: Arrests Made in Thousand Oaks Overdose Death
Report Number: 14-10788
Location: 3300 block of Hollygrove, Thousand Oaks
Date & Time: May 11, 2014
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes
Ventura County Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Corita Aburto Thousand Oaks 36
(S) Mateo Peterson Thousand Oaks 20
(V) Bradley Marquez Thousand Oaks 19
Prepared by: Sergeant Victor Fazio
News Release Date: February 18, 2015
Media Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Victor Fazio
(805) 856-8793
victor.fazio@ventura.org
Approved by: Captain Curt Rothschiller

 

VENTURA, CA - District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that the District Attorney’s Office will not seek the death penalty for Erick Estrada (DOB 8/31/1988) of Ventura.

Estrada is charged with the murder of murder of Gabriel Gutierrez, who was shot to death on July 31, 2013.

Beyond this news release, there will be no further comment on this matter.

 
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Jogging and walking in bicycle lanes when sidewalks are available is against California Vehicle Code law.

With the beautiful warmer days ahead, many people will be heading to the roadways and sidewalks throughout the City to enjoy the fresh air and scenery. We want to make sure that everyone enjoys this nice weather safely. It is very important to remember that bicycle lanes are for bicycles and not for jogging or walking.

Violations of this law can result in the violators receiving a citation.

California Vehicle Code---21966. States no pedestrian shall proceed along a bicycle path or lane where there is an adjacent adequate pedestrian facility (Added Ch. 751, Stats. 1976. Effective January 1, 1977. )
Be conscientious of all of those around us enjoying the outdoors and be respectful of the laws designed for our safety so we can all enjoy a great summer.

Nature of Incident: Pedestrians in Bicycle Lanes PROHIBITED
Location: City of Moorpark
Date & Time: Monday, February 5, 2015
Unit(s) Responsible: Moorpark City Beat Coordinator
Prepared by: Senior Deputy Beat Coordinator Robert Berger
Media Release Date: Thursday, February 5, 2015
Media Follow-Up: Senior Deputy Bob Berger (805) 620-8771
Approved by: Stephen Wade, Captain

 

Braulio’s Story

Far too often, the actions of our law enforcement officers go unnoticed, which for many of us, is exactly the way we like it. We become law enforcement officers because we want to help people in need, make a difference in our communities, even if its just one person, and not for the notoriety. Sometimes its giving someone a ride to the nearest bus stop; and other times its just lending a shoulder to cry on. But sometimes we get to help a family who is in real need of assistance, and bring a little Christmas cheer along the way.

In December of 2014, the Camarillo Police Department’s Community Resource Unit hosted the annual “Shop with a Cop” event. This program identifies less fortunate families with the help of local law enforcement and social services, and their children are invited to “shop with a local cop” using funds donated by other entities. In this case, Camarillo Station Deputy Michael Zabarsky was teamed up with 8 year old Braulio, a Fillmore resident.

While shopping with Braulio, Dep. Zabarsky noticed Braulio was spending half of his $100 gift card on clothing rather than all toys, as most 8 year old boys would do. This sparked Dep. Zabarsky’s interest and he inquired about Braulio’s living conditions. Deputy Zabarsky learned Braulio'a family was in need of assistance. Migrant Education Specialist Norma Magana, who with Braulio during the shopping spree, informed Dep. Zabarsky during a recent house check, she noticed Braulio’s family had very little furniture and Braulio slept on a sleeping pad on the floor.

Dep. Zabarsky took it upon himself to contact several businesses and private persons to get donations for the family. Donations and assistance came in from Home Furniture Company of Oxnard, Target of Camarillo, Staples of Camarillo, the George Thompson Diamond Company in Camarillo, K-Mart of Camarillo, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Foundation, and members of the Ventura County Fire Department. Dep. Zabarsky was able to collect several pieces of furniture, a twin size bed and bedding for Braulio, clothing, pots, pans, plates, space heaters, and Vons gift card for food. There was even a small present for Braulio's mother from George Thompson Jewelers (pearl necklace and earrings).

Dep. Daniel Ozuna and family, (Retired Deputy Traci Salmon-Ozuna, sister-in-law Rachel Marshall, brother-in-law John Marshall, and the Ozuna children) jumped at the opportunity to assist Dep. Zabarsky with delivering the donated items to the family. On Christmas Eve, at 1:00pm, they arrived at the residence and surprised Braulio and his mother.

After unloading the vehicles, they realized there was far more items than could fit in Braulio’s apartment. As a result, they started knocking on neighbors’ doors and delivered all of the extra items as Christmas presents: Furniture, home goods, and toys.

The details of Braulio’s story reached the Fillmore City Council, who in turn, awarded Dep. Zabarsky a City of Fillmore Proclamation during the City Council meeting on January 27, 2015.

 

VENTURA, California – District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that the review by the District Attorney’s Office of the circumstances surrounding the January 5, 2013, shooting of Theodore Keiper by California Highway Patrol Officers Michael Trenery and Frank Paramo has been completed.

The full report, authored by Senior Deputy District Attorney Linda Groberg, is available on the Ventura County District Attorney’s Web site and explains the District Attorney’s conclusions that Officers Paramo and Trenery acted reasonably, and the killing of Theodore Keiper was a justifiable homicide.

 

VENTURA, California – District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Kern County resident Hayser Scarlett Lopez (DOB 10/17/68) has pled guilty to felony charges of perjury and recording a false document. Lopez and Kern County residents Gina Marie Hernandez (DOB 9/24/77) and Peggy Ann Soto (DOB 7/9/59), were arrested in October 2014 as the result of an investigation conducted by the District Attorney’s Real Estate Fraud Unit.

The defendants are accused of planning and executing a scheme to use an unsuspecting victim’s Oxnard residence as collateral for Lopez’s bail in an unrelated Kern County case. Hernandez recruited Soto, who assumed the victim’s identity. Soto then executed a fraudulent power of attorney and impersonated the victim while testifying in a bail hearing in Kern Superior Court. After the victim’s residence was fraudulently used to secure Lopez’s bail bond and release from custody, Lopez fled the country. As a result, the bondsman who posted Lopez’s bail foreclosed on the victim’s residence, which was nearly lost during foreclosure proceedings. Lopez eventually returned to the United States.

Lopez is expected to be sentenced to two years in state prison when she is sentenced on February 27, 2015, in courtroom 14 at 1:30 p.m. Soto and Hernandez are due in court on March 9, 2015, for an early disposition conference in courtroom 12 at 1:30 p.m.

 
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On January 28, 2015, patrol deputies from the Thousand Oaks Police Station made an enforcement stop on a car for a vehicle code violation. The deputies soon learned the driver was operating his vehicle for the Uber taxi service. The rear seat passengers were contacted and found to be in possession of approximately one quarter pound of concentrated cannabis known as “butane honey oil” and $2000. The investigation revealed the two subjects were using Uber to drive them to a drug deal where they could sell their concentrated cannabis. Cody Jens and Luke Karasiuk were arrested for possessing a controlled substance for sale. They were both booked into the Ventura County Jail.

Concentrated Cannabis, aka honey oil, wax, or shatter, is an extremely potent drug that can contain purity levels of up to 80% of Delta 9 THC (the active ingredient in marijuana). A typical dose of honey oil is 1/10th of one gram. These individuals had well over a thousand dosage units of the product. Honey oil is extremely dangerous in that it can cause adverse events in users such as severe hallucinations and panic attacks. Honey oil is very hazardous to make since it involves a chemical reaction utilizing large amounts of butane. Frequently, labs blow up killing or maiming individuals attempting to make the product.

Nature of Incident: Drug Dealers Arrested While Using Uber to Commit Crimes
Report Number: 15-2103
Location: Westlake Boulevard South of Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks
Date & Time: 1-28-15 at 11:58 a.m.
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Patrol
Prepared by: Jim Fryhoff, Captain
Media Release Date: 1-28-2015
Media Follow-Up Contact: Jim Fryhoff, Captain - 805-797-6378
Approved by: Robert Thomas, Captain

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).

 
Navarette
Navarette

On January 21, the United States Marshals took custody of a violent Ventura County Fugitive who had been hiding in Mexico since 2013. The Fugitive, Librado Navarette, skipped bail and fled to Mexico to avoid prosecution in a Mexican Mafia related gang case.

In 2012, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office led a seven month investigation into the Mexican Mafia’s activities in Ventura County. The investigation, known as Operation Wicked Hand, resulted in the largest criminal indictment in the history of Ventura County with 27 indicted and an additional 16 arrested. The charges included conspiracy to commit assault, extortion, home invasion robberies, narcotics trafficking and other related crimes.

During the investigation, Librado Navarette was intercepted planning a home invasion robbery in the City of Camarillo. Deputies foiled the robbery by conducting a parole search on his home and locating a firearm. Navarette, who was on probation, was arrested and booked into Ventura County Jail. He remained in custody on the weapons charge until he was indicted in November 2012 on more serious extortion charges. His bail was set at $5,000,000.

In June of 2013, Navarrete’s bail was reduced to $500,000. With family member’s assistance, he was able to post bail and was released from custody in July of 2013. On October 1, 2013, Navarette failed to appear in court and a $1,000,000 arrest warrant was issued. A month later, Navarettte was indicted in an unrelated federal investigation.

Ventura County Sheriff’s investigators received reliable intelligence that Librado had ties to the Sinoloa Cartel and was hiding in Mexico. Over the next year, the Oxnard Police Department, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, United States Marshals Service and Mexican authorities worked to locate and arrest Navarette. Narcotics investigators from The Ventura County Combined Agency Team received reliable intelligence on a possible location Navarette was hiding. That information was relayed to the United States Marshals Service and led to the arrest of Navarette.

Navarette is currently in United States federal custody. It is expected that The Ventura County District Attorney’s office will make arrangements to bring Navarette back to Ventura County.

Navarette was taken into custody in Mexico after faking his own death. To view the U.S. Marshal's media release in reference to the arrest of Librado Navarette, visit http://goo.gl/tLc0mK

 
The Fillmore Firefighters Foundation donated $500.00 to the family of Ben Fernandez to help with funeral expenses. Ben was a Fire Department Cadet during his senior year of High School and was well respected by everyone. Ben was part of the Fillmore Fire Department family and will be truly missed.
The Fillmore Firefighters Foundation donated $500.00 to the family of Ben Fernandez to help with funeral expenses. Ben was a Fire Department Cadet during his senior year of High School and was well respected by everyone. Ben was part of the Fillmore Fire Department family and will be truly missed.
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Hans Abraham Goodlein Transient 38
Hans Abraham Goodlein Transient 38

On January 23, 2015, Victim and Hans Goodlein were staying at the “Premier Inn” at 2434 W. Hillcrest Drive in the city of Thousand Oaks when they were involved in a domestic disturbance. During the disturbance, Goodlein wrapped a cord around the victim’s neck and almost choked her to death. The victim became unconscious. The victim woke up and called 911. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Goodlein fled before police arrived.

Goodlein was located in the Venice area of Los Angeles where he was taken into custody without incident by the Thousand Oaks Police Special Enforcement Unit. Goodlein was transported and booked into the Ventura County Jail.

The victim is expected to survive.

Nature of Incident: Attempt Murder Arrest
Report Number: 15-1686
Location: Premier Inn 2434 W. Hillcrest Drive, Newbury Park
Date & Time: January 23, 2015 / 1300 Hours
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department, Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau, and Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(V) Female Transient 43
(S) Hans Abraham Goodlein Transient 38
Prepared by: Sgt. Anthony Aguirre
Media Release Date: January 23, 2015
Media Follow-Up Contact: Sgt. Anthony Aguirre / anthony.aguirre@ventura.org
(805) 384-4730
Approved by: Captain Chris Dunn

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).

 
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is very pleased to announce that we have collected 5,538 pounds of unused / expired medication for the year 2014. During 2013, we collected a total of 5,288.2 pounds of unused medication.

A breakdown of the 2014 collection totals is as follows: Ojai PD – 210.7 pounds, Fillmore PD – 61.5 pounds, Camarillo PD – 2,161.2 pounds, Moorpark PD – 432.1 pounds, Headquarters – 339.4 pounds and Thousand Oaks PD – 2,334 pounds. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the citizens of Ventura County for their outstanding effort to make our communities safer.

The non-medical use of prescription drugs ranks second only to marijuana as the most common form of drug abuse in America. Additionally, the majority of teenagers abusing prescription drugs get them from family, friends and the home medicine cabinet. Unused drugs that are flushed contaminate the water supply.

If you want to drop off unused / expired medications at any Sheriff’s Substation, we have Pharmaceutical drop-off bins in all of our lobbies. The lobbies are open Monday-Friday from 8:00AM - 5:00PM.

Nature of Incident: Pharmaceutical Collections for the year 2014
Report Number:
Location: All Sheriff’s Sub-Stations
Date & Time: 01/23/2015 - 1100
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Prepared by: Sergeant John M. Franchi
News Release Date: 01/23/2015
Media Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant John M. Franchi / 805-388-5135
Approved by: Captain Eric Dowd

 
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

In October of 2012, a Moorpark citizen came to the Moorpark Police Department and reported being the victim of a loan modification scam. The victim identified the suspects as operating a business in Orange County called Debt Settlers of America.

Detectives from the Moorpark Police Investigations Unit conducted an extensive investigation that revealed dozens of potential victims in the loan modification scam operated out of the Debt Settlers of America business that occurred between December 2009 and December 2012. Detectives located additional victims in Ventura County and throughout the State of California. The victims were primarily of Hispanic descent.

The case was presented to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, and they elected to file over one hundred twenty felony counts against five defendants. All five of the defendants were taken into custody in Orange County and are awaiting further hearings.

The Orange County District Attorney's Office issued a joint news release with contact information for potential additional victims. The news release can be viewed at http://goo.gl/dp7oU8