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

During the late Fall of 2013, through the early Winter of 2014, deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s- Moorpark Station responded to several vandalism calls at the Baron Brothers Nursery, located just outside of the City of Camarillo. Deputies learned that the production and storage facilities for the nursery, located in a canyon, approximately 1/2 mile south of the retail facilities, had been the target of multiple incidents of vandalism to several vehicles and buildings within the property.

Based on the ongoing vandalisms, detectives from the Moorpark Station organized a surveillance of the nursery’s production facility. The surveillance team included detectives from Moorpark Special Enforcement Bureau, Moorpark Investigations Bureau and a Sheriff’s K-9 unit.

On the afternoon of February 9th, 2014, the surveillance team covertly responded to the production facilities and arrested three suspects who were in the process of vandalizing property on the nursery at the time of their apprehension. All three suspects were identified as juveniles from the City of Camarillo and were charged with 594(b)(1) PC / Felony vandalism, 10852 VC / Vehicle tampering and 182(a)(1) PC / Criminal conspiracy.

The suspects were transported to the Moorpark Station for processing and were cited and released to the custody of their parents.

Nature of Incident: Arrest of vandalism suspects
Report Number: 14-3168
Location: 7568 Santa Rosa Road, Camarillo, Ca., 93010
Date & Time: February 9th, 2014, 1330 hours
Unit(s) Responsible: Moorpark Station Detective Bureau
Prepared by: Detective Kevin Lynch
Media Release Date: February 12th, 2014
Follow-Up Contact: Detective Kevin Lynch
(805) 532-2714
Approved by: Sergeant John Reilly

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

An 18 year old Camarillo man tried to kill himself by deliberately inhaling carbon monoxide from his vehicle’s exhaust system on Thursday afternoon, while parked in the Wildwood Park parking lot on Avenida de Los Arboles.

Thousand Oaks Police Officer, Jeffrey Stuteville observed a suspicious vehicle parked in the park parking lot. Due to the heavy rains, the trails were closed and this was the only vehicle in the parking lot. The vehicle was backed into a parking stall at the far south end of the parking lot in a location to conceal itself from people or vehicles on the roadway.

Stuteville entered the parking lot and parked next to the vehicle. The vehicle’s engine was on and the windows appeared to be fogged up. This made it difficult for Stuteville to see who was inside. Stuteville noticed a green hose connected to the rear exhaust of the vehicle and placed through the rear passenger window. Fearing this was a suicide attempt; Stuteville pulled on the driver’s door handle and opened the door.

Stuteville observed a male sitting in the driver seat. The male appeared to be in distress from inhaling the carbon monoxide fumes. Stuteville immediately removed the driver and provided assistance until fire and paramedics arrived. The male was later transported to the hospital for further evaluation.

Stuteville’s quick actions saved this young man’s life and prevented what could have been a tragic ending.

Nature of Incident: Deputy’s quick actions save suicidal man
Report Number: 14-2940
Location: Wildwood Park Parking Lot
Date & Time: February 6, 2014 @ 4:52 PMPrepared by: Senior Deputy Timothy Lohman
Media Release Date: February 12, 2014
Follow-Up Contact: Timothy Lohman (805) 371 8362
Approved by: Captain Cory Rubright

 


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

Beginning in November 2013, Sheriff’s narcotics detectives started receiving information of criminal activity occurring at a property in the 1500 block of Cypress St, Oxnard. Preliminary information was that this location, known locally as “The Compound”, was involved in narcotics sales, stolen vehicles, identity theft, prostitution and weapon sales. As the investigation progressed, it was discovered that several other local law enforcement agencies had received similar information. Detectives were able to identify a residence in the City of Camarillo believed to be affiliated with the Compound.

On February 7, 2014, members of the Sheriff’s Narcotics Bureau, Intelligence Unit, Gang Unit, and Transportation Unit, the Oxnard Police Department, and VENCATT (a stolen vehicle task force), served a search warrant at the Compound. Investigators located several people living in and around the property in illegal buildings, tents, and recreational vehicles. During the search a loaded handgun, approximately one half ounce of methamphetamine, heroin, stolen equipment from the Pleasant Valley Parks Department, and common household items often used in the conversion of methamphetamine were found. The following arrests were made:

Joseph Ortega: Possession of narcotics for sale, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, under the influence of a controlled substance while armed.

Kemo Parker: Possession of a controlled substance.

Kyle Delaware: Under the influence of a controlled substance.

Teira Pettiford-Newton: Under the influence of a controlled substance.

Christina Carrillo: Under the influence of a controlled substance.

Griselda Zaragoza: Under the influence of a controlled substance.

Kenneth Finberg: Misdemeanor warrant

The City of Oxnard Code Enforcement Division responded a found several code violations that resulted in the tagging of several structures as uninhabitable.

A search warrant was also served at the residence in the 1700 block of Del Prado Dr., Camarillo. During this search, investigators found that concentrated cannabis, commonly known as “Honey Oil”, was being manufactured at the residence. Three subjects from this residence were arrested for the following charges:

Angel Combest: Manufacturing concentrated cannabis.

Jennifer Peterson: Possession of narcotic paraphernalia.

Megan Lager: Possession and Under the influence of a controlled substance.

At the conclusion of the operation, investigators were contacted by several residents and business owners who expressed their appreciation for conducting this investigation. Detectives were told that the Compound, and those who frequent it, bring crime and drug use to the area.

Nature of Incident: Press release
Report Number: 14-4162
Location: 1500 block Cypress St, Oxnard. 1700 block Del Prado Dr, Camarillo
Date & Time: February 7, 2014
Unit(s) Responsible: Sheriff’s Narcotics Bureau, West County Street Team
Prepared by: Sgt Mike Horne
Media Release Date: February 8, 2014
Follow-Up Contact: Capt Don Aguilar
805-797-7349
Approved by: Captain Rob Davidson

 

California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. has appointed Sheriff Geoff Dean to the Board of State and Community Corrections. The appointment is effective today.

The appointment fills a vacant B.S.C.C. position after the retirement of Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca. The web link to the Governor’s announcement is available at: http://gov.ca.gov/news.php?id=18396

The B.S.C.C. works in partnership with local corrections systems and assists efforts to achieve continued improvement in reducing recidivism through evidence-based decision making. The position as B.S.C.C. board member requires Senate confirmation and there is no compensation.

Sheriff Dean, age 57, has held multiple positions at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office since 1977, including chief deputy, commander, lieutenant, sergeant, senior deputy, and deputy. He is a community council member of the American Cancer Society and a board member of the Casa Pacifica Home for Abused Children. Sheriff Dean received a Master of Public Administration degree from California State University Northridge and a Master of Business Administration degree from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona College of Business Administration.

For more information about the B.S.C.C., visit www.bscc.ca.gov.

Nature of Incident: Governor Brown Appoints Sheriff Dean to Board of State and Community Corrections (B.S.C.C.)
Location: Sacramento, California
Date & Time: February 6, 2014 @ 4:30 p.m.
Unit(s) Responsible: Sheriff’s Administration
Prepared by: Captain Don Aguilar
Media Release Date: February 6, 2014
Follow-Up Contact: Sheriff Geoff Dean, (805) 654-2315
Approved by: Sheriff Geoff Dean

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

In an effort to facilitate a virtual Neighborhood Watch program and help foster neighbor-to-neighbor communications, the Thousand Oaks Police Department has partnered with Nextdoor (www.nextdoor.com), the first private social network for neighborhoods.

Nextdoor is free for residents and for the City. Each neighborhood creates its own private Nextdoor website, accessible only to residents of that neighborhood. Thousand Oaks residents can use Nextdoor to get to know their neighbors, ask questions, and exchange local advice and recommendations. Neighbors who use Nextdoor share information about neighborhood watch and safety issues, local events, school activities, plumber and babysitter recommendations, upcoming garage sales, lost pets, and much more.

Neighborhoods establish and self-manage their own Nextdoor website. Information shared on each Nextdoor site is only visible to members who live in the neighborhood and who have verified their address. The Thousand Oaks Police Department will be able to post important information, such as crimes occurring in a specific neighborhood within the city. The Police Department will not be able to access communications between neighbors or other private content. In today’s society, it is vital for neighbors to come together and look out for one another. Nextdoor will make it easy for neighbors to establish a virtual neighborhood watch and help combat crime and foster positive interactions with neighbors and the police.

The Thousand Oaks Police Department uses several social media tools to communicate critical information to the community. Nixle, Twitter and VC Alert are our primary tools used to disseminate information. Nextdoor will serve as an additional social media outreach to the residents of Thousand Oaks.

Nextdoor was specifically designed to make neighbors feel comfortable sharing information with one another in order to help build stronger communities. All members must verify they live within the neighborhood. Information shared on Nextdoor is password protected and cannot be accessed by those outside the neighborhood or found on Google or other search engines. In addition, Nextdoor never shares personal information with any third parties. Unlike an email list or other online group, neighbor posts are organized and archived for future reference.

If you are interested in joining Nextdoor visit their website at www.nextdoor.com and enter your home address. If Nextdoor is already launched in your area, you can immediately sign up. If your neighborhood has not yet been established, set up your neighborhood and encourage neighbors join.

If you have questions about the Nextdoor program or how to get started, please contact Justine Fenwick, Senior City Strategist with Nextdoor at 650-996-3801 or justine@nextdoor.com. For Thousand Oaks Police Department Neighborhood Watch questions, please contact Senior Deputy Tim Lohman at (805) 371-8362 or tim.lohman@ventura.org.

Nature of Incident: Thousand Oaks Police Department to utilize “Nextdoor”, the Private Social Network, to Facilitate Virtual Neighborhood Watch
Location: Thousand Oaks
Date & Time: February 6, 2014
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department, Crime Prevention Unit
Prepared by: Senior Deputy Timothy Lohman
Media Release Date: February 6, 2014
Follow-Up Contact: Timothy Lohman (805) 371-8362
Approved by: Captain James Fryhoff

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

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

The City of Thousand Oaks has seen an increase in commercial burglaries within the past few weeks. Investigators have made solving these crimes a priority, but are asking business owners and residents to assist in putting an end to this increase.

The Thousand Oaks Police Department encourages citizens to report any suspicious activity they may see in or around commercial areas. The suspects involved in the burglaries have forced entry into the businesses when the business is closed. The burglaries are occurring during early morning or late evening hours. Some businesses had alarms systems, but they were not activated at the time of the break in. The Thousand Oaks Police Department would like to offer the following crime prevention tips:

• Before you leave for the night / weekend, please remove all cash from your registers and put it in a safe place or remove it from the business. Leave emptied register drawers open.
• Leave a light on and your windows uncovered after closing. This allows for an unobstructed view inside.
• Consider applying security film on the interior of your glass windows. Security film adds a layer of protection from glass breakage and is available through several local vendors.
• If you have an alarm system, make sure it is operating properly and is turned on. The alarm system should include a motion detector and should be tested frequently.
• Make sure your alarm company has all of your correct contact information and they contact the police for a response to the business if your alarm is activated.
• If you use a security camera, make sure it is operating properly. Conduct a weekly inspection of your security camera.
• Make sure all of your doors and windows are locked before you leave.
• If you hear an audible burglary alarm, especially at night, call 911.
If you see anyone acting suspicious around a closed business or a suspicious vehicle, please call 911or call (805) 654 9511 to report the activity.

Nature of Incident: Thousand Oaks Police see an increase in commercial burglaries
Location: Citywide
Date & Time: On-going
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department – Crime Prevention Unit
Prepared by: Senior Deputy Timothy Lohman
Media Release Date: February 5, 2014
Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Jason Robarts (805) 494-8214
Approved by: Captain Mike Hartmann

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.

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

On November 11th, 2013, Moorpark patrol deputies responded to a commercial burglary call at a local business on Commerce Avenue in Moorpark. During their investigation, deputies determined a male suspect broke into a light industrial building, accessed the roof of the building, and removed two antennas and a light industrial air conditioner. The suspect loaded the items into his black Chevrolet HHR and drove away.

Near the end of December, 2013, the victims saw a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle and obtained a partial license plate. Detectives used this information and identified Nicholas Johnson as the suspect from the burglary.

Detectives conducted follow-up investigation and learned Johnson lived in the 5000 block of Los Angeles Avenue in Somis. Detectives authored a search warrant for Johnson’s home and executed the search warrant on January 29th, 2014. Johnson was already in custody at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility on unrelated charges when the warrant was served. While executing the search warrant, detectives contacted Nicole Jauron at the home. They found her to be under the influence of a controlled substance and in possession of two firearms, which she was prohibited from possessing because of a previous felony conviction. She was arrested without incident.

Detectives also located the stolen light industrial air conditioner at the home. In addition to stolen property sought in relation to the Moorpark burglary, detectives also located stolen property from thefts and burglaries in Los Angeles County. Investigators from the Los Angeles Police Department responded to the location and took possession of those stolen items.

As a result of the investigation, Nicholas Johnson was arrested for commercial burglary and for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. He remains in custody at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility.

Nature of Incident: Burglary / Unlawful Possession of Firearms Arrest
Report Number: 13-25309
Location: 5000 block of Los Angeles Avenue, Somis CA.
Date & Time: 1-29-14 / 1100 hours
Unit(s) Responsible: Moorpark Police Department Investigations Unit
Prepared by: Sergeant Eric Tennessen
Media Release Date: January 31st, 2014
Follow-Up Contact: Senior Deputy Kevin Lynch, 805-947-8222
Approved by: Captain Stephen Wade

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 Thousand Oaks Police Department is warning Ventura County residents of on-going telephone scams that have been targeting elderly residents or other susceptible victims. Thousand Oaks Police have seen an increasing number of telephone scams where the criminal calls a resident and informs them their family member is in jail in another country. The criminal pretends to be a law enforcement official and advises the victim they need to act quickly or their loved one’s safety may be in jeopardy. The majority of the fraudulent calls appear to originate from Canada. The fraudulent official requests money be “wired” via a money wire transfer company (i.e. Western Union or MoneyGram) to an overseas location (in particular, Latin American countries). Within a short period of time, the wired funds are collected by the suspects and the victim will have suffered a financial loss as a result of this telephone scam.

Ventura County residents can protect themselves from this type of telephone scam by not proceeding with the transaction until having personally confirmed an emergency situation. This can easily be done by calling the family member and checking on his or her welfare.

To learn more about how to protect yourself from fraud, please visit:

Federal Trade Commission (Consumer Protection) www.ftc.gov
Internet Crime Complaint Center www.ic3.gov
MoneyGram www.moneygram-preventfraud.com
Western Union www.westernunion.com

Nature of Incident: Community Warning - Telephone Scams
Report Number: On-going
Location: County of Ventura
Date & Time: February 3, 2014
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department
Prepared by: Senior Deputy Timothy Lohman
Media Release Date: February 3, 2014
Follow-Up Contact: Timothy Lohman (805) 371-8362
Approved by: Captain James Fryhoff

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 February 1, 2014, deputies from the Moorpark Police Department, Thousand Oaks Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office conducted compliance checks at the residences of 57 registered sex offenders in the cities of Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, and Unincorporated areas in the East County. The compliance checks were part of the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE) grant. California state law requires persons convicted of specific sexual assault crimes to register with the agency where they reside.

49 of the 57 registered sex offenders were in compliance with their registration requirement. 8 of the registrants were not contacted because they were not home or had moved. Sheriff’s detectives will follow-up to determine if the registrants are out-of-compliance.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting similar sweeps throughout the county. The purpose is to verify registered sex offenders are living at their reported residences and in compliance with any probation or parole terms.

Residents of Ventura County can visit the Megan’s Law website (www.meganslaw.ca.gov/) to familiarize themselves with the sex registrants in their community.

Nature of Incident: Sex Registrant Compliance Checks
Report Number: N/A
Location: City of Moorpark and East County Unincorporated Area
Date & Time: February 1, 2014
Unit(s) Responsible: Moorpark Police Department
Thousand Oaks Police Department
Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit
Prepared by: Sgt. Anthony Aguirre
Media Release Date: February 3, 2014
Follow-Up Contact: Investigator Jim Botting / 805-384-4743 / jim.botting@ventura.org
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

On 1/29/2014, at about 4 am, a victim reported a burglary to his locked storage container, located in the 100 block of Old Creek Road, Casitas Springs. Later in the investigation, additional victims reported that tools along with two ATV motorcycles were taken. The victims told deputies they found an identification card on their property near the location of the burglary. Deputies identified the suspect as Mark Pulido and discovered he had an outstanding warrant.

Deputies and detectives went to Pulido’s residence and found him hiding in the attic. Deputies recovered some of the stolen property, including one of the ATV motorcycles.

Deputies arrested Pulido for the warrant, theft of a motor vehicle, and burglary. Detectives interviewed Pulido, which led to the recovery of additional stolen property.

Nature of Incident: Burglary Arrest
Report Number: RB#14-2250
Location: 100 block of Mountain View Ave
Date & Time: 1/29/14 @ 10:18 am
Unit(s) Responsible: Ojai Patrol and Ojai Station Detectives
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Pulido, Mark Ojai 45
Pulido was booked for the warrant, burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, and under the influence of a controlled substance. Pulido’s bail was set at $10,000.
Prepared by: Detective Joe Mulrooney
Media Release Date: 1/31/2014
Follow-Up Contact: Detective J. Mulrooney 805-646-1414
Approved by: Captain D. Kenney

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

On 1/29/14, at about 0755 hours, members of the Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement Unit arrested Dmitry Kogan for an arson that occurred in Thousand Oaks on 8/15/2012.

The arrest was a result of a lengthy investigation by the Sheriff’s Arson Unit and Ventura County Fire Investigations Unit. The investigation began when the victim’s vehicle was doused with a flammable liquid and then set on fire by the suspect. The incident appears to be a result of a dispute between the parties and the suspect is not being looked at for any other fires.

Kogan was booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for a single count of Arson. Kogan was still in custody at the time of this release and his bail is set at $250,000 dollars.

Nature of Incident: Arrest of Arson Suspect
Report Number: 12-18466
Location: Thousand Oaks
Date & Time: January 29, 2014 @ 7:55 a.m.
Unit(s) Responsible: Sheriff’s Arson Unit, Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement Unit, and Ventura County Fire Investigations Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Kogan, Dmitry Thousand Oaks 47
Prepared by: Detective Michael Rompal #3293
Media Release Date: January 30, 2014
Follow-Up Contact: Detective Michael Rompal (805) 383-8743
Approved by: Captain Paul Higgason

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 Combined Agency Taskforce and the Ventura County Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit recently concluded a several year investigation into local Doctor Terry Stanger. A criminal case was presented to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office which alleged over prescribing of opiate, anti-depressant, and other controlled medications absent a legitimate medical purpose from his Ventura Office, as well as violations of money laundering statutes. The investigation revealed Dr. Stanger was also mailing medications throughout the United States and Europe. Detectives seized over 25,000 pills of highly addictive medication that were sold or destined for sale outside the scope of normal professional practice. Investigators also seized hundreds of thousands of dollars of suspected ill-gotten proceeds from the criminal activity. Dr. Stanger’s activity came to the attention of local law enforcement when it was learned he was the source of supply for local drug dealers and several fatal overdoses were tied back to his prescriptions.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed a criminal complaint charging 15 felony counts ranging from drug dealing to money laundering. Dr. Stanger is scheduled to appear in court on February 19, 2014 to answer to these charges.

The Ventura County Combined Agency Taskforce is made up of narcotics detectives from all agencies within the county and representatives from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. VCAT’s mission is to conduct investigations and disrupt large scale drug distribution organizations.

The Ventura County Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit is comprised of members of law enforcement from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Simi Valley Police Department, and the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation. The main mission of the unit is to stem the flow of prescription medication to the illegal market. A secondary, and related, mission is identifying and stopping new trends of non-traditional drug sales that target teenagers and young adults in Ventura County.

Nature of Incident: Local Doctor Charged in Drug Distribution Scheme
Report Number: 12-2122
Location: Ventura, CA
Date & Time: 2011-2013
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Combined Agency Taskforce and Ventura County Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Dr. Terry Stanger Agoura Hills 67
Prepared by: Sergeant Victor Fazio
Media Release Date: January 28, 2014
Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Ron Chips
Ron.chips@ventura.org
Approved by: Captain Curt Rothschiller

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

On January 25, 2014, nearly 60 law enforcement officers from around the county conducted probation and parole sweeps in the unincorporated communities of El Rio, Nyeland Acres and Saticoy. The objective of this operation, which focuses on individuals convicted of gang, drug or theft related crimes, was to hold these serious habitual offenders accountable to their probation or parole terms as handed down by the courts. Searches of 57 pre-determined locations resulted in 28 arrests for new charges including drug influence and possession, illegal weapons, and probation/parole term violations. All were booked into the Ventura County Jail.

Nature of Incident: Probation and Parole Sweep
Location: Communities of El Rio, Nyeland Acres, Saticoy
Date & Time: January 25, 2014, 3:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Units Responsible: West County Patrol – Headquarters Station, Sheriff’s Gang Unit, Sheriff’s Detention Services Division, Ventura County Probation Agency, Ventura Parole Unit.
Prepared by: Sgt. Jim Kenney
Media Release Date: 01/27/14
Follow-up Contact: Sgt. Jim Kenney, 654 2110
Approved by: Capt. Patti Salas

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

On December 5, 2013, Santiago Hernandez appeared in court on robbery, attempt burglary, and drug charges. On that date, Hernandez was remanded to the custody of the Sheriff. While housed at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility, Hernandez developed medical problems which required him to be transferred the Ventura County Medical Center under the guard of a Sheriff’s Deputy.

On January 22, 2014, at about 12:45 p.m., Hernandez lunged at the Sheriff’s Deputy, who was guarding him, and tried to take the deputy’s firearm. Fortunately, the deputy was able to overpower Hernandez and secure him without any injury to himself or the staff of the hospital.

Hernandez was subsequently arrested today for attempting to remove a Peace Officers Firearm and Resisting a Peace Officer by means of Violence. Hernandez is scheduled to appear in court on January 27, 2014, on his new charges.

Nature of Incident: Assault on Sheriff’s Deputy
Report Number: 14-1661
Location: Ventura County Medical Center
Date & Time: January 22, 2014, @ 12:45 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office / Pre-Trial Detention Facility
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Hernandez, Santiago Ventura 21 yrs
Prepared by: Sgt. Joe Devorick
Media Release Date: January 23, 2014
Follow-Up Contact: Sgt. Eric Buschow (805) 654-2385
Approved by: Commander Rick Barrios

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

On January 22, 2014, the Camarillo Police Department, Ventura County Fire Department, and American Medical Response (AMR) responded to the area of Las Posas Rd. and Camino Alvarez for a reported traffic accident. The accident involved an on duty police vehicle.

It was determined that Sheriff’s Deputy Johnston was responding code 3 (lights and siren) in a marked police vehicle to an injury traffic accident involving a school bus. Deputy Johnston was traveling west bound on Las Posas Rd., approaching the intersection of Camino Alvarez. Party Chhang was driving her 2013 Toyota Sienna east bound on Las Posas Rd., approaching Camino Alvarez. Deputy Johnston attempted to make a U-turn at the intersection of Las Posas Rd. and Camino Alvarez and the two vehicles collided.

A passenger in Deputy Johnston’s vehicle sustain a minor injury as a result of the accident. The accident in under investigation by the Camarillo Police Traffic Bureau. Anyone who might have witnessed the accident is asked to contact the Camarillo Police Department at 388-5100.

Nature of Incident: Unit Involved Traffic Collision
Report Number: 14-1665
Location: Las Posas Rd. at Camino Alvarez, Camarillo
Date & Time: January 22, 2014 at 4:10 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Camarillo Traffic Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent
Party-Deputy Christopher Johnston
Party-Connie Chhang
Prepared by: Sergeant Renee Ferguson #2686
Media Release Date: January 22, 2014
Follow-Up Contact: Senior Deputy John Popp @ 388-5146
Approved by: Captain Rob Davidson

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).

 

Los Angeles – Appearing before United States District Judge Manuel L. Real, a former Palmdale resident was sentenced today to 65 months imprisonment for using stolen identities to conduct a tax refund fraud scheme.

Jerry Anthony Gregoire, Jr., 47, was further ordered by Judge Real to pay restitution in the amount of $140,205 to the Internal Revenue Service and to spend one year on supervised release following his prison sentence. Gregoire was immediately remanded into the custody of the United States Marshalls.

According to documents filed with the court, Gregoire was convicted in October of 2013, following a jury trial, of six counts of making false claims to the government, six counts of theft of government property, and one count of aggravated identity theft. The charges arose from Gregoire’s use of other individuals’ identities to file fraudulent tax returns in order to obtain unwarranted tax refunds for his own benefit.

According to the government’s sentencing papers, Gregoire’s filing of the fraudulent returns and cashing of the resulting refund checks with respect to the counts of conviction resulted in a loss to the government of $57,756. The government identified 62 additional false returns filed by Gregoire, resulting in an additional loss of $236,731, for a total attempted loss amount of $294,487.

The evidence presented at trial showed that Gregoire filed fraudulent 2009 and 2010 federal income tax returns in the names of other individuals using the victim taxpayers’ true names and Social Security numbers without the victim taxpayers’ knowledge or consent.

The victims who testified at trial were primarily attorneys practicing in the Los Angeles area who had practiced at law firms that used the same malpractice insurance carrier. Evidence presented at trial further showed that during the search of the defendant’s residence in 2012 by law enforcement personnel, numerous items pertaining to the victims were seized--including forms listing the attorney victims’ names, birthdates, and Social Security numbers that may have been taken from the malpractice insurance carrier.

According to the government’s sentencing papers and evidence presented at trial, the returns contained false information regarding the victim taxpayers’ residence addresses, incomes, expenses, and deductions, and claimed that the victim taxpayers were entitled to the tax refunds. The returns directed the IRS to deposit the refunds to a prepaid debit card account controlled by Gregoire. The false returns were either mailed or electronically transmitted to the IRS.

When the company administering the account rejected the refunds, Gregoire cashed the checks at Los Angeles area check cashing businesses, by presenting fraudulent corporate records that made it appear as if he was doing business in the victims’ names.

The investigation and prosecution of Gregoire was conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation and the Treasury Department’s Office of Inspector General for Tax Administration, in conjunction with the Tax Division of the United States Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles.

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

At 0620 hours, Camarillo Deputies responded to a takeover robbery at Saks’s Off 5th Avenue, which is located in the Camarillo Outlets.

Four suspects’ wearing ski masks and dark clothing entered the business from a rear door as employees were reporting to work. The suspects’ forced the employees to the ground and then one of the employees was forced to open a safe. An undisclosed amount of cash and merchandise was taken. No weapons were seen and no victims were injured during the robbery.

Nature of Incident: Takeover Robbery
Report Number: 14-1461
Location: Sak’s Off 5th Avenue, 520 East Ventura Blvd #1400, Cam, Ca
Date & Time: 01/20/2014 @ 06:20 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Camarillo Detective Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Unknown
Prepared by: Sergeant John M. Franchi #2549
Media Release Date: 01/20/2014
Follow-Up Contact: Detective Harold Orr @ 805-388-5119
Approved by:

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 January 10, 2014, members of the Moorpark Special Enforcement Detail conducted an alcoholic beverage sting, using an adult decoy under the age of 21, in an attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages at retail establishments in the City of Moorpark. The goal of these operations is to limit the sale of alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21.

The decoy attempted to make purchases of alcoholic beverages at 18 locations throughout the City of Moorpark. Clerks and cashiers at all of the establishments turned the decoy away without selling alcoholic beverages.
According to the National Highway Traffic Association, one person died every 51 minutes in drunk driving crashes in 2012. In 2011, car crashes were the leading cause of death for teenagers, a quarter of which involved an underage drinker. In an ongoing effort to save lives and prevent underage drinking, the Moorpark Police Department Special Enforcement Detail will continue to conduct periodic sting operations to ensure retailers are doing their part to prevent minors’ access to alcoholic beverages in our community.

The Moorpark Police Department sees this operation as a success and commends the local retail businesses that were doing the right thing by not selling to our underage youth.

Nature of Incident: Alcohol Decoy Sting Operation
Location: Various Locations – City of Moorpark
Date & Time: January 17, 2014
Unit(s) Responsible: Moorpark Police Department Special Enforcement Detail
Prepared by: Deputy James McCollum
Media Release Date: January 17, 2014
Follow-Up Contact: Deputy James McCollum at (805) 532-2645
Approved by: Stephen Wade, Captain

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

At about 11:00 PM on 1-15-2014, an off-duty Ventura County Sheriff’s deputy was the victim of a vehicle vandalism. The deputy, and his son, who is also a Ventura County Sheriff’s employee, saw the suspects flee the area in a vehicle. They both immediately began to search for the suspects and the vehicle. The off-duty deputy spotted the vehicle a few blocks away from the scene. The off-duty deputy followed the suspects and coordinated a response with Camarillo patrol deputies who eventually were able to stop and arrest the suspects at Central Avenue, near the 101 freeway.

Investigators interviewed the four suspects and determined they had been on a crime spree, vandalizing houses, vehicles, and mailboxes over the past six months. The suspects used metal baseball bats and lemons to cause several thousand dollars in damage to the victims’ property. Investigators believe the suspects are responsible for over 15 cases of vandalism throughout Camarillo.

All four suspects were booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for conspiracy to commit a crime and vandalism. All four suspects are currently in custody with bail set at $20,000.00.

Nature of Incident: Vandalism suspects arrested.
Report Number: 14-1167
Location: Los Posas Estates, Camarillo
Date & Time: 1-15-2014 @ 11:00 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Camarillo Patrol/ Camarillo Investigations Bureau
Prepared by: Detective Julie Novak
Media Release Date: 1-16-2014
Follow-Up Contact: Detective Julie Novak, 805-388-5115
Approved by: Commander Guy Stewart

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

In the early morning hours of January 3rd, 2014, a Camarillo patrol deputy on routine patrol observed a fire in a residential neighborhood. The deputy quickly determined there were two fires in the area of Gracia Street and Corona Street. One fire initially involved a series of Cypress trees, which quickly made its way into the home’s garage area. A second fire involved a trashcan at a residence close to the first fire. More patrol deputies responded and facilitated the evacuation of the involved residence. Upon the arrival of the Ventura County Fire Department, the flames were extinguished. The initial investigation has revealed the fires were intentionally set by an unknown male subject. The motive is not known and investigators are reaching out to the public for their assistance. Anyone with information regarding these fires is encouraged to contact Detective Michael Rompal at (805) 383-8743 or Ventura County Fire Department Investigator Alan Campbell at (805) 388-4259. Anyone who wishes to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).

Nature of Incident: Arson
Report Number: 14-00132
Location: 1200 block of Gracia Street, Camarillo
Date & Time: January 3rd, 2014 – Around 1:00 a.m.
Unit(s) Responsible: Sheriff’s Arson Unit and the Ventura County Fire Department
Prepared by: Detective Michael Rompal #3293
Media Release Date: January 15, 2014
Follow-Up Contact: Detective Michael Rompal (805) 383-8743
Approved by: Captain Paul Higgason

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).