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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, December 2nd, 2013
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department On November 20, 2013, deputies from the Thousand Oaks Police Department responded to a single vehicle traffic collision in the 100 block of E. Avenida de las Flores. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the collision involved an overturned pick-up truck carrying pool chemicals. A small amount of liquid chlorine and muriatic acid spilled onto the roadway. An electricity pole was also knocked down. Avenida de las Flores and Prentiss Street were closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The Ventura County Fire Department responded and handled the chemical clean up. Southern California Edison responded for the downed pole. Power was interrupted for residents in the area. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene before deputies’ arrival. Witnesses assisted deputies in identifying the suspect, Jose Mosqueda. Mosqueda was contacted and arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and hit and run. Mosqueda sustained minor injuries from the collision and was medically cleared at Los Robles Hospital. He was then booked in to jail on $5,000.00 bail. Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against person(s) responsible for crimes in Ventura County. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). Nature of Incident: Traffic Collision / Arrest |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, November 27th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department A man’s body was found early this morning in a strawberry field just outside the city limits of Ventura. A field worker discovered the body of an adult white male in the 4200-block of Olivas Park Drive. Paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced the man dead shortly after 6:00 am. The cause of death is not known at this time. Investigators canvassed the surrounding area and examined the scene for evidence before the body was removed by the medical examiner. Anyone who has information about this incident or saw anything suspicious in the area is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Todd Inglis at (805)384-4730. 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). Nature of Incident: Dead Body Found in Strawberry Field Near Ventura |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, November 27th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department A suspicious device found along Highway 101 in Camarillo Tuesday afternoon tied up traffic while bomb technicians conducted an investigation. The California Highway Patrol discovered the device along the shoulder of the northbound US 101 at Arneill Road and requested assistance from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad. After examining the device and making it safe, bomb technicians determined it was a hoax device made to look like an actual explosive device. The highway was reopened within 30 minutes. The investigation is continuing to determine who placed the device at that location and why. Anyone with information about who was responsible for this crime is asked to contact Detective Mike Rompal at (805)383-8743. 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). Nature of Incident: Hoax Device Found Next to Freeway Lanes in Camarillo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, November 27th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department VENTURA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE RECEIVES GRANT FOR SPECIAL TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT AND CRASH PREVENTION The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded a $133,400.00 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a year-long program aimed at preventing deaths and injuries on our roadways through special enforcement and public awareness efforts. The grant received by the Sheriff’s Office will aid in the city of Thousand Oaks’ ongoing effort to improve traffic safety and quality of life. The Thousand Oaks Police Department will use the funding as part of an on-going commitment to keep our roadways safe through both enforcement and education. The grant will assist in efforts to deal with traffic safety problems and to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in traffic collisions. While traffic deaths from all causes declined by nearly 39 percent between 2006 and 2010 in California, they rose by 2.6 percent in 2011. State and federal officials anticipate that figures will show another rise for 2012. DUI deaths remain the largest sector, at nearly 30 percent of traffic fatalities. Recent trends show increases in two new categories – distracted driving and drug-impaired driving. Activities that the grant will fund include: Funding for this program is from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Nature of Incident: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Receives Grant for Specialized Traffic Enforcement Programs |
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By Santa Paula Police Department — Monday, November 25th, 2013
 Santa Paula Police Department On the above date and time Santa Paula Police Department officers responded to a carwash located in the 400 block of E. Harvard Blvd. for a report of a carjacking. The victim stated he was bent over washing his car when he was approached from behind by a male subject. The victim only observed a black semi-automatic handgun. The suspect demanded the keys to vehicle and told the victim to walk away, not looking back. The victim then observed his vehicle being driven away westbound on Harvard Blvd. by 3 male subjects. Due to being approached from behind there is no further suspect description. The victim's vehicle is a green 1997 Nissan Quest license # 4LGY919 with hood damage. If this vehicle is seen please do not approach it and call 911 immdiately. Santa Paula Police Department |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, November 20th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department An investigation into cocaine sales led to the arrest of Santa Paula resident Marina Fuentes. Sheriff’s Narcotics Investigators received information of cocaine sales occurring in the 200 block of South 8th St in the city of Santa Paula. During the month long investigation, detectives observed multiple narcotics transactions and identified Marina Fuentes as the person at the residence selling cocaine. On November 19, a search warrant was served at Fuentes’ residence. During the subsequent search, 23 grams of cocaine and over $33,000 in cash was seized. Fuentes was arrested and booked for possession of cocaine and for sales of cocaine. She was booked into the Sheriff’s Main Jail and bail was set at $250,000.00. 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 Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, November 19th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department From June through November of this year, several cities within the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office’s jurisdiction saw an increase in the theft of backflow valves and copper piping associated with light industrial buildings. The thefts occurred primarily in the overnight hours when businesses were closed. The City of Moorpark saw fourteen victims from September to November. In early November, Moorpark Police Department investigators reviewed video surveillance from a local business and identified a white Saturn sedan as a potential suspect vehicle in the case. Through searches of prior contacts in the City of Moorpark involving this suspect vehicle, investigators discovered that John Tebroski was contacted in the area during the overnight hours during the month of October. Additional evidence was discovered that linked Tebroski and others to backflow valve thefts in Newbury Park and Moorpark. Investigators believe Tebroski was stealing the backflow valves and copper piping and selling the stolen property to recycling centers for the brass and copper value. On 11-14-13, Moorpark Police Department patrol deputies observed Tebroski walking his dog in the early morning hours in the same light industrial area that was previously victimized during several of the thefts. When deputies contacted Tebroski, he was arrested after they found him to be under the influence of a controlled substance and in possession of two large wrenches and a pry bar. Investigators later located Tebroski’s car, which was parked behind a light industrial building that was a prior victim of a backflow valve theft. Investigators searched Tebroski’s car and found a battery operated cutting tool, large pipe wrenches, a hacksaw and a small amount of methamphetamine, and Tebroski was arrested for several additional charges. As a result of the investigation, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed five counts of Grand Theft, five counts of Petty Theft with Priors, Possession of Burglar’s Tools, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of a Smoking Device against Tebroski. Investigators are continuing the investigation and expect to make additional arrests in connection with Tebroski and the thefts of backflow valves. Backflow valve and copper thefts are not unique to Ventura County. These thefts have been reported nationwide. The Moorpark Police Department would like to remind business owners that the cost to replace these valves is between $500 and $1500, and a simple internet search will show several products available that prevent the theft of backflow valves. Nature of Incident: Backflow Valve 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 — Monday, November 18th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On 11/14/2013, Narcotic Detectives with the Ventura County Sheriff Office concluded a narcotics investigation of a Newbury Park resident who was selling marijuana to citizens in the East County cities of Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, and Simi Valley. Deputies from the Thousand Oaks Bicycle Detail detained Joshua Boynton near his Newbury Park residence while a team of Narcotic Detectives served a search warrant at the residence. In the residence, detectives discovered a small marijuana cultivation in the garage, ounces of dried marijuana, as well as evidence that Boynton was actively involved in the illegal sales of marijuana. Detectives also discovered evidence Boynton was involved in the manufacture of “Honey Oil.” Honey oil is a common term used for the resinous substance obtained from marijuana by solvent extraction. This process poses a high risk of explosion during the extraction process. Numerous bindles of the Honey Oil were located within the residence. During the service of the search warrant, Boynton’s two minor daughters were present and found to be living with Boynton at this residence. Because of the circumstances related to this investigation and the evidence located, detectives initiated a Drug Endangered Children investigation. Child Protective Services was contacted and responded to the residence to assist with the investigation into the children’s welfare. At the conclusion of the investigation, the minor children were left in the custody of an adult family member. Boynton was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Sheriff's East County Jail for possession of marijuana for sale, manufacturing concentrated cannabis and child endangerment. His bail was set at $50,000 with a pending court appearance of 11/18/2013, at 1:30pm. 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 Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, November 18th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On November 13th, 2013 at approximately 11:33 am deputies from the Thousand Oaks Police Department responded to an injury traffic collision on Erbes Road just south of Hauser Circle. The initial investigation revealed that (P3) Juana Morales was stopped northbound on Erbes Road for traffic that was stopped in front of her. (P2) Paula Katz was slowing to a stop behind Morales. (S) Janet Arnold was traveling northbound on Erbes Road approaching Katz’s location. Arnold failed to slow down and collided into the rear of Katz’s car. The force of the collision pushed Katz’s car forward and into the rear end of Morales’ car. Katz was transported by ambulance to Los Robles Hospital for treatment of her injuries from the collision. Morales was not injured. Arnold was evaluated and arrested for felony driving under the influence of prescription medication causing injury. Arnold was booked into the Pre Trial Detention Facility with her bail set at $50,000.00 dollars. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is encouraged to call the Thousand Oaks Traffic Bureau at (805) 494-8271. Nature of Incident: Injury Traffic Collision / DUI prescription medication arrest |
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By Anonymous — Monday, November 18th, 2013
SAN FRANCISCO, CA. - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today announced the removal of ten private health insurance websites that misled Californians by imitating Covered California, the state’s official insurance marketplace for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Attorney General Harris also released tips to help consumers avoid insurance scams. “These websites fraudulently imitated Covered California in order to lure consumers away from plans that provide the benefits of the Affordable Care Act,” Attorney General Harris said. “My office will continue to investigate and shut down these kinds of sites. I urge Californians to avoid healthcare scams by visiting coveredca.com.” In September, the California Attorney General’s office began an investigation into websites that imitate the state’s Covered California website (www.coveredca.com). Multiple website operators were sent cease and desist letters informing them that their websites were in violation of state law and demanding the immediate removal of the website or transfer of the domain name to the state’s official exchange. These websites were operated by private health insurance brokers or companies that were not affiliated with Covered California. The websites have domain names similar to the state’s official healthcare exchange and contain unauthorized references to the official exchange’s trademarked logo and name. In several cases, websites used the phrases “Get Covered,” “Covered California” and “California Health Benefit Advisers.” The California Affordable Care Act forbids individuals or entities from claiming to provide services on behalf of Covered California without securing a valid agreement with the State Exchange. (Gov. Code, § 100510.) State law also prohibits solicitations that falsely imply a governmental connection (Bus. & Prof. Code, § 17533.6), the use of a domain name that is confusingly similar to another entity (Bus. & Prof. Code, § 17525), making or disseminating untrue or misleading representations with the intent of selling goods or services (Bus. & Prof. Code, § 17500) and unfair competition through untrue or misleading advertising (Bus. & Prof. Code, § 17200). www.californiabenefitexchange.com The California Health Benefit Exchange is charged with implementing the ACA and is the operator of California’s online health insurance marketplace known as Covered California. California consumers who purchase health insurance policies through this marketplace receive protections guaranteed by the ACA that may not exist in policies outside of the exchange. Health insurance plans sold outside the official exchange on the individual market before January 1, 2014 do not qualify for federal subsidies and do not have the guarantees provided by the ACA’s consumer protection provisions. Major consumer protections include: no denials based on preexisting conditions; no rating differences based on factors other than age, geography, and family size; issuers may not impose any annual dollar limits for covered services; and all qualified plans must cover essential health benefits identified under the ACA. The California Attorney General’s Health, Education and Welfare Section, in conjunction with Covered California and the California Department of Insurance, will continue to monitor these and other potentially fraudulent sites. To avoid scams related to California’s health insurance marketplace, Attorney General Harris has released the following tips for consumers: To contact Covered California directly, call (800) 300-1506 or email consumerprotection@covered.ca.gov |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, November 18th, 2013
 Maria Sanchez On 11/12/2013, Maria Sanchez was arrested for stealing thousands of dollars in jewelry from an elderly couple who employed her as their caretaker. During the month of September 2013, an elderly couple residing in the city of Thousand Oaks reported missing over $8000 in jewelry from their home. The victims had hired caretaker, Maria Sanchez, who was working for them at the time. Sanchez was interviewed but denied taking the property. Other evidence eventually surfaced that showed Sanchez sold the victim’s jewelry to a pawnshop in the San Fernando Valley. Further investigation revealed Mrs. Sanchez was linked to a theft from another elderly couple she had been hired to care for. The amount of that theft is believed to be in excess of $20,000 and the property was also sold to a pawnshop in the San Fernando Valley. Sanchez was arrested on several felony counts of theft and booked into the Ventura County Jail. The investigation is on going and additional charges may be added. Thousand Oaks Police investigators ask anyone who recognizes and has hired Mrs. Sanchez as a caretaker, and feels they have been victimized by her, to please contact Detective Jerin Widofsky at (805)494-8221. Nature of Incident: Arrest of Caretaker |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, November 12th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On 11/7/2013, Narcotic Detectives with the Simi Valley Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff Office concluded a joint narcotics investigation of a Simi Valley resident who was selling heroin and methamphetamine to citizens in Simi Valley. Detectives with the Simi Valley Police Special Enforcement Section assisted Narcotic Detectives with the investigation by detaining Digerolamo in a shopping center at Cochran Street and Erringer Road. Digerolamo was found in possession of a small amount of heroin and methamphetamine that was packaged for sale. Narcotic Detectives served a search warrant at Digerolamo's residence located on the 1700 block of Cochran Street where they located additional amounts of heroin, methamphetamine, several firearms and evidence Digerolamo was actively involved in the sales of those drugs. Digerolamo was booked into the Ventura County Jail for possession for sales of heroin, methamphetamine and a weapons violation. Bail was set at $50,000 with a pending court appearance of 11/11/2013, at 1:30pm. 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 Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, November 12th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department Ventura County Sheriff’s investigators recently received unsubstantiated information that a wanted parolee named Omar Ruiz was staying in the City of Camarillo. Ruiz has been wanted on a parole violation since 5-28-2013 and was also considered a suspect in a Santa Paula homicide. On 11-7-2013, Investigators went to a residence in the 5300 block of Hollyridge Dr., Camarillo, after receiving information Ruiz may be in the area. As deputies approached the residence, a single gunshot was fired from inside the garage. The bullet traveled through an exterior wall and narrowly missed 4 deputies. A short standoff occurred and ended when Omar Ruiz walked out of the residence and surrendered. Deputies immediately searched the home and found the only other person inside was a nine month old child. The child was later turned over to the mother. Ruiz was arrested for the parole warrant and turned over to Santa Paula Police Investigators. Deputies obtained a search warrant for the home and located an assault rifle, two loaded high capacity magazines and body armor. Ventura County Sheriff Major Crimes detectives are handling the investigation and anticipate arresting Ruiz for four counts of Attempted Murder on a Police Officer within the next week. Nature of Incident: Warrant 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 Santa Paula Police Department — Tuesday, November 12th, 2013
Santa Paula Police Department On 11-09-2013 Santa Paula Police Department bicycle officers were flagged down by Maria Manzo, a Santa Paula resident, who was driving with Noel Razo, a transient. Manzo flagged down officers due to the two subjects were involved in a verbal domestic dispute. Officers conducted a records check on Razo which revealed he had a active felony violation of probation warrant for domestic violence. A search of Razo revealed he had a methamphetamine pipe in his possession. Once he was taken into custody a records check of Manzo revealed she was an unlicensed driver. A search of the vehicle revealed a stolen loaded .44 magnum revolver. A search of Manzo's purse revealed presription medication that was not prescribed to her. Razo was arrested for possession of a loaded firearm, possession of stolen property, and possession of a smoking device. Manzo was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and unlicensed driver. Both subjects were transported to Ventura County Jail. Nature of Incident: |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, November 12th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On November 9, 2013, deputies from the Thousand Oaks Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office conducted compliance checks at the residences of 81 registered sex offenders in communities in and around the City of Thousand Oaks. The compliance checks were part of the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE) Program. California state law requires persons convicted of specific sexual assault crimes to register with the law enforcement agency where they reside. 70 of the 81 registered sex offenders were in compliance with their registration requirements. 11 of the registrants were not contacted because they were not home or had moved. Detectives will follow-up to determine if those registrants are out-of-compliance. There were no arrests made during any of these contacts. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting similar random checks throughout the county. The purpose of these compliance checks is to verify registered sex offenders are living at their reported residences and within the terms of any probation or parole that may apply. Thousand Oaks residents are encouraged to visit the Megan’s Law website (www.meganslaw.ca.gov/) to familiarize themselves with the sex registrants in their community. Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against person(s) responsible for committing crimes against children in Ventura County. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). Nature of Incident: Sex Registrant Compliance Checks |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, November 11th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On 11/6/2013, Detectives with the Ventura County Sheriff's Narcotics Unit and Simi Valley Police Department concluded a joint narcotic investigation of two Moorpark residents who were involved in the illegal sales of narcotics to Ventura County residents. At 0820 hours, Detectives detained James Hagen, age 29, and William Hagen, age 55 after they left their Moorpark home. A search warrant was served at their residence located on the 4500 block of Bristlecone Circle in Moorpark. Detectives located about one pound of methamphetamine, and a quarter pound of cocaine. Additionally, detectives located evidence that James and William were both actively involved in the sales of the drugs. Also seized were several rifles, handguns and currency. James and William were booked at the Ventura County Sheriff's East Valley Jail for violations of possession for sales of methamphetamine and cocaine. James and William's bail were set at $50,000.00. They are scheduled to appear in Ventura County Superior Court for arraignment on 11/8/2013, at 1:30 PM. Nature of Incident: Narcotics 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 — Wednesday, November 6th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department An Athol, Massachusetts man was sentenced to 30 months in prison for making false reports of an emergency to elicit a response from emergency services to a specific location. These types of incidents are commonly known as “Swatting.” “Swatting” is a term used when a caller reports an immediate dangerous crime in order to elicit a substantial police response to a specific location, typically in order to harass someone. From September 2012 through mid-January 2013, Hanshaw made “swatting” calls to emergency services in Denver, Colorado; Waverly, New York; and to the Ventura Sheriff’s Office’s Communication Center in Ventura. In the January 2nd 2013 call to the Sheriff’s Office, Hanshaw stated he was armed with an AK-47 and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Hanshaw demanded money and a helicopter ride to Mexico and threatened to detonate a bomb and kill hostages if those demands were not met. Hanshaw also threatened to kill law enforcement personnel who arrived at the location. Sheriff’s Deputies and detectives along with Agents from the FBI, Department of Defense and personnel from the Ventura County Fire Department, responded to the call which utilized resources that could have otherwise been used for legitimate calls in the community. The FBI assumed the lead in the investigation and with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police and detectives from the East County Major Crimes Unit, Hanshaw was identified as the suspect in the case. Hanshaw pled guilty in Federal Court to a three count complaint of making interstate threats, threats to use explosives and threats to use a firearm. Nature of Incident: Thousand Oaks “Swatting” suspect pleads guilty |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, November 5th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies will take their oath to “serve” and protect to a new level. They’ll trade in their handcuffs and badges for menus and serving trays to assist servers at Wood Ranch BBQ and Grill in Moorpark on Wednesday, November 13, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sheriff’s professional staff and volunteers will also be on hand to assist deputies in support of the event. The public is invited to enjoy a great meal and then “tip-a-cop.” Donations in the form of tips will benefit Ventura County Special Olympics. All tips are tax-deductible. There will be police vehicle displays, free giveaways for kids, McGruff the Crime Dog, and the Sheriff’s K-9’s. Ventura County Special Olympics offers training and competition opportunities in 10 different year-round sports to people with intellectual disabilities at over 20 different training sites throughout Ventura County. This program not only provides physical fitness from participating in athletic competitions, but also encourages social interaction and community involvement. Special Olympics athletes will be working with deputies as they serve customers at Tip-A-Cop. Tip-A-Cop events are one of the main fundraisers for the Law Enforcement Torch Run. The Torch Run is part of a year-round, grassroots fundraising campaign by law enforcement agencies to benefit their local Special Olympics programs. The Torch Run makes its debut annually in the month of June when members of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Special Olympic Athletes carry the torch as it makes its way through Ventura County and continues to Long Beach for the start of the summer games. Nature of Incident: Sheriff’s Deputies Participating in Tip-A-Cop Event For Special Olympics |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, November 5th, 2013
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today issued the following statement, following the announcement that California joined with 45 states, the District of Columbia and the federal government in a $2.2 billion settlement with Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiary, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., over allegations of the companies’ unlawful marketing practices, including off-label promotion and kickbacks, to promote the sales of their atypical antipsychotic drugs, Risperdal and Invega. California’s share of the national settlement is $89 million, which is the largest recovery ever for California from a national civil settlement regarding atypical antipsychotic drugs. “Motivated by profit, these companies made false claims that jeopardized the health of California’s most vulnerable patients, including children and senior citizens—and left California taxpayers with the bill,” said Attorney General Harris. “Today’s record settlement reinforces the California Department of Justice’s commitment to rooting out this kind of greed wherever we find it.” As part of this global resolution, the companies have agreed to resolve civil liabilities for their alleged unlawful conduct, which caused false and/or fraudulent claims to be submitted to Medi-Cal and improper Medi-Cal purchases. The complaint highlights practices by Johnson & Johnson and Janssen, including marketing to patient populations (children, adolescents and the elderly) for whom the drugs were not FDA approved and making false and misleading statements about the efficacy of these drugs. To compensate the Medicaid programs, the companies will pay $1.114 billion as the combined federal and states’ share of the civil settlement for both drugs. After a statutory relator’s share is paid to the whistleblowers who brought the fraud to the attention of the government, the Department of Health Care Services will be reimbursed $44.5 million for losses incurred from the fraud; the remainder will go to support Medi-Cal fraud and enforcement efforts. In addition, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. plead guilty to a criminal misdemeanor charge of misbranding Risperdal in violation of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. As part of the criminal plea, Janssen has agreed to pay an additional $400 million in criminal fines and forfeitures. The Attorney General’s Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse investigates and prosecutes claims of Medi-Cal civil and criminal fraud, as well as allegations of elder abuse, such as physical assaults or financial theft. |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, November 5th, 2013
Keep Your Family Safe and Make Sure Your Alarm Works
 Cal Fire Sacramento, CA – To help reduce the number of home fire fatalities, CAL FIRE is reminding all Californians to make sure they have working smoke alarms in their homes. Nearly two-thirds of home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no working smoke alarms. A little attention to these important life saving devices can go a long way in increasing your chance of surviving a devastating fire. “Smoke alarms give you and your family an early warning when there is a fire so you can quickly escape to safety,” stated California State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover. “Making sure you have a working smoke alarms in your home will help keep you, your family and guests safe.” Smoke alarm safety tips: For more information on smoke alarms, please visit the CAL FIRE’s website at http://www.fire.ca.gov/communications/communications_firesafety_smokeala.... |