 Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean announced the indictment of 27 people accused of conspiring to commit assault, extortion, home invasion robberies, commercial pharmaceutical robberies, narcotics trafficking, and other organized criminal activity. Enlarge Photo By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, November 28th, 2012
The Ventura County Grand Jury has handed down indictments on 27 people accused of conspiring to commit assault likely to cause serious bodily injury, extortion, home invasion robberies, commercial pharmaceutical robberies, narcotics trafficking, and other organized criminal activity. All of the suspects are documented members of several local gangs in Ventura County. The unusual aspect of this case was that they were working in conjunction with and for the benefit of a highly organized prison gang hierarchy controlled by the Mexican Mafia or “La Eme.” All of the criminal activity was organized and coordinated by one high ranking member of the Mexican Mafia from a prison outside California. The investigation revealed the Mexican Mafia has used its intimidation and narco-trafficking powers to direct extortion and fear to control the criminal activities of Ventura County gangs. “This case has dealt a crushing blow to organized crime in Ventura County,” said Assistant Sheriff Gary Pentis. “We have incapacitated the organization from the top through its geographic managers.” While gang activity in Ventura County is not unusual, the cooperation among various rival gangs was unprecedented in this case. During the past seven months, investigators utilized a variety of resources to uncover the activities of the group and actually interrupted several violent crimes before they were carried out. Detectives seized dozens of firearms and a variety of narcotics. The complexity of the investigation required tremendous cooperation between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Ventura The defendants indicted in this case are: |
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By Dick Diaz — Wednesday, November 28th, 2012
 United States Army Staff Sergeant Kevin J. Buddy Edwards holds his Bronze Star Medal Certificate. Fillmore's Kevin J. “Buddy” Edwards received a Bronze Star Medal for his Meritorious Service in Support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan from March 10, 2012 to November 25, 2012. “The Bronze Star Medal is a U.S. Armed Forces individual military decoration and the fourth-highest award for bravery, heroism or meritorious service. Awarded to a member of the military who, while serving in, or with the military of the United States after December 6, 1941, distinguished him or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. Awards may be made for acts of heroism, performed under circumstances described above, which are of lesser degree than required for the award of the Silver Star. Awards may also be made to recognize single acts of merit or meritorious service.” Staff Sergeant (SSGT) Kevin J. “Buddy” Edwards, 28 years, is a 2002 FHS Graduate and Fillmore Native. SSGT Edwards is the son of Kevin Edwards and Donna Edwards (Smith), of Fillmore. SSGT Edward’s Maternal Grandparents are, Ronnie and Chris Smith of Fillmore. His Paternal Grandmother, Sharon Stewart lives in Oregon. His Paternal Grandfather was the late Jim Edwards. Jim’s widow, Rebecca Edwards, also lives in Oregon. SSGT Edwards siblings are U.S. Army Reserve Sergeant Michael “Mikey” Edwards, 26 years, U.S. Army Ranger Private First Class Anthony Edwards, 20, and Brett Edwards, 17, a Senior at Fillmore High School. Staff Sergeant Kevin Edwards is a Military Intelligence Analyst. In this position he has obtained a “Military Top Secret Clearance.” The intelligence analyst supervises, performs, or coordinates, collection management, analysis, processing, and dissemination of strategic and tactical intelligence. Sergeant Kevin Edwards prepares all source intelligence products to support the combat the commander. Additionally he assists in establishing and maintaining systematic, cross-referenced intelligence records and files and receives and processes incoming reports and messages. Staff Sergeant Kevin Edwards assists in determining significance and reliability of incoming information, in integrating incoming information with current intelligence holdings and prepares and maintains the situation map. He contributes in the analysis and evaluation of intelligence holdings to determine changes in enemy capabilities, vulnerabilities, and probable courses of action. Other duties include the preparation of Order of Battle records using information from all sources and in the preparation of strength estimates of enemy units. Staff Sergeant Edwards is also responsible for proofreading intelligence reports and assists in consolidating them into military intelligence. He prepares Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB) products. Without a doubt for any military combat operation someone in the position of SSGT Edwards plays a critical role on the battlefield. A role, through four deployments, that has now been recognized by presenting SSGT Edwards with a Bronze Star Medal, the fourth-highest award for bravery, heroism or meritorious service. Staff Sergeant Edwards has been awarded many service recognitions; the Brigade Soldier of the Month for February 2007, he was also an Honor Graduate from Advance Intelligence Training at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. He has been awarded the Joint Service Achievement Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, two Foreign Tour Ribbons, an Iraqi Freedom Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terror Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. SSGT Edwards while in Afghanistan has recently reenlisted for another six years of military service! All of us here in the communities of Fillmore and Piru are very proud of Staff Sergeant Kevin J. “Buddy” Edwards. We thank him, and his family, for his service and their sacrifices they have already made and will make in the future to keep the United States of America strong. With two other sons currently serving in the United States Army the Edwards Family has given very much already. Mother Donna Edwards tells me when discussing youngest Son Brett's desire to follow his brothers into the United States Army and train as a Military Police Officer, “...well he wants to go in as an MP but honestly Dick with the way things are right now over there, my heart needs a break. If Anthony goes as scheduled next year that will be 5 deployments for me in 8 years so we have him (Brett) talked into (hopefully) doing at least one year of community college first and then see how things are going.” We additionally wish Staff Sergeant Kevin J. “Buddy” Edwards, and his brothers Sergeant Michael “Mikey” Edwards and Private First Class Anthony Edwards safe travel and long and successful United States Army Careers. Staff Sergeant Kevin J. “Buddy” Edwards and brothers Sergeant Michael “Mikey” Edwards and Private First Class Anthony Edwards are truly American Heroes. Congratulations Buddy on your well deserved Bronze Star Medal! |
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By Joe Woods — Wednesday, November 28th, 2012
 (l-r) Josh, Erin and Inger Overton. Fillmore you did it again. If anybody wants to know why we are called the greatest little city in America, it was proven on Sunday, November 18th, at the Sespe Auditorium in Fillmore. Hermanos Herrera played at no cost for the Josh Overton Benefit Concert in front of a sell out crowd. The music was awesome and the love and friendship that everybody felt that night was even greater! Chuy from El Pescador (donated the food for the event) said it best, "I am here because Joe did not ask for himself, he asked for his friend. It does not matter the color of your skin, it matters how much you are in need." No better words could have been spoken. Chuy, you touched us all that night, and thank you for all that you do, not just for this concert, but for all you have done for the people of Fillmore over the years. The food was great as always! We could never thank you enough! The motto for Team Overton was, "Through the Laughter and the Tears, Team Overton" There were a lot of both Sunday the 18th. Josh and his wife Inger, along with son Ian and daughter Erin, were on hand to see the love Fillmore had for them. When Josh came on stage to a standing ovation, the tears were easy to come by. Josh and his family were deeply touch and thankful to all who were there. Talking to Josh later in the week (and by the way talking was something he could not do.), Josh said, "I was overwhelmed with the feelings I had standing there. It was the greatest feeling, seeing everybody, students, teachers, administers, the people of Fillmore, my family and friends. I will never forget it." Then in the CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 28th, 2012
 At approximately 7 p.m. Sunday, the driver of an eastward bound car crashed his vehicle into the rear of a car parallel-parked on Old Telegraph Road. A sobriety test was given by a Sheriff’s deputy. Enlarge Photo  No injuries were reported. The results of the sobriety test were unavailable at press time. Enlarge Photo |
 Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputy Delpit with three other unidentified deputies arrest one of three alleged car thieves following a comprehensive pursuit. Sheriff’s Office Air Unit and two K9 Units participated in the apprehension of the three suspects and the recovery of two stolen vehicles. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 21st, 2012
On the morning of 11/18/2012, Deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, assigned to the Fillmore Police Station, investigated a report of a vehicle stolen from the 400 block of Fillmore St. in the city of Fillmore. Shortly after the stolen vehicle information was broadcasted to patrol deputies, the vehicle was located, unoccupied, near the 3500 block of Guiberson Road in the unincorporated area, east of the city of Fillmore. While Deputies were processing evidence from the vehicle, a second stolen vehicle turned off of Guiberson Road and drove towards the original stolen vehicle. When the occupants of the vehicle saw deputies at the scene, a passenger fled on foot into a nearby orchard while the vehicle and two occupants sped away at a high rate of speed. Following a brief pursuit of approximately two miles, the occupants abandoned the vehicle in the 3000 block of Guiberson Road and fled into the nearby Santa Clara Riverbed. Through a coordinated effort, all three suspects were located with the assistance of the Sheriff’s Office Air Unit and two K9 Units. One suspect was observed by the Air Unit on Highway 126 northeast of the termination point of the vehicle pursuit. The Air Unit directed responding units to the suspect’s location and he was arrested. The two remaining suspects were located after the K9 units tracked and found them. Both suspects were uncooperative and were apprehended by K9’s. They received injuries consistent with the use of a K9 and received treatment both at the scene and from Santa Paula Hospital following their arrest. All three suspects were arrested for stolen vehicle charges and the investigation is ongoing. Deputy Preparing Media Release: Sergeant D. Cook #2732 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 Anonymous — Wednesday, November 21st, 2012
 On November 20, 2012, just before 3:00 P.M., 27 yearold Malibu resident Brent Butzke was flying his paramotor (powered paraglider) in the area of the Santa Clara River and Powell Road near Piru. A witness working nearby saw the paramotor in distress, then saw it fall to the ground. The witness called 911 to summon help. Ventura County Fire paramedics, an ambulance and sheriff’s deputies responded. Emergency personnel located the victim and began first aid. Butzke succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death. The FAA will continue the investigation of the accident. The identification of the victim is being withheld pending notification of next-of-kin by the Medical Examiner. Courtesy of Fillmore Police Department. Pictured is a friend of Butzke’s, who also witnessed the accident, being consoled by police and fire personnel. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 21st, 2012
 Raelene Chaney and volunteers organize the distributions of the Grad Nite Live pies. This year they sold over 1,000 pies, and had a large amount of volunteers from the Fillmore High School Seniors. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 21st, 2012
 Last Saturday, November 17th, the Soroptimist International of Fillmore held their annual fashion show. The event included lunch a silent auction and the fashion show. Fashions were provided by Draper’s & Damon’s of Camarillo, Keller Fashions of Fillmore and Macy’s. The Mistress of Ceremonies was Fillmore Police Chief Monica McGrath. The food was catered by El Pescador. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Explorers, Santa Clara Valley Post and Fillmore/Piru 4H were there as supporters. Pictures courtesy of KSSP Photographic Studio. Enlarge Photo  Briana Vazquez and Brandon Pina were a few of the participants at the Soroptimist Fashion Show this past weekend. Enlarge Photo  Fillmore’s Soroptimist Fashion Show Mistress of Ceremonies, Fillmore Police Chief Monica McGrath with escorts Fillmore Fire Chief Rigo Landeros and husband Jack McGrath, a Ventura County Sheriffs Detective. Enlarge Photo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Friday, November 16th, 2012
On Thursday evening November 15th, Fillmore deputies were sent to a report of a fight at the apartments located in the 600 block of River Street. The deputies located a large party of adults with several persons appearing to have injuries consistent with a fist fight. One of the injured subjects located at the scene was Enrique Rubio who had several puncture wounds to his torso. Rubio was seen by members of the Fillmore Fire Department and was taken to the Ventura County Medical Center by AMR ambulance for his injuries. Rubio was treated and released from the hospital several hours later. Investigators from the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau and Gang Unit are investigating. No arrests have been made. Nature of Incident: Stabbing 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 Dick Diaz — Wednesday, November 14th, 2012
How many phone calls can I get from one very proud Mother who now has three sons serving in the United States Army? Well she does have one more son left at home so my guess is maybe four! Proud Mother Donna Edwards (Smith) called to tell me that number three son United States Army Private First Class Anthony Edwards, 20 years, has graduated from the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program ( RASP) and Airborne training! He is assigned to the 75th Ranger Regimental Special Troops Battalion (RSTB), Regimental Intelligence Company at Ft. Benning, Georgia. As a Ranger, PFC Edwards will be in the same job classification as his older brother Staff Sergeant Kevin “Buddy” Edwards as a Military Intelligence Analyst (MOS 35F). PFC Anthony Edwards is a 2011 Fillmore High School Graduate, graduating early in December 2010. He entered the United States Army on June 13, 2011 finishing his Army Basic Training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. After graduating from Basic Training PFC Edwards completed his advanced training at Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista, Arizona home of the U.S. Army Intelligence Center as a Military Intelligence Analyst. In this position he has obtained a “Military Top Secret Clearance.” The intelligence analyst supervises, performs, or coordinates, collection management, analysis, processing, and dissemination of strategic and tactical intelligence. PFC Anthony Edwards prepares all source intelligence products to support the combat commander. Additionally he assists in establishing and maintaining systematic, cross-referenced intelligence records and files and receives and processes incoming reports and messages. PFC Edwards assists in determining significance and reliability of incoming information, in integrating incoming information with current intelligence holdings and prepares and maintains the situation map. He contributes in the analysis and evaluation of intelligence holdings to determine changes in enemy capabilities, vulnerabilities, and probable courses of action. Other duties include the preparation of Order of Battle records using information from all sources and in the preparation of strength estimates of enemy units. PFC Edwards is also responsible for proofreading intelligence reports and assists in consolidating them into military intelligence. He prepares Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB) products. Without a doubt for any military combat operation someone in the position of PFC Anthony Edwards plays a critical role on the battlefield. PFC Anthony Edwards CONTINUED » |
