VENTURA, CA - District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Salvador Tena (DOB 8-6-55), of Oxnard, was sentenced by Ventura County Superior Court Judge Charles Campbell to 16 years to life in prison. Tena was convicted by jury trial on May 7, 2012, of the second degree murder with use of a knife of Candido Monge, age 65, also an Oxnard resident. There were no witnesses to the murder that occurred in a parking lot outside an Oxnard restaurant. Mr. Monge was able to identify Tena as his killer before he died in the hospital the following morning.

 


 

VENTURA, CA - District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that on May 4, 2012, the Ventura County Grand Jury indicted Joshua Graham Packer (DOB 9-21-89), of Ventura, on additional charges relative to the Faria Beach murders that occurred on May 20, 2009. Packer is now additionally charged with commission of the crime of forcible oral copulation against Davina Husted, in violation of Penal Code section 288a(c)(2) and with using a knife in the commission of that crime, in violation of Penal Code sections 12022(b)(1) and 12022.3. The Grand Jury also indicted Packer on an additional special circumstance allegation that the murder of Davina Husted was committed while Packer was engaged in the commission of forced oral copulation, pursuant to Penal Code section 190.2(a)(17)(F). This special circumstance allegation makes Packer eligible for either life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.

Packer had already been indicted by the Grand Jury in July 2010 for the murders of Brock Husted, Davina Husted, and their unborn child Grant Husted, as well as three special circumstance allegations. The special circumstances alleged at that time were that the murders were committed in the course of a burglary, robberies and that the crimes involved the commission of multiple murders. Other charges upon which Packer was indicted in July 2010 included one count of burglary and two counts of robbery, all of which were accomplished with the use of a gun. Packer was also charged with the use of a knife in killing the victims.

Packer appeared in court on the second indictment today, May 7, 2012. He asked to defer entry of his plea to the new charges until May 16, 2012, at 8:30 a.m. in Division 25. A motion to consolidate the two indictments is also scheduled for that day. Due to this being a pending death penalty case, there will be no further comment.

 


 
CAL FIRE Encourages Wildfire Preparedness

Sacramento, CA – Devastating wildfires threaten California every year, and to ensure Californians are ready, Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. declared May 6-12, 2012 as “Wildfire Awareness Week”.

CAL FIRE is taking advantage of Wildfire Awareness Week to remind residents of the dangers from wildfires and the simple steps they can take to prepare for them.

“Despite a rainy March, this year’s overall precipitation is below average,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE Director. “As a result of the dry winter, the number of wildfires that CAL FIRE firefighters have responded to is nearly three times that of last year.”

According to the state’s final snow survey on May 1, the statewide snowpack water content is only 40 percent of normal. From January to April, CAL FIRE crews have responded to over 800 wildfires, nearly two and half times the number in 2011 when there were approximately 300. This year’s number of wildfires is above the five-year average as well, where the average is over 600 wildfires.

During Wildfire Awareness CONTINUED »

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

On 05/05/2012 Ortiz entered a business in the 2900 block of Vineyard Ave. Ortiz displayed a hand gun and demanded money from the clerk. After receiving the money, Ortiz exited the store and fled the area as police were being called.

An Oxnard City Police Officer responding to the area saw Ortiz standing near a parked vehicle on Cortez street. As the officer attempted to contact Ortiz, Ortiz began shooting at the officer. Ortiz was quickly disarmed and taken into custody with the help of the officer’s K-9 partner. Ortiz was taken to a local hospital to be treated for injuries sustained by the K-9 during the arrest. Neither the officer nor his K-9 partner received any injuries.

Ortiz was arrested for Armed Robbery and Attempted Murder of a Police Officer.

Nature of Incident: Armed Robbery and Attempt Murder of a Police Officer
Report Number: 120010029
Location: 2900 Block of Vineyard Ave. Oxnard
Date & Time: 05/05/12 @ 8:40 PM
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Suspect Jose Luis Ortiz Oxnard 41
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Sergeant Joe Evans, Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit
Media Release Date: 05/06/2012
Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Eric Buschow (805)947-8129
Approved by: Captain Cory Rubright

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 04/28/12, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office conducted 75 compliance checks of registered sex offenders as part of the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE) grant. Section 290 of the California Penal Code requires persons convicted of specified sexual assault crimes to register with the agency where they reside.

54 of the 75 registered sex offenders were in compliance with their registration requirement. 21 of the registrants were not home and detectives will follow-up to determine if the registrants have moved or are out-of-compliance. During the compliance checks, two adult males were arrested for outstanding felony warrants.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting similar sweeps randomly throughout the county to verify registered sex offenders are living at their reported residence along with conducting probation and/or parole searches of registered sex offenders who are on probation and/or parole.

Residents of Ventura County can visit the Megan’s Law website (www.meganslaw.ca.gov/) to familiarize themselves with the sex registrants in their neighborhood. It is also important to speak with your children regarding strangers and possible encounters with known/unknown sex offenders.

Nature of Incident: 290 P.C. Compliance Checks
Location: City of Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, and the East County Unincorporated Area
Date & Time: 04/28/12
Unit Responsible: East County Major Crimes Bureau
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Sergeant Robert Fleming
Media Release Date: 05/02/12
Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Robert Fleming (805) 371-8392
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).

 

SAN DIEGO, CA - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris and San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis today announced the arrest of an individual who ran a sophisticated scheme at San Diego area Lowe's and Home Depot stores in which he replaced the bar codes on expensive merchandise with bar codes that scanned at lower prices.

Steve Allen Koski, 42, of San Diego, was arraigned yesterday in San Diego Superior Court on 11 felony counts, including grand theft and 10 counts of burglary. His bail has been set at $250,000. He is being held in San Diego County Jail.

Koski stole or attempted to steal more than $30,000 in copper wire and other merchandise from Lowe's and Home Depot stores. He then re-sold that merchandise to California recycling centers for over $180,000.

"For all the efficiency and conveniences that modern technologies provide, we are continuing to see criminals use these same technologies to defraud California businesses and consumers," Attorney General Harris said. "The eCrime Unit is devoted to aggressively pursuing criminals who misappropriate modern technologies for their own benefit."

Surveillance video showed Koski entering various home improvement stores and replacing legitimate bar codes on copper wire and other expensive merchandise with counterfeit bar codes that scanned at lower prices. Through this scheme, Koski fraudulently purchased copper wire for $60 to $90 and then re-sold it at California recycling centers for $200 to $300. To appear legitimate and sidestep the State's efforts to crack down on recycling fraud, Koski created a phony business called "iRecycle". The evidence suggests Koski may have netted over $180,000 through this scheme.

In February, the Attorney General's eCrime Unit launched an investigation after Lowe's reported to the offices of the Attorney General and the San Diego District Attorney that Koski ran this scheme at multiple stores throughout San Diego.

"Our office is holding Steve Allen Koski responsible for his actions," said San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis. "We do not tolerate scams and we are aggressive about prosecuting perpetrators who think they can get away with bilking businesses and consumers."

California is among the top five states with the highest reported incidences of copper theft. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports 1,342 metal theft claims in California from January 2009 to December 2011, with approximately 96% of these claims pertaining to the theft of copper.

Last year, Attorney General Harris created the eCrime Unit to identify and prosecute identity theft crimes, cyber crimes and other crimes involving the use of technology. More information available here: http://oag.ca.gov/cybersafety.

A copy of the complaint is attached to the online version of this release at www.oag.ca.gov

 

VENTURA, CA - District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that on April 26, 2012, Charles Saab (DOB 8/30/71) pled guilty to one felony count of defrauding an insurer, in violation of California Penal Code section 548(a), and one misdemeanor count of filing a false police report, in violation of Penal Code section 148.5(a). The case was investigated by the Simi Valley Police Department.

Saab was arrested after Simi Valley Police Detective Stephen Collett recovered a Harley-Davidson motorcycle at Saab’s home in Porter Ranch. Saab had previously reported this same motorcycle stolen to the police and to his insurance company. Based upon Saab’s false insurance claim, Foremost Insurance Company paid him over $22,000.

Saab is scheduled to be sentenced on June 6, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 12.

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

At 12:44 a.m. on 4-29-12, a Moorpark patrol deputy observed Beattie’s vehicle traveling southbound on Tierra Rejada Road at a high rate of speed. The deputy attempted to catch up to Bettie’s vehicle, but had not yet activated his emergency lights and siren. Beattie turned right onto Countrywood Drive, left on Country Hill Road, and then right onto Mountain Trail Street. During this time, the deputy observed Beattie exceed the speed limit on every street, and failed to stop for two stop signs. As Beattie turned onto Mountain Trail Street, the deputy activated his overhead emergency lights, along with his siren. Beattie again accelerated and immediately failed to negotiate two turns in the roadway. He lost control of his vehicle, went over the curb, and collided with a concrete and rock wall at the intersection of Mountain Trail Street and Timberridge Road.

The Ventura County Fire Department responded and used the Jaws of Life to extricate Beattie from his vehicle. Beattie was transported to Los Robles hospital with critical injuries. It is unknown at this time if alcohol was a factor in the collision.

Injury Traffic Collision RB#: 12-9477
Location: Mountain Trail Street at Timberridge Road, Moorpark
Date & Time: 4-29-2012 / 0044 hours Unit Responsible: Moorpark Traffic
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age
(V) Beattie, Gregory Taylor Moorpark 21
Officer Preparing Release: Sgt. J. Hill
Follow-up Contact: Sr. Deputy Stubblefield @ 805-532-2711
Approved By: Captain Bill Flannigan

 

Sheriff’s deputies, CHP officers and police officers in Ventura County will be on the lookout for drivers high on alcohol or drugs over the Cinco de Mayo weekend.

“California Highway Patrol area offices are aggressively seeking out DUI suspects and will field extra black-and-white units,” said Lt. Casey Cronin of the Ventura Area Command.

“We’ve seen a 54 percent increase in DUI injury collisions from 13 in the first four months of last year and 20 for the same time period this year,” he said. “This cannot be allowed to continue.”

Of course drivers need to be sober, and they should also realize that streets and freeways are bad places to multi-task, according to Cronin. He advocates concentrating solely on driving, and not being distracted by texting, talking on the phone, eating or fiddling with the stations on the car radio.

“Avoid the 14 will field other crackdowns over the Memorial Day and Independence Day holiday weekends,” said traffic Sgt. Randy Latimer of the Oxnard Police Dept., campaign coordinator.

Funding for Avoid the 14 comes from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which reminds everyone to report drunk drivers by dialing 911 on their cell phones.

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

On April 26, 2012, eight juveniles committed a burglary in the 11000 block of Darlene Lane. The juveniles stole two firearms and other miscellaneous items. Moorpark patrol deputies, detectives, and the special enforcement unit responded to the area and established a perimeter. The eight juveniles were quickly apprehended and transported to the Moorpark Police Department for questioning. The subsequent investigation led to the arrest of an additional juvenile.

All of the stolen firearms were recovered at or near the scene of the crime. Eight of the juveniles were cited and released to their legal guardians while one was booked at Juvenile Hall. The investigation is on-going and anyone with further information is encouraged to contact the Moorpark Police Department.

Nature of Incident: Burglary Arrest
Report Number: 12-9272
Location: 11000 block of Darlene Lane, Moorpark, CA 93021
Date & Time: April 26, 2012 / 2:00 PM
Unit Responsible: Moorpark Patrol / Moorpark Detectives / Special Enforcement Unit
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Deputy J. McCollum
Media Release Date: 4/27/12
Follow-Up Contact: Detective Lynch (805) 532-2714
Approved by: Captain Ron Nelson

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

In February, a residential burglary occurred on San Vincente Circle in Newbury Park. Not only did the suspect take jewelry, electronics and other items, he committed hundreds of dollars worth of damage to the residence. Detectives with the Thousand Oaks Police Department conducted an investigation and identified Robert Besinger as the suspect in the crime. Besinger was arrested on February 24, 2012. He was booked into the East County Jail on one felony count of burglary and one felony count of vandalism. Besinger was later released on $50,000.00 bail.

Detectives continued the investigation in an attempt to locate the victim’s outstanding property. On April 25, 2012, detectives served a search warrant on Besinger’s home and vehicle. This led to the discovery that Besinger, a prior convicted felon, was in possession of several guns and narcotics. Besinger was arrested for one felony count of felon with a firearm, one felony count of possession of a controlled substance, and one misdemeanor count of being under the influence of a controlled substance. He was booked into the East County Jail on $500,000.00 bail.

The Thousand Oaks Police Department would like to continue to encourage citizens to watch for suspicious activity in their neighborhoods. If a person or vehicle appears out of place, contact the police at (805) 654-9511. In an emergency, always call 911. Your information may produce a lead that could potentially solve a crime.

In addition, Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for these types of crimes. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Nature of Incident: Burglary Investigation Leads to Guns and Narcotics
Report Number: 12-3894, 12-9137
Location: Greenmeadow Avenue, Thousand Oaks, CA
Date & Time: April 25, 2012 @ 8:00 a.m.
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department Investigations Bureau
Thousand Oaks Police Department Special Enforcement Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Besinger, Robert Thousand Oaks, CA 43
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Sergeant Jeff Miller
Media Release Date: April 25, 2012
Follow-Up Contact: Detective Pete Seery / (805) 494-8221
Approved by: Captain Steve Wade

 
Driver charged with felony hit and run, felony DUI and convicted felon in possession of a handgun

On Friday, April 20, 2012 at approximately 4:10 pm officers responded to the intersection of W. Main St. and Cameron St. for a report of an injury hit and run accident. While enroute officers were informed a second traffic collision had occurred at the intersection of Cameron St. and W. Santa Barbara St. Witnesses reported the same vehicle was possibly involved and also two subjects fled from the vehicle at Cameron St. and W. Santa Barbara St. Upon officers arrival witnesses reported the two subjects who fled were now attempting to gain entry in a home in the 100 block of Salas St. Contact was made with the two subjects there who were found to be the driver, Miguel Morales, and Cheyenne Murphy. They were both taken into custody. Morales was found to be intoxicated and arrested for DUI and hit and run. Murphy was arrested for hit and run due to assisting Morales to leave the scene due to his injuries. The victim of the hit and run was transported to SPER and her prognosis appears to be good. A search of the vehicle was conducted and an unloaded pistol was found on the driver’s floorboard.

There were two additional subjects found at the second accident scene. One subject, Denise Mejia, attempted to claim she was the driver of the vehicle. This was found to be false due to independent eye witnesses who observed Morales driving the vehicle. The other subject was arrested however later released after investigation. The three subjects listed below were transported to Ventura County Main Jail. Listed below are the arrestees information and charges:

1. Miguel Morales, age 39 of Moorpark, charged with felony hit and run with injuries, felony DUI with injuries, and convicted felon in possession of a handgun
2. Cheyenne Murphy, age 18 of Moorpark, charged with felony hit and run with injuries (due to assisting Morales leaving the scene)
3. Denise Mejia, age 41 of Camarillo, charged with providing false information to a police officer

Cody Madison
Sergeant

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

Headquarters deputies responded to the above listed address for a report of a stabbing victim. Upon their arrival, deputies discovered a 31-year old female with several stab wounds/lacerations to her body. The female victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where she underwent emergency surgery for her wounds. The suspect, Santos Mendoza Rivera, who was still on scene, was immediately detained, and upon further investigation was subsequently arrested for attempted murder. Rivera was booked into the Ventura County Main Jail on the attempted murder charges. Major Crimes investigators responded and took over the investigation.

Nature of Incident: 664/187 PC / Attempted Murder
Report Number: RB # 120009028
Location: 11300 Block of Violeta Street, Saticoy
Date & Time: 04/23/12 @ 2113
Unit Responsible: Headquarters Patrol / Major Crimes
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(V) Female, Saticoy, 31
(S) Santos Mendoza Rivera, Saticoy, 30
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Sergeant Ruby #1852
Media Release Date: 04/24/12
Follow-Up Contact: Major Crimes Detective William Therrien (805) 384-4739
Approved by: Captain Bill Flannigan

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).

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
During the summer of 2010, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office learned of serious allegations of corruption involving elected and non-elected officials at the City of Oxnard.1 The allegations involved potential criminal violations of conflict of interest, misappropriation, and gift-reporting laws. In response, the District Attorney conducted a thorough investigation to determine the truth of the allegations and whether the law had been violated. The investigation focused specifically on the following allegations:

1 As used in this report, the term “officials” refers to elected City of Oxnard city council members and non-elected City of Oxnard employees in supervisory positions.

2 In June 2010, Ken Ortega resigned from city employment. For ease of reading, Ortega’s position will be referred to as Public Works Director throughout this report, as that was the position he held during the relevant times discussed in the report. The same convention will be applied to other officials who have changed position or employment since June 2010.

• Several city officials misappropriated taxpayer dollars to pay for excessive travel, meal expenses, and personal purchases.

• City Manager Ed Sotelo violated misappropriation and conflict of interest laws by taking an improper $10,000 personal loan of city funds and establishing an improper retirement benefit for himself and others.

• Public Works Director Ken Ortega2 misappropriated taxpayer dollars to fund a formal grand opening celebration of a city facility.

• City officials received gifts of vacations, meals, rounds of golf, and event tickets from companies doing significant business with the city, without publicly declaring the gifts as required by law.

• City officials violated conflict of interest laws by approving multi-million dollar city contracts from which they stood to profit.

To determine the truth of these allegations, district attorney investigators interviewed dozens of witnesses and executed more than 30 search warrants at more than 50 locations, gathering over 100,000 pages of documentary evidence. The investigation found evidence establishing the following:

• A clear pattern of fiscal waste by a small number of city officials. Oxnard’s lax policies and recordkeeping enabled officials to spend excessively while traveling on city business. These same deficient policies and recordkeeping leave insufficient evidence to prove criminal misappropriation under the law.

• City Manager Sotelo took an impermissible personal loan of city funds in 1998. Because the statute of limitations for this conduct has expired, the loan having occurred more than 13 years ago, the law does not permit prosecution.

• In 2003, City Manager Sotelo implemented a retirement benefit for himself and others that was improper because under state law only the city council has the legal authority to set employee salaries and benefits. Because the statute of limitations has expired and there is insufficient evidence to prove a criminal violation of misappropriation or conflict of interest laws, this conduct cannot be prosecuted.

• A formal grand opening celebration that cost an estimated $95,000 appears to have been funded with a combination of private contributions and diverted city funds. The available evidence does not reliably establish the extent of city funds expended on the celebration or who authorized the expenditures. City of Oxnard contracting practices did not accurately reflect the scope or cost of work to be performed under city contracts. Inaccurate contracting practices resulted in the improper diversion of city funds through an artificially inflated contract amendment. The diverted funds were used to finance a mural and a scale model featured at the grand opening celebration. Due to incomplete recordkeeping of both contracting practices and city expenditures, the evidence is insufficient to establish criminal misappropriation.

• Several city officials failed to CONTINUED »

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

On 3-13-2012, Sheriff’s deputies and investigators from the Sheriff’s Gang Unit responded to a shooting call in the 3700 block of Nyeland Avenue. While responding to the call, deputies learned the wounded gunshot victim had been taken to Saint John’s Hospital by a private party. Deputies located a crime scene near the location of the call and determined individual taken to Saint John’s was the victim of the shooting call.

Based on information provided by the victim and witnesses, investigators believe two male suspects entered the unlocked residence of the victim at about 2:40 p.m. One of suspects was armed with a 9mm handgun. The suspects demanded $10,000.00 from the victim. When only able to provide the suspects with $1,000.00, the suspects told the victim they were going to kill him. During the robbery, the victim’s teenage son came home and was held against his will by the suspects. When the suspects learned the victim’s other child was about to be released from elementary school, one of the suspects took the teenage son to the elementary school by car and picked up the second child.

Meanwhile, the second suspect told the victim he was going to be killed. The suspect lifted his gun and the victim tried to push the gun away. A struggle ensued between the two with the suspect firing the gun. The bullet struck the victim’s hand, partially removing one of the victim’s fingers. The suspect attempted to shoot the suspect a second time but the gun malfunctioned. Ultimately both suspects fled the scene taking cash and other items from the victim after releasing the two children at the residence. The victim was treated for his injuries and released. Investigators obtained detailed descriptions of both suspects including their distinctive tattoos.

On 3-16-2012, gang investigators learned that Hanford Police officers and the Ventura SWAT team had just arrested Jason Reyes at an apartment in the 1300 block of Saratoga Street in Ventura. Jason Reyes was wanted for two homicides in Northern California and had barricaded himself inside the apartment with his cousin, Donald Reyes. Sheriff Gang investigators were on scene when Jason was arrested and saw his tattoos matched those of the suspect in the Nyeland Avenue event. Gang investigators served a search warrant at the apartment where Jason and Donald Reyes were arrested and recovered property taken from the victim.

On 3-16-2012, investigators obtained enough information to arrest Donald Reyes for attempted murder and robbery. He was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail. Jason Reyes was arrested by Hanford Police Department on their murder warrant and transported to Kings County Jail. On 3-20-2012, the District Attorney’s Office filed multiple charges against Donald including attempted murder and robbery. He remains in custody on $1,000,000.00 bail.

On 4-12-2012, gang investigators obtained a $500,000.00 arrest warrant for Jason Reyes listing charges of attempted murder and robbery. Jason will be extradited to Ventura County once his murder charges are concluded in Northern California.

Nature of Incident: Arrest Warrant granted for Attempted Murder Suspect
Report Number: 12-5741
Location: 3700 Block of Nyeland Avenue, Unincorporated area of Oxnard
Date & Time: 4-12-2012
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Gang Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Jason Reyes, Oxnard, 35
Donald Reyes, Oxnard, 39
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Sgt. Bill Schierman
Media Release Date: 04-14-12
Follow – up Contact: Sgt. Bill Schiermann 805 64 3551
Approved by: Captain Patti Salas

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

Over the last few months, several residential burglaries were reported in the Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park areas. Similar circumstances surrounded these crimes as thieves primarily focused on jewelry and electronics. The investigations led detectives to three potential suspects, Javier Hernandez, Eric Martinez and Mila Deguzman. On April 11, 2012, detectives from the Thousand Oaks Police Department’s Investigations Bureau and Special Enforcement Unit served search warrants at two local residences. The search warrants led to the recovery of stolen property.

Hernandez, Martinez and Deguzman were arrested and booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed two counts of burglary against Martinez, who is still in custody on $310,000.00 bail. Hernandez and Deguzman have both been released from custody with pending court dates. They are both awaiting a decision from the District Attorney’s Office on potential charges being filed against them.

The Ventura County and Los Angeles County areas have seen a recent increase in residential burglaries. Suspects will sometimes knock on doors to see if anyone is home before breaking in. They will even pose as solicitors in an effort to appear to have legitimate business. The Thousand Oaks Police Department would like to encourage citizens to report suspicious activity. Your information may produce a lead that could potentially solve a crime.

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 these types of crimes. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Nature of Incident: Burglary Investigation
Report Number: 12-4781, 12-4937
Location: 700 block of Wendy Drive, Newbury Park, CA
300 block of Charro Avenue, Newbury Park, CA

Date & Time: April 11, 2012 @ 0800
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department Investigations Bureau
Thousand Oaks Police Department Special Enforcement Unit

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Javier Garcia Hernandez, Thousand Oaks, CA, 23
(S) Eric Edward Martinez, Thousand Oaks, CA, 23
(S) Mila Grace Marie Deguzman, Thousand Oaks, CA, 21
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Sergeant Jeff Miller
Media Release Date: April 17, 2012
Follow-Up Contact: Detective Pete Seery (805) 494-8221
Approved by: Captain Steve Wade

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

A 43-year-old Oxnard man tried to kill himself with a knife Tuesday morning while running in and out of traffic on PCH near the Point Mugu Naval Base.

A California Highway Patrol officer stopped on the shoulder of PCH to assist Paul Robinette, who appeared to be stranded with his vehicle. Robinette yelled at the officer and brandished a knife. Additional CHP officers and sheriff’s deputies arrived on scene to assist.

Robinette ran across the north and southbound lanes waving the knife and stabbing himself repeatedly. The sheriff’s deputies and highway patrol officers formed a plan and worked as a team to prevent Robinette from endangering other motorists on the busy highway. Deputies used a bean bag shotgun to try to subdue Robinette and keep him from causing himself further injury. Robinette was struck several times with bean bag rounds, but did not react to the impacts.

Robinette was eventually subdued when CHP officers used Tasers to stop him. Just before being tased, Robinette plunged the knife into his torso. A sheriff’s helicopter flew Robinette to Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center in Thousand Oaks. Robinette underwent surgery, but is expected to survive.

No emergency responders or bystanders were injured during the incident. PCH was closed in both directions for more than an hour during the standoff.

Deputies found several suicide notes in Robinette’s vehicle.

Nature of Incident: Oxnard man attempts suicide during morning commute on PCH
Report Number: 12-8428
Location: Pacific Coast Highway at Las Posas Road
Date & Time: Apr. 17, 2012 @ 7:43 AM
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office / California Highway Patrol
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(V) Paul Robinette Oxnard 43
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Sgt. Eric Buschow
Media Release Date: Apr. 17, 2012
Follow-Up Contact: Sgt. Eric Buschow (805)947-8129
Approved by: Capt. Don Aguilar

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

On 04/15/2012 at about 7:15 am, Moorpark Patrol Deputies received a call of a person hit by a vehicle in the area of North Rand Street and Duke Street. When deputies arrived, they discovered a 90-year-old female who had been walking in the residential neighborhood had sustained injuries upon being struck by a vehicle. The victim was transported to Los Robles Hospital for treatment where she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead. The collision is still under investigation. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the collision and there have been no arrests made.

Nature of Incident: Fatal Traffic Collision
Report Number: 12-8280
Location: North Rand Street and Duke Street, City of Moorpark
Date & Time: 04/15/2012 @ 7:15 AM
Unit Responsible: Moorpark Traffic Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(V) Choko Takegami Jauss Moorpark 90
Moorpark Traffic Bureau Deputy David Anaya
Media Release Date: 04/16/2012
Follow-Up Contact: Senior Deputy Stubblefield 805-532-2700 x 508
Approved by: Captain Ron Nelson

 

VENTURA, CA - District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that on April 11, 2012, Ventura County Superior Court Judge James Cloninger sentenced Filemon Suarez (DOB 7/4/85) to 47 years to life in prison following his conviction for two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14 years and one count of continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 years. The defendant’s conduct involved the repeated sexual molestation of a child over a period of four years.

 

VENTURA, CA - District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Ventura resident Hameed Abdul Hasan (DOB 3/08/72) was convicted by a jury on April 9, 2012, of one felony count of battery with serious bodily injury in violation of Penal Code section 243(d), and one felony count of false imprisonment by violence in violation of Penal Code section 236.

The charged incident took place on June 20, 2010, in Thousand Oaks. The victim in this case was a friend of Hasan’s. Hasan punched the victim one time in the face, fracturing her face in three different places. Hasan also kept the victim inside his home for several hours before she was able to reach safety.

Sentencing for this case will take place on May 16, 2012, at 8:30 a.m. in courtroom 47. Hasan faces a maximum sentence of four years state prison.