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

On 06/25/2011 at about 2100 hours a robbery occurred in the Ojai Valley. Two suspects at a local liquor store met the victim and eventually gave the victim a ride. They drove east on Hwy 150 towards Santa Paula. At some point on Hwy.150, the suspects pulled the vehicle over and the female asked the victim for his wallet. The victim refused to give the female suspect his wallet. The female suspect then pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the victim. She told him again to give her his wallet and money. The victim then gave the female his wallet. The female suspect then told the victim to get out of the vehicle. Once he was out of the vehicle, the suspects drove away east on Hwy 150 towards Santa Paula. A Good Samaritan gave the victim a ride back to Ojai where he reported the crime.

Through the investigation, both suspects were identified. On 06/26/2011, the female suspect was stopped in front of her residence by deputies and arrested for the robbery and being under the influence. On the morning of 06/27/2011, detectives and deputies searched the female suspect’s residence and found the male suspect who was driving the vehicle during the robbery. He was then arrested. Both suspects were booked into the Ventura County Sheriff’s Main Jail without incident.

Location: Ojai Valley
Date: June 25, 2011
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff's Office Ojai Substation Detectives and Patrol Units.
Arrestees: City of Residence: Age:
Rosalba Hernandez Oak View 24
Ismael Lopez Oak View 28
Officer Preparing Release: Det. Mark Burgess
Follow-up Contact: Det. Mark Burgess / Det. Steve Michalec (805) 646-1414
Date of Release: June 29, 2011
Approved By: Captain Chris Dunn

 


 
Charged with delaying and obstructing a police officer and auto theft

On Tuesday, June 28th, 2011 at approximately 2:29 PM, Santa Paula Police Department Motor Officer Dan Potter initiated a traffic stop on a 1998 Brown Oldsmobile Brava in the 1000 block of E. Main Street.

The driver of the vehicle failed to yield for the red light and continued S/B on Ojai Street to the area of 10th and Harvard where it entered the W/B 126 Freeway. The vehicle exited Palm Ave at a high rate of speed and the driver lost control and crashed into a highway sign and bushes and ended up in a drainage culvert near the W/B 126 on-ramp. The driver and occupants fled the scene on foot. A perimeter was set up by police, detectives and assistance from the California Highway Patrol. A records check of the vehicle revealed it had been stolen out of Ventura, Ca.

Within a few minutes a subject was detained by CHP on the south side of the freeway and identified as the driver of the vehicle. Two other suspects who fled from the vehicle have been identified by Officer Potter.

Officers inventorying the vehicle located items and property believed to be stolen. During the follow-up investigation the property was found to have been taken in two separate burglaries, one in Carpinteria, Ca and the other from Ventura, Ca.

Arrested and charged with delaying and obstructing a police officer and auto theft was Juan Jaime Arias (21 years of Santa Paula). Follow up is being conducted by investigators to determine Aria’s and the two suspects who fled involvement in the burglaries.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Sergeant Cordero at 525-4474x220 or at icordero@spcity.org.

Carlos Juarez
Lieutenant
cjuarez@spcity.org

 


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

On June 29, 2011 at approximately 1:30 a.m., deputies conducting regular cell scans found Peter Zepeda unresponsive and not breathing, the victim of an apparent suicide by hanging. Emergency aid was rendered by deputies and jail medical staff. Ventura County Fire personnel and AMR ambulance personnel were summoned. Zepeda was pronounced dead at the jail.

Zepeda was arrested and booked on April 1, 2009 by the Santa Paula Police Department for the following charges:
• 211 PC, robbery.
• 236 PC, false imprisonment by violence.
• 207(a) PC, kidnapping.

Zepeda was found guilty by jury on 9 counts of 211 PC and sentenced on June 23, 2011 to 66 years in State Prison. Zepeda had a psychiatric evaluation after his sentencing and was cleared for housing.

Location: Todd Road Jail Facility, Santa Paula
Unit Responsible: Major Crimes Unit and Classification Unit
Decedent Address Age
Peter Zepeda Santa Paula 31
Officer Preparing Release: Sergeant Louis Beery
Follow-up Contact: Sergeant Joe Evans (805) 477-7049
Date of Release: June 29, 2011
Approved by: Captain Jerry Hernandez

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

Celebrating our Independence Day this 4th of July with loved ones and friends is a favorite past time for most of us. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind those celebrating this holiday weekend that possession of illegal fireworks is a crime, and individuals found with these items will be arrested and the fireworks will be confiscated.

Illegal fireworks are categorized as both dangerous and safe-and-sane. Dangerous fireworks are best described as any firework that explodes or has the capability of being shot through the air. Safe-and-sane fireworks are all others. Only safe-and-sane fireworks are legal in the City of Fillmore from now through July 5th at noon. Fireworks are illegal in all other areas in Ventura County.

Additionally, driving under the influence and discharging a firearm into the air are two very dangerous acts that have also become familiar with this day. Discharging a firearm into the air is a felony punishable by one year in state prison. If you see or hear illegal fireworks, someone discharging a firearm, or driving under the influence, please dial 911.

Let’s all enjoy our Independence Day by drinking responsibly, not discharging any weapons into the air, and leaving the fireworks displays throughout our County to the experts.

Have a safe and sane 4th of July celebration!

Location: Countywide
Date & Time/ RB#: N/A
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Administration
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of Residence Age
N/A
Officer Preparing Release: Captain Mike Aranda
Follow-up Contact: Captain Mike Aranda
Aprroved by: Captain Paul Higgason
Date of Release: June 28, 2011

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

The Thousand Oaks Police Department’s Traffic Bureau is investigating a fatal traffic collision that occurred at the intersection of Lynn Road and Via Andrea. Edward Ruiz was riding his motorcycle westbound on Lynn Road. Ruiz’s wife, Lupe Ruiz, was a passenger on the motorcycle. As the Ruiz’s entered the intersection at Via Andrea, Edward lost control of the motorcycle and left the roadway.

Edward and Lupe were treated at the scene and then transported by ambulance to Los Robles Hospital. Shortly after arrival at the hospital Edward was pronounced deceased due to injuries he sustained during the collision. Lupe was treated for minor injuries.

The cause of the accident is still being investigated. Anyone who may have witnessed this accident is encouraged to call the Thousand Oaks Traffic Bureau at (805) 494-8271

Location: Lynn Road @ Via Andrea
Date & Time/ RB#: June 25, 2011 @ 3:54 pm / 11-14413
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Traffic Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of Residence Age
Edward Manuel Ruiz Moorpark Ca. 66
Officer Preparing Release: Sgt. Rick Harwood
Follow-up Contact: Sgt. Rick Harwood / rick.harwood@ventura.org
Date of Release: June 25, 2011
Approved By: Capt. R.Hindman

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

On June 24, 2011, at about 6:00 p.m., Ventura County Sheriff’s Air support was requested for a female juvenile who was injured while hiking out of Santa Paula Canyon. Initial information stated that the juvenile had spent the previous evening camping with five other young adult and juvenile friends at Big Cone Campground. All of the campers were in the process of hiking to the trailhead when the juvenile was injured about one mile from Thomas Aquinas College near an area known as the Punch Bowls.

Due to the remote location and lack of cellular service near the injured juvenile, three of the campers hiked out of the canyon to notify emergency personnel. Sheriff’s Air Squad 8 responded. Upon arrival to the area, an aerial search was initiated. Shortly after the search began, the juvenile was located on the trail.

Due to the remote location and rugged terrain, the only option to contact, evaluate, and rescue the injured juvenile was through a hoist operation. The juvenile was hoisted into the helicopter and secured. The juvenile was flown to Thomas Aquinas College where Ventura County Fire and A.M.R. Ambulance were awaiting to treat the juvenile. The juvenile was transported to Santa Paula Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The young adults and juveniles should be commended for remaining calm and formulating at plan to summon help for their injured friend. The Santa Paula Canyon is a beautiful and rugged area to visit. Visitors to the area should always be prepared for emergencies by carrying extra water, food, and communication devices.

Location: Santa Paula Canyon
Date & Time/ RB#: 6/24/2011 @ 6:00 p.m. / RB 11-14336
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Aviation Unit / Search and Rescue (S.A.R.)
(P)Parties, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of Residence Age
(P1) Juvenile West Hills, CA 15
Officer Preparing Release: Senior Deputy Don White
Follow-up Contact: Senior Deputy Don White / Aviation Unit @ (805) 388-4212
Date of Release: June 25, 2011
Approved By: Captain Don Aguilar

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

On June 22nd, 2011, at approximately 10:00 PM the Ventura City Fire Department and the Ventura Sheriff’s Office were notified of two stranded hikers who were lost in the fog and clinging to a near vertical embankment in the hills north of Ventura.

One of the individuals, who lived in the area and had explored the hills extensively, decided to take his visiting cousin from Illinois on a local hike to show him the California countryside. The parties began hiking around 6:30 PM in the hills and became separated when one of them fell down an embankment in the dark and disappeared from view. While the two could converse, they realized both were in a precarious position and decided to remain in place and call 911.

The Sheriff’s Office helicopter was requested but due to the dense fog was unable to respond. While the Ventura City Fire Department personnel began searching for access to the area members from the Sheriff’s volunteer Upper Ojai Search and Rescue team were requested.

Upon arrival the Search and Rescue team was able to direct one of the victims to email his position from his I-phone to the rescuers I-pad giving an almost exact location of the missing parties. While this technology was extremely useful the team still had to rely on putting their boots on the ground and hiking in the old fashion way.

The Search and Rescue members were faced with a multitude of obstacles that included steep terrain, with dense brush growth from the recent higher than normal rainfall, and thick fog, which limited visibility to 30 feet at times. While fighting through brush in the fog, the rescuers were faced with steep drop offs into the canyon. After searching for 2 1/2 hours rescuers were finally able to make contact with the stranded hikers and returned them to their awaiting parents.

Location: Foothills north of the city of Ventura, CA
Date & Time: 06/22/2011 10:00 PM
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
Victims City of residence Age
V-1 Tyler Ray Bloomington IL. 18
V-2 Juvenile Ventura CA 16
Officer Preparing Release: Sergeant F. Underlin
Follow-up Contact: Sergeant F. Underlin 947-8196
Date of Release: 6-23-2011
Approved by: Captain P. Higgason

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

On Tuesday night, 14 deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office conducted a 6-hour probation and parole sweep in the City of Ojai and surrounding areas The deputies went to more than 100 residences and made 10 arrests for narcotics related offenses. The variety of narcotics charges include being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession for sales of narcotics, and possession of paraphernalia used to ingest narcotics.

The probation and parole searches were conducted as part of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office ongoing proactive enforcement to reduce crime in the communities it serves.

Report Number:
Multiple
Location(s):
Multiple
Date & Time:
June 21, 2011, 1600 to 2200 Hours
Unit Responsible:
Ojai Patrol Station
(S)uspects, City of Residence Age
1) Allison Mills Ojai 30
2) Ashley Ryan Ojai 27
3) Shannon Barrett Ojai 24
4) Adrian Velasco Ojai 51
5) Ricardo Lozano Ojai 29
6) Devin Karmidas Ojai 25
7) Alex Drost Ojai 47
8) Alexander Beirne Ojai 30
9) Yvonne West Ojai 43
10) Alan Charlsworth Ojai 29

Deputy Preparing Media Release:
Sgt Bill Schierman
Media Release Date:
June 23, 2011
Follow-Up Contact:
Sgt Bill Schierman 654-3551
Approved by:
Captain P. Higgason

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

During the past month, the City of Thousand Oaks has experienced several thefts from vehicles in the Open Space parks and around Wilbur Road. During the thefts, unidentified suspects entered both locked and unlocked vehicles. The suspects primarily target personal items that were in plain view.

Over the past two days, Thousand Oaks Police patrol deputies were able to apprehend two unrelated burglars.

The first arrest happened on June 21, 2011. Alert citizens called and notified the Thousand Oaks Police Department about two suspicious juvenile subjects that had broken into a vehicle parked on Warwick Avenue. Patrol officers responded and observed two male teens that matched the citizens’ description of the thieves. One suspect was immediately apprehended at the location, but the other suspect was able to flee the scene. The detained suspect was found to be in possession of stolen property from two recent thefts from vehicles. The 14 year-old burglar was arrested and lodged into Ventura County Juvenile Hall on several felonies, including vehicle burglary and possession of stolen property.

The second arrest occurred on June 22, 2011, when visitors to Wildwood Park had secured their vehicle in the parking lot and went for a hike on the open space trails. Burglar Nichoas Paulsen watched the hikers depart the parking area. He then gained access into the victim’s car and stole numerous personal items. Paulsen fled the scene before detection.

Once the hikers returned, they found their car ransacked. Alert citizens provided tips to the responding patrol officers.

Thousand Oaks Police Officers are assigned to specific neighborhoods. It is an effective way of community policing so that officers can interact with the residents. In this case, the responding officer immediately recognized the description of the suspect as a local criminal named Nichoas Paulsen. The officer knew exactly where Paulsen resides. In minutes, police officers found Paulsen at his house. He was in possession of the stolen property from the car burglary at Wildwood Park. Paulsen was arrested for Grand Theft, Possession of Narcotics and Under the Influence of Narcotics. He was booked into the Ventura County Jail on Felony and Misdemeanor Charges.

Thousand Oaks Police Department would not have arrested either suspect without crucial tips from the public. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activity, as it often helps us with a lead that solves the crime. Residents are also reminded not to leave purses, bags or other valuables visible in their cars. Items left in the passenger area become an invitation for thieves to break a car window in order to steal property.

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 this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 805-494-TALK.

Location: Wildwood Park and 800 Block of Warwick Avenue, Thousand Oaks, Ca.
Date & Time / RB#: June 21, 2011 @ 8:30 P.M / RB# 11-14078 & 11-14094
June 22, 2011 @ 7:40 P.M / RB# 11-14164
Units Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department Investigations Bureau
Suspect City of Residence Age
Nichoas Paulsen Thousand Oaks 20
Juvenile Thousand Oaks 14
Officer Preparing Release: Detective Captain Tim Hagel
Follow-up Contact: Detective Matt Young / (805) 494-8227
Date of Release: June 23, 2011
Approved By: Captain Tim Hagel

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

On 6/13/11, deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff Department’s Ojai Valley Station responded to a report of a victim with serious facial injuries at Ojai Community Hospital. During the investigation, it was learned the victim suffered facial fractures during a pre-arranged meeting in an alley on the east end of the City of Ojai. The meeting was arranged to “settle” a disagreement from another altercation between the two subjects the previous night. There was no evidence this battery was gang related.

During the fight on 6/13/11, the male juvenile suspect punched the victim multiple times about the head and face, while the victim was lying motionless on the ground. Investigators learned another subject who was present during the battery was Jesse Diaz and that Jesse video recorded the fight with his cellular phone.

Jesse Diaz was on Probation from a conviction regarding an unrelated assault on this same victim in December, 2010. As a term of his probation, the court ordered Jesse to “stay away” from the victim. A probation search of Jesse’s residence produced his cellular phone, which contained the video of the fight, showing the suspect battering the victim. Because he was present during the fight, in violation of his court order to stay away from the victim, Jesse was arrested for violating a court order.

The juvenile suspect was arrested for Battery, causing Serious Bodily injury and lodged at the Ventura County Juvenile Justice Facility.

Location: Dirt Alley, East of 1002 Ojai Ave., Ojai, Ca

Date / RB#: 6/13/11 / RB# 11-13373

Unit Responsible: Ojai Valley Station Detectives

(S)uspects City of Residence Age
Male Juvenile Meiners Oaks 17
Jesse Diaz Ojai 18

Officer Preparing Release: Detective Steve Michalec

Follow-up Contact: Detective Steve Michalec

Date of Release: June 17, 2011

Approved By: Captain Chris Dunn

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

On June 8, 2011, a local landscaper reported the theft of equipment from his work truck. The victim explained he was working on the 1500 block of Edgemont Drive when a Hispanic male stole some hedge clippers from him. The victim told deputies the suspect was driving a white Mercedes sedan. The area was checked and deputies could not locate the suspect.

On June 16, 2011, at about 2:30 p.m., the victim was working in the area of Dunnigan Street and Bedford Drive when he saw the suspect who stole his equipment drive by. The victim called the Sheriff’s Department and several deputies responded to the area. Deputies subsequently located the suspect, who was identified as Ernesto Navarrete, in his white Mercedes on Grangier Street.

During the stop Navarrete was found to be under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested and detectives found additional evidence indicating he had committed the theft on June 8th. Additionally, detectives believe the suspect may be involved in numerous other related landscape equipment thefts in Ventura County.

Navarrete was booked at the Main Jail in Ventura for being under the influence of a controlled substance and theft.

Location: Camarillo

Date & Time/ RB#: June 16, 2011

Unit Responsible: Camarillo Police Services

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of Residence Age
(S1) Ernesto Navarrete Moorpark 22 yrs
Officer Preparing Release: Sgt. J. Devorick
Follow-up Contact: Detective Nora Soler (805) 388-5157
Date of Release: June 17, 2011
Approved By: Captain Paul Higgason

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

During the last several months, hiking trailhead parking lots across Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles Counties have experienced a large number of vehicle burglaries. Hikers would leave for a visit in the local, state and national parks and forest and an unknown suspect would break into the hiker’s vehicle and steal personal items, including purses, credit cards and other valuables.

The burglar would then go on a spending spree with the victims’ credit cards at gas stations or retail stores within a couple hours of the crime. Often the crime spree occurred before the victims could contact their credit card companies to cancel the cards.

Detectives from the Thousand Oaks Police Department, Ojai Police Department, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department began working together in a joint task force to identify and stop these crimes. By sharing intelligence, tips and information, detectives were able to piece together enough information to identify a suspect, James Vivan Melton of Oxnard.

On June 9, 2011, the task force converged on the 300 block of South G Street in the City of Oxnard. They had a judicial search warrant to investigate inside of Melton’s residence and to search one of Melton’s criminal associates. During the searches, Thousand Oaks Detectives located and recovered stolen property from hikers, which linked Melton to several of these trailhead crimes in multiple counties.

The “Park Burglar” was apprehended by the task force and arrested for several felony charges. The Ventura County District Attorney has filed multiple counts of burglary, possession of stolen property, identity theft, and fraudulent use of an access card against Melton. He is currently in custody at the Ventura County Main Jail on $70,000.00 bail.

The Thousand Oaks Police Department would like to remind citizens not to leave purses, bags or other valuables visible in their cars. This becomes an invitation for thieves to break a car window in order to steal property. We could not have arrested Melton without critical tips from the public. Citizens are also encouraged to report any suspicious activity, as it may lead to the piece of the puzzle that solves the crime.

Location: 300 block of South G Street, Oxnard, CA

Date & Time / RB#: June 9, 2011 @ 0800A.M / RB# 11-8888

Units Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department Detectives

Suspect City of Residence Age
James Vivan Melton Oxnard 46

Officer Preparing Release: Detective Mike McConville

Follow-up Contact: Detective Mike McConville / (805) 494-8219

Date of Release: June 17, 2011

Approved By: Captain Tim Hagel

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

On the night of 06-13-11, at about 10:40 p.m., Thousand Oaks patrol deputies responded to a burglary alarm at the Chase Bank in the 3900 block of East Thousand Oaks Boulevard. Upon arrival, deputies noticed the electronic card reader for the ATM lobby was missing from the exterior doorframe. The card reader is used by customers to gain ATM lobby access after hours.

The on-duty patrol deputies were aware of previous electronic card readers being stolen by organized crime groups. They were ready when the alarm sounded. About 15 to 20 minutes later, a Thousand Oaks patrol deputy contacted a suspect, later identified as Andranik Mousesyan, in the vicinity of another Chase Bank in the 1600 block of North Moorpark Road.

During the field investigation, deputies found the stolen electronic card reader and tools used to remove the card reader in possession of Andranik Mousesyan.

Thousand Oaks Police, Forgery-Fraud Detectives responded and expanded the investigation. Detectives had been working with San Luis Obispo and Los Angeles detectives in tracking an organized crime ring out of Los Angeles that specializes in ATM skimming, identity theft and bank burglaries. Mousesyan’s arrest was key to the on-going investigation.

Detectives arrested Andranik Mousesyan for possession of stolen bank property and possession of burglary tools. He was booked at the Ventura County Jail for these Felony charges.

These organized crime rings steal millions of dollars annually. So to protect yourself, Thousand Oaks Police Officers recommend that citizens avoid using their ATM or Credit Card to gain access to bank ATM lobbies after dark. Instead, use any card with a magnetic strip that does not have personal information such as date of birth, bank account numbers or credit information. Many citizens use their gym cards or library cards to be safe and avoid identity theft and unwanted access into their bank accounts.

We have attached Andranik Mousesyan’s photo. If you have seen him at other banks in the area please contact Fraud Detective Ed Ilano at 805-494-8231

Location: 1600 block of North Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, CA

Date & Time/ RB#: June 13, 2011 at 11:05 p.m./11-13392

Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Forgery-Fraud Unit

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age

(V) Chase Bank Thousand Oaks, CA
(S) Andranik Mousesyan North Hollywood, CA 21

Officer Preparing Release: Detective Ed Ilano

Follow-up Contact: Detective Ed Ilano (805) 494-8231

Date of Release: June 17, 2011

Approved By: Captain Tim Hagel

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

On 6-13-2011, the Sheriff’s East County Narcotic Street Team received an anonymous tip that marijuana was being grown and sold at a residence in the 1400 block of Avenida De Los Arboles, City of Thousand Oaks. In addition, the anonymous source stated young children at the residence had access to the marijuana plants that were growing in the backyard.

Within one day, narcotic investigators obtained a search warrant for the listed address. Investigators also learned that Toby Starr and his wife Jaime Starr were living at the residence with their 18-month old son. In addition, Toby Starr’s mother, Nancy Starr, lives at the residence and cares for a 5-year-old child. Investigators learned through their preliminary investigation that Toby Starr has a history of child neglect.

On 6-14-2011, Investigators served the search warrant at the residence. Investigators had the assistance of Child Protective Services. Investigators discovered several marijuana plants growing inside a chain linked fenced area in the backyard. However, the plants were so big that the two children could easily reach their hands through the fence to get exposed to the marijuana. There was also a significant amount of marijuana inside a bucket on the rear patio to residence immediately adjacent to the children’s toys. Investigators obtained evidence that Toby Starr was selling the marijuana for profit, but he was attempting to grow/possess the marijuana under the protection of California Proposition 215.

All three adults were arrested for felony child neglect due to the hazardous conditions. Toby Starr was also arrested for possessing marijuana for sale and cultivating marijuana. All three were booked into the Ventura County Jail. Child Protective Services took custody and care of the two children.

Location: 1400 Block of Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks

Date & Time/ RB#: 6-14-2011

Unit Responsible: East County Narcotics Street Team- City of Thousand Oaks Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of residence Age
Toby Starr Thousand Oaks 34
Jaime Starr Thousand Oaks 33
Nancy Starr Thousand Oaks 58

Officer Preparing Release: Sgt. Robert Thomas

Follow-up Contact: Sgt. Robert Thomas robert.thomas@ventura.org

Date of Release: June 15,, 2011

Approved By: Mike De Los Santos, Captain #0730

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

On June 13, 2011, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Ojai Station and the Camarillo Police Department Special Enforcement Detail conducted an alcohol sales operation involving the local liquor stores in the Ojai Valley. Nine liquor stores were chosen for the sales operation. The law requires the sales employee to ask for and look at a person’s identification to make sure they are of age for purchasing an alcoholic beverage. Only one of the nine locations, the Ojai Beverage Company, sold an alcoholic beverage to the minor during the operation.

The employee who sold the alcoholic beverage to the minor was issued a citation for section 25658 (a) of the California Business & Professions Code and released. The California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (A.B.C.) will follow up with the business with regard to their employee selling to a minor. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office will send out letters to the other eight businesses involved in the sales operation advising them that they were successful.

The Sales Operation was successful for the businesses in the Ojai Valley in that 89% of the businesses involved in the operation refused to sell to a minor and asked for age and identification. One location even reprimanded the minor for trying to purchase an alcoholic beverage. This is the third sales operation involving the local liquor stores in the valley in the past three years.

Location: Ojai Valley

Date & Time: June 13, 2011 @ 5:00 p.m.

Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office – Ojai Valley Station

Officer Preparing Release: Detective Mark Burgess

Follow-up Contact: Detective Mark Burgess (805) 646-1414

Date of Release: June 14, 2011

Approved By: Captain Chris Dunn

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

In May 2011, Sheriff’s Narcotics Detectives received information of illegal prescription medication sales occurring in the Ojai Valley. Detectives identified Ojai resident Robert Beam, 43 years old, as the target of this information. On two occasions during this investigation, an undercover operative purchased prescription medication from Beam.

On June 14, 2011, Detectives contacted Beam and placed him under arrest for sales of a controlled substance. A signed Search Warrant was served at Beam’s residence on Gregory Street in Ojai where additional evidence was found. Prescription medications seized during this investigation included over 600 pills including Hydrocodone, Norco, Xanax, Soma, Oxycontin, and Dilaudid. A search of a storage facility rented by Beam resulted in the seizure of $45,000 in cash.

Beam was booked in to the sheriff’s Main Jail for sales of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance for sale.

Location: 1200 block Gregory Street, Ojai, CA

Date & Time: June 14, 2011

Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Special Services - Narcotics

Officer Preparing Release: Sgt. Mike Horne

Follow-up Contact: Sgt. Mike Horne (805) 383-8700

Date of Release: June 14, 2011

Approved By: Captain Don Aguilar

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

On June 9, 2011, at approximately 1:30 A.M., deputies from the Moorpark Police Station and firefighters from the Ventura County Fire Department were dispatched to a fire at a residence in the 4200 block of Cedarpine Lane, Moorpark.

Once the fire was extinguished, Arson Investigators from the Sheriff’s Office and Frire Department, along with deputies at the location discovered that the residents were in the process of manufacturing concentrated marijuana (i.e., honey oil) when the explosion occurred. The explosion caused the ensuing fire which damage most of the residence.

At the time of the explosion and subsequent fire, there were four people inside the residence. Travis Seymour, his wife Lindsey Seymour and their 3-year-old child all live at the residence. Matthew Anderson was a guest at the residence and was assisting with the honey oil manufacturing. As a result of the fire, Travis Seymour and Matthew Anderson sustained serious burn injuries and were transported by ambulance to a local hospital.

Narcotic investigator’s from the Ventura County Combined Agency Task Force (VCAT) and the Sheriff’s East County Street Team were called to the scene to assist in processing the marijuana extraction lab. The California Department of Justice, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement (BNE) also responded to assist in processing the crime scene.

Child Protective Services was contacted and responded to check the well being of the child. No arrests were made at this time and the investigation is continuing. Evidence found at the residence suggests the suspects were manufacturing the honey oil for the purpose of selling it.

Location: 4200 Block of Cedarpine Lane, Moorpark
Date & Time/ RB#: June 9, 2011
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Combined Agency Narcotic Task Force (VCAT)
Names Address Age
Travis Seymour Moorpark 34
Lindsey Seymour Moorpark 32
Matthew Anderson Moorpark 34
Officer Preparing Release: Sergeant Robert Thomas
Follow-up Contact: Sergeant Robert Thomas @ 383-8710
Date of Release: June 9, 2011
Approved By: Captain Tim Hagel

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

Over a four-day stretch from May 31st to June 3rd, an unidentified adult male entered four separate businesses in the City of Thousand Oaks. Each time, the suspect placed an order for food and then he would wait for the employee to open the cash register. He would then grab the cash.. In some cases, the employee would try to stop the theft and the suspect would get in a struggle before fleeing on foot. He did not use any weapons.

Thousand Oaks Police Department Major Crimes and Special Enforcement Units began a series of investigations that identified Simi Valley resident Louis Reyes as being the suspect in all of these crimes. Investigators searched for days in both Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks for Reyes.

On June 6, 2011, Investigators received a break in the case and Reyes was located and arrested by plain clothes officers in Thousand Oaks.

He was booked into the Ventura County Jail for one Felony count of robbery, one Felony count of attempted robbery, two Felony counts of burglary, and one Misdemeanor count of being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Location: Thousand Oaks

Date & Time / RB#: June 6, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. / 11-12792

Units Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department Investigations Bureau

Suspect City of Residence Age
Reyes, Louis Anthony Simi Valley 18

Officer Preparing Release: Detective Allen Devers

Follow-up Contact: Detective Allen Devers (805-494-8201)

Date of Release: June 9, 2011

Approved By: Captain Tim Hagel

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

On June 3, 2011, Thousand Oaks deputies contacted four suspicious people at a local Newbury Park hotel room. Inside the room, deputies discovered drug paraphernalia and a large-scale fraudulent check operation. The discovery initiated a joint investigation between the Thousand Oaks Police Department Fraud Unit and the United States Secret Service. The two agencies worked together to serve a search warrant at the hotel. The search led to the discovery of a plethora of evidence connecting this organized group to a conspiracy to create fraudulent checks, counterfeit government documents, and commit identity theft of local citizens. Bryce Tubb, Dyral Smith, Marina Elizalde and Paul Gonzales were arrested for numerous felony charges. In addition, three of the ring members had additional outstanding arrest warrants related to drugs, forgery and identity theft. All four arrestees were booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility.

The Thousand Oaks Police Department encourages citizens to protect their identity from theft. Please visit www.ftc.gov for identity theft prevention tips.

Locations: 2400 block of Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA
Date & Time/ RB#: June 3, 2011 @ 3:00 p.m. / RB# 11-12513
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department Investigations Bureau
Arrestees: City of Residence: Age
Bryce Karsten Tubb Newbury Park, CA 39
Dyral Donnell Smith Los Angeles, CA 50
Marina Araceli Elizalde Pomona, CA 33
Paul Joseph Gonzales Jr. Pomona, CA 26
Officer Preparing Release: Sergeant Jeff Miller
Follow-up Contact: Detective Darin Rich / (805) 494-8232
Date of Release: June 7, 2011
Approved By: Captain Tim Hagel

 

The 2010-2011 Ventura County Grand Jury (Grand Jury), pursuant to its responsibility for government oversight, elected to review the organizational response to two suicides and a death in the Ventura County (County) Jail during 2010. The purpose of this review was to understand the process of reception, screening, classification, housing, and monitoring of inmates in the County Jail by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department (VCSD). It was determined that—though VCSD had implemented many elements of a suicide prevention policy that can be considered best practice—the mortality and suicide averages increased in the years 2008 through 2010, as compared to the averages of the prior eight years. The Grand Jury recommends: that the Sheriff present the District Attorney with investigative results of all in-custody deaths; that the Sheriff include the Ventura County Behavioral Health Department (VCBHD) in the assessment of jail suicides; that the Sheriff increase organizational focus on suicide prevention; and that the Sheriff increase the availability of training in suicide issues for staff and community volunteers at the jail.

Go to the Grand Jury website to review the entire report: http://grandjury.countyofventura.org