By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, December 8th, 2011
On 12/07/2011, detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office’s Major Crimes Bureau executed a search warrant at the residence of Paige Hibbits in Redondo Beach, CA. The search warrant stemmed from a report of Embezzlement and Forgery from a local produce grower in Oxnard, wherein Hibbits was employed as Controller and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The investigation yielded evidence that Hibbits systematically and methodically stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from the family-owned company, while entrusted as CFO. The investigation revealed that Hibbits has been using multiple aliases over the years and has a lengthy criminal history; including felony convictions in 2004 for embezzlement and forgery from a prior employer. Additionally, Hibbits was arrested in 1990 and served time in state prison for assault with a deadly weapon. As part of Hibbits’ probation from her 2004 conviction, she was ordered to disclose her fraud crimes to any future employer. She did not do so when she was employed by the produce company, and used a different name while engaged in that employment than she used when she committed her prior crimes. Hibbits has a known history of changing her name as part of a concerted effort to conceal her criminal past from prospective victims. In order to gain credibility, Hibbits managed to place herself in positions of trust within Camarillo and Ventura County, serving in leadership positions within community organizations; positions she recently relinquished. Hibbits, acting through her business entity, “Jones Hibbits, LLC,” (located in Camarillo) is known to have had other clients for whom she performed bookkeeping, tax preparation, and accounting related services. It is unknown at this time whether Hibbits victimized others in the manner she defrauded the local produce company. Hibbits was arrested and subsequently booked at the Ventura County Jail for multiple counts of Grand Theft/Embezzlement and Forgery, with enhancements for “Aggravated White Collar Crimes.” Hibbits’ bail has been set at one million dollars ($1,000,000). The Major Crimes Bureau is concerned that Hibbits’ pattern of criminal fraud, her effective concealment of her identity and history may indicate she has also defrauded other individuals and organizations who placed their trust in her and may have given her access to their accounts. Anyone who has information regarding this crime, or who feels they may also have been victimized by Hibbits, is strongly encouraged to contact the Major Crimes Bureau / Financial Crimes Unit. Report Number: 11-20422 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). |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, December 8th, 2011
On 12-2-2011, at about 9:45 P.M., Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call of a stabbing victim at the Ventura County Medical Center. When Deputies arrived, they found a male victim suffering from a stab wound to the neck. The victim told deputies the stabbing occurred in the 100 block of Fraser Ln., an unincorporated area of Ventura. Believing the stabbing was gang related; Gang Investigators responded to the hospital and took over the investigation. Over the next few days, gang investigators spoke with several witnesses and collected numerous pieces of evidence. Gang investigators believe that on the night of the stabbing, the victim was involved in an argument with two suspects over a parking issue. As a result of the argument, the two suspects attacked and stabbed the victim. The two suspects were identified as Victor Ramirez and Jeffery Hill (see attached jail photos). Both Ramirez and Hill are documented Oxnard gang members who have strong ties to a violent prison gang. At the time of the stabbing, Hill was on parole and was wearing a GPS monitoring device. Gang investigators located Hill on 12-3-2011, and arrested him for attempted murder, street terrorism, and violation of parole. He was booked into the Ventura County Jail and was being held without bail. Ramirez was located the following morning, and arrested for being under the influence of methamphetamine and an outstanding unrelated warrant. He was booked into the Ventura County Jail. On 12-5-2011, gang investigators arrested Ramirez for attempted murder and street terrorism. His bail was set at 2,000,000 dollars. On 12-7-2011, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed numerous charges against Ramirez that include attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and street terrorism. Gang investigators anticipate that attempted murder charges against Hill will be filed later in the week. Report Number: |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, December 8th, 2011
On 12/07/2011, Ella Mae Day, 83 yrs., was walking on the sidewalk west of her residence when she was struck by a vehicle backing out of a driveway. When Deputies arrived, they found her pinned underneath the vehicle. Day suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Ventura County Fire Department. Neither drugs nor alcohol appear to be a factor in the incident. The investigation is continuing. Report Number: 11-27821 |
By Anonymous — Monday, December 5th, 2011
On Thursday, December 1, 2011 at approximately 3:16 PM, Santa Paula Police Officers responded to Santa Paula Plumbing in the 900 block of E. Yale St. for the report of a robbery. Upon arrival the victims stated a Hispanic male, in his mid 30’s, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt entered the business. The suspect produced a handgun and demanded money from the store owners. After taking an unknown amount of cash the suspect fled westbound in South Alley out of sight. A search of the area was conducted utilizing K-9 “Zak” and the Special Response Team however it met with negative results. The investigation is continuing at this time. Any one with information please contact Detective Sergeant Cordero at 525-4474 ext. 220. Cody Madison |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, December 5th, 2011
During the night of November 26, 2011, a Thousand Oaks patrol deputy came across Salvador Jimenez at Acorn Acres Park. Jimenez was bleeding from a knife wound. Jimenez told the deputy that gang members had attacked and stabbed him in the hand. Jimenez was transported to Los Robles Hospital to be treated for a non-life threatening injury. Detectives from the Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement Unit and the East County Major Crimes Unit conducted an investigation into this case. They learned that Jimenez had been stabbed by a known juvenile gang associate. On December 1, 2011, the juvenile suspect was arrested and booked in Ventura County Juvenile Hall for felony assault with a deadly weapon. Report Number: 11-26934 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). |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, December 5th, 2011
An eight-month investigation by narcotics detectives from the Sheriff's East County Narcotic Street Team and the District Attorney's Bureau of Investigation resulted in the arrest of a father and son for sales of marijuana and financial crimes. The Ventura County Combined Agency Team conducted the investigation after receiving information the individuals had formed an illegal marijuana storefront operation in Los Angeles County to sell marijuana while laundering money in Ventura County. The marijuana sales were outside of the guidelines and protections of the 1996 Compassionate Use Act and the 2003 Medical Marijuana Program Act. The investigation concluded early this week with the arrests of 25-year old Thousand Oaks resident Yugo Takahashi and 69-year old Thousand Oaks resident Akio Takahashi. Yugo was arrested for sales of marijuana and 7 counts of money laundering. Akio was arrested for sales of marijuana and 2 counts of money laundering. Akio was the 'owner' of the Infinity Medical Alliance on Robertson Boulevard in Los Angeles which he bought for $400,000 in November, 2009. Yugo was an employee and day-to-day operations manager who sold marijuana from the storefront. Yugo posted bail of $60,000 and is scheduled to be arraigned in Los Angeles Superior Court on 1/27/12. Akio posted bail of $30,000 and is scheduled to be arraigned in Los Angeles Superior Court on 1/27/12. Report Number: 11-4050 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). |
By Anonymous — Thursday, December 1st, 2011
Sacramento, CA – In response to a strong wind event forecasted for California, CAL FIRE has increased its staffing and fire equipment throughout the state. High winds along with low humidity are expected over much of the state beginning this evening and continuing for the next few days. Winds in some areas are expected to have gusts in excess of 60 mph. This weather event will significantly increase the wildfire threat in wind prone areas including the Sierras, the East Bay Hills, the Central Coast, and throughout Southern California. “The recent devastating wildland fire in Reno, Nevada is a reminder that fires can burn during the winter months even when temperatures are low,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director. “With the strong winds forecasted the fire danger will increase in many areas and we will have extra firefighters on duty so that we can respond to any new wildfires that may ignite.” CAL FIRE along with other fire agencies has increased their preparedness by staffing additional state wildland fire engines, dozers, fire crews, and aircraft. These state resources will be positioned throughout the state to allow for rapid response into communities and watershed areas that may be affected by a fast moving wildfire. The increased staffing includes the county fire departments of Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Kern and Orange, who CAL FIRE contracts with for fire protection of State Responsibility Areas. Residents are encouraged to exercise extreme caution when in or near the wildland or open areas to prevent a fire. It is important that everyone monitor the weather and be on the lookout for fires. If fires occur in the area be prepared to follow all instructions of fire and law enforcement officials if an evacuation is ordered. Winds of the forecasted velocity can cause conditions to change rapidly and the public is encouraged to review “Ready, Set, Go” procedures at www.ReadyForWildfire.org. Each person and family should insure that they are “Set” for a potential emergency situation and prepared to activate the “Go” (evacuation) portion in a calm and safe manner. For more ways to help prepare and prevent wildfires visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org or www.fire.ca.gov. |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, November 30th, 2011
On 11/28/11, at about 3:45 P.M., Victim Juan Carlos Valadez was walking in an alley at the above location. A known suspect confronted Valadez and Valadez ran away. The suspect chased Valadez in the alley and caught him near the intersection of Arneill Road. The suspect stabbed Valadez and then fled the area with at least two other males. Paramedics were summoned and attempted to aid Valadez but he succumbed to his injuries and died at the scene. The incident is believed to be gang related as both the victim and suspect(s) are known to be affiliated with rival Camarillo area gangs. On 11/29/11 at about 3:00 P.M., Major Crimes Investigators and Camarillo P.D. Detectives, working around the clock, made an arrest of a 15 year-old male in connection with the homicide. This investigation is ongoing and the search for others involved in this crime is also continuing. Anyone who witnessed this incident or has information about the outstanding suspect(s) is asked to contact the Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau at (805) 477-7000 or the Ventura County Sheriff’s Communications Center at (805) 654-9511. Report Number: 11-27056 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). |
By Santa Paula Police Department — Wednesday, November 30th, 2011
Police asking witnesses to contact them
On Monday, November 28, 2011 at approximately 11:55 AM, Santa Paula Police Officers responded to the intersection of Main St. and Dean Drive for a report of shots fired. Upon arrival in the area officers were unable to locate any victims or suspects however they were approached by witnesses. They informed them that a subject in a grey Chevrolet sedan exited the vehicle and fired 4-5 shots at 2 subjects who were walking on Dean Dr. The suspect then reentered the vehicle and fled eastbound on Main St. while the 2 subjects who were shot at fled westbound on Main St. An investigation of the area recovered several bullet fragments including one that struck a vehicle and one that struck a residence. The investigation is continuing at this time. Any one with information please contact Detective Sergeant Cordero at 525-4474 ext. 220 or Detective Spencer at 525-447 ext. 221. Cody Madison |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, November 28th, 2011
Suspect booked for Carjacking, Kidnapping, Robbery, Possession of Methamphetamine and Domestic Violence
On 11-17-2011, at about 12:50 PM, California Highway Patrol officers and Ventura County Sheriff deputies responded to a call of a women running in the center median of Hwy 101 and Sea Cliff in the unincorporated area of Ventura. When they arrived, they found a female victim in the center median who had been severely beaten and had severe abrasions on her body. Deputies conducted an initial investigation and found that earlier in the day, the victim was at her place of employment in the City of Camarillo. At about 12:00 PM, the victims ex-boyfriend, Juan Coronado, showed up at her place of work and began an argument. During the argument, Coronado ordered the victim to get into the passenger’s seat of her car. Coronado took the keys from the victim and began driving her around. The Victim repeatedly asked Coronado to take her home. Coronado became enraged and began hitting the victim in the face, head and body as he drove. Coronado told the victim that he was going to kill her and drove 101 N/B towards Santa Barbara. When they approached Sea Cliff, the victim jumped out of the moving car and began running S/B in the center median. The victim suffered numerous bruises to her face, head and body as well as severe abrasions to her body from jumping out of the moving vehicle. Coronado fled the scene in the victims vehicle. The Sheriff’s Gang Unit took over the investigation and found that Coronado was a previously deported criminal alien who had an outstanding felony warrant for his arrest. They also found that Coronado had ties to a residence in the 4000 block of San Simeon, Oxnard. On 11-25-2011, gang investigators served a search warrant at the residence and found evidence that Coronado had been living there. Investigators set up a surveillance of the neighborhood and located Coronado a short time later walking near the intersection of San Simeon Ave. and Bard Rd. Investigators approached Coronado and ordered him to surrender. Coronado attempted to escape on foot and fought with deputies once he was caught. Investigators had to deploy a Taser to incapacitate Coronado so he could be handcuffed. A search of Coronado found that he was in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine. Coronado was treated for minor injuries at VCMC and booked into the Ventura County Jail. In addition to the warrant, Coronado was booked for carjacking, kidnapping, robbery, possession of methamphetamine and domestic violence. His is being held without bail. Report Number: |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, November 28th, 2011
On November 26, 2011, the Camarillo Police Department was dispatched to a call of a commercial burglary in progress at Johnny Rockets Restaurant, located at 640 East Ventura Boulevard, Suite #1201, in Camarillo. A security guard at the Camarillo Outlet Center observed a male subject fleeing from Johnny Rockets Restaurant. The security guard assisted responding Deputies in identifying and apprehending the suspect, later identified as Luis Zuniga. Upon further investigation, it was determined Luis entered the business and tampered with the cash registers, in an apparent attempt to obtain cash from the business. Luis was charged with Commercial Burglary, a felony, and was later booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for the offense. Report Number: 2011-26860 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). |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011
On November 19, 2011, members of the Thousand Oaks Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving (COPPS) Unit conducted an undercover investigation focusing on unlicensed taxicab drivers operating illegally in the City of Thousand Oaks. The Thousand Oaks City Ordinance requires taxicab drivers to obtain a city permit prior to operating as a taxicab service. An undercover officer posing as a potential customer contacted numerous taxicab drivers. Once it was confirmed that the driver was in fact operating a taxicab service and providing transportation for a fee, back up officers moved in and detained the driver while they checked for various licensing requirements. Out of the eight drivers contacted, four were found to be operating illegally in Thousand Oaks. The drivers were arrested for the Thousand Oaks City Ordinance governing taxicab services. Ricardo Ramirez of Thousand Oaks was also arrested for operating a motor vehicle without a California Driver’s License. Another driver was operating a City Cab vehicle. City Cab has not had a valid city license since 2006 and the arrestee’s cabdriver permit had expired in 2007. The three other drivers were operating the cab service in their personal vehicles, which included a Honda, Volkswagen and a Lincoln. During the Thousand Oaks City permit application process, drivers are screened for controlled substance abuse and undergo a complete background check. The applicants are tested for controlled substances and alcohol in accordance with Government Code Section 53075.5(b)(3). Approved operators are also periodically tested. The background checks confirm that the driver has a valid driver’s license and search for driving under the influence or reckless driving arrests. Applicants are also required to submit proof of auto insurance. An applicant for an owner’s license must present a certificate of inspection from the California Highway Patrol indicating that the vehicle’s brakes and lights are in safe condition and good working order. There is an inherent risk to the public associated with these illegal taxicab services when they circumvent the application process. Without the screening process, the public may hire a taxicab driver that does not have a valid driver’s license, is uninsured, or is driving under the influence. The vehicle itself could be unsanitary or unsafe for passengers. There is also an added financial risk. Since the illegal taxicab services rarely have the required taximeter, which correctly computes and indicates the amount charged, distance traveled, or time elapsed, the passenger can also be subject to overcharging or fraud. The public is encouraged to protect themselves and confirm the legitimacy of a taxicab service before getting into the vehicle. Potential customers should notice if the rates of fare are posted. The Thousand Oaks Ordinance requires that every taxicab shall clearly display the rates of fare charged for carrying passengers. The sign should also display the owner’s name or the fictitious name under which he or she operates, the business address and telephone number of such owner, and the license number furnished by the Chief of Police. All taxicab services picking up passengers in Thousand Oaks are also required to have a City of Thousand Oaks Vehicle License sticker for the current year affixed to the rear window of the vehicle. (SEE ATTACHED IMAGE) Each taxicab operator is also required to prominently display his or her taxicab operator’s license inside vehicle. Location: Various Locations Within Thousand Oaks |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, November 21st, 2011
Thousand Oaks deputies arrested Antonio Cabanas for residential burglary, unauthorized entry into a dwelling, petty theft, and possession of a controlled substance. Deputies were dispatched to the 4100 Block of Minnecota Dr regarding an illegal entry where the victim was detaining the suspect, who may have also been involved with a residential burglary of a home on the same street. Deputies investigating the incident spoke to witnesses in the area and the victim of the residential burglary. The deputies were able to determine that Cabanas had forced his way into the victim’s unoccupied home and had placed property near the garage door. When the victim returned home and interrupted the burglary, Cabanas exited the victim’s home and stood near a group of construction workers who were working in the area. After the victim realized that someone had broken into his home, he went to the group of construction workers and asked them if they had seen anyone suspicious in the area. The construction workers and the victim quickly realized that Cabanas was the actual suspect and attempted to detain him. Cabanas ran from the group and was chased through several yards until he was able to escape. With the assistance of neighbors, the victim was able to relocate Cabanas further down the street where Cabanas ran into a home. The victim contacted the resident of the home that Cabanas had entered, and they were able to detain Cabanas until deputies arrived. When Cabanas was arrested, he was also in possession of a controlled substance and stolen property from two unlocked vehicles on the same street. Cabanas is being held at the Pre-Trial Facility in Ventura in lieu of $135,000.00 bail. Report Number: RB# 11-26039 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). |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
Criminals are constantly looking for new methods to steal goods and money from citizens of Ventura County, and scams are part of this evolving criminal activity. In some scams, criminals will prey upon elderly or susceptible victims by calling and telling them that a family member is in jail in another country. The criminals focus on the need for the victim to act quickly or the family member’s safety may be in jeopardy. Money is frequently sent (wired) to locations outside of the United States by the victims and is virtually untraceable once transferred. Other scams include victim’s being contacted by a subject claiming the victim has won an international lottery and the victim needs to send money, again to a location outside of the United States, to cover taxes and tariffs. Victims will frequently wire the requested money, which is untraceable once transferred. Recently, a new scam has surfaced locally where suspects are calling victims and claiming to be members of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. One suspect even claimed to be the Sheriff himself. In these cases the callers are telling the victims they need to provide money for a family member who is in jail, or that the FBI is conducting an operation and the victim needs to provide money. The criminals in this most recent scam are attempting to make their requests sound legitimate by using genuine identities. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office wants to ensure the citizens of Ventura County, that members of this Department will not call citizens requesting money on behalf of someone in custody nor do we favor or recommend one bail bond company over another. If anyone is contacted by someone claiming to be a member of the Sheriff’s Office requesting money for someone in custody, you may call Sheriff’s Public Reception at 805-654-3335, or visit our website www.vcsd.org to help determine if the person is in custody. Additionally, if someone is contacted and requested to donate or provide money to the Sheriff’s Office, we urge them to contact their local police agency before parting with any money or information. Location: County of Ventura 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). |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, November 14th, 2011
Police seek information from public concerning possibility of other victims
On 11/2/2011, the Thousand Oaks Police Department received a call from a victim reporting that a Verizon Service Technician sexually battered her after he completed work at her residence. Detectives followed-up on the report and conducted several interviews with both the victim and suspect. At the conclusion of the investigation, Tony Betancourt was arrested for the allegation and booked into custody at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura. The Thousand Oaks Police Department is seeking information from the public concerning the possibility of other victims of similar crimes. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Det. Albert Ramirez at (805) 494-8229. Report Number: |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, November 14th, 2011
On October 31, 2011 (Halloween), a residential burglary occurred in the 13000 block of Williams Ranch Rd., in the City of Moorpark. Local residents observed juveniles exiting the back yard of a neighbor’s residence that they believed were not home. The witnesses contacted the homeowner who returned home and confirmed that subjects had entered their residence and had stolen property that included jewelry. Shortly thereafter, the Moorpark School Resource Officer recovered jewelry at Moorpark High School. The School Resource Officer contacted detectives with the Moorpark Investigations Bureau who identified the recovered jewelry as stolen during the burglary on Halloween night. A subsequent investigation identified a total of 6 juvenile suspects that were involved in the burglary or the sales of some of the stolen property. During the investigation, more stolen property was recovered from the residences of the suspects. One juvenile was booked into juvenile hall while the five other juveniles were cited and released for charges that included burglary and possession of stolen property. Burglary 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). |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, November 14th, 2011
On November 9, 2011, Ventura County Sheriff’s detectives from the Fillmore area station, Headquarters station, and the Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit served a search warrant at the residence of (S) Eddie Wysel, located in the City of Ventura. The search warrant was the culmination of a burglary investigation, which began in mid-October when the victim reported his storage trailer had been broken into and several pieces of antique and unique nautical hardware had been stolen. The suspect, Eddie Wysel, was later identified and located, and a search warrant was sought and granted for his residence. At approximately 1300 hours, the search warrant was served at Wysel’s residence where several large dogs confronted detectives in the front yard, and within the residence. Ultimately, Wysel and a female companion, (S) April Fauquier were detained without incident. Ventura County Animal Control was called out to assist with the seizure of thirteen large dogs found within and around the residence. Several pieces of the reported stolen property and over one ounce of Marijuana were located at the residence, as well as drug paraphernalia. Wysel was arrested for possession of stolen property, and Fauquier was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance & possession of drug paraphernalia. Both were booked into the Ventura County Jail. Nature of Incident: Search Warrant - Burglary Investigation |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, November 10th, 2011
On 11/8/2011, members of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Bureau, West County Street Team, and the Sheriff’s Air Unit conducted a reconnaissance flight in the Alamo Mountain area of North Eastern Ventura County near Pyramid Lake. Investigators located growing marijuana surrounding a makeshift campsite on a hillside a short distance above Piru Creek. The hillside had been terraced and large tracts of brush and trees were removed. Plastic irrigation hose ran from an adjacent canyon where water was gravity fed to the plants. In the campsite and surrounding area, detectives found an estimated 130 lbs. of manicured marijuana drying on tarps under trees. The camp had sleeping equipment for several people and a large store of food and supplies were found. It appeared to investigators that the camp had been used that day and they believed the suspects were possibly still in the area. A footpath with fresh footprints was located heading into a rugged canyon above the campsite. Detectives followed these tracks for approximately one half mile when they came upon seven subjects. These subjects were trying to elude deputies and had come to a dangerous cliff area with nowhere else to hide. The detectives assisted the exhausted men up the steep hillside to a location where they could be airlifted out. It was determined these subjects were involved in the marijuana cultivation discovered in the area. They were all arrested and subsequently booked into the Sheriff’s Main Jail. The Sheriff’s Office encourages those who frequent the Ventura County backcountry to report any suspicious activity to authorities. Report Number: 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). |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, November 9th, 2011
On 11-5-11, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office conducted 64 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. 50 of the 64 registered sex offenders were in compliance with their registration requirement. 14 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, one adult male was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant for being out of compliance. 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. Report Number: 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). |