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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, April 19th, 2011
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department Deaths continue to occur. The hospitals and self-help centers are full of patients who have overdosed on drugs or filled with patients who are in need of treatment. Police continue to regularly respond to teens and young adults who have overdosed on illegal and prescription drugs. Prescription pills and heroin abuse have increased in many communities throughout the United States, and the reason may surprise most people. Many of the young people who find their way down a spiraling path toward opium addiction begin their perilous journey in a medicine cabinet at home. Most prescription pain medications derive their potency from opium and they are easily accessible both at home and on the street because they are being commonly prescribed to treat many ailments. The transition from pills to heroin is common given that heroin is relatively cheap and its increasing tolerance with addictive qualities. The physical and psychological need to maintain the addiction is the bridge that leads from prescription pills to heroin. The communities in the Conejo Valley are no exception to this growing problem. There were 26 heroin overdoses reported in Thousand Oaks and the surrounding unincorporated areas between Jan. 1, 2009 and March 15, 2011. Four of those cases resulted in death. There were 245 arrests related to heroin abuse during the same time period. Of those arrests, 197 of the cases involved people between the age of 16 and 25. Unfortunately, the cycle continues. Ventura County has seen 3 more deaths within the past month related to the overdose of heroin or prescription drugs. A 22 year-old female from Fillmore overdosed from heroin as well as a 21 year-old female from Simi Valley. A 25 year-old male from Hidden Valley overdosed from prescription drugs. On Wednesday, April 27, officials from law enforcement, the medical field, and the behavioral health community will host a forum that is free and open to anyone interested in learning more about this disturbing trend in our community. Any parents, who have middle or high school age students, and their children, are wholeheartedly encouraged to attend. In addition to the panel of professionals, there will be members of the community to share their experiences of how prescription drugs and heroin have affected and changed their lives. Public and private organizations that treat behavioral and physical illness caused by drug addiction will also be present to answer questions and help those who seek assistance. Anyone with expired or unused prescription drugs can properly dispose of those items in a bin that will be provided at the event by the Thousand Oaks Police Department. Location: Westlake High School’s Carpenter Family Theater |
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By Anonymous — Monday, April 18th, 2011
Sacramento, CA. – Every year California is plagued by wildfires that char hundreds of thousands of acres, destroy countless homes and wreak havoc on communities. To ensure every available resource is used to battle major fire sieges, CAL FIRE and the California National Guard train together each year to provide additional staffing and resources on the frontlines. The annual California Interagency Military Helicopter Fire Fighting Program training will be held Friday, April 15 to Sunday, April 17, 2011 at the CAL FIRE Academy in Ione and at Lake Pardee in Amador County. During the training CAL FIRE instructs National Guard helicopter pilots and crewmembers in basic incident management and firefighting operations, so they can safely assist CAL FIRE during major fire sieges like those California faced in 2007 and 2008. “CAL FIRE has the largest aerial firefighting fleet in the world with just over 50 fixed and rotary wing aircraft,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, acting director of CAL FIRE. “But when major firestorms occur we need every available resource to assist us and that is why it is so important we train with the National Guard now, so they can bolster our air response when those sieges happen.” “The wildfires have emerged as one of our greatest domestic missions in recent years, so this training is invaluable in ensuring we face that challenge successfully,” said Maj. Thomas Keegan, public affairs officer for the California National Guard. “Our longstanding partnership with CalEMA, CAL FIRE, and other first responders has only improved the effectiveness of our organizations.” Since 1995, CAL FIRE and the California National Guard have conducted joint training prior to the beginning of annual peak wildfire activity. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, April 12th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department along with the Thousand Oaks Police Department are teaming up with Ventura County Special Olympics and Claim Jumper restaurant to present a Tip-a-Cop charity event in Thousand Oaks. The event benefits Special Olympics of Ventura County and Southern California. The public is invited to have an enjoyable time and support a great cause by dining out and meeting their local law enforcement officers who volunteer to serve meals. Deputy sheriffs and other volunteers will participate as celebrity servers. Customers can donate tips to the celebrity servers and all of those proceeds will go directly to Ventura County Special Olympics. The mission of the Special Olympics of Southern California is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. This training gives them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy. Donations will go to help provide athletic competition for more than 700 intellectually disabled children and adults, ages 8 years and up. The donations will assist these competitors in attending training and competition free of charge as they participate in 11 sports at more than 20 training sites throughout Ventura County. Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies, along with other law enforcement agencies, participate with Special Olympics athletes in the annual law enforcement Torch Run. The 2009 Torch Run passes through Ventura County June 11. Tip-a-Cop Event Information Location: Claim Jumper Restaurant, 2150 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, April 12th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On March 30, 2011, at 7:30 pm, Camarillo patrol deputies responded to Camarillo High School reference a 16-year-old male robbery victim. Upon arrival, deputies learned the victim had been walking alone on the campus when confronted by two male juvenile suspects (16 and 17 years old). A physical altercation ensued and one of the suspects used his fists to strike the victim’s face and head repeatedly. Consequently, the victim briefly lost consciousness during the attack. At some point, the other suspect physically prevented the victim from leaving the area. Eventually, the suspects removed property from the victim and fled the scene. The victim received medical attention for non-life threatening injuries, which included a fractured orbital. Information obtained during the initial investigation revealed the incident was gang related. The Camarillo Special Enforcement Detail received this case for further investigation and identified the suspects as criminal street gang members and/or associates. On April 1, 2011, a search warrant was served at one location in the 5000 Block of Dodson Street in Somis and one suspect was arrested. On April 6, 2011, the second suspect was located and arrested near an apartment complex in the area of Barry Street and Glenn Drive in Camarillo. Both suspects remain in custody at the Ventura County Juvenile Justice center on charges of 211 PC – Robbery, 243(d) PC – Battery with Serious Injury, 236 PC – False Imprisonment, 32 PC – Accessory, and 186.22 PC – Street gang Terrorism. Report Number: RB # 11-7220 |
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By Anonymous — Monday, April 11th, 2011
Written by Scott Stewart Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) released the fifth edition of its English-language jihadist magazine “Inspire” on March 30. AQAP publishes this magazine with the stated intent of radicalizing English-speaking Muslims and encouraging them to engage in jihadist militant activity. Since its inception, Inspire magazine has also advocated the concept that jihadists living in the West should conduct attacks there, rather than traveling to places like Pakistan or Yemen, since such travel can bring them to the attention of the authorities before they can conduct attacks, and AQAP views attacking in the West as “striking at the heart of the unbelievers.” To further promote this concept, each edition of Inspire magazine has a section called “Open Source Jihad,” which is intended to equip aspiring jihadist attackers with the tools they need to conduct attacks without traveling to jihadist training camps. The Open Source Jihad sections in past editions have contained articles such as the pictorial guide with instructions titled “Make a Bomb in the Kitchen of Your Mom” that appeared in the first edition. In this latest edition of... http://www.stratfor.com/weekly/20110406-how-tell-if-your-neighbor-bombma... |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, April 11th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office realizes it is important for family and friends to visit inmates housed in a jail facility. In an effort to enhance visiting opportunities at the Todd Road Jail facility, a third visiting day has been added on Fridays beginning Friday April 15, 2011. The additional weekday visiting day will be beneficial for those visitors who find it difficult to visit on the weekend. The additional visiting day should also alleviate the amount of visitors on the weekend, thus making it an easier and faster visiting process. The visiting schedule is posted on the Sheriff’s Internet site under Divisions, Visiting Information. Because inmates are routinely re-housed to different areas, it is recommended that visitors call (805) 933-8501 before making a visit. Location: Todd Road Jail Facility 600 S. Todd Road, Santa Paula CA. 93060 |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, April 5th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department The Thousand Oaks Police Department is honored to announce the graduation of the 26th Citizen Academy. The ceremonial event will take place April 6 at 6:30 p.m. in Thousand Oaks. There are 28 graduates who will receive diplomas for successful completion in the extensive 12-week program covering a wide variety of law enforcement operations. Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean, Police Chief Jeff Matson, and Thousand Oaks City Council members will be in attendance. Citizen Academy students meet one evening per week, dedicating over 36 hours of their personal time to learn more about the functions of the Police Department and Sheriff’s Department. The process begins with Thousand Oaks area citizens who desire to attend the Citizen Academy and submit their applications to the Police Department. The applications are reviewed and must pass a background check. Once they are invited to attend, students participate in interactive classroom sessions and are required to participate in several field trips (Sheriff’s Pre-Trial Detention Facility, Crime Lab, Academy, Communications Center, and Air Unit) as well as a ride-along with a Thousand Oaks Patrol deputy. The law enforcement presentations include Major Crimes, Internal Affairs, Narcotics, S.W.A.T., K-9, Bomb Unit, Special Enforcement, Crime Analysis, Bike Patrol, and much more. Students are exposed to current issues in law enforcement as well as demonstrations of how the Police/Sheriff’s Department serves the community. To find out more about enrolling in the Thousand Oaks Police Department Citizen Academy, visit: http://toaks.org/government/depts/police/default.asp Click on “Citizen Academy” under the “City Options” tab on the left. Applications can be printed from the Citizen Academy link. Once completed, the applications can be submitted by mail. For questions or more information, please call the Thousand Oaks Police Resource Center at (805) 449-2760. Location: Thousand Oaks, CA |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, April 5th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department Sheriff’s Technical Communications Specialist II Stephanie Lanford, with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, will receive the 2011 Dispatcher of the Year Award to be held on April 16, 2011. Stephanie was selected by her peers and supervisors to receive this award, which will be presented during the Annual Dispatcher Awards Banquet at the Crowne Plaza in Ventura. Stephanie joined the Sheriff’s Department on March 14, 2004. During her time with the Sheriff’s Department, Stephanie has become an accomplished dispatcher and has established herself as a team player. She is a trainer for new dispatchers and she takes a great deal of pride in doing everything possible to help the public. During critical incidents, Stephanie can be relied upon to jump in and assist her co-workers in bringing the incident to a successful conclusion. “Always cheerful, great team player, fun to work with” are just a few of the phrases that are commonly used to describe Stephanie. She always has a great attitude and is empathetic with callers, often making the extra effort to provide them with comfort and assistance. For these reasons, and a multitude of others, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is proud to honor Stephanie Lanford as the 2011 Dispatcher of the Year. Location: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center, 800 South Victoria Ave., Ventura, California |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, April 5th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On 03-31-11, at about 1303 hours, Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the 5000 block of Read Road for an armed robbery. When they arrived at the location, they contacted a resident and learned he was the victim of a robbery. The victim reported that when he returned home and exited his vehicle, a suspect armed with a handgun confronted him. The suspect obtained property from the victim and left the area on foot. Anyone with information regarding the crime or who may have observed something suspicious in the area is encouraged to contact the Thousand Oaks Police Department. 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). Location: 5000 block of Read Road, City of Thousand Oaks |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, April 5th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department Thousand Oaks Police Department is investigating a single car collision that occurred on Wendy Drive @ Lodgewood Street. Mr. Wilson was driving a silver 1997 Chevy Tahoe northbound Wendy Drive when it left the roadway and collided with a light pole and a large tree. Mr. Wilson suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision. The investigation is continuing. Location: Wendy Drive @ Lodgewood Street, Newbury Park |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, April 5th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department Through the Business Watch program merchants will learn a number of crime prevention techniques to reduce opportunities for crime in their businesses. The program also helps business owners become familiar with resources available from the City of Moorpark, Chamber of Commerce and the Ventura County Sheriff's Office/Moorpark Police. Business Watch is a crime prevention Program that enlists the active participation of citizens in cooperation with law enforcement and local government to reduce crime in our community. Neighborhood Watch programs have proven to be the most effective means available for keeping crime out of neighborhoods, and so does Business Watch. Business Watch is a FREE program that provides business owners and employees crime prevention techniques and strategies they can use to help cut down on business-related crime. Training is conducted in-house for your convenience. Trainings may also be conducted at city facilities if requested. The goal of the Business Watch program is to teach businesses how NOT to become a target for crime. If businesses do not take a proactive attitude, crime can creep in before you know it. In-house loss prevention personnel are a great asset, but most businesses have another great asset they tend to overlook –– their cashiers, clerks and floor personnel. The Business Watch program focuses on teaching those personnel how to be observant and aware. They are a businesses’ front line and the greatest resource for crime prevention. The Business Watch program also maintains an emergency contact lists of all businesses involved in the program for the Moorpark Police Department. The Business Watch program offers a variety of free training seminars to merchants and employees. Training is conducted on-site or at a city facility upon request. Training can be available in the following areas: Check Fraud Detection Training If interested, any Moorpark business can contact the Moorpark Police Department at 532-2707 and explain that you would like to join the Moorpark Business Watch and schedule training for your employees. It’s that simple. Location: Moorpark City |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, April 5th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department The Thousand Oaks Police Department C.O.P.P.S. Unit/Bike Patrol conducted an investigation into an illegal taxicab business operating in the City. C.O.P.P.S. Unit and Bike Patrol deputies observed a subject paying the driver of a vehicle a taxicab fare at a local parking lot and conducted a stop on the vehicle to determine if the driver had a taxicab license. Upon further investigation, deputies determined the driver did not have a taxicab license and he presented fraudulent identification. The driver, Jose Marcelo Moreno, was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility. Deputies discovered Moreno did not have a driver’s license, was driving uninsured, and he provided them with a fraudulent Department of Homeland Security immigration card (felony). Moreno was booked for the fraudulent identification, being an unlicensed driver, operating a taxicab business without a license, and operating without a business permit. Bail is set at $10,000. As a reminder, the Police Department encourages citizens utilizing a taxi as a mode of transportation to check for evidence of a valid taxicab license before entering a taxi or agreeing to a fare with a driver. Taxicab drivers are required to show a valid license upon request and, often times, already have their taxicab licenses posted in a conspicuous place so customers can easily observe it. In order for a taxicab driver to operate a service in Thousand Oaks, he/she is required to apply with the City for a taxicab license, which includes showing proof of a valid driver’s license, insurance coverage, a verification of identification through fingerprints/photos, and drug testing for controlled substances. Once the application is approved, the applicant receives a taxicab license to operate in the City. Location: Thousand Oaks, CA |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, April 4th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department How often do you see drivers texting or talking with hand-held cell phones and wish they would be stopped and cited? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has identified texting and cell phone use as the fastest growing and most visible distraction contributing to traffic collisions. As a result, the California Office of Traffic Safety has declared the month of April as California’s first Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Distracted driving is a serious traffic safety concern that puts everyone on the road at risk, joining speeding and alcohol as leading factors in fatal and serious injury crashes. Starting April 4th and continuing throughout the month, The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, including all incorporated cities that contract with the Sheriff’s Office for police services, will partner with the Office of Traffic Safety and begin conducting zero tolerance enforcement for drivers talking on their cell phones or texting while driving. Additionally, over 225 law enforcement agencies across the state plus 103 CHP Area Commands will also be participating in this enforcement operation. In April, law enforcement officers in Ventura County will also be holding zero tolerance days for cell phone use and texting. A ticket for violating either the hands free or no texting law costs a minimum of $159 and subsequent tickets cost $279. Drivers who use hand-held devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. Younger, inexperienced drivers under 20 years old have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes. In addition, studies show that texting while driving can delay a driver’s reaction time just as severely as having a blood alcohol content of a legally intoxicated driver. Studies show that there is no difference in the risks between hands-free and hand-held cell phone conversations, both of which can result in “inattention blindness” which occurs when the brain isn’t seeing what is clearly visible because the drivers’ focus is on the phone conversation and not on the road. The Sheriff’s Department would like to take this opportunity to remind drivers that there are simple measures they can take to minimize distractions while they are driving: • Turn your phone off or put it out of reach before starting the car. Location: Ventura County |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, March 30th, 2011
03/09/11 to 03/23/11
Ventura County Sheriff's Department 03/09/11 |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, March 30th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department The Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau, in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation is looking into reports that a County of Ventura computer used in processing on-line payments was the target of an illegal phishing operation. (Phishing is the practice of luring unsuspecting Internet users to a fraudulent web site by using authentic-looking emails with the real organization’s information or logo in an attempt to gather user information). The phishing incident originated from a source in the Philippines. It was accomplished by generating duplicate on-line payment receipts sent out through emails to individuals who had previously processed payments through Ventura County Superior Courts and/or Ventura County’s WebTax online and telephone payment systems. However, no financial or confidential information was disclosed as the County of Ventura does not capture or store that type of information in its on-line payment system. That information is captured by the County’s secure 3rd party payment vendor, whose system was not compromised. The web system error that allowed this phishing incident was identified and resolved as of Saturday evening, March 26, 2011. As a result of this phishing incident, email addresses and additional information such as telephone numbers may have been captured by the phishing perpetrators whose function is to solicit information or send future Spam. The Sheriff’s Office wishes to make the public aware of the possibility of being contacted by solicitors via e-mail or phone stating there may be "a problem with a payment" and asking people to solicit funds or more personal information in order to resolve the problem. If a member of the public receives an e-mail or a phone call referencing a "past" payment (prior to 3/25/2011) that was made to the County, it is important they do not respond or provide any credit card, financial information, or personal identification. Instead, they should contact the County of Ventura’s Tax Collector or Superior Court to validate whether you have a payment due and those offices will instruct you accordingly. The Ventura County Courts and Tax Collector's offices have staff available to answer questions on the matter. The telephone numbers for those offices are: Location: 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura CA 93003 |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, March 28th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On March 23, at about 1700 hours, a known suspect, Casey Kleopfer, and the victim were involved in a verbal argument. When a physical altercation ensued, Kleopfer repeatedly struck the victim on the face and head. He also made verbal threats to harm the victim while brandishing a knife. The victim fled the residence and was taken to the hospital. The victim was treated for moderate, but non-life threatening injuries. On March 24 at about 2000 hours, members of the Thousand Oaks Police Department / Special Enforcement Gang Unit (SEU) quickly located Kleopfer and arrested him without incident. He was booked on charges of 243 (d) P.C. / Battery with Serious Injury / 422 P.C. / Criminal Threats and 417 (a)(1) P.C. / Exhibiting a deadly weapon. Location: 1300 block Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, March 28th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department UPDATE: On March 27, 2011, the driver, S-1 Sizemore was initially arrested and held on a parole violation. Sizemore remains in custody for the parole violation while the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office reviews the case against Sizemore for 245(c) P.C. ADW on a Peace Officer, 2800.1 CVC / Felony Evading, and 11550 / U.I. Controlled Substance. The passenger, Antonio Barragan, has not been charged with any crime as of this date. This investigation is on going. The officers involved in the shooting are 22-year veteran Sgt. Joe Galante and 7-year veteran Deputy Jacob Holt. Sgt. Galante works out of the Thousand Oaks Police Station and Deputy Holt works out of the Camarillo Police Station. Anyone with additional information about this incident or the two occupants of the involved vehicle are encouraged to call Sheriff’ Major Crimes at 805-477-7000 or your local crime stoppers. 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 494-TALK (Thousand Oaks / Moorpark) or 385-TALK (Camarillo / Oxnard / Port Hueneme). Report Number: S-1 Sizemore, Thomas Newbury Park, CA 29 P-2 Barragan, Antonio Newbury Park, CA 51 Deputy Preparing Media Release: -------------------------------------- There were two male occupants in the suspect vehicle. Both of the occupants were taken into custody. One of the suspects was injured as a result of the officer involved shooting. The injured suspect was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Sheriff’s Major Crimes detectives are continuing the investigation. Neither the officers’ identities nor the suspects’ identities are being released at this time. Report Number: |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, March 28th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On 3-25-2011, Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies responded to an assault in the 3300 Blk. of Cortez Street, El Rio. An initial investigation found that a Rio Mesa High School student was attacked by two suspects after being dropped off at a bus stop after school. The victim and witnesses describe how two suspects beat the victim using their hands, feet and a pair of metal knuckles. The two suspects fled the area prior to deputies arriving. The victim suffered numerous head and facial injuries. He was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he was treated and later released. The Sheriff’s Gang Unit investigated the assault and identified two male juveniles as the primary suspects. At about 1845 hrs, gang investigators located the two suspects at a residence in the 400 Blk of Garonne, Oxnard. Both suspects were interviewed and the residence was searched for evidence. Investigators recovered bloody clothing worn by both suspects as well as the metal knuckles used in the attack. Both juveniles were eventually arrested and lodged at Juvenile Hall for assault with a deadly weapon. Both remain in custody without bail. Gang investigators are still trying to determine if the assault was gang related. Location: 3300 Cortez Street, Unincorporated Community of El Rio |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, March 24th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On March 22, 2011, at about 8:40 PM, an alert witness called Camarillo Police Department after he noticed a suspicious subject looking into vehicles parked at the Roxy Theatre parking lot. The witness provided a description of the suspect. When deputies arrived at the scene the witness directed deputies to a vehicle leaving the area. Deputies stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver, Charles Wood. During the investigation, Wood’s vehicle was searched and deputies found numerous stolen items. Woods was subsequently arrested for vehicle burglary and booked at the Main Jail. Investigators are asking for additional information regarding any unreported thefts from vehicles that were parked at the Roxy Theatre on March 22, 2011, between the hours of 6:00 PM thru 8:40 PM. Please contact Detective Marty Luna at (805) 388-5116. Location: 5001 Verdugo Way, Camarillo, CA / Roxy Theatre Parking Lot |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On November 13, 2009, (V) Casey Waddel discovered that unknown suspect(s) forced entry into his locked vehicle by breaking the passenger side windows. Waddel looked inside and noticed some of his property had been taken. Waddel reported the burglary to the Moorpark Police Department. Deputies responded to the location and processed the scene for evidence. During the initial investigation, deputies located and collected blood that was on some of the shattered glass that was inside Waddel’s vehicle. The evidence was submitted to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Forensic Laboratory for comparison. Personnel from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Lab tested the blood sample and determined the DNA profile matched that of Leonard Hatcher, who’s DNA profile was already in the local, state, and national databases. Personnel from the Moorpark Investigations Bureau, completed a search warrant to obtain a DNA reference sample from Leonard Hatcher. The reference sample was later obtained from Hatcher. The DNA reference sample was submitted to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Forensic Laboratory for comparison, which confirmed the DNA profile matched that of Leonard Hatcher. Hatcher was later arrested for vehicle burglary and booked into the Ventura County Jail. This case illustrates that, although some time had passed between the initial crime and the arrest of the suspect, law enforcment investigators were tenacious and thorough in preparing a solid case for prosecution. It also illustrates the importance of members of the community to call on the services of local law enforcement whenever they become the victim of any crime. Location: City of Moorpark |