By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, September 20th, 2010
An assistant manager of a Thousand Oaks service station was arrested for identity theft, financial elder abuse, and fraudulent use of access card account numbers on 8-30-10. Sachith Devass copied credit card numbers from victims as they paid for their auto service. Devass then used the victims’ credit card accounts to purchase merchandise. Devass targeted specific customers, as a majority of the victims were over 65 years old. Devass was arrested and booked into custody on 8-30-10. He was released after posting bond for $50,000. Location: City of Thousand Oaks Date & Time/ RB#: March 2010 to August 2010 / 10-14029 Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department Forgery / Fraud Unit (S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age (S) Sachith Devass Simi Valley, CA 23 Officer Preparing Release: Detective Garo Kuredjian Follow-up Contact: Detective Garo Kuredjian (805) 494-8231 Date of Release: 9-14-10 Approved By: Captain Bruce Watlington |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, September 20th, 2010
An assistant manager of a Thousand Oaks service station was arrested for identity theft, financial elder abuse, and fraudulent use of access card account numbers on 8-30-10. Sachith Devass copied credit card numbers from victims as they paid for their auto service. Devass then used the victims’ credit card accounts to purchase merchandise. Devass targeted specific customers, as a majority of the victims were over 65 years old. Devass was arrested and booked into custody on 8-30-10. He was released after posting bond for $50,000. Location: City of Thousand Oaks Date & Time/ RB#: March 2010 to August 2010 / 10-14029 Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department Forgery / Fraud Unit (S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age (S) Sachith Devass Simi Valley, CA 23 Officer Preparing Release: Detective Garo Kuredjian Follow-up Contact: Detective Garo Kuredjian (805) 494-8231 Date of Release: 9-14-10 Approved By: Captain Bruce Watlington |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, September 20th, 2010
The owner of a Thousand Oaks business was arrested for money laundering, grand theft and forgery on Sep. 9, 2010, after a joint Thousand Oaks Police Department and United States Secret Service investigation revealed he was laundering forged bank drafts through his business bank account and keeping a percentage of the money. Several of the victims throughout the United States reported unauthorized withdrawals from their bank accounts in the amount of $299.99. All of the withdrawals were deposited into the business bank account of Chaos Surf, Skate, and Snow Inc. Daniel Kupper, who is the owner and operator of Chaos Surf, Skate, and Snow Inc. essentially received the forged bank drafts and deposited the bank drafts into his business bank account. Kupper kept his percentage of $299.99 and sent the remaining funds to bank accounts that were located out of state. Kupper was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department East County Jail for money laundering, grand theft and forgery. He was released after posting bond for $20,000.00. Location: City of Thousand Oaks Date & Time/ RB#: Sept. 9, 2010 @ 2:00 PM / 09-11861 Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Dept./ Forgery-Fraud Investigation Unit (S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age Officer Preparing Release: Detective Darin Rich Follow-up Contact: Detective Darin Rich (805) 494-8232 Date of Release: 9-15-10 Approved By: Captain Bruce Watlington |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, September 15th, 2010
The owner of a payroll service was arrested for grand theft on Aug. 31, 2010, after an investigation revealed he was siphoning funds from his clients instead of paying their employment taxes. Several of Jason Harvey’s former clients received notices from the Internal Revenue Service that their employment taxes had not been paid. Harvey, who owned and operated HRA Inc. essentially took the money from his clients for his own use instead of paying the employment taxes as required by law. Two victims were identified in Ventura County, but there may be others who have experienced similar problems with Harvey’s business. Anyone with additional information about Harvey’s illegal activities is asked to contact Detective Garo Kuredjian at (805) 494-8231. Harvey was arrested and booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura for grand theft. He was released after posting a bail bond of $10,000.00. Location: City of Thousand Oaks Date & Time/ RB#: Aug. 31, 2010 @ 2:00 p.m. / 10-16800 Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Dept. Forgery-Fraud Investigations Unit (S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age Officer Preparing Release: Detective Eric Buschow Follow-up Contact: Detective Garo Kuredjian (805) 494-8231 Date of Release: Sept. 14, 2010 Approved By: Captain Bruce Watlington |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, September 13th, 2010
The Sheriff’s Gang Unit conducted a two-week investigation into the Hells Angels criminal street gang that resulted in the search of 15 residences and the arrest of 14 people. Among those arrested were 10 members of the Hells Angels criminal street gang. The investigation stemmed from a report of a carjacking that occurred in late August in the unincorporated area of Ventura. During the third week of August, the Sheriff’s Gang Unit received information that members of the Hells Angels used the threat of force to steal a motorcycle. On 8-21-2010, Sheriff’s gang investigators were assisting the Santa Barbara Police Department with an event sponsored by the Hells Angels in the City of Santa Barbara. Gang investigators made a routine traffic stop on Hells Angels member Aaron McIntosh and discovered he was riding the motorcycle taken during the carjacking. Investigators arrested McIntosh for robbery and street terrorism and booked him into the Ventura County Jail. Investigators had obtained enough evidence to also arrest Hells Angels member Joe Cerezo. That same night, investigators found Cerezo in front of his house in Oak View and arrested him for robbery and street terrorism. Both McIntosh and Cerezo later bailed out of custody. On 8-27-2010, members of the Sheriff’s Gang Unit served a search warrant at the Hells Angels clubhouse and another residence, both of which are located on Fix Way, Ventura. During the service of the search warrant, Hells Angels members James Ivans and Joseph Zeidler were arrested for being under the influence of methamphetamine. A friend of Ivans, Sonya Joshua, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and being under the influence of methamphetamine. On 9-7-2010, the Sheriff’s Gang Unit had a search warrant for 17 members of the Hells Angels and 13 residences. They had obtained enough evidence to arrest Jacob Holder for the carjacking and to submit the case to the District Attorney’s Office. That same day, they located Aaron McIntosh near his home in Ventura. They arrested him for carjacking and booked him into the Ventura County Jail. On 9-8-2010, gang investigators from throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara counties served search warrants at 13 locations. During the service of the warrants, Hells Angels member Jacob Holder was located at his home in the 50 block of Simpson, Ventura, and was arrested for carjacking. During the service of the search warrants, Hells Angels gang members Martin Kada, Nicholas Schneider and Steven Marcus were all arrested for being under the influence of methamphetamine. Hells Angels gang member Edward Perry, who is a convicted felon, was found to be in possession of firearms and ammunition and was arrested for felon in possession of a firearm. Hells Angels gang member Cody Rutland refused to let gang investigators search him and had to be forcibly subdued. He was arrested for resisting arrest and possession of a switchblade knife. Three others were also arrested for narcotic related offenses. On 9-9-2010, the District Attorney’s office filed grand theft auto and street terrorism charges against McIntosh and Holder. Holder remains in custody on $100,000 dollar bail and McIntosh remains in custody on $250,000 bail. All other arrestees have been released from custody on bail or their written promise to appear in court at a later date. RB#: 10-20341 Locations: Date & Time: Officer Preparing Release: Sgt Bill Schierman |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, September 13th, 2010
The Thousand Oaks Police Department’s Traffic Bureau is investigating an injury traffic accident that occurred in the intersection of Hillcrest Drive and Hodencamp Road. Ken Deihs was driving northbound on Hodencamp Road and entered the intersection at Hillcrest Drive. Shirley Lipkin was driving westbound on Hillcrest Drive when she entered the intersection at Hodencamp Road. The front end of Deihs’ truck collided into the driver’s side of Lipkin’s car. The passenger side of Lipkin’s car then collided into the front end and driver’s side of Simon Reyes-Vasquez’ car. At this time it is unknown which direction Reyes-Vasquez was driving at the time of the accident. Lipkin’s car continued westbound and ultimately rolled completely over. Lipkin and Reyes-Vasquez were treated at the scene and then transported via ambulance to Los Robles Regional Medical Center for further treatment. Deihs was arrested at the scene for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. The cause of the accident is still being investigated. Anyone who may have witnessed this accident is encouraged to call the Traffic Bureau at (805) 494-8271 RB#: 10-22207 Location: Hillcrest Drive @ Hodencamp Road Date & Time: September 11, 2010 @ 7:38 a.m. Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Traffic Bureau Involved Parties City of residence Age Officer Preparing Release: Sgt. Rick Harwood Follow-up Contact: Senior Deputy Rick Godfrey (805) 494-8271 Date of Release: 09/11/10 Approved by: Captain O’Hanlon |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, September 13th, 2010
Brian Carpenter of Tarzana, California was arrested September 3rd, 2010 for exposing himself and masturbating several times in the lobby of a medical office building located on Willow Lane in Thousand Oaks, Ca. The investigation revealed that Carpenter had exposed himself in public several hundred times over the past year. The crimes primarily took place in the office building on Willow Lane as well as other office buildings on Lakeview Canyon Road, which is in Westlake Village, Ca (Los Angeles County). Carpenter works in the area of Lindero Canyon Road near the 101 fwy. Carpenter was believed to have been wearing a hat and carrying a cell phone when many of the crimes occurred. Detectives from the Thousand Oaks Police Sexual Assault Unit are asking anyone who may have encountered Carpenter under similar circumstances to call Detective Jason Robarts at (805) 494-8229 Location: Tarzana, Ca |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, September 9th, 2010
On September 3, 2010, at approximately 8:10 pm, a 45 yr. old female victim was assaulted as she was walking home. The suspect grabbed the victim from behind and forced her to the ground in the northbound lanes of Tierra Rejada Road. As the suspect struck the victim and tried to pull her clothing off, citizens stopped in their vehicles to render assistance. The suspect fled the scene. Minutes later, the suspect, Elmer Pineda, 18 yrs., was located by Deputy Rick Cochrane and identified as the assailant. He was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Jail. It was later determined that approximately 20 mintues prior, Pineda had sexually battered a 44 yr. old female as she walked to her car in a parking lot in the city of Moorpark. This investigation is ongoing, and the Moorpark Police Department and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department’s East County Sexual Assault Unit would appreciate any information regarding these crimes or any similar incidents. Location: 4500 Block of Tierra Rejada Road Date & Time/ RB#: 09.03.2010 8:10 pm RB# 10-21579 Unit Responsible: Moorpark Police Department (S)uspect Officer Preparing Release: Sg.t B. Payton |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 8th, 2010
Records from 09/01/10 to 09/07/10 |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, September 7th, 2010
September is National Preparedness Month and the County of Ventura is taking part in a nationwide effort to encourage individuals, families and organizations to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. “When seconds count, knowing what to do during an emergency is an important part of being prepared,” said Laura Hernandez, Assistant Director of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services. Some simple steps that residents can do to prepare for the unexpected include making an emergency supply kit, developing a family communications plan and staying informed of the local hazards in our community. On September 21, 2010 at 10:00 a.m., the Ventura County Board of Supervisors will proclaim September as National Preparedness Month in Ventura County. The National Weather Service will also be recognizing the County of Ventura as an official StormReady community. “We are continuing our commitment to educating residents and improving our preparedness for the next major storm,” said Hernandez. The National Weather Service StormReady program is designed to help community leaders and emergency managers strengthen their local operations. In addition, communities that participate in activities such as StormReady receive Community Rating System (CRS) points, which may lower resident's flood insurance premiums. For more information on the StormReady program, please visit the National Weather Service website at www.stormready.noaa.gov. For more information on National Preparedness Month, please visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s website at www.ready.gov. For more information of how to prepare, please visit the County of Ventura website at www.countyofventura.org/disasterinformation. This website will display current information in the event an emergency, educate residents on the hazards in our area, and provide a resource on how to prepare, respond and recover from a disaster in our area. Date & Time: September 2010 Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services Administrator Preparing Release: Cynthia Elliott, OES Program Administrator (805) 654-3655 |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, September 7th, 2010
On Thursday, 9/2/10, at approximately 1825 hrs., Sheriff’s Deputies from the Ojai Police Station were dispatched to a traffic collision involving two pedestrians and a Toyota sedan. The collision occurred in the area of El Paseo Road and West Ojai Avenue. Sheriff’s Deputies and Ventura County Fire personnel from Station 21 found the two pedestrians lying in the roadway on El Paseo Road, west of Canada Street with injuries. Fire Personnel and medical personnel from Life Line Ambulance treated the two pedestrians at the scene before they were transported to Ojai Hospital for additional examination and treatment. The driver of the Toyota sedan, Lavonne Vail, was wearing her seatbelt and was not injured in the traffic collision. Ms. Vail stated the late afternoon sun made it difficult for her to see the pedestrians in the roadway. The Sheriff’s Department would like to remind pedestrians and drivers to take an extra moment and ensure the roadway is clear before crossing. The positioning of the early morning and late afternoon sun can create vision issues for both drivers and pedestrians. The Sheriff’s Department investigation is continuing to determine the cause of this collision. Location: El Paseo Road & West Ojai Avenue, Ojai, CA Officer Preparing Release: Senior Deputy Jim Popp #1674 |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, September 7th, 2010
On 8-29-2010, a vehicle burglary occurred at the Chumash Indian Museum located in the 3200 block of Lang Ranch Parkway, Thousand Oaks. After the burglary occurred, the victim’s credit card was fraudulently used at a local business. Based on evidence collected at the scene and witnesses statements, the Thousand Oaks Police Department Investigation Bureau was able to identify the suspects as Cory Rebolledo, Britney Rebolledo, and Richard Gatto. On 9-1-2010, the Thousand Oaks Police Department Patrol and Investigation Bureaus were able to locate the identified suspects and arrest them. Cory Rebolledo was arrested for one count of vehicle burglary, one count of commercial burglary, one count of identity theft, and one count of fraudulent use of a credit card. Britney Rebolledo was arrested for one count of vehicle burglary and an outstanding warrant. Richard Gatto was arrested for one count of vehicle burglary and an outstanding warrant. All three individuals were booked at the Ventura County Jail. Location: 3200 Block Lang Ranch Parkway, Thousand Oaks Date & Time/ RB#: August 29th, 2010 6:15 PM RB# 10-21077 Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department Patrol and Investigations Bureau Arrestees Address Age Officer Preparing Release: Det. Mike Ferguson Follow-up Contact: Det. Mike Ferguson (805) 494-8228 Date of Release: September 3, 2010 Approved By: Capt. Bruce Watlington |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Friday, September 3rd, 2010
In the early morning hours of August 30, 2010, members from the Thousand Oaks Police Department and Ventura County Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 700 block of Calle Contento, in the City of Thousand Oaks. Upon their arrival, they discovered a fire that had fully engulfed a shed in the backyard of the residence. The shed was adjacent to the residence and was a complete loss. The home also suffered major damage as a result of the fire. Two people in the home were alerted to the fire by their small dog and were able to exit the home safely. Upon further investigation by police and fire personnel on scene, it was determined that the shed was being used to grow marijuana. Fire investigators determined the origin of the fire to be an overloaded electrical circuit leading to the shed. Location: 700 Block of Calle Contento, Thousand Oaks Officer Preparing Release: Sgt. Hoelker / Thousand Oaks Police Department |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, September 1st, 2010
On 8-30-10, (V) Karl Windinwood went hiking on the Camino Cielo Trail in the Los Padres National Forest near Ojai, Ca. During Windinwood’s hike, he lost the trail. He searched for a long time trying to locate the trail to hike out, but after several hours, was still lost. Windinwood had a cell phone and contacted his family. He explained that he would spend the night in the mountains and then try to find the trail again in the morning. Windinwood had prepared for his hike by bringing food and water. On 8-31-10, Windinwood attempted to find the trail again, but had no success. Eventually, he drank his last bit of water and called his family. His family then called the Sheriff’s Department for help. The dispatchers were able to get a detailed location from Windinwood since he was familiar with the area. Deputies located his vehicle and Air Squad 6 was sent into the mountains to locate him. After a short time, Air Squad 6 located Windinwood on the old and overgrown Camino Cielo trail. The helicopter was able to get close enough to the trail to hover load Windinwood on board. The flight paramedic examined Windinwood and determined he was fine with the exception of a few scratches. He was flown down to a landing area near the river bottom where deputies met with the helicopter crew and took Windinwood to his vehicle. The Sheriff’s Department would like to remind everyone who goes hiking to take plenty of food and water and a map of the area if you are unfamiliar with it. Windinwood had properly prepared by knowing the trail and taking the above precautions. Had he not done that, his situation could have been much worse. Location: Camino Cielo Trail, Los Padres National Forest, Ventura County, Ca. Date & Time: 8-31-10 / 1015 Hours Officer Preparing Release: Sr. Dep. Shane Matthews |
By Santa Paula Police Department — Tuesday, August 31st, 2010
On Saturday August 28, 2010 at approximately 9:37pm, Santa Paula Police officers were conducting a routine patrol to the rear of the Ocean Gateway Inn, at 350 S. Peck Road. A random license plate check of a vehicle revealed that it was stolen out of the city of Bakersfield. Officers began conducting an investigation and determined the vehicle was associated with several subjects who were staying at the hotel. After conducting a surveillance two of the subjects were observed leaving the hotel, however they left in another vehicle. A traffic stop was conducted and two subjects, Alexandra Zambrano, age 20 of Bakersfield, and Carina Licea, age 20 of Buckeye, Arizona were contacted. After a short investigation Zambrano was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance. A search of the vehicle, prior to being towed, revealed a hidden compartment in the center console containing keys to the stolen vehicle. After further investigation Licea was arrested for stolen vehicle and being under the influence of a controlled substance. Officers then responded to the hotel to conduct a search of the hotel room where the suspects were staying. Found in the room were Juan Acevado, age 27 of Bakersfield, and Ramiro Landeros, age 21 of Santa Paula. Upon making contact Acevado was found in possession of brass knuckles and also had a felony no bail warrant for violation of parole. Upon making contact with Landeros he gave a false name however he was known by officers. Landeros was found to be in possession of a stolen 9mm handgun and had a felony no bail warrant for failure to register a firearm. Cody Madison |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, August 26th, 2010
On 08/25/10, deputies responded to a suspicious circumstances call in the area of the Camarillo Train Station, located at 30 North Lewis Road. Deputies quickly discovered the body of a Hispanic adult male lying on the railroad tracks. There were obvious signs of extreme trauma and it appears that the victim was run over by a train. The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office responded, as well as a Union Pacific Investigator. At this time it is unknown if this was an accident or a suicide. The investigation is continuing and an autopsy will be performed by the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office. Once the victim has been identified and next of kin has been notified the Medical Examiner’s Office will release the name and other medical information. For additional train information and schedules, contact Union Pacific. As a result of the investigation, train service in Camarillo was stopped for about 3 hours, which included a passenger train. Anyone who may have witnessed the accident, and who has not yet come forward, is asked to contact the Camarillo Police Department. RB#: 10-20711 Location: 30 Lewis Road, Camarillo (Train Station) Date & Time: 08-25-10/ 8:24 p.m. Unit Responsible: Camarillo Patrol Victim: Address: Age: (P1) Unknown Male Adult 20’s Officer Preparing Release: Harold Hanley, Sergeant, (805) 388-5132 Follow-upContact: Harold Hanley, Sergeant, (805) 947-6022 Date of Release: 08/25/10 Approved By: Captain Rick Hindman |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, August 23rd, 2010
During the past two weeks the Ojai Valley has been plagued with several vehicle burglaries and thefts from vehicles. It was reported that a small red Toyota sedan was possibly involved in the thefts. Residents of the Ojai Valley assisted in helping the Ojai Valley deputies identify the suspects in the thefts by calling law enforcement for suspicious activity. On 08/17/2010, the Sheriff’s Department Dispatch received several calls that involved a red Toyota sedan occupied by a male and female subject in the vehicle. During the investigation deputies located the two subjects and they were arrested for possession of stolen property and using a stolen credit card at a local restaurant. Stolen property from the Ojai Valley and the City of Santa Barbara was found in the vehicle. Some of the stolen property has been identified by victims and returned to them. Both suspects were booked at the Ventura County Jail. Bail was set at $10,000 and $30,000. Location: Ojai Valley Area (Ventura County) |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Friday, August 20th, 2010
500 block Santa Clara St., Fillmore
At approximately 7:18 a.m., 8-19-10, deputies with the Fillmore Police Department responded to a call of a vehicle-vs.-pedestrian collision in front of the bus stop in the 500 block of Santa Clara St., Fillmore. The accident investigation determined a sixteen-year-old pedestrian was walking north across Santa Clara St. and failed to yield to a black1997 Honda Civic, which had the right-of-way as it traveled eastbound on Santa Clara St. The pedestrian had complaints of pain to her leg, wrist, and neck and was transported to Santa Paula Hospital, but suffered no major injuries. The driver was uninjured and his car sustained minor damage. The pedestrian was using a cell phone and may have been distracted at the time of the collision. The driver’s windshield was dirty and, as he was driving into the early-morning sunlight at the time of the collision, may have had impaired visibility. Neither party was cited. The Fillmore Police Department reminds both drivers and pedestrians to avoid distractions while on the street and for drivers to maintain clean windows for everyone’s safety. Report #: 10-0020122 |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, August 19th, 2010
Camarillo detectives are currently investigating a shooting incident that occurred this morning around 8:15 am in Camarillo. The incident at this time is still under investigation and preliminarily appears to be accidental. The 9-year-old male was shot and received non-life threatening injuries. He was transported to Los Robles Hospital for treatment. Camarillo Police wants to take this opportunity to remind the community of the importance of gun safety. When the gun is not in your hands, you must still think of safety. Use a California-approved firearms safety device on the gun, such as a trigger lock or cable lock, so it cannot be fired. Store it unloaded in a locked container, such as a California-approved lock box or a gun safe. Store your gun in a different location than the ammunition. For maximum safety you should use both a locking device and a storage container Free DOJ approved gun locks are available at the Camarillo Police Station. For more information regarding gun laws and safety go online to the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Firearms, www.ag.ca.gov/firearms. RB#: 10-20043 Juvenile Male 13 years old Officer Preparing Release: Senior Deputy Julie Novak 947-6648 Follow-upContact: Novak: 947-6648 Approved By: Captain Monica McGrath |