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

Location: 1400 block of Third Street, Simi Valley
Date & Time: September 30, 2009, 7:00 P.M.
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff Narcotics, Simi Valley Police Department’s Narcotic Unit, Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and the City of Thousand Oaks Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit.

Suspect City of residence Age
Maria Almanza Simi Valley 39

On 9-30-09, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department East County Narcotic Street Team, the Simi Valley Police Department’s Narcotic Unit, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and the City of Thousand Oaks Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit concluded a two-month investigation into Maria Almanza for selling cocaine. Almanza was operating a cocaine delivery service, which covered the communities of Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, and the San Fernando Valley. Almanza was arrested in the City of Thousand Oaks for possession of approximately 3 ounce of cocaine. Investigators served a search warrant at her home in the 1400 block of Third St, Simi Valley, where a small amount of cocaine and currency were seized from her residence. Almanza was booked into the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Pre-Trial Detention Facility for cocaine sales. Her bail was set at $250,000, and she is scheduled for arraignment on 10-2-09.

 


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

RB#: 09-24169
Location of Crime: Moorpark Avenue @ Second Street, Moorpark, CA.
Date & Time: September 30, 2009 / 6:15 p.m.
Unit Responsible: Moorpark Patrol & East County Major Crimes

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

(V) Antonio Ceballos Moorpark 22
(S1) Manuel Sanchez Moorpark 19
(S2) Male Juvenile Moorpark 15

On 9-30-09 at about 8:15 p.m., Moorpark patrol deputies were summoned to the area of Moorpark Avenue and Second Street, in the City of Moorpark, in reference to a robbery that had just occurred. Victim Antonio Ceballos reported that three male subjects, unknown to him, approached him and asked for money. When he told them he had no money, one of men displayed a knife and demanded money from him, telling him that if he did not given them money they would take his bicycle. When Ceballos again denied having money, they pulled his bicycle away from him. Fearing for his safety, Ceballos ran from the area and called 911.

During a search for the suspects, a male juvenile was located riding Ceballos’ bicycle away from the scene. An additional suspect, Manuel Sanchez, was detained and found in possession of a knife resembling the one used in the robbery. Ceballos positively identified both Sanchez and the male juvenile as being participants in the crime. The third suspect has not yet been identified.

Following the investigation, Manuel Sanchez and the male juvenile were taken into custody for violating section 211 P.C. – Robbery. Sanchez was booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in lieu of $100,000 bail. The juvenile was booked into Juvenile Hall.

Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact Detective Devers at 805-494-8201.

 


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

Location: 1300 Block of Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, CA.
Date & Time: September 30, 2009 / 9:00 a.m.
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Patrol & East County Major Crimes

Suspect City of residence Age
(S) Michael Paul Finch Thousand Oaks 27

On 9-29-09 at about 1:29 p.m., Thousand Oaks patrol deputies responded to a call of a robbery that had just occurred at the Carl’s Jr. Restaurant, located in the 1300 block of Moorpark Road in the city of Thousand Oaks. Upon arrival, deputies learned that a male subject displayed a hand written note to the manager, demanding money. The manager asked another employee to call 911, while she delayed the male suspect. After several moments, the male suspect left the restaurant without receiving any money.

During the search for the suspect, Michael Finch was seen leaving the area. Finch was later positively identified as the suspect. Finch was located and arrested by Thousand Oaks deputies this morning, 9-30-09 at approximately 8.30 a.m. Specific clothing that Finch was wearing during the attempted robbery was recovered.

In addition, Finch is a registered sex offender from Florida and mandated to register with law enforcement. However, during the investigation it was discovered that Finch is currently out of compliance with his reporting.

Finch was booked into the East County Jail for violating sections 664/211P.C. – Attempted Robbery and 290.013(a) P.C. – Failing to Register. He is currently being held in lieu of $500,000 bail.

 
California Highway Patrol
California Highway Patrol

On September 30, 2009 at about 7:20 am, a traffic collision occurred involving a pickup truck and an Ojai Unified School District bus on Baldwin Rd. at Los Encinos Rd.

Kim Fullenwider, age 53 of Ojai, was driving a school bus as she was traveling westbound on Baldwin Rd approaching Los Encinos Rd. She was picking up students on her regular route. There were thirty-one students on the school bus from Meiners Oaks Elementary School, Nordhoff High School and Matillija Jr. High School.

Dimitrios Poulos, age 60 from Ojai, was driving a Ford pickup truck traveling eastbound on Baldwin Rd. approaching Los Encinos Rd. Fullenwider made a u-turn in the intersection of Baldwin Rd. at Los Encinos Rd. directly ahead of Poulos’ vehicle. Poulos applied his brakes but could not stop in time. The right front end of Poulos’ vehicle struck the right rear end of the school bus.

Poulos’ vehicle sustained major front end damage in the collision. The school bus sustained moderate right rear end damage. Another bus driver was dispatched to the collision scene and transported the students to their respective schools. No one was injured in the collision.

Fullenwider was determined to be driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision. She was arrested for driving under the influence and was booked into the Ventura County Jail. Fullenwider was also charged with child endangerment. Fullenwider has been a school bus driver for the Ojai Unified School District for 19 years. The collision is still under investigation.

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

RB#: 09-24037
Location: 1300 Block of Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, CA.
Date & Time: September 30, 2009 / 9:00 a.m.
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Patrol & East County Major Crimes

Suspect City of residence Age
(S) Michael Paul Finch Thousand Oaks 27

On 9-29-09 at about 1:29 p.m., Thousand Oaks patrol deputies responded to a call of a robbery that had just occurred at the Carl’s Jr. Restaurant, located in the 1300 block of Moorpark Road in the city of Thousand Oaks. Upon arrival, deputies learned that a male subject displayed a hand written note to the manager, demanding money. The manager asked another employee to call 911, while she delayed the male suspect. After several moments, the male suspect left the restaurant without receiving any money.

During the search for the suspect, Michael Finch was seen leaving the area. Finch was later positively identified as the suspect. Finch was located and arrested by Thousand Oaks deputies this morning, 9-30-09 at approximately 8.30 a.m. Specific clothing that Finch was wearing during the attempted robbery was recovered.

In addition, Finch is a registered sex offender from Florida and mandated to register with law enforcement. However, during the investigation it was discovered that Finch is currently out of compliance with his reporting.

Finch was booked into the East County Jail for violating sections 664/211P.C. – Attempted Robbery and 290.013(a) P.C. – Failing to Register. He is currently being held in lieu of $500,000 bail.

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

RB#: 09-11543
Location of Crime: 100 Block of West Los Angeles Ave, Moorpark, CA.
Date & Time: May 10, 2009 / 9:40 p.m.
Unit Responsible: Moorpark Special Enforcement Unit & East County Major Crimes

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

(V) Reynaldo Munoz Moorpark 26
(S1) Turk Rangel Simi Valley 18
(S2) James Hodgkins Simi Valley 19
(S3) Victor Loza Canoga Park 19

On 5-10-09, at about 9:40 p.m., Moorpark patrol deputies were summoned to the 100 block of West Los Angeles Avenue, in the city of Moorpark, in reference to a fight in progress. Upon arrival, deputies found that Reynaldo Munoz had been stabbed multiple times, and the suspects had already fled the scene. Munoz was subsequently transported to Los Robles Hospital for treatment.

During the initial investigation, it was learned that Munoz had gotten into an argument with several rival gang members from Simi Valley, a fight ensued and Munoz was stabbed approximately fourteen (14) times to his head, face and torso. Munoz also sustained a fracture to his right forearm and various other injuries. Munoz ultimately survived the attack. Evidence obtained during the investigation identified CONTINUED »

 

On September 24, 2009, at approximately 8:45 p.m. The Santa Paula Police Department received a 9-1-1 call of a large fight in the area of 400 Craig Dr.

Upon arrival officers located the victim, a 27 year old male from Santa Paula. It was found that the victim had been hit in the head with a metal bar numerous times and had severe head injuries. He was treated by Santa Paula Fire Department and AMR and was later taken to the Ventura County Medical Center where he is in stable condition. A short time later, suspect Alfonso Magana, 37 years old, also from Santa Paula was taken into custody at the scene. He was later transported to Ventura County Main Jail on the charges of attempted homicide. After further investigation it was found the victim and suspect were family members and the incident occurred out of a family dispute.

The investigation is still ongoing at this time, anyone with information is urged to call the Santa Paula Police Department Investigations unit at 805-525-4474.

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

Location: 200 block of Burnham Road, Oak View, Ca, 93022.
Date & Time/ RB#: 8/23/09 0800 hours RB#:09-0023461
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Department / Ojai / Sheriff’s Gang Unit

(S)Suspect Address Age
Jimmy Villalpando 258 Burnham Road, Oak View 28 years

Narrative: In February of 2007 (S) Villalpando was arrested by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department for attempted murder in a gang related shooting in the City of Ojai. Villalpando posted $90,000.00 bail and fled to Mexico.

On 9/23/09, at approximately 0800 hours, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department received information that Villalpando was at 258 Burnham Rd. Villalpando was wanted for an outstanding felony warrant for discharging a firearm at a dwelling and discharging a firearm at an occupied vehicle. Villalpando was located in the residence, hiding in an attic. He was arrested without incident and booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility - $250,000.00 bail.

 
A single vehicle accident occured on Grand Ave. on September 19th, 2009.
A single vehicle accident occured on Grand Ave. on September 19th, 2009.
Enlarge Photo
The driver was transported to the hospital. Information and photos submitted by Karen Moureaux.
The driver was transported to the hospital. Information and photos submitted by Karen Moureaux.
Enlarge Photo
 
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 2798 White Ridge Pl. #18 Thousand Oaks, Ca.
Date & Time/ RB#: Sept. 16, 2009 @ 5:42 p.m. / 09-22887
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age
(S) Mulvaney, James Thousand Oaks 52
(V) Mulvanay, Jason Thousand Oaks 12
(V) Mulvaney, Jennifer Thousand Oaks 7

Autopsies of two children found dead in a Thousand Oaks apartment on Wednesday revealed they died of multiple stab wounds.

Jason and Jennifer Mulvaney were found dead in their bedrooms inside their father’s apartment on White Ridge Place in Thousand Oaks when their mother arrived at the apartment Wednesday evening.

The children’s father, James Mulvaney, was found in the front room of the apartment, but had no visible external injuries. The preliminary results of James’ autopsy revealed he died of an intentional overdose of prescription medications, pending further toxicology testing.

Investigators determined that James murdered his two children with a knife, which was found inside the apartment.

 
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today offered rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction in a California court of the person or persons responsible for the following two unsolved cases in California.

The following is a brief description of each crime and the reward amount offered:

On February 2, 2009, 49-year-old Elizabeth Palmer and 42-year-old Matthew Scott were found murdered at their place of employment, Golden Sun Homes in Stanton. The Governor is offering a reward in the amount of $50,000. It was requested by Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens.

On February 13, 2009, 14-year-old Amber Dubois was last seen walking to school in Escondido before she disappeared. The Governor is offering a reward in the amount of $40,000. It was requested by Escondido Police Chief Jim Maher.

Under the Governor's Reward program, 258 rewards have been offered since 1967 and 19 have been paid. The reward process is initiated when the Governor receives a written request from the chief of the law enforcement agency with investigatory jurisdiction over the matter. This request informs the Governor that (1) those responsible for the investigation have pursued all leads and believe, in their independent judgment, that a reward will help them in their efforts, (2) the crime is one for which a reward may be offered under California law and (3) the victims' families support the reward. The Governor's legal affairs unit processes the request and ensures statutory compliance. The Governor makes the final determination regarding the request.

Rewards may be offered for specified crimes under the California Penal Code and subject to statutory maximums. Rewards do not expire and are only paid if the information leads to the arrest and conviction in a California court of the individual or individuals charged with the crime.

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

Location: 2798 White Ridge Pl. #18 Thousand Oaks, Ca. 91362
Date & Time/ RB#: Sept. 16, 2009 @ 5:42 p.m. / 09-22887
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit

A man and his two children were found dead inside their Thousand Oaks apartment Wednesday night.

A woman, who was later identified as the man’s ex-wife, called authorities when she arrived at the apartment and found the three bodies inside.

The father is a 52-year-old, and the two children were a 12-year-old boy and a seven-year-old girl.

The scene was quickly contained, and sheriff’s investigators are working to determine what took place inside the apartment.

The names of the victim’s have not yet been released.

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

Location: Parking Lot of Ventura County Government Center
Date & Time: September 14, 2009 @ 8:20 AM
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s- Major Crimes Bureau

Parties City of residence Age
Male (deceased) Unknown 39
Female Oxnard 33

A 39-year-old man shot himself in the chest Monday morning in the parking lot of the Ventura County Government Center while in the presence of his ex-wife. The man was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 9:10 AM. Both parties were at the Government Center to attend a civil proceeding in Family Court related to their divorce.

Information obtained by investigators indicates that the female drove alone to the Government Center and parked in the northeast lot. As she was exiting her vehicle, the male opened the door and began trying to communicate with her, preventing her from entering the courthouse. At one point the man removed a small caliber handgun from his waistband, pointed it at his chest, and shot himself. No one else was injured in the incident. The identity of the decedent is being withheld pending notification of family members by the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Ventura Police Officers were close by on an unrelated matter when the shooting occurred and were first to respond to the scene. The incident is being investigated by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit.

Officer Preparing Release: Captain Ross Bonfiglio

Follow-up Contact: Captain Ross Bonfiglio (805) 654-2417

Ross.Bonfiglio@ventura.org

Date of Release: 9/14/09

Approved by: Captain Mike De Los Santos

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

Location: Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility
Date & Time: Friday, September 11, 2009 9:00am
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Combined Agency Taskforce

Suspect City of residence Age
Mitchell Diamond Woodland Hills 30

A two-month financial crimes investigation by the Ventura County Combined Agency Taskforce, revealed evidence that Mitchell Diamond engaged in narcotics related money laundering, tax evasion, and possessing proceeds from narcotic sales in excess of $100,000 and $25,000. On September 10, 2009, the Honorable Judge Lane of the Ventura County Superior Court issued an arrest warrant for Diamond for 66 felonies, including 59 counts of money laundering, 5 counts of tax evasion, and 2 counts of possessing proceeds from narcotic sales. Judge Lane set bail at $1,000,000.

In June 2009, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Narcotic Unit, the Simi Valley Police Department Narcotic Unit and the Ventura County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation Economic Crimes Unit concluded a month-long joint investigation into Diamond and arrested him for selling cocaine in Ventura County. At that time, search warrants were served at multiple locations. An analysis of financial evidence by the District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation revealed additional crimes for which Diamond was arrested today. He was arrested at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility, where he was in custody for the prior arrest for cocaine sales.

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

Location: Olsen Road west of Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks
Date & Time: 9/11/09, 11:25 p.m.
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Traffic

Involved Parties City of residence Age
Julie Brody Thousand Oaks 25

Thousand Oaks Police Department is investigating a single car traffic collision that occurred on Olsen Road West of Moorpark Road. Julie Brody, solo occupant, was driving her 2004 Land Rover westbound Olsen Road when she lost control causing the vehicle to overturn. Mrs. Brody suffered serious injuries in the collision and was transported via ambulance to Los Robles Regional Medical Center, Thousand Oaks for treatment.

The investigation is continuing.

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

Location: Camarillo Police Department
Date: September 11, 2009

Deputy Eric Arteaga, an eight–year veteran, has been selected as the 2009 Camarillo Police Department’s Noontime Optimist Club of Camarillo Officer of the Year. His peers and supervisors selected Eric for this award for his outstanding dedication to police work and to keeping the residents of Camarillo safe.

Eric has been assigned to the Camarillo Police Department Substation for approximately two years, however in this short time span, Eric’s work ethic and teamwork attitude has been highly commendable. Eric is a diverse Deputy Sheriff and makes a variety of arrests as well as being sensitive to community needs. Eric has proven to be a solid officer, and with such a limited time on patrol, he has truly made himself a definite asset to the station and to Camarillo.

Eric often leads the station in arrest statistics, but his communication skills are his biggest asset. He is compassionate, team oriented, energetic, caring, and a dedicated family man. Every supervisor should be so fortunate to have such a great employee work for them as well as represent law enforcement in a positive manner.

Earlier this year, Eric received the “Employee of the Quarter” award at the Camarillo Station, and is involved in various collateral assignments:
• Member of the Sheriff’s Department Tactical Negotiation Unit
• Member of the California Association of Hostage Negotiators
• Sheriff’s Department Explorer Adviser
• Member of the Latino Peace Officer Association

Eric, although fairly new to patrol, is a role model for the newer deputies and has a true passion for police work and community service.

The Noontime Optimist Club of Camarillo will be hosting a dinner banquet at the Boys and Girls Club of Camarillo on September 24, 2009 at 6:30 P.M. to honor Deputy Arteaga, the Firefighter of the Year, and the Educator of the Year.

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

Location: Ventura County
Date: September 10, 2009
Unit Responsible: Special Services Bureau / Narcotics Unit

Suspects City of residence Age

Kim Lurie Perris 44
Hilton Gurfinkiel Woodland Hills 33

On September 10, Sheriff’s Narcotics Investigators completed a 4-month investigation into marijuana sales occurring in Ventura County. Detectives became aware of “805 Delivery”, a marijuana delivery service advertising in Ventura County newspapers and on the Internet. 805 Delivery claimed to be exempt from prosecution by complying with Proposition 215 (Compassionate Use Act), enacted by California voters in 1996. Kim Lurie of Perris, California, was identified as the owner of the business; Hilton Gurfinkiel was employed as a delivery person.

During the investigation, Lurie and Gurfinkiel sold marijuana to an undercover operative on multiple occasions. These sales were outside the legal parameters of Proposition 215, and in violation of California law. Lurie and Gurfinkiel were arrested for conspiracy to sell marijuana and booked into the Ventura County Main Jail.

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

Date & Time: September 11, 2009 12:00 PM
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services

First responders and citizens throughout Ventura County will assemble at the Ventura County Government Center on Friday, September 11, 2009 to honor the victims of the 9/11 tragedy.

“It has been eight years since our nation endured this act of terrorism and each day we are reminded of the sacrifices made,” said Laura Hernandez, Assistant Director of Disaster Services in Ventura County.

The Memorial Service is being hosted by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, in conjunction with the Ventura County Fire Chiefs Association, and will include comments from local officials including Sheriff Bob Brooks, a prayer for first responders by Oxnard Fire Department Chaplain Dan Green, and a moment of silence.

“It is important to honor those who lost their lives on September 11th,” said Hernandez, “as well as first responders, residents of New York, and citizens across the nation that were affected by this tragedy.”

The public is invited to attend the Memorial Service that will be held on the lawn between the Fallen Firefighter and Peace Officer Memorials on the Victoria side of the Ventura County Government Center. The service will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11th, and is expected to last approximately thirty minutes.

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

Location: Area of McGrath State Beach, Oxnard, CA
Date & Time: September 8, 2009 @ 7:10 PM
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff- Major Crimes Bureau

On September 8, 2009, the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit was called to assist in the investigation of a suspicious death at McGrath State Beach. After a thorough investigation, it was determined that Kenneth Owens had died as a result of a self inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

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

Location: 2104 Ponderosa Drive, Camarillo
Date & Time: September 1, 2009 at approximately 9:30 PM

Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff Major Crimes

On September 1, 2009, at approximately 9:30 PM, Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an attempt armed robbery call in front of the Little Caesars pizza parlor at 2104 Ponderosa Drive, Camarillo. One adult male victim and a juvenile male victim were leaving the Little Caesars restaurant and were approached by two male suspects. One of the suspects pointed a handgun at the victims and demanded money. The victims did not have any money, so the suspects fled the scene.

On September 3, 2009, investigators from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau and the Camarillo Police Special Enforcement Unit identified and arrested three adult males involved in the attempt robbery. Investigators discovered that two of the suspects had approached the victims, while the third suspect drove them to and from the location. The handgun used in the attempt robbery was also recovered.

All three suspects were booked at the Ventura County Jail for numerous different charges such as: Attempt Armed Robbery, Criminal Conspiracy, Participation in a Criminal Street Gang, and Possession of a Concealed Firearm.

Suspects:
Joel Maldonado, 18 years, Camarillo resident
Stefano Tarenzi, 18 years, Camarillo resident
Felipe Leon, 18 years, Camarillo resident