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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, January 20th, 2014
On January 13, 2014, Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit arrested Martin Rodriguez and Christian Granados for stealing landscaping equipment out of a gardener’s vehicle in the city of Camarillo. Beginning in January of 2013, the city of Camarillo began experiencing gardening equipment thefts from victims as they worked in the yards of their clients. The method of operation was very similar during each occurrence. The suspects would wait for the gardener to finish working in the front yard, and when they moved to the rear of the residence, they would take the landscaping equipment from their truck or trailer. There were thirty-one cases involving these types of thefts in the cities of Camarillo, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, and the unincorporated area of Ventura County known as El Rio during the past year. Camarillo detectives began an extensive investigation and through collaboration with detectives in Thousand Oaks and detectives with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office, Lost Hills station, they were able to identify Rodriguez and Granados as the suspects in the thefts. Detective’s set-up surveillances on the two subjects and caught them in the act of stealing equipment on Monday, January 13, 2014. On January 14, 2014, Detectives served search warrants at a location in the 14000 block of Gledhill Street, Panorama City and a residence in the 7300 block of Vista Del Norte, in Van Nuys. They located and recovered property that was taken during the thefts. Rodriguez and Granados were booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for eight (8) counts of Grand Theft. Rodriguez is in custody in lieu of bail set at $250,000.00 and Granados is in custody with his bail set at $10,000.00. Nature of Incident: Search Warrant and Arrest of Landscape Equipment Theft Suspects 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). |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 15th, 2014
FRESNO, CA – Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today announced the arrest of five individuals who allegedly ran a statewide housing scheme by using adverse possession laws to fraudulently seize at least 23 homes in nine counties. “It is reprehensible that these individuals lied to the courts in order to steal homes and in some cases to demand payment from the rightful owners,” Attorney General Harris said. “The conduct of the attorneys in this scheme is even more offensive because they violated their ethical duty to be honest to the courts. I am pleased that my mortgage fraud strike force, together with our state and local partners, continue to investigate and prosecute these crimes against our people and our economy." Sandra Elaine Barton, 30, Christopher Spencer Barton, 31, Daniel Paul Vedenoff, 29, Sheldon W. Feigel, 50, and Craig Merrill Mortensen, 60, all of Fresno, were arrested today and charged with 288 felony counts including perjury, filing false court records and preparing false evidence. Cambria Lisa Barton, 21, remains at large. According to the CONTINUED » |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, January 14th, 2014
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department The Ventura County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services, in conjunction with the Ventura County Fire Protection District, Ventura County Emergency Medical Services, California State University Channel Islands (CI), and the American Red Cross, will be hosting a three-day full scale preparedness exercise titled “Operation Ready Ventura County 2014.” The exercise scenario is a catastrophic earthquake that has caused significant damage in Ventura County, specifically to the CI campus. The purpose of this exercise is to test four areas of responsibility: Mass Evacuation, Reception Processing, Mass Care and Shelter, and Commodity Points of Distribution. On Tuesday, January 14, 2014, the exercise will begin with a series of discussion based table-top exercises at the Ventura County Emergency Operations Center in Ventura. Concurrently, the American Red Cross will be activating a traditional shelter in partnership with the Ventura County Human Services Agency at Freedom Park in Camarillo. On Wednesday, January 15, 2014, numerous public safety agencies will converge upon a full-scale mass casualty incident on the CI campus. Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services first responders will encounter a number of simulated injured victims requiring rescue, triage and transport to a temporary hospital facility on campus. Numerous other non-injured victims will be evacuated and transported by local transportation operators from the CI campus to a Red Cross non-traditional shelter that has been setup at Freedom Park. Evacuees will be registered at the shelter and have the opportunity to visit a Local Assistance Center. On Thursday, January 16, 2014, the exercise will focus on commodity points of distribution and the process for providing potable water during a disaster. During this exercise, responders will test the regions ability to transport potable water and maintain the integrity of this water in portable water bladders. Credentialed Media Viewing Opportunity Wednesday, January 15, 2014, 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. • Mass Casualty Incident at CI residence halls. Wednesday, January 15, 2014, 11:30a.m. - 2:00p.m. • American Red Cross non-traditional shelter in large outdoor tents at Freedom Park. Nature of Incident: Operation Ready Ventura County 2014 Freedom Park Date & Time: January 14-16, 2014, 9:30a.m. - 4:00p.m. |
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By Anonymous — Monday, January 13th, 2014
Southern California Experiencing High Fire Danger
Southern California “Though CAL FIRE has year round staffing in Southern California, these conditions warrant adding additional resources on for the duration of the Red Flag conditions that bring an elevated threat of wildfire," said Chief Dale Hutchinson, CAL FIRE's Southern Region Chief. CAL FIRE has placed additional firefighters on duty to staff extra equipment to augment normal staffing levels in the areas affected. CAL FIRE is asking everyone to be extra cautious during the heightened fire danger period in order to prevent wildfires. One Less Spark means One Less Wildfire. CAL FIRE offers the following fire prevention tips: For more fire prevention tips visit www.PreventWildfireCA.org and for evacuation tips visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, January 13th, 2014
Ventura County Sheriff's Department A sheriff’s deputy patrolling along the coast north of Ventura disrupted a smuggling operation involving at least 14 people and approximately 2,000 pounds of marijuana. The deputy drove up to a remote area as suspects were loading large bales of marijuana into a recreational vehicle. The cargo had already been off loaded from a panga boat that had been steered onto the sand from the ocean. The suspects scattered as soon as they saw the patrol vehicle. The deputy requested assistance and soon had additional deputies and officers from a variety of local, state, and federal agencies assisting in the search for the smugglers. After several hours of searching by law enforcement officers on the ground, in two helicopters, and with K-9’s, 14 suspects were located and arrested. Of the fourteen, all were men, and one was a male juvenile. Roughly half the group is claiming United States citizenship, while the rest are undocumented. The RV containing the marijuana was seized, along with the boat. The investigation is being handled by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, and the case will be presented to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office for the filing of criminal charges. ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents are continuing to investigate the case for possible federal violations. People living along the coast and visiting our beaches need to realize that it is an international border. Anyone witnessing suspicious activity involving boats coming ashore with people engaging in human trafficking or narcotics smuggling should notify authorities immediately. Nature of Incident: 14 Arrested After Panga Boat Comes Ashore Near 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). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, January 13th, 2014
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On 01-08-14, Detectives with the East County Major Crimes Unit and Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement Detail continued their investigation of an armed home invasion robbery that occurred on Thursday, 01-02-14, in Thousand Oaks CA. Investigators developed leads identifying Rocael Osorio as the suspect in this crime. He was arrested in Canoga Park in connection with the robbery. Osorio is suspected of forcing his way into the elderly victim’s residence, with a handgun, and stealing property. Detectives have recovered the handgun used in this crime. This appears to be an isolated incident that Osorio acted alone in committing. Osorio was booked on armed robbery and elder abuse charges. He is currently in custody at the Ventura County Jail with bail being sought at $500,000 dollars pending his arraignment in Superior Court. Nature of Incident: Home Invasion Robbery/Elder Abuse 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). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, January 7th, 2014
 Sheriff Geoff Dean Thursday, January 23, 2014 Tickets - $35 Sheriff Geoff Dean will be the guest speaker at the Foundation's 3rd Annual Briefing Lunch. The Sheriff will do a year-end briefing, tell us what is ahead for Ventura County law enforcement in 2014 and speak about the partnership and the support of the Ventura County Sheriff's Foundation. 2014 Foundation Memberships will be available at a 10% discount at the event. Sponsorships are available and include 2014 memberships. Tickets, tables and sponsorships may be purchased by visiting www.VCSheriffsFoundation.org. For more information please contact Nancy Frawley at 805-492-4398, nancy@VCSheriffsFoundation.org. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, January 6th, 2014
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On December 31, 2013, at approximately 11:30 pm, Steven Chavez, Cameron Pucik, and a seventeen year old female juvenile were congregating on an embankment located south of Moorpark Avenue in the city of Moorpark. At some point, a disagreement between Chavez and Pucik developed into a physical altercation. Chavez produced a knife during the incident and stabbed Pucik in the neck and abdomen. Chavez also stabbed the juvenile’s hand during the struggle. Pucik and the juvenile were transported via ambulance to Los Robles Hospital. The injuries sustained by the victims are not considered life threatening. Moorpark patrol deputies and detectives located Chavez a short time later and arrested him for assault with a deadly weapon. Chavez was booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility on $25,000.00 bail. Chavez is scheduled to be arraigned in Ventura County Superior Court on January 03, 2014. 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 committing crimes in Ventura County. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). Nature of Incident: Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Stabbing) Arrest |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, December 30th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On December 29, 2013, a Camarillo Patrol Deputy observed a pickup truck on Lewis Road in the area of Las Posas Road and attempted to conduct an enforcement stop for a traffic violation. As the deputy attempted to initiate the stop, the truck quickly turned into a residential neighborhood turning off its headlights and speeding away. The deputy caught up to the vehicle and initiated a pursuit. Moments later the vehicle ran a red light at the intersection of Antonio Avenue and Las Posas Road and collided into a passing vehicle. Suspect Murphy was immediately taken into custody. The driver and passenger, who were in the vehicle that was struck by Murphy’s vehicle, were treated at the scene by Ventura County Fire personnel and AMR paramedics. Both were later transported to St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital for evaluation and additional treatment. They both suffered minor visible injuries and complaints of pain. Murphy was also treated for minor injuries and later booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for one felony count of reckless/evading a police officer and one misdemeanor count of driving without a license. Murphy remains in custody on $50,000.00 bail. 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 crimes committed in Ventura County. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). Nature of Incident: Vehicle Pursuit/Traffic Accident |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, December 30th, 2013
The Ventura County Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit completed a several month long investigation into the sales of Ecstasy and Bath Salts in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties with the arrest of Aaron Lieberman and Samantha Brand (see photos of suspects and evidence seized at http://tinyurl.com/methylone). The main drug involved in this investigation was Methylone. Methylone is an illicit drug that is illegal to possess or sell in the State of California pursuant to the Health and Safety Code. Methylone is an ecstasy type drug which has been sold as both ecstasy and bath salts in the past. Methylone is abused for its stimulant and hallucinogenic affects. It is typically ingested by teenagers and young adults and is popular in the rave culture. It is known locally as "moon rocks" and "sassafras." It resembles raw brown sugar in appearance and is typically orally ingested in capsule form. A typical dose is .1 - .2 grams. The pharmaceutical unit began investigating the use and sales of Methylone after information was received that there was a large amount of it being sold in eastern Ventura County and western Los Angeles County. Methylone also came to the attention of law enforcement when Alejandro Pope was arrested earlier this year for killing his back seat passenger during a driving while drugged collision. Pope was found to have Methylone, among other drugs, in his system. The pharmaceutical unit, through its investigation, identified Aaron Lieberman as the ultimate source of supply of most, if not all, Methylone for eastern Ventura and western Los Angeles Counties. The case concluded with the arrest of Lieberman when he was witnessed selling a pound and a half of Methylone in Simi Valley on December 26. Lieberman had also been witnessed selling the drug on other occasions in Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley. Lieberman's residences were searched in the 900 block of Quimisa Drive, in Simi Valley and 3500 block of Mapleknoll Place, in Thousand Oaks pursuant to his probation terms for a prior drug related conviction. Lieberman's girlfriend, Samantha Brand, was present at the Quimisa address and was arrested for possession for sale of Methylone. Several kilograms of Methylone, over $40,000 in cash, 2 pill presses, and a large amount of cutting agents, steroids, and suspected LSD were also recovered. Additionally, glass ware and other paraphernalia were seized indicating past production of bath salts and ecstasy type drugs. In total, the street of value of drugs seized from Lieberman was over $400,000. The investigation revealed Lieberman and Brand were importing chemicals and finished product from China to produce and resell these drugs. The investigation did not reveal any domestic source of supply for Lieberman, suggesting he was the head of Methylone sales for the area. The Thousand Oaks Police Department Special Enforcement Unit, Thousand Oaks Police Bike Patrol Team, and members of the Ventura County Sheriff's Office West County Street Narcotics Team provided significant assistance in the investigation. Lieberman was booked into the Ventura County Main Jail for multiple narcotics violations including several counts of drug sales. His bail is currently set at $350,000. Brand was booked and subsequently secured bail. Both have pending court dates. The Ventura County Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit is comprised of members of law enforcement from the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, Simi Valley Police Department, and the Ventura County District Attorney's Office Bureau of Investigation. The main mission of the unit is to stem the flow of prescription medication to the illegal market. A secondary, and related, mission is identifying and stopping new trends of non-traditional drug sales that target teenagers and young adults in Ventura County. Report Number: 12-28169 |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, December 23rd, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department Ventura County Sheriff Investigators finished an 18 month investigation into Biker Bail Bonds with the arrest of its owner, Brian Gooch, and one of his bail agents, Tracy Ward. In July of 2012, The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office received several complaints that Biker Bail bonds was operating illegally and using questionable business practices. Ventura County Sheriff’s investigators along with the California Department of Insurance conducted a lengthy investigation which included serving several search warrants at Biker Bail Bonds and the residences of Brian Gooch and Tracy Ward. Investigators found evidence of stolen bail bonds along with over a hundred instances where Ward illegally negotiated and/or issued bails bonds without a license at the direction of Gooch. Gooch was arrested on December 11th and Ward was arrested on December 17th for conducting bail transactions without a license. Both Gooch and Ward were booked into the Ventura County Jail. Both were released on bail. Nature of Incident: Bail Bond Company Owner and Agent arrested. 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). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, December 23rd, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On 10-18-13, Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a robbery that had just occurred in the unincorporated area known as Saticoy. Two victims who worked for a marijuana delivery business reported being robbed at gunpoint when they arrived in the 1100 block of Aster to make a delivery. The Sheriff’s Gang Unit conducted an investigation into the robbery and discovered that another marijuana delivery business had been robbed in the same manner a short time later. The second robbery occurred in the City of Santa Barbara. Investigators also discovered that the cellular telephone used to order the marijuana deliveries had been taken during a third robbery. In all three robberies the suspect(s) used handguns. Jelani Rivera, Daniel Sotelo, and Filiberto Loyola were identified as the three suspects that committed the robberies. Sotelo and Loyola are both documented members of a criminal street gang from Santa Barbara. On 12-13-13, Sheriff’s Gang Unit detectives learned that one of the suspects, Jelani Rivera, had fled to a family member’s residence in the City of San Francisco. On 12-14-13, with assistance from the San Francisco Police Department, Rivera was taken into custody. He was transported back to Ventura County where he was booked into the Ventura County Main Jail. The firearm used by Rivera was located at a Santa Barbara area gun store. On 12-18-13, the Sheriff’s Gang Unit, with assistance from the Santa Barbara Police Department, located and arrested Daniel Sotelo at his residence in the City of Santa Barbara. Sotelo is currently on Parole for Battery with Serious Bodily Injury. Sotelo was booked into the Ventura County Main Jail. On 12-21-13, Sheriff’s Gang Unit detectives were conducting surveillance in the 600 Block of Andy Lane in Goleta when they saw Filiberto Loyola leave his residence in a vehicle. Investigators followed Loyola to the City of Santa Barbara. With the assistance of the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office and Santa Barbara Police Department, Loyola was taken into custody on Anacapa Street south of Cota Street in the City of Santa Barbara. Loyola was found to be in possession of two handguns. During the arrest, Loyola struck one of the arresting deputies with his knee. Rivera, Sotelo, and Loyola were all booked for Robbery, Conspiracy, Participation in a Criminal Street Gang, Criminal Threats, and assault with a firearm. Loyola was booked for the additional charge Resisting an Executive Officer. Nature of Incident: Robbery Arrests 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). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, December 23rd, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department After a four month investigation, Sheriff’s Narcotics Investigators arrested Sandra Marquez for the sale, and possession for sale, of methamphetamine. In August 2013, Sheriff’s narcotics detectives with the West County Street Team received information that Oxnard resident Sandra Marquez was involved in methamphetamine sales. In September, a Search Warrant was served at her residence in the 900 block of Ilene Street, Oxnard. At the time, Marquez was in custody on an unrelated matter. During the search of the residence, detectives located approximately ten ounces of methamphetamine in the bedroom of Marquez’ son, Jaime Caceres. Caceres was arrested for possession of methamphetamine for sale. Caceres was also arrested for felony child neglect as he was the guardian of two young siblings living in the residence. Caceres was later released after posting bail. Soon after Marquez’s release, Sheriff’s narcotic detectives received information that she was again involved in methamphetamine sales. On December 18, Sheriff’s detectives assisted by the Oxnard Police Department, observed Marquez and Gonzalo Guerrero conducting what appeared to be a narcotics transaction in Oxnard. Detectives detained all parties and located over 29 ounces of methamphetamine in Marquez’s vehicle. A Search Warrant was served at Marquez’s residence in the 3100 block of South B Street, Oxnard. At the execution of the Search Warrant, Caceres ran and temporarily hid from detectives. He was subsequently arrested for obstructing the duties of law enforcement. The search revealed methamphetamine packaged for sale in Marquez’s bedroom. Marquez and Guerrero were booked for the sale and possession for sale of methamphetamine. Marquez bail was set at $130,000, Guerrero is being held without bail with an INS hold. Caceres bail is set at $10,000. Nature of Incident: Narcotics arrests 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). |
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By Santa Paula Police Department — Monday, December 23rd, 2013
Suspect is in custody and the investigation is ongoing
 Santa Paula Police Department On December 22, 2013 at approximatley 0123 hours, Santa Paula Police responded to the 200 block of Garcia St. to the rear of Ruben's Lounge Bar, regarding a call of a traffic accident and brandishing report. When Officers arrived, they observed an SUV had rear ended a parked vehicle. Upon further invetigation, the Officers discovered that the driver of the SUV had been shot once in the head and was not responsive. Medical personnel at the scene declared the driver deceased at the scene. SPPD Officers/Detectives initiated a homicide investigation. SPPD Detectives assited by Patrol personnel, worked tirelessly throughout the night and day on this investigation. As a result, information was developed as to the identity of the suspect, location of the suspect and witnesses. Information obtained led Detectives to a home in the 300 block of N. 14th St, where the suspect was located and taken into custody without incident. The suspect was identified as Jesus Montejo Cardoso, 29 years, a resident of Santa Paula. The victim's name will not be released at this time pending notification of next of kin. At this time, Detectives are continuing on the case, interviewing additional witnesses, and conducting further investigation. Nature of Incident: |
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By Anonymous — Monday, December 23rd, 2013
California homeowners eligible to receive an estimated $268 million in first lien principal reductions and nearly $23 million in cash payments
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today announced a $2.1 billion multistate and federal settlement with Ocwen Financial Corporation and Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC (Ocwen) over alleged mortgage servicing misconduct. The settlement makes California homeowners eligible to receive up to $268 million in first lien principal reductions and nearly $23 million in cash payments to borrowers. "This settlement will help homeowners who've been misled while trying to modify their Ocwen mortgages," said Attorney General Harris, "But our work isn't done. Too many California families are still coping with uncooperative banks and mortgage service providers. My office will continue to fight on their behalf." The settlement resolves allegations that Ocwen engaged in robo-signing, “dual tracking” of borrowers seeking loan modifications, and other misconduct in the course of its mortgage servicing activities. The settlement also resolves similar allegations against Homeward Residential, Inc. and Litton Loan Servicing, LP, which Ocwen acquired. Ocwen holds nearly 390,000 loans in California, of which 12% are underwater. Ocwen holds approximately 6% of all California underwater loans. The national settlement requires Ocwen to pay $125 million to borrowers whose homes were foreclosed between 2009 and 2012 and commit to $2 billion in first lien principal reduction loan modifications over the next three years. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was the lead agency for the negotiations. The settlement was signed by 49 states and the District of Columbia, including California. Joe Smith, who served as the Monitor for last year’s National Mortgage Settlement, will monitor the settlement nationally and Katie Porter, who heads the California Monitor’s office, will monitor the settlement in California. The Ocwen settlement does not grant immunity from criminal offenses and would not affect criminal prosecutions. The agreement does not prevent homeowners or investors from pursuing individual, institutional or class action civil cases. The agreement also preserves the authority of state attorneys general and federal agencies to investigate and pursue other aspects of the mortgage crisis, including securities cases. In some cases, Ocwen will contact borrowers directly regarding principal reductions. However, borrowers should contact Ocwen to obtain more information about principal reductions and whether they qualify under terms of this settlement. A settlement administrator will contact qualified borrowers associated with foreclosed loans regarding cash payments. Today’s settlement is the latest in a series of actions taken by Attorney General Harris and the California Department of Justice against bad lending practices in California. In February 2012, Attorney General Harris secured a commitment from the nation’s five largest banks which has resulted in more than $20 billion for struggling California homeowners. Following the settlement, Attorney General Harris sponsored the California Homeowner Bill of Rights, a landmark package of legislation that restricts dual-track foreclosures, guarantees struggling homeowners a reliable point of contact at their lender and imposes civil penalties on fraudulently signed mortgage documents. In addition, homeowners may require loan servicers to document their right to foreclose. This legislation was signed by Governor Brown in July 2012 and took effect on January 1, 2013. Most recently, Attorney General Harris announced a settlement with J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. over its misrepresentation in residential mortgage-backed securities sold to California’s public employee and teacher pensions. The terms of the settlement resulted in California recovering nearly $300,000 million in damages. In February 2013, Attorney General Harris filed a lawsuit against Standard & Poors, one of the nation's major credit rating companies, for inflating its ratings of structured finance investments, which caused California's public pension funds and other investors to lose billions of dollars. Created in May 2011 by Attorney General Harris, the Mortgage Fraud Strike Force continues to lead the charge in investigating and prosecuting misconduct at all stages of the mortgage process. |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, December 10th, 2013
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today announced the arrest of the alleged owner and operator of a revenge porn website who facilitated the posting of more than 10,000 sexually explicit photos and extorted victims for as much as $350 each to remove the illicit content. “This website published intimate photos of unsuspecting victims and turned their public humiliation and betrayal into a commodity with the potential to devastate lives,” Attorney General Harris said. “Online predators that profit from the extortion of private photos will be investigated and prosecuted for this reprehensible and illegal internet activity.” Kevin Christopher Bollaert, 27, of San Diego, was arrested today in San Diego by California Department of Justice agents and is being held in San Diego County jail on $50,000 bail. According to documents filed in San Diego County Superior Court, Bollaert has been charged with 31 felony counts of conspiracy, identity theft and extortion and is facing possible jail time and fines. Court documents allege that, in December 2012, Bollaert created the website ugotposted.com, which allows the anonymous, public posting of private photographs containing nude and explicit images of individuals without their permission. Commonly knows as revenge porn, the photos are typically obtained consensually by the poster during a prior relationship or are stolen or hacked. Unlike many other revenge porn websites where the subject of the photos is anonymous, ugotposted.com required that the poster include the subject’s full name, location, age and facebook profile link. California Penal Code sections 530.5 and 653m (b) make it illegal to willfully obtain someone’s personal identifying information, including name, age and address, for any unlawful purpose, including with the intent to annoy or harass. Court documents also allege that Bollaert created a second website, changemyreputation.com, in October 2012, which he used when individuals contacted ugotposted.com requesting that content be removed from the site. Bollaert would allegedly extort victims by replying with a changemyreputation.com email address and offering to remove the content for a fee ranging from $299.99 to $350, which could be paid using an online PayPal account referenced in the emails. Ballaert allegedly told investigators, according to court documents, that he made around $900 per month from advertising on the site and records obtained from his changemyreputation.com PayPal account indicate that he received payments totaling tens of thousands of dollars. According to court documents, ugotposted.com’s registration listed a billing address in San Diego, CA. Individuals who feel they are victims of ugotposted.com or other revenge porn websites should file a complaint with the California Attorney General’s office here: https://oag.ca.gov/contact/consumer-complaint-against-business-or-compan.... Please note that a complaint contains only allegations against a person and, as with all defendants, Kevin Christopher Bollaert, must be presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. A copy of the complaint and arrest warrant are attached to the electronic version of this release here: https://oag.ca.gov/news. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, December 10th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department During the weekend of November 2, 2013, deputies from the Ojai Sheriff’s Station responded to a report of several vehicle burglaries in the Matilija Canyon Trailhead parking lot. Vehicle windows were broken out and property was taken from inside the vehicles, including purses and personal electronics. On 12/06/13, after an extensive investigation, Ojai Detectives were able to identify a suspect, Luis Santillan, involved in the vehicle burglaries. The Investigation revealed that Santillan had been involved in numerous vehicle burglaries in the Matilija Canyon including at the Trailhead and Hot Springs over the years. Santillan was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail for PC 459 - Burglary. Santillan’s bail was set at $10,000. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind citizens when visiting trailheads or other open areas, to remove valuables from plain view inside the vehicle and secure them in the glove box or trunk whenever possible. Nature of Incident: Trailhead Vehicle 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). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, December 9th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department During a narcotics investigation, Morris was found to be in possession of marijuana packaged for sale. Sheriff’s narcotics investigators received information of a subject bringing high-grade marijuana to Ventura County from Humboldt County in Northern California. The subject was identified as Steven Morris, a resident of Fortuna, Ca. On 12-5-2013, detectives observed Morris in the City of Oxnard and contacted him. During the search of Morris’ vehicle, high-grade marijuana, packaged for sale, was found. A follow-up search of Morris’ motel room revealed additional marijuana. Total seized marijuana was approximately 3.5 pounds, with an estimated street value in excess of $14,000.00. Morris was booked into the Sheriff’s Main Jail with a bail set at $20,000.00 Nature of Incident: Marijuana Sales 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). |
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By Anonymous — Monday, December 2nd, 2013
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today announced that the number of reported hate crimes in California decreased 12.8 percent in 2012. There were 930 hate crime events reported statewide in 2012, a decrease from the 1,060 hate crimes reported in 2011. Since 2003, the total number of hate crime events in California has decreased 37.6 percent from 1,491 to 930. Hate crimes with a race/ethnicity/national origin bias decreased 10.1 percent from 2011 to 2012 but still accounted for 56.8 percent of all hate crime events in 2012. Over the past ten years, these have consistently been the most common type of hate crime. Hate crime events involving a sexual orientation bias decreased 3.7 percent and events involving a religious bias decreased 27.9 percent from 2011 to 2012. All police agencies and district attorney’s offices in California submitted hate crime statistics to the state Department of Justice for this report. Hate crime categories are established by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Next year, three changes will be made to the Hate Crime Event Report form distributed by the California Department of Justice to local law enforcement agencies in the state. In accordance with a change made by the FBI, the category ‘gender non-conforming’ will be added to the ‘gender’ category and ‘community centers’ will be added to the ‘location’ category. Additionally, California will add the category ‘anti-Sikh’ to the ‘religious’ category. Statistics that reflect these changes will appear in the Attorney General’s 2014 Hate Crime Report, which will be released in 2015. The California Attorney General’s Office published its first hate crimes report in 1995. All previous reports can be found at: http://oag.ca.gov/cjsc/pubs A complete copy of the Hate Crime in California 2012 report is available here: https://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/cjsc/publications/hatecrim...? |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, December 2nd, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On 11/28/2013, at about 1830 hours, the victim was riding a motorcycle in the community of Nyeland Acres. The victim was confronted by a male Hispanic suspect in the 2600 block of Ventura Boulevard. The suspect demanded the victim’s “mini” motorcycle. The victim refused to give the suspect the motorcycle and a brief “tug-o-war” ensued. The suspect removed a handgun from his waistband, pointed it at the victim and took the motorcycle. Fearing for his life, the victim fled the scene and called the Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff’s Deputies from the Headquarters Patrol Station responded to the area and conducted the initial investigation. Detectives from the Sheriff’s Gang Unit also responded to the scene and assisted with the investigation. Sheriff’s Gang Unit detectives quickly identified the suspect as a known El Rio gang member and determined his possible whereabouts. The juvenile suspect was located at a family member’s residence in Somis and he was arrested within hours of the robbery. A search of the location led to the discovery of the stolen “mini” motorcycle and a replica weapon that was used to commit the robbery. The suspect was lodged in Juvenile Hall for the robbery with a gang enhancement. The investigation is on-going. Detectives are seeking possible witnesses to the crime. Anyone with any information related to this crime is requested to contact Detective Gonzales at 805-654-3548. 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). Nature of Incident: Armed Robbery Arrest |