By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, January 22nd, 2013
The Moorpark Police Department and the Moorpark Unified School District will host a community drug forum on the evening of January 23, 2013 to discuss community trends and the impacts caused by the abuse of heroin, prescription drugs, alcohol, marijuana and new designer drugs (i.e., Bath Salts, Spice). Prescription pill and heroin abuse has increased in many communities throughout the United States, and the reason may surprise most people. Many of the young people who find their way down a path toward opium addiction began the treacherous journey in a medicine cabinet at home. Most prescription pain medications derive their potency from opium. With pills being commonly prescribed for a variety of ailments, they are easily accessible both at home and on the street. The transition from pills to either smoking or injecting heroin is inevitable, given ample supplies and relatively cheap prices. Learn the growing trends in substance abuse through our expert panel. Learn what signs and symptoms to look out for and get expert advice on how to overcome addiction. This drug forum offers a wealth of quality information and discussion of drug related topics, in addition to assistance for individuals struggling with addiction. More than 60% of teens said that drugs were sold, used or kept at their schools! About 64% of teens (12-17) who have abused pain relievers say they got them from friends or relatives, often without their knowledge. By the 8th grade, 52% of adolescents have consumed alcohol, 41% have smoked cigarettes, and 20% have used marijuana. The communities in Ventura County are no exception to this growing problem. Officials from law enforcement and the medical field will host a forum that is free to attend and open to anyone interested in learning more about this disturbing trend in our community. Please come join us on January 23, 2013, from 6 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. at the Performing Arts Center located at Moorpark High School. The forum will feature Assistant Sheriff Gary Pentis, Sgt. Victor Fazio and Los Robles Emergency Room Doctor Matthew Beatty. Nature of Incident: Moorpark Community Drug Forum |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, January 21st, 2013
On January 15, 2013, at 5:00 PM, the Camarillo Detective Bureau and the Ventura County Sheriff’s SWAT team served a search warrant in the 600 block of Via Alondra, in the city of Camarillo. The Camarillo Detective Bureau has been investigating multiple forgeries and identity theft cases throughout the county since October 2012. The investigation revealed that (S) Drew Dotts was operating a very large and sophisticated identity theft ring out of his business in the 600 block of Via Alondra. Detectives also had information that Dotts, a convicted felon, was in possession of multiple weapons, including an Uzi sub-machine gun. Due to the nature of the possible weapons involved, the Ventura County Sheriff’s SWAT team was requested to serve a search warrant at the location. Once SWAT was on scene, negotiators attempted to contact Dotts numerous times prior to entry. Dotts initially refused to comply with their requests to exit the building, but ultimately he surrendered and was taken into custody. Detectives searched the building and located a large quantity of items used in the commission of identity theft and fraud/forgery. Detectives also located several airsoft weapons to include one that appeared to be a simulated Uzi sub-machine gun. Dotts was arrested for several counts of burglary, fraud/forgery and identity theft. He was booked at the Ventura County Jail and is due to appear in court on January 17, 2013. His bail is set at $500,000.00. Nature of Incident: SWAT Activation / Search Warrant / Arrest |
By Anonymous — Tuesday, January 15th, 2013
BAKERSFIELD, CA - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today announced the sentencing of the former Director of Nursing of a Kern Valley Healthcare District hospital with a skilled nursing facility, a rare case in which a medical professional has been criminally charged and sentenced under elder abuse laws for the illegal chemical restraint of patients. Gwen D. Hughes, 59, the former Director of Nursing, was sentenced to three years in state prison Wednesday in Kern County Superior Court. Hughes pled no contest on October 11, 2012 to one felony count of elder abuse with a special allegation that the abuse contributed to the victim’s death. Hughes ordered the administration of psychotropic medications to 23 elderly residents of the skilled nursing facility not for therapeutic reasons, but instead to control and quiet them for the convenience of staff. The drugs were given to patients who were noisy, prone to wandering, who complained about conditions or were argumentative. The drugs hastened three patients’ deaths, according to the investigation, and all 23 suffered some form of adverse physical reaction as a result. Many of the patients were under care for Alzheimer’s or dementia. “Elder abuse in skilled nursing facilities is a particularly heinous crime because vulnerable victims and their families have placed their trust in the facilities to provide quality care, preserve their dignity and enjoy a better quality of life,” Attorney General Harris said. “This defendant maliciously and dangerously drugged patients for her own personal convenience. This is clearly outrageous conduct that justifies a state prison sentence.” This case was investigated and charged by the Justice Department’s Bureau of Medical Fraud and Elder Abuse (BMFEA). Reflecting Attorney General Harris’ career-long commitment to elder abuse prosecutions, BMFEA has created specialized teams in Sacramento and Los Angeles composed of legal and medical professionals to investigate cases involving systemic elder abuse. The California Department of Public Health began an initial investigation in 2007, following complaints from an ombudsman that a patient in the skilled nursing facility had been held down and injected with psychotropic medicine by force. They found evidence of patient harm, and issued a Certificate of Immediate Jeopardy against the facility, before turning the case over to the Justice Department. Evidence indicated that Hughes directed the hospital’s director of pharmacy to write doctor’s orders for the unnecessary psychotropic medications. The orders were signed at a later time by the medical director. Pamela Ott, former chief executive officer of the Kern Valley Health District, pled no contest to one felony count of conspiracy to commit an act injurious to the public health based on her failure to adequately supervise the Director of Nursing. Ott was sentenced to three years formal probation, 300 hours of volunteer service, restitution pending conclusion of civil lawsuits. She is required to comply with all orders from the Registered Nursing Board, which is conducting its own investigation into the matter. In July 2012, Dr. Hoshang Pormir, the Medical Director, was also sentenced to 300 hours of volunteer service, restitution pending conclusion of civil lawsuits, and a requirement to comply with all orders from the Medical Board. Pormir failed to conduct examinations of patients or monitor their reactions to medications. |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, January 15th, 2013
On November 2, 2012, patrol deputies from the Headquarters station were dispatched to a subject with a gun call at a residence in the 2500 block of Eucalyptus Drive in Oxnard. Upon their arrival, deputies contacted two adult victims and discovered they had been assaulted. During the incident, one of the victims was injured when two suspects forced their way into the residence. The two suspects displayed firearms and stole property from the victim. While the suspects attempted to leave the location, a second victim exited an adjoining residence and attempted to intervene. One of the suspects pointed a firearm at that victim and a physical confrontation ensued, resulting in minor injuries to the second victim. Ultimately the suspects were able to flee the area with the stolen property. Both victims received medical treatment for their injuries. Following the home invasion robbery, the Sheriff’s Gang Unit conducted a criminal investigation. Through numerous interviews and investigative techniques, detectives identified the two suspects as William Arthur and Thomas Hartley. Detectives also identified Crystal Cabral as the driver of the suspects’ get away vehicle. The three suspects were subsequently booked at the Main Jail for various charges including robbery, assault with a deadly weapon and false imprisonment by violence. Nature of Incident: Home Invasion Robbery/Assault With a Deadly Weapon Deputy Preparing Media Release: Detective Eduardo Malagon Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, January 15th, 2013
On 1/10/13, at about 0900 hours, a robbery occurred at Conejo Check Cashing, located in the 2400 block of Hillcrest Drive in Newbury Park, CA. The suspect forced his way through the roof of the location, which dropped him into a secured area of the business. The robbery occurred during business hours while the clerk was helping customers. The suspect confronted the clerk and demanded money from the business. The suspect fled the area with an undisclosed amount of money. The clerk was able to escape during the robbery and was not seriously injured. Thousand Oak Police Detectives are asking anyone with information about the crime to contact Detective Todd Welty at (805) 494-8224. Nature of Incident: 211 PC - Robbery |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, January 15th, 2013
On Saturday, January 5th,Theodore Keiper, a 58-year-old resident of Casitas Springs, led a CHP officer on a high-speed pursuit in excess of 100 miles per hour near Faria Beach. An officer-involved shooting occurred shortly after Keiper lost control of his motorcycle and landed in a ravine on Padre Juan Canyon Road north of US 101. A preliminary investigation by Sheriff’s Major Crimes investigators revealed that when the CHP officers tried to take Keiper into custody, he threatened the officers and made provocative movements that caused them to fear for their lives. The officers reacted to the threat by firing their handguns. Keiper died at the scene. Keiper’s blood alcohol levels and drug toxicology results are pending as investigators continue to conduct interviews and pour over evidence. Once detectives complete their investigation, the case will be submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for review. Detectives are asking that anyone who witnessed any part of the incident contact the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau at (805)383-8790. Nature of Incident: (Update) CHP Officer Involved Shooting |
By Santa Paula Police Department — Tuesday, January 8th, 2013
On Monday, January 7, 2012 at approximately 8:14pm, officers responded to the 100 block of E. Ventura St. for a report of shots being fired. The witness reported hearing 4 gunshots and observing 4 male subjects, 2 with handguns, wearing only what was described as dark clothing fleeing towards Ventura Street. Upon officers arrival there were no subjects in the area however there was an extensive blood trail found which led to the shooting scene. Shortly after arriving on scene it was reported the victim was being admitted to Santa Paula Emergency Room with a non-life threatening gunshot wound. Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact Senior Detective Ken Clark at 525-4474 ext. 277. |
By Santa Paula Police Department — Tuesday, January 8th, 2013
On Monday, January 7, 2012 at approximately 6:57pm, Santa Paula Senior Police Officer Juan Alvarado observed an older model black Honda Civic driving without a license plate at the intersection of Santa Paula St. and 12th Street. As Senior Officer Alvarado attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed. The vehicle fled from Senior Officer Alvarado on the following streets: The pursuit went through several residential areas at approximately 60 mph and the vehicle failed to stop at 5 stop signs. At that time the pursuit was discontinued and Senior Officer Alvarado followed the vehicle at the speed limit. The vehicle was observed exiting the westbound off ramp at Palm Ave. where the vehicle collided with the curb. The driver and passenger were observed fleeing the scene. After a short foot pursuit the driver, who was identified as Aaron Pacheco, age 28, of Santa Paula, was taken into custody. The passenger remains outstanding at this time. Through further investigation it was determined the vehicle was stolen out of the City of Ventura. Pacheco was later transported to Ventura County Main Jail on the following charges: 10851 VC – stolen vehicle, 2800.1 VC – evading police, 23103 VC – reckless driving, 148(a)(1) PC – obstructing a police officer, and 594.2 PC – possession of graffiti tools. Pacheco was also found to have an outstanding felony warrant for possession of a loaded firearm. |
By Anonymous — Tuesday, January 8th, 2013
Thursday, January 24, 2013 Sheriff Dean will look back at some of the highlights for law enforcement in 2012 and brief us on his plans and goals for Ventura County in 2013. The Sheriff will also speak about the partnership between the Foundation and the Ventura County Sheriff's Office. Foundation memberships will be available at a discounted rate. Tickets for the luncheon are $35 and may be purchased by visiting www.VCSheriffsFoundation.org. Tables for 10 with program recognition and sponsorship/membership packages are available by contacting Nancy Frawley at 805-492â€4398 or by visiting our website. |
By Anonymous — Tuesday, January 8th, 2013
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today filed a civil lawsuit against Phillips 66 and ConocoPhillips for allegedly violating state law by failing to properly inspect and maintain underground tanks used to store gasoline for retail sale at more than 560 gas stations in California. “The state’s hazardous waste laws help protect our residents from contaminated groundwater,” Attorney General Harris said. “This lawsuit safeguards public health by ensuring proper maintenance of the tanks that store fuel beneath many California communities.” The Attorney General’s office was joined in this enforcement action by Alameda County District Attorney Nancy E. O’Malley, El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson, Merced County District Attorney Larry D. Morse II, Nevada County District Attorney Clifford Newell, Placer County District Attorney R. Scott Owens, San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael A. Ramos, and Stanislaus County District Attorney Birgit Fladager. The complaint filed today in Alameda County Superior Court alleges that, since November 2006, Phillips 66 and ConocoPhillips have improperly monitored, inspected and maintained underground storage tanks used to store gasoline for retail sale. The complaint alleges that the defendants tampered with or disabled leak detection devices, and failed to test secondary containment systems, conduct monthly inspections, train employees in proper protocol, and maintain operational alarm systems, among other violations. The lawsuit also alleges that the defendants improperly handled and disposed of hazardous wastes and materials associated with the underground storage tanks at retail gas stations throughout the state. A statewide investigation led by the Attorney General’s office found violations of hazardous materials and hazardous waste laws and regulations at gas stations in 34 counties across the state. Deputy Attorney Generals Brett J. Morris and Deborah Halberstadt are prosecuting the case for Attorney General Harris’ Environment Section. A copy of the complaint is attached to the online version of this release at http://oag.ca.gov. |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, January 8th, 2013
On 1-3-2013, narcotic detectives with the Ventura County Sheriff's Office concluded an investigation in reference to possible illegal marijuana sales from a residence located on the 3400 block of Calle Quebracho in Thousand Oaks. Detectives received information from “WeTip” regarding the possible illegal operation. After some investigation, narcotic detectives were able to obtain a search warrant for the residence. During the service of the search warrant, detectives contacted the resident, Joshua Tockerman. Inside the house, detectives located about three pounds of dried marijuana, some of which was packaged for sale. Detectives also located a small, but elaborate marijuana growing operation inside one of the bedrooms. The operation had several mature marijuana plants that were able to produce several pounds of marijuana. A large quantity of currency that was determined to be proceeds from the sales of marijuana was also seized. Tockerman was arrested for cultivation of marijuana and possession of marijuana for sale. He was booked into the county jail and is pending arraignment or the posting of bail. WeTip is a service that provides an anonymous crime reporting resource to residents. Information received from anonymous citizens is then forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency for investigation. 1-800-78-CRIME and for more info visit web link www.wetip.com Nature of Incident: Illegal Marijuana Operation/ Narcotics Arrest Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). |
By Anonymous — Tuesday, January 8th, 2013
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris issued the following statement on the decision to overturn the rape conviction of Julio Morales by the 2nd District Court of Appeal: “The evidence is clear that this case involved a nonconsensual assault that fits within the general understanding of what constitutes rape. This law is arcane and I will work with the Legislature to fix it.” |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, January 8th, 2013
A motorcyclist died as a result of an officer involved shooting Saturday afternoon at the end of a vehicle pursuit that was initiated by a California Highway Patrol officer, who had attempted to stop the motorcyclist for speeding. The pursuit began on southbound Pacific Coast Highway north of Faria Beach, and ended on Padre Juan Canyon Road, where the motorcycle left the pavement and crashed. The shooting occurred after the motorcycle crashed. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is conducting the criminal investigation at the request of the California Highway Patrol. No officers were injured during the pursuit or the shooting. Nature of Incident: CHP Pursuit Ends in Officer Involved Shooting |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, December 31st, 2012
On 12/28/12, deputies from the Ojai Police Station were looking for a known subject, Jesus Rodriguez, with an active felony warrant. Deputies spotted the subject in the area of Grand Avenue and attempted to take Rodriguez into custody. Rodriguez was able to elude capture and ran to the area of Ventura Street, where he climbed onto the roof of a residence in the 500 block of Ventura Street. Deputies began speaking with Rodriguez in an attempt to get him to surrender. Rodriguez brandished a knife and began making threats towards deputies. After several hours of continued dialogue between Rodriguez and deputies, Rodriguez began to injure himself with the knife. Deputies deployed less-lethal rounds and were able to take Rodriguez into custody. Rodriguez was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center for treatment of his injuries and later booked into the Ventura County Jail. Rodriguez was arrested for the warrant for VC 10851 – Possession of Stolen Vehicle and fresh charges of PC 148(a)(1) – Resisting a peace officer, PC 69 – Threatening an executive officer, PC 21310 – Possession of a dirk/dagger. Nature of Incident: Warrant subject armed with a knife Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, December 31st, 2012
On December 27, 2012, Investigators with the Ventura County Sheriff’s East County Sexual Assault Unit arrested Donald Alan Tuthill for committing lewd acts with a child. Tuthill had inappropriately touched a 12-year-old victim while the victim was spending the night at Tuthill’s residence. Tuthill is currently in custody at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility on $100,000.00 bail. He will be arraigned in Ventura County Superior Court on December 31, 2012. This investigation has led to concern that Tuthill may have assaulted other victims. Investigators believe that Tuthill has volunteered with community groups that may have provided an avenue to access children. Anyone with information that may help in identifying witnesses or other potential victims is asked to contact the Sheriff’s East County Sexual Assault Unit at 805-494-8201. 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 these types of crimes. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). Suspect Arrested for Committing Lewd Acts with a Child |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, December 27th, 2012
After a lengthy investigation, Sheriff's Homicide detectives have made an arrest in a homicide involving a newborn baby abandoned in a strawberry field in Camarillo that occurred on May 21, 2012. In the morning hours of May 21, 2012, the Ventura County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Bureau began investigating the homicide at La Esperanza Farms on Central Avenue in the unincorporated area of Camarillo. During the investigation, detectives collected over 100 DNA buccal swabs from field workers in the area that day. For many months, detectives interviewed potential witnesses and followed various leads, while making public service announcements requesting help in locating anyone with information about the mother of the baby. Forensic scientists working in the Sheriff's Crime Lab diligently processed all of the DNA swabs and were able to identify one of the donor DNA samples as being that of a close relative of the mother. Through investigation, Homicide detectives identified Rosalba Moran, a resident of Oxnard, as being the possible mother (suspect). Moran's DNA was collected pursuant to a search warrant while she was in custody at the Todd Road Jail on unrelated charges. Forensic scientists processed Moran's DNA and confirmed Moran was the mother of the baby abandoned at La Esperanza Farms. Significant evidence directly linked Moran to the murder of her newborn baby. On December 21, Moran was arrested for murder and remains in custody at the Todd Road Jail with bail set at $1,000,000. At this time, detectives are following leads to identify the father. Anyone with additional information about the case can contact Detective Lopez or Detective Worthy at (805) 383 8786. Detectives would like to remind the community that the California Safely Surrendered Baby Law was signed into state law in January 2006. The law's intent is to save lives of newborn infants at risk of abandonment by encouraging parents or persons with lawful custody to safely surrender an infant within 72 hours of birth, with no questions asked. Safe Surrender sites are hospitals or other locations, typically fire stations, that are approved by the board of supervisors or fire agency in each county. In Ventura County, dial 2-1-1 to find the nearest Safe Surrender location. For more information on the California Safely Surrendered Baby Law, visit: http://www.babysafe.ca.gov/. Report Number: 12-11368 Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). |
By Anonymous — Monday, December 24th, 2012
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today issued the following statement in response to the National Rifle Association’s press conference: “It has been a painful week since the horrifying tragedy in Newtown. Instead of reckless calls to saturate our schools with guns, we should remove guns from the hands of dangerous people. California is the only state with a strong program that identifies and disarms prohibited persons, which should serve as a national model. I will strengthen this program and support stricter state and federal legislation, including Senator Feinstein’s effort to pass a federal assault weapons ban.” |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, December 24th, 2012
On December 19, 2012, Camarillo detectives arrested three Camarillo High School students for conspiracy and burglary. Between September 2012 and November 2012, seventeen different Camarillo High School students reported that their gym lockers had been broken into and their cellular telephones and other expensive electronic equipment had been stolen. Camarillo detectives and Camarillo High’s School Resource Officer, conducted their investigation and interview of several students at the school. Detectives learned that the school issues the gym locks to the students and the school maintains a list of the lock combinations. One of the juveniles arrested, was able to obtain the list of combinations and coordinated with the other two juveniles to commit the burglaries of the lockers while the victims were participating in gym class. Most of the stolen property has been recovered. The three juveniles were cited and released to their parents pending their court hearings. Nature of Incident: Students Arrested for Conspiracy and Burglary at Camarillo High School |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, December 24th, 2012
On 12/19/2012 the Moorpark Investigations Unit, in conjunction with the California Dental Board, completed a one month investigation with the service of a search warrant in the 600 Block of Spring Road. In November of this year, a person reported to Moorpark Patrol that they had received dental services from William Escobar in a residential apartment unit, in Moorpark. The reporting party stated Escobar cleaned his teeth, injected him with an anesthetic in his gums, and evaluated him for the extraction of a tooth. The reporting party did not have enough money to pay for the extraction, so the service was not performed. The reporting party suffered swelling and pain at the injection site. According to the reporting party, Escobar later called and threatened him, stating he owed him (Escobar) money. When Detectives served the search warrant at Escobar’s apartment they discovered an elaborate illegal dental operation, complete with dental chair, tools, anesthetic drugs, false teeth and orthodonture type items. Escobar had converted his bathroom into a dental office. Evidence revealed Escobar had numerous customers, including apparent teenage children who were receiving orthodonture care at the apartment. Escobar was arrested for several charges including felony practice of dentistry without a license, misdemeanor furnishing of dangerous drugs, and possession of needles. The investigation is continuing. The Moorpark Police Station is seeking any customers of Escobar to contact the department. Investigators are especially interested in speaking to any children and their parents who received dental or orthodonture care from Escobar. 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: Unlicensed Practice of Dentistry in Moorpark Apartment |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 19th, 2012
SACRAMENTO, CA - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today announced 2,000 firearms were seized from individuals legally barred from possessing them, including persons determined to be mentally unstable and those with active restraining orders. “California has clear laws determining who can possess firearms based on their threat to public safety,” said Attorney General Harris. “Enforcing those laws is crucial because we have seen the terrible tragedies that occur when guns are in the wrong hands. This program is an important part of our law enforcement work and I thank all of the agents who work so hard every day to keep our communities safe.” In 2012, 33 Department of Justice agents used the Armed Prohibited Persons System (APPS) database to identify individuals prohibited from owning guns, including convicted felons, individuals with active restraining orders, and those determined to be mentally unstable. In total, DOJ agents seized 2,033 firearms, 117,000 rounds of ammunition, and 11,072 illegal high capacity magazines. These numbers include seizures conducted from January 1 to November 30, 2012. The majority of CONTINUED » |