By Santa Paula Police Department — Wednesday, December 19th, 2012
Response from school Superintendent
On Wednesday, 12/05/12, Santa Paula Police Officers were dispatched to the Santa Paula Hospital Emergency Room in regards to a possible sexual assault victim. The victim, an 8 year old male, from Santa Paula, alleged an unknown, Hispanic male, 5’10, 150 pounds, slender build, with short hair, wearing a white T-shirt and blue denim shorts jumped the fence at McKevett Elementary and sexually assaulted him. The suspect then fled the area on north 10th Street. The incident allegedly took place on 11/30/12, during school hours, but wasn’t reported until 12/05/12 for unknown reasons. During the progress of the investigation, the victim’s mother has become uncooperative with the Investigators. Santa Paula Police Investigators thoroughly checked the area for potential witnesses but were unable to locate any. The Santa Paula Elementary School District officials were immediately notified of the incident and have been extremely cooperative with the investigation. The investigation is ongoing and Investigators are asking for any persons with possible information relating to this incident contact Detective John Coffelt 525-4474 x 283. Kenneth Clark *** Dec. 13, 2012 |
By Santa Paula Police Department — Wednesday, December 19th, 2012
On Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012 at approximately 1459 hours, Santa Paula police officers responded to the intersection of Santa Paula St. and Palm Ave. Witnesses reported that subjects in an older model white BMW had fired a weapon at subjects in an unknown model silver sedan. Witnesses reported the vehicles were last seen westbound on Santa Paula St. at a high rate of speed. An extensive search of the area was conducted with negative results for further witnesses or evidence. Anyone who observes either vehicle please contact 911 or 525-4474. Cody Madison |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, December 19th, 2012
On 12/10/2012, the Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit concluded an investigation of a subject who was selling marijuana from his business in the city of Santa Paula. Detectives arrested Duraid Durra as he left his residence in the city of Ventura. Detectives located marijuana that was packaged for sale during a search of Durra’s vehicle. A search warrant was served at Durra’s business, Harvard Smoke Shop, 100 block of Harvard Blvd. in the city of Santa Paula and Durra’s place of residence located at the 10000 block of Jamestown Circle in the city of Ventura. At the business, detectives seized packages of substances believed to be spice and bath salts which were displayed for sale. At Durra’s residence, Detectives seized over ten pounds of marijuana, several grams of methamphetamine, cocaine, and currency. Three other residents, Cleland Weber, Hugh Setterfield, David Reed were contacted at the residence. All three were taken into custody for various drug related violations. All subjects were booked at the county jail. Narcotic Arrests |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, December 19th, 2012
The Thousand Oaks Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance regarding recent thefts of catalytic converters. A catalytic converter is part of a vehicle’s emission control system. It is located underneath the vehicle, near the muffler. The thefts have occurred in both residential and business areas, during the late night to early morning hours. Thieves have primarily targeted trucks and sport utility vehicles. Investigators believe that thieves steal these items in order to sell them to recycling centers. There were several thefts of catalytic converters in the first half of the year. The thefts stopped in the fall, but since the beginning of November, several additional thefts have been reported in the Thousand Oaks area. The Thousand Oaks Police Department is concerned the trend may start up again. Therefore, we are requesting the public’s assistance in solving these crimes. In order to steal a catalytic converter, thieves must climb underneath the victim’s car and utilize tools to remove it. Experienced thieves can complete the theft in just a few minutes. Investigators have found that these thieves often work in pairs, having one act as the look out. The best way to prevent this type of theft is to park your vehicle in the garage. When visiting shopping centers, park your car in a well-lit area. Also, try to park near building entrances or near heavily traveled areas. Anyone with information regarding these crimes is encouraged to contact Detective Ryan Shoden at (805) 494-8225. We also request that you keep a watchful eye on your neighborhood and report any suspicious activity by calling (805) 654-9511, or in an emergency, call 911. 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 crimes. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). Nature of Incident: Catalytic Converter Thefts |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, December 19th, 2012
An investigation into a September 2012 hate crime that occurred at two campgrounds in Rose Valley has resulted in the arrest of five suspects On September 7, 2012, deputies from the Ojai Sheriff’s Station responded to the area of Middle Lions Campground near Hwy 33 where several people were attacked with baseball bats. One victim suffered a broken arm from the attack. During the incident, several of the suspects used racial slurs toward the victims and witnesses. The victims were able to escape further assault by fleeing the campground and calling 911. The investigation revealed the same suspects had also assaulted another group on the same night. A group of Hispanic male hunters were camping in the area of Rose Valley Campground when the suspects assaulted them with baseball bats and used racial slurs toward the victims. Investigators identified the following suspects in this case: Kirk Smets, Andrew Martin, Forrest Darrough and Mya Braschler. One of the suspects was a frequent associate with a known white supremacist and convicted felon named Ryan Vanausdell. On September 27, 2012, investigators served a search warrant at Ryan Vanausdell’s residence in the 90-block of Calle Cinco De Mayo in Oak View. During the warrant service, detectives seized two assault weapons, two rifles, two shotguns, one handgun, and high-capacity ammunition magazines. Detectives also seized a large quantity of illegal ammunition. Ryan Vanausdell was arrested and booked for several felonies including possession of firearms by a felon and possession of bullets containing an explosive agent. On December 12, 2012, Detectives from the Sheriff’s Gang Unit, Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit, Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement Unit and Ojai Investigations served search warrants at residences in the 3900-block of Flower Street, 2400-block of Pierpont Boulevard, and the 500-block of Emma Avenue in the City of Ventura. For their roles in the crimes that took place during the September assaults, Kirk Smets, Andrew Martin, Forrest Darrough, and Mya Braschler were all arrested and booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura on felony charges of assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy, and violation of civil rights by force or fear. Nature of Incident: Hate Crime Arrests / Search Warrants |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, December 17th, 2012
Yesterday, during the execution of early morning search warrants, Gary Haw, 49 yrs., was arrested for multiple sexual assaults on teenage boys which occurred over a several year period. Mr. Haw is co-owner of Tan LA, a Thousand Oaks Tanning Salon located on Thousand Oaks Blvd. During the course of the investigation it was learned that Haw employed, befriended, and lured several teenaged boys, ages varying from 12 to 19 years old. At this point, investigators believe that some of the sexual assaults occurred at the business. During the investigation, information was provided that Haw would allow victims to tan after hours, and while tanning, Haw would enter the room and molest them. Investigators believe that Haw paid the boys in cash, often giving them bonuses of fifty and one hundred dollars. Haw also owns several high performance vehicles that he allowed the boys access. Haw was arrested for violations of 288a(b)(2) & 288(c)(1) P.C. and was booked at the Ventura County East County Jail Facility without incident. Due to Haw being a convicted felon, his bail was set at $500,000 and he is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday, December 17, 2012 in Ventura County Superior Court, Ventura. Investigators believe that Haw targeted families in turmoil and single parent families with teenage boys. He befriended the mothers of the boys, gaining their trust and confidence, then sexually assaulted the victims. It is believed that there may be additional victims in this case that have not come forward and reported assaults. In an effort to identify any additional victims, the Thousand Oaks Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit is asking for your assistance. If you are a victim, witness, or have information that could aid our investigation, you are asked to call Detective Greg Tougas at 805-371-8397. Nature of Incident: Local Businessman arrested for Child Molestation |
By Santa Paula Police Department — Wednesday, December 12th, 2012
On Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012 at approximately 1202 hours, Santa Paula police officers responded to Santa Paula High School, 404 N. 6th St. for a report of a possible brandishing. Prior to officers arrival the high school was already in lockdown per high school administration. Upon arrival officers and detectives interviewed several direct and indirect witnesses. Initial interviews determined that no weapon was brandished or seen. Cody Madison |
By Santa Paula Police Department — Wednesday, December 12th, 2012
On Monday, Dec. 10, 2012 at approximately 2000 hours, Santa Paula Police Officers responded to a shots fired call in the 1200 block of E. Santa Paula Street. While officers were checking the area, Santa Paula Dispatch was notified by the Santa Paula Hospital that a gunshot victim had been admitted to the hospital. The victim, Noe Velasquez, 32 yrs old of Santa Paula, who suffered multiple non-life threatening gunshot wounds was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center in Ventura for treatment. At this time, there is no suspect in custody and in the investigation is ongoing. A crime scene was later located in the 300 block of Sycamore St. The area was closed off to vehicle and pedestrian traffic while investigators collected evidence and processed the crime scene. Anyone with additional information should contact Detective Allen Macias 525-4474 x 146. Kenneth Clark |
By Anonymous — Monday, December 10th, 2012
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Attorney General Kamala D. Harris announced today the first legal action under California’s online privacy law against Delta Airlines, Inc. for failing to comply with the state’s Online Privacy Protection Act. Delta, headquartered in Atlanta, GA, was among the companies given 30 days to conspicuously post a privacy policy within their mobile app that informs users of what personally identifiable information is being collected and what will be done with it. “Losing your personal privacy should not be the cost of using mobile apps, but all too often it is,” said Attorney General Harris. “California law is clear that mobile apps collecting personal information need privacy policies, and that the users of those apps deserve to know what is being done with their personal information.” The California Online Privacy Protection Act requires commercial operators of websites and online services, including mobile and social apps, which collect personally identifiable information from Californians to conspicuously post a privacy policy. Privacy policies are an important safeguard for consumers. Privacy policies promote transparency in how companies collect, use, and share personal information. If developers do not comply with their stated privacy policies, they can be prosecuted under California’s Unfair Competition Law and/or False Advertising Law. The complaint alleges that since at least 2010, Delta has operated a mobile app called “Fly Delta” for use on smartphones and other electronic devices. The Fly Delta app may be used to check-in online for an airplane flight, view reservations for air travel, rebook cancelled or missed flights, pay for checked baggage, track checked baggage, access a user’s frequent flyer account, take photographs, and even save a user’s geo-location. Despite collecting substantial personally identifiable information such as a user’s full name, telephone number, email address, frequent flyer account number and pin code, photographs, and geo-location, the Fly Delta application does not have a privacy policy. The suit seeks to enjoin Delta from distributing its app without a privacy policy and penalties of up to $2,500 for each violation. The suit was filed in San Francisco Superior Court and a copy of the complaint is attached to the online version of this press release. This action by Attorney General Harris follows an agreement she forged among the seven leading mobile and social app platforms to improve privacy protections for millions of users around the globe who use apps on their smart phones, tablets, and other electronic devices. Those platforms – Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft, and Research in Motion – agreed to privacy principles designed to bring the industry in line with California law requiring mobile apps that collect personal information to have a privacy policy. The agreement allows consumers the opportunity to review an app’s privacy policy before they download the app rather than after, and offers consumers a consistent location for an app’s privacy policy on the application-download screen in the platform store. The California Online Privacy Protection Act is one of the privacy laws that the DOJ’s Privacy Enforcement and Protection Unit is charged with enforcing. Created by Attorney General Harris in 2012, the Privacy Unit’s mission is to enforce federal and state privacy laws regulating the collection, retention, disclosure, and destruction of private or sensitive information by individuals, organizations, and the government. This includes laws relating to cyber privacy, health privacy, financial privacy, identity theft, government records and data breaches. The October 2012 press release announcing the notification to mobile app developers can be found here: https://www.oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-kamala-d-har.... The February 2012 press release announcing the apps agreement can be found here: https://www.oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-kamala-d-har.... The June 2012 press release announcing that Facebook joined the apps agreement can be found here: https://www.oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-kamala-d-har.... |
By Anonymous — Monday, December 10th, 2012
On 12/06/12 at approximately 1502 hours, Santa Paula police officers responded to a business on the 100 block of Santa Maria Street in the City of Santa Paula for a “man-with-a-gun” call. An adult Caucasian male in his mid-fifties had entered the business armed with a handgun and threatened to kill himself. All employees of the business were able to get out safely. The scene was quickly contained and Santa Paula Police negotiators attempted to establish communication with the subject. The SPPD Special Response Team ultimately located the subject deceased inside the business from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Notification of the subject’s family is still pending. The investigation is ongoing. |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, December 10th, 2012
Over the past several months the City of Thousand Oaks has been the victim of approximately 50 graffiti vandalisms involving the moniker of “Doozer”. In November 2012, deputies from the Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement Unit contacted a juvenile suspect at his residence. The juvenile suspect admitted to committing the vandalisms. Evidence of his involvement was also located in the juvenile’s bedroom. The suspect was cited and released to his parents for 594(b)(1) PC – graffiti vandalism. Nature of Incident: Graffiti Vandalism 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 Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, December 10th, 2012
On 8-1-12, 11-10-12, and 12-2-12, a white male approached several children at apartment complexes in the 1900 block of Avenida de Los Arboles, the 100 block of Los Feliz Drive and the 1100 block of Ramona Drive and exposed himself. During the incidents, the suspect was wearing a woman’s skirt or similar type woman’s clothing. Although not aggressive towards the children, he did instigate a conversation with them as he exposed himself. The Thousand Oaks Police Department would also like to advise parents to keep watch on their children as the days get shorter and report all suspicious activity to law enforcement. If possible, document license plates of suspects. Deputy Preparing Media Release: Detective Greg Tougas 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 10th, 2012
On November 26, 2012, Sean Coulter was arrested for driving a stolen vehicle in the city of Camarillo. Coulter fled on foot and was eventually arrested. Coulter was in possession of stolen checks, debit cards and other items associated with identity theft. On December 6, 2012, Detectives from the Camarillo Detectives Bureau, Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit and Sheriff’s Gang Unit served a search warrant at a residence in the 300 block of Corsicana Drive, in the unincorporated area of Oxnard known as El Rio. Detectives recovered property that was taken from several vehicle burglaries that occurred in the cities of Oxnard and Camarillo over the last few months. Detectives also located items that are used to steal and break into vehicles. Coulter, who was out on bail for several different cases, was arrested at the location for being under the influence of a controlled substance and for possession of burglary tools. The investigation is ongoing. Nature of Incident: Stolen Property Search Warrant and Arrest |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, December 10th, 2012
On December 5, 2012, Detectives from the Camarillo Detectives Bureau and Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit served a search warrant at a residence in the 200 block of 11th Street, in the city of Santa Paula. (S) Aysha Scott, who was out on bail from Santa Barbara County for identity theft, was arrested at the location for identity theft and possession of stolen property. During the search, detectives recovered a large amount of stolen property, stolen credit cards, stolen mail and items used for identity theft purposes. Detectives have identified multiple theft victims from throughout the county. Based on the amount of evidence the detectives are sifting through, the investigation and victim identification is ongoing. The victims are also being told that they are potentially victims of identity theft. This is a good time to remind everyone that identity thieves can gain your personal information from multiple sources. They break into your cars, steal your mail, and use skimmer machines at gas stations and retail establishments. They can also get your information from the internet and from your trash. You can help prevent identity theft by using paper shredders to destroy bills and important documents, using locked mailboxes, and by not giving out your personal information over the phone or the internet. Banks and credit organizations will never call you and ask you for your pin code, or Social Security number. Once a year you should check your credit history to ensure you do not have any unauthorized accounts on your credit. You can get this report for free online at: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/freereports/index.shtml Nature of Incident: Identity Theft/Fraud Forgery Search Warrant and Arrest |
By Anonymous — Monday, December 3rd, 2012
Over the last several months, the Camarillo Police Department had received complaints of unlicensed contractors doing business within the City. On 11-28-12 and 11-29-12, agents from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) and supported by members of the Camarillo Police Department Special Enforcement Detail (SED) investigated the allegations. During the two day investigation, a sting operation at a commercial property in the city of Camarillo involved CSLB agents posing as potential customers. Persons advertising in local print and on-line media for contracting services were contacted via phone to provide bids for various types of work. During the two day operation, 17 contractors were contacted and of those, 12 were determined to be unlicensed and were arrested, cited and released for 7028(a) of the Business & Professions Code - contracting without a license. One contractor was found to have a contractor’s license that had expired about one month earlier and he was issued an administrative citation. Four contractors were found to be legally licensed and released. Anyone having information about a possible unlicensed contractor should go to the website http://www.cslb.ca.gov Deputy Preparing Media Release: Senior Deputy Matthew Young #3544 |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, November 28th, 2012
At about 11:37 p.m. on November 22, 2012, the Ojai Police Department received a call of a robbery that had just occurred in the 1200 block of Maricopa Highway. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the victim who stated they had just walked away from the ATM when a male subject approached. The subject demanded the victim’s money and then pointed a handgun at the victim. The victim gave money to the suspect, who fled the area prior to deputies arrival. Victim and witnesses described the suspect as a Hispanic male in his 20’s to 30’s. The suspect was believed to be associated with a light colored sport utility vehicle. The Ojai Police Department reminds people to be aware and alert while using an ATM late at night. We would also advise people who use an ATM late at night to be accompanied and not alone, if possible. The Ojai Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in solving this case. We request anyone with information to contact investigators at (805) 646-1414. Nature of Incident: Robbery Investigation 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, November 27th, 2012
The Camarillo Police Department has a great interest in ensuring children reach their scholastic and personal growth potential. In today’s society, children face many obstacles, bad influences, and distractions, which create added difficulties for the parent(s) trying to raise them. Some children engage in harmful behaviors fueled by negative social influences including alcohol, drugs, gangs, and peer pressure. In furtherance of our commitment to the community, the Camarillo Police Department is offering a parenting class on Wednesday evenings for ten weeks starting on January 16, 2013. Parents with difficult, defiant, or problematic children are encouraged to attend; however, all parents of middle and high school students will also benefit from this course. Our goal is to give parents guidance to help them develop more successful children. We are excited to offer these sessions and truly wish to support parents by offering strategies to deal with difficult children. The course content consists of methods to address drugs, sex, gangs, poor grades, runaways, and violence. Additional content includes guidance in gaining children’s compliance of house rules, how to never argue with your child again, and how to use other parents for support. Additional information can be reviewed at www.parentproject.com. This course is free, but there is a $20 fee for the book. Interested parents are asked to call Senior Deputy Bea Hughes or Tiffiney Lewis for further information. Nature of Incident: Camarillo Parent Project Class 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 — Wednesday, November 21st, 2012
LOS ANGELES, CA - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today released The State of Human Trafficking in California 2012. The report outlines the growing prevalence of the crime of human trafficking in the state, the increasing involvement of sophisticated transnational gangs in perpetrating the crime and the modern technologies that traffickers use to facilitate it. Attorney General Harris released the report at the Human Trafficking Leadership Symposium, hosted by the University of Southern California in partnership with Humanity United. Leaders from law enforcement, victim service groups, non-government organizations and other groups convened to discuss the report and consider best practices in the fight against forced labor and sex trafficking. U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis and Mexico Attorney General Marisela Morales Ibáñez provided keynote remarks at the symposium. “Human trafficking is a growing threat because criminal organizations have determined it is a low-risk, high-reward crime. We are here to change that calculus,” said Attorney General Kamala D. Harris. “We must counter the ruthlessness of human traffickers with our resolve, innovation and collaboration. Law enforcement must continue to get trained, gather data and work to shut down the human trafficking operations in our state.” California law enforcement CONTINUED » |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 14th, 2012
Fire and Forest Officials Ask Public's Help to Stop Spread
Idyllwild, CA - The goldspotted oak borer (GSOB) has been detected in a recently-killed California black oak tree in the Riverside County mountain community of Idyllwild. Larvae extracted from under the tree bark were subjected to DNA analysis at the University of California Riverside and confirmed to be Agrilus auroguttatus, the scientific name for GSOB. This new detection of GSOB represents the first long-distance movement of the beetle from its known area of infestation in San Diego County, 40 miles to the south. It is believed to have made the jump from San Diego to Idyllwild through the movement of infested firewood. The infested tree is slated for immediate removal and disposal. The GSOB is transported in oak firewood, so it is critical that Californians keep firewood local and not move it out of the area. Here are some immediate steps to help stop the spread of GSOB: Use firewood from local sources - “Buy it Where you Burn It” “The public plays a key role in stopping the spread of the destructive GSOB,” said CAL FIRE Director and State Forester Ken Pimlott. “When choosing firewood make sure you buy it from a local source and not from out of the area. This infestation could have devastating effects on California and we all must work to stop its spread.” The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is collaborating with the University of California, the U.S. Forest Service and the County of Riverside to develop a rapid response plan for GSOB in San Jacinto forest communities. Surveys are already in progress to determine the extent of the infestation. Property owners in the Idyllwild area will be receiving additional information in the coming weeks on the GSOB and how to assess their own oak trees as well as a list of recommended contacts for questions. These infestations can be very destructive to our forests, communities, individual properties, and are extremely costly to control. “This discovery of GSOB in Riverside County is of great concern,” said CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Chief John R. Hawkins. “These mountain communities have endured years of drought and bark beetle infestation and we need to work collaboratively with the public and all stakeholders to stop the GSOB from further destroying our forest and oak woodlands.” Anyone planning to purchase or burn firewood is encouraged to visit www.firewood.ca.gov to learn how help stop the spread of GSOB and other pests through the movement of firewood. For more information on GSOB visit www.gsob.org. |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, November 13th, 2012
On November 13, 2012 at 7:30 am, Fillmore Police patrol units were dispatched to a suspicious vehicle in the 700 block of Island View Street in the city of Fillmore. Patrol deputies contacted the two occupants in the vehicle who were drinking beer and had marijuana in plain view. The deputies searched the vehicle and discovered approximately 12 pounds of marijuana. Moreno and Burgin were arrested for the following charges: 182(a)(1) PC (Conspiracy), 11359 H&S (Possession for Sale of Marijuana) and 11360 H&S (Transportation of Marijuana). Moreno and Burgin were booked into the Ventura County Jail and bail set at $20,000. Nature of Incident: Suspicious Vehicle Leads to Seizure of 12 Pounds of Marijuana 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). |