San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog

San Diego County narcotics task force seized over 200,000 marijuana plants in the year 2011.

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s San Diego Field Division’s acting special agent, Bill Sherman, more than 65,000 of the marijuana plants were obtained from public lands. These plants were taken with the help of the U.S Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management and tribal partners on reservations. Sherman reported that these agencies worked together to make sure that these public lands were free of marijuana plants so the land could be safe for the use of the public. He also noted that between the times of January and November, the agencies together made a total of 100 arrests, seized 71 weapons and obtained more than $1.2 million in assets which include cash, vehicles and real estate.

Sherman also said “it’s a sign we’re driving them out of San Diego County with our continued efforts. The fact that we’re arresting more people associated with outdoor grows has really been a deterrent”. Tommy LaNier, director of the National Marijuana Initiative said that “major prosecutions on the federal and state side have had a significant impact on marijuana traffickers. The trends from our focused operations that we continue to do will have an effect both on the outdoor marijuana as it relates to public lands, but also the medical marijuana as it relates to those that are producing medical marijuana in the outdoors as well”.

The illegal cultivation of these marijuana plants also have had harmful side effects to the environment by taking place of natural vegetation, releasing harmful pesticides, and have redirected streams and public water sources from their natural state. The ones who grow these plants are using fertilizer that is deadly to animals which are clearing out native plants and wild animals out of their natural habitat.

200K Pot Plants Seized In County In 2011, 10news.com, December 8, 2011

San Diego's Marijuana Seizures Are Down, sandiego6.com, December 9, 2011

Continue reading "San Diego Authorities Seized 200,000 Marijuana Plants in 2011" »

San Diego twins were arrested Tuesday for selling stolen items on Craigslist

The twin brothers Juan and Julio Villanueva had reportedly stolen more than $100,000 in property and tried selling the items on Craigslist. According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department the men stole items such as sports memorabilia, high end appliances including Viking and Thermador ovens, microwaves, dishwashers and trash compactors. Sheriff’s Sgt. Joe Montion noted that the appliances stolen between November 17 and 19 had been recovered however only $34,000 worth of items were recovered and the rest lost. The two brothers had the appliances located at two residents located in the 1600 block of Wilt Road in Fallbrook.

Two detectives posed as husband and wife responding to the Craigslist add and met up with their Julio Villanueva who used a false identity. The detectives recognized 36 stolen appliances held in Villanueva’s garage. Both brothers were then arrested on suspicion of theft and conspiracy to sell stolen property. They were then booked into the Vista Detention Facility. Montion reported that a computer was recovered from one of the residents in which the internet search history showed searches for homes for sale with “high-end stainless appliances” in North County as well as in Riverside County.

One of the undercover detectives reported that the twins “were definitely not amateurs. They knew what they wanted. We believe there are many more victims”. Juan Villanueva’s bail was set at $210,000 while his twin brother’s bail was set at $215,000 for also being held on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine.

Twins Arrested In Craigslist Stolen Goods Bust, 10news.com, November 29, 2011

Twins accused of trying to sell stolen loot online, fox5sandiego.com, November 29, 2011

Continue reading "Fallbrook Twins Arrested for Selling Stolen Items on Craigslist " »

San Diego Man was found guilty for sexually assaulting his 13-year-old relative.

30-year-old, Imshay Segrest, was sentenced on Friday to 12 years in state prison for sexually assaulting his 13-year-old relative. The victim was attacked in her Serra Mesa home and is mentally disabled having a mental capacity of an 8 or 9 year-old. Segrest was charged for commiting a forcible lewd act on a child and was later found guilty. According to Judge Amalia Meza, the defendant was sentenced to an aggravated term because his actions brought long lasting trauma to the young girl.

The judge stated “What he did was a very frightening act on a child who was disabled. You can’t victimize people like that”. The defendant has had previous trouble with the law, according to Deputy District Attorney Nicole Rooney he has been in trouble with using drugs, carrying a concealed weapon, associating with gang members, and leading police on chases. The defendant has been sent to prison twice for felony evasion in 2003 and 2004 and for possession of cocaine in 2003. At the time he committed the sexual assault, Segrest was on probation.
Segrest’s mother, Patricia, asked the judge to be lenient on him because he had a rough childhood.

According to Patricia she was hooked to crack cocaine when her son was growing up. She said to the judge “my son Imshay is not a bad person. He made a mistake. I do believe in second chances”. Segrest’s San Diego criminal defense attorney, Charles Luckman, said claimed that the defendant was under the influence of drugs and alcohol when he attacked the girl.

Man Sentenced In Sex Assault On Mentally Disabled Relative, 10news.com, October 7, 2011

Man gets prison for molesting disabled child, fox5sandiego.com, October 7, 2011

Continue reading "San Diego Man Sentenced for Sexually Assaulting a Mentally Disabled Relative " »

In San Diego, Carlos Cunningham was caught smuggling 10 tons of marijuana through a tunnel from Mexico into Otay Mesa in his tractor-trailer.

On Monday, Cunningham was sentenced to 21 years and eight months behind bars in Federal Court. The reason for such a long sentence was not only for this drug occurrence but previous occurrences of drug smuggling as well. The twenty-eight year old San Diego criminal was convicted in 2002 and 2005 for smuggling vast amounts of drugs. The drug load was so immense, even Larry Burns, a U.S. District Judge explained that “This is a sit-up-and-take-notice amount of narcotics, even in a district where we have become jaded by very large amounts,” he said. “It’s enough to fill a house.”

Back in early November, Cunningham was driving a rig when it was stopped at the checkpoint near Temecula. There were nearly 20, 000 pounds of marijuana packed in the rig. Agents looked in warehouse and found an exit within the tunnel that routed 600 yards underneath the border into a warehouse in Tijuana, Mexico. The very sophisticated tunnel included a rail line, ventilation and lighting. A second tunnel was discovered in late November within a warehouse located on Marconi Drive.

Sherri Walker Hobson, Assistant U.S. Attorney filed that there were 100,000 pounds of marijuana seized between both of the tunnels. As a result of both tunnels being found, ten people have been arrested and are currently being prosecuted.

Trucker Gets 21 Years for Pot Smuggling, Sign on San Diego, April 25, 2011

Continue reading "San Diego Trucker Gets 21 Years for Smuggling Marijuana" »

A San Diego crime sweep took place over the weekend targeting gangs resulted in 246 people arrested, a 6 percent increase over last year.

“Operation Allied Shield III,” began on Friday evening and ended Saturday morning combining agencies from across San Diego County in an effort to reduce cross border crimes including drug smuggling and human trafficking.

There were 246 arrests made over the nine hour sweep, including 67 gang members. Agencies also impounded 8278 grams of marijuana, 12 grams of Ecstasy, 237 grams of methamphetamine, 15.25 grams of heroin, and 38 grams of cocaine. Other criminal actions included DUI’s, traffic violations, possession of illegal drugs, and parole and probation violations.

The San Diego crime and drug crackdown, “Operation Allied Shield” is in its third phase and is supported by the U. S. Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice. Funding was from a $28.3 million DHS grant called “Operation Stonegarden.”

246 Arrested, Drugs Seized In 'Operation Allied Shield III', 10News.com, March 28, 2011

Continue reading "San Diego Drug Seizure Nets 246 Arrests" »

On Wednesday in Los Angeles, a Superior Court Judge, Keith Schwartz, gave Lindsay two options and either decision could result in jail time.

Lohan could either fight or accept a plea deal for stealing a $2500 necklace from an expensive jewelry store. Ultimately, the twenty four year old actress decided to plead not guilty. In Los Angeles, around Venice, a store reported that a $2500 necklace was missing when the necklace all of a sudden showed up to detectives by an undisclosed associate of the young, troubled actress.

Since May, there was always the slight possibility that Lohan could have returned to jail since she failed to appear at her DUI court hearing which resulted in the judge withdrawing her probation. Last year alone, the Parent Trap star was sentenced to rehab twice as well as jail twice. Her punishment was cut short due to overcrowding in the jail. Judge Schwartz revealed that Lohan needs to “get her life back on track” and that she should be given a new sobriety sponsor as well as psychological counseling.

Last year the actress failed her drug test which landed her three months of treatment. Lohan’s father believes that his daughter’s actions were the result of his divorce from her mother. Her behavior has really taken a toll on her professional career when she lost the part of Linda Lovelace for an upcoming film and has not had any work for almost four years ever since she was charged for driving under the influence of alcohol and possessing cocaine.

Judge Tells Lohan Day Of Reckoning Coming Soon, San Diego 10 News, February 25, 2011

Continue reading "Troubled Lohan Recieves Possibility of Jail Time" »

A San Diego Drug Crackdown in Escondido that began last May places 59 drug dealers behind bars.

“Defendants are being prosecuted either federally or through the state, depending on the severity of their charges or the quantity of narcotics and/or firearms sold, said police Lt. Chris Wynn. “To date, approximately 86 suspects have been identified, and over 1,300 items of evidence have been seized, Wynn said”.

The drug crime sweep which has been called “Operation Hidden Valley” also seized almost $100,000 in cash, along with 1.44 pounds of cocaine, 4.33 pounds of Marijuana, 35 ½ pounds of methamphetamine, 9.6 pounds of heroin, 250 doses of LSD, 3000 prescription pills, 40 ecstasy pills, and 35 weapons.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration along with detectives went undercover to collected information from the drug dealers by buying firearms and narcotics in hefty amounts. “The operation is ongoing, and additions narcotics, firearms and money seizures, as well as additional arrests, are anticipated, said Wynn.

Dozens Arrested In Drug-Dealer Crackdown, 10news.com, December 20, 2010

Continue reading "San Diego Drug Sweep in Escondido Seizes Narcotics, Weapons, Cash and Nets 59 Arrests " »

Two San Diego residents were arrested on Monday after their house caught on fire in which firefighters say started in the garage where the two men had a marijuana-growing operation.

San Diego Fire-Rescue Department spokesman, Maurice Luque, said that the fire was reported at about 9:50 a.m. Monday morning in the 3500 block of Mount Burnham Court in the Clairemont area. Luque said “In the course of putting out the fire, crews found what was believed to be a pot growing operation in the garage”. Many indoor grow lights as well as a number of marijuana plants were destroyed during the fire. It took firefighters about 15 minutes to extinguish the flames, which caused severe damage to the garage and caused smoke damage throughout the house.

One of the men who resided in the home claimed to have a license to grow the marijuana for medical reasons. The San Diego authorities called in a narcotics task force and the San Diego criminals were arrested and taken into custody for the San Diego Drug crime. The flames caused about $600,000 dollars in damage to the house.

If you have been charged for a San Diego drug crime it may be in your best interest to seek legal advice from a San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney.

2 busted after firefighters find indoor pot garden, Fox5sandiego.com, November 30, 2010

Fire Heavily Damages Clairemont Hous, Marijuana Operation Inside, Sandiego6.com. November 30, 2010

Continue reading "San Diego Home in Flames Due to an Indoor Pot Garden" »

San Diego drug tunnels used by the Sinaloa Drug Cartel were recently discovered to smuggle bricks of marijuana across the border.

The trafficking tunnels were discovered in Otay Mesa in which they were directly connected to a site in Tijuana. These tunnels were constructed by Mexican mining professionals which took only months to build. Victor Clark-Alfaro, a San Diego State University Professor, has been tracking drug tunnel construction since the 1980’s. Clark-Alfaro says that the cartels invest about a million dollars into the tunnels and double and sometimes triple their investment before U.S. authorities even discover the tunnels.

Clark-Alfaro also says that the tunnels usually begin and end in a house. Mexican day laborers are hired to dig the tunnels. The dirt generated from the tunnel construction is then trucked off. Joe Garcia, ICE Deputy special agent says “What they do is bring someone in... that has experience and then can direct unskilled laborers to do digging." The authorities have ground radar technology to detect underground tunnels but none of their equipment has worked 100 percent. Garcia says the best way to detect the tunnels is with human intelligence. The ground radar technology that ICE presently uses, can only detect the underground drug trafficking tunnels down 10 to 12 feet. The current tunnels constructed are now 3 to 6 times deeper than that.

If you have been charged for a San Diego drug crime it may be in your best interest to seek legal advice from a San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney.

Expert: Drug Tunnels Took Cartel Months To Build, 10news.com, November 29, 2010

Feds uncover drug tunnel, 20 tons of pot seized, Fox 5 News, November 29, 2010

Continue reading "San Diego Drug Tunnel Discovered from the U.S. to Tijuana " »

San Diego drug arrests nets 14 in Escondido by undercover agents during a raid at seven local Escondido bars.

The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control in conjunction with the Escondido Police Department and undercover federal agents netted 14 arrests after a six month investigation. Thirty two purchases of illegal drugs were bought by undercover agents during the investigation, including cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and illegal prescription drugs, according to John Carr a spokesman for the California Alcoholic Beverage Control.

This has been portrayed by authorities as the biggest San Diego illegal drug raid in the county carried out by the California Alcoholic beverage Control. Bartenders, waiters, bouncers and patrons were among the arrested in the San Diego drug crime. The liquor licenses of the establishments where the employers were arrested are in jeopardy of being revoked.

“This has been an in depth investigation, and should send a clear message to all Escondido Alcohol Beverage Control establishments,” said Escondido Police Chief Jim Maher. “Escondido Police Department will continue to hold the local bars accountable in order to assure the stay compliant with all laws,” said Maher.

ESCONDIDO: Alcoholic Beverage Control raid nets 13 arrests, North County Times, October 23, 2010

Police: 14 Arrested, Accused Of Dealing Drugs, 10news.com, October 23, 2010

Continue reading "San Diego Drug Arrests in Escondido Nets 13 during Raid" »

A San Diego crime sweep that took place countywide nets over 300 arrests, including 50 gang members allegedly involved in drug sales and smuggling across the U.S.-Mexican border.

The sweep being dubbed as “Operation Allied Shield II” which was funded by the Department of Homeland Security was the second San Diego crime sweep this year. According to the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, almost 870 state, federal and local law enforcement agents were involved in the operation that took place on Friday and Saturday.

There were 307 people that were arrested on crimes ranging from suspicion of San Diego DUI, driving under the influence, drug trafficking to parole and probation violations. Marijuana, heroin, cocaine, methamphetimes, along with other drugs were also seized by agents.

In April, 282 arrests were made involving San Diego drug crimes and DUI, by federal, state and local law enforcement in the first “Operation Allied Shield.” Also taking part in the operation were the California Highway Patrol, U.S. Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

If you are suspected of committing a San Diego County drug crime you may want to seek legal advice from a San Diego criminal lawyer.

More Than 300 Arrested in Weekend Crime Crackdown, San Diego 6 The CW, september 27,2010

307 arrested in Mexican border crime crackdown, Sign on San Diego, September 27,2010

Gang Crackdown Leads to 282 Arrests, San Diego 6 The CW, April 19,2010

Continue reading "San Diego Crime Sweep Involving Drug Sales and Smuggling across U.S –Mexican Border Nets Over 300 Arrests" »

A man and woman from Poway who are suspected of numerous San Diego crimes including using counterfeit bills were arrested on Thursday at their home, according to authorities.

Rancho Diego Target security guards alerted San Diego police after discovering that purchases were made using counterfeit money. Mina Thamracksa had made two purchases with the fake bills on March 30.

Police went to her home on Powers Road in Poway on Thursday and arrested her and her boyfriend, Thanh Nguyen, who was recently released on bail from San Diego County jail. When police searched the home in Poway they found stolen items from San Diego burglaries that happened around the county, drugs, counterfeit money, which were all seized including computer equipment, according to Sgt. Jeff Maxin.

The Poway couple who were taken into custody on suspicion of counterfeiting and for other San Diego crimes had their one year-old son taken into protective custody.

Poway Couple Arrested for Counterfeiting, San Diego 6 TheCW, April 29,2010

POWAY: Counterfeit money investigation leads to burglary suspects, North County Times, April 29, 2010

Continue reading "Poway Man and Woman Arrested for San Diego Crime" »

An operation centering on gang members and affiliates in North San Diego County resulted in 21 San Diego arrests on Tuesday, according to the Sheriff’s department.

The North County sweep took place on Tuesday beginning at 6:00 a.m. with the help of the North County Gang Task Force, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Marshals, San Diego County’s fugitive task force, county probation and state parole, deputies arrested 21 and took them into custody.

There were seventeen people arrested on alleged felonies, violating parole and probation violations, narcotics violations, and arrest warrants. Four others were arrested on suspected misdemeanor violations, including resisting arrest, outstanding warrants and being under the influence of drugs.

If you are charged with a San Diego crime, whether a misdemeanor or felony in San Diego County, it may be in your best interest to obtain legal council from an experienced San Diego criminal defense attorney.

21 arrested in sweep of gang members, Sign on San Diego, April 20, 2010

Continue reading "21 North County Gang Members Arrested in Sweep" »

San Diego law enforcement went undercover over a five month multi agency crime investigation in an operation to crackdown on documented gang members in the Skyline area suspected of drug and weapons trafficking, murder, robbery and other violent crimes, 93 have been arrested, said San Diego police.

The undercover operation known as “Operation Red Sky” involved the San Diego police department, along with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and Probation Department, Ca Parole Dept., the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

Together they seized drugs and narcotics including approximately $60,000 in cash, 19 weapons, and 240 marijuana plants, 20 lbs. of powder and crack cocaine, 10 lbs. of harvested cannabis, 2 lbs. of methamphetamine, 18 vials of PCP, and 3000 ecstasy pills.

“Were using diversion, a hundred-percent increase in the amount of diversion, to really work very closely with the community of San Diego to make it the safest large city in America,” said SDPD Chief William Lansdowne.

Guns And Drugs Seized, 93 Arrested In 'Operation Red Sky', 10News.com, September 28, 2009

Continue reading "San Diego’s “Operation Red Sky” Nets 93 Criminal Arrests" »

A San Diego home invasion robbery leaves a man in critical condition after being hit in the face with a pistol and a 10 lb dumbbell, said police.

The incident happened on Thursday around 11:00 p.m. in the garage in the 7100 block of Jacmar Avenue, according to San Diego police Officer Brad Ruff. The theft crime may have been a gang related drug crime, since there was marijuana and other drug paraphernalia found at the home.

Three men were apparently in the garage with the door open when a truck drove by very slowly with two men inside. The men in the garage closed the door, a little while later the suspects wearing black hoodies returned with a gun and demanded money from the men in the garage.

A 25 year-old man was taken to the hospital where he remains in critical condition after being hit in the face with a dumbbell and pistol whipped. The suspects ran away.

Victim Critically Injured During Home Invasion, San Diego 6 The CW, August 7, 2009

Continue reading "San Diego Home Home Invasion Robbery Leaves Victim in Critical Condition" »

After San Diego Coast Guard spots a small vessel off the Coast of San Diego three teens are arrested for a drug crime involving smuggling a half a ton of marijuana into the United States.

Three teenage men 18 and 19, and a woman who is also 19 were arrested for drug smuggling off the San Diego coast.

The incident occurred on Saturday when the small boat was accompanied by the Coast Guard to Shelter Island where the three teens could report to the U.S Customs and Border Protection after time in Ensenada, Mexico for their "fishing expedition".

Border agents, with the help of a drug- sniffing canine found 277 packages of marijuana below the deck of their small boat.

Transportation of Marijuana is a felony. These cases usually occur near the U.S.-Mexican border. If the quantity of Marijuana is exceptionally large and the arrest is made by the DEA it turns into a federal offense.

Teens Jailed After 1,000+ Lbs. Of Pot Found In Small Boat, 10news.com, July 28, 2009

Half-ton of pot found in boat off San Diego coast, San Diego 6 The CW, July 28, 2009

Continue reading "Off San Diego Coast Teens are Arrested for Smuggling Marijuana" »

Off the coast of Imperial Beach, two men were arrested by U.S. Border Patrol Agents on suspicion of transportation of marijuana into the United States Thursday with the drugs attached to their surfboards.

The two men that were here from Mexico illegally were suspected of smuggling 141 pounds of marijuana that was bundled and strapped to surfboards with duct tape; according to the Border agents the marijuana was valued around $84,600.

The 27 and 30 year old smuggling surfers were spotted by a helicopter about 200 yards off of Imperial Beach with their illegal drugs, according to Customs and Boarder Protection.

Earlier this month the United States Border Patrol agents arrested another 30 year-old man who was caught attempting to smuggle in marijuana from across the border. Again, he was on a surfboard holding on to a blue duffle bag which he released into the water. The bag which was carrying almost 25 pounds of marijuana was inspected by the U.S. Border patrol and turned over to an anti-drug task force.

Marijuana-laden surfboard seized off coast, San Diego 6 The CW, June 19, 2009

Border Patrol Nets Surfer Hauling Dope, 10 News.com, June 8, 2009

Continue reading "Two Men Arrested After Smuggling Marijuana in on Surfboards off Imperial Beach" »

In San Diego’s Oceanside area, after a 6 month undercover drug sting operation, 30 people were arrested last Thursday on drug charges or Possession for Sales.

Most of the arrested were gang members that had prior records for violent crimes.

Authorities had seven search warrants, seized two vehicles, $8500.00 in cash and a firearm. “They’re no longer in the streets,” said Ralph Patridge, special agent in charge with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s San Diego office. “They’re behind bars,” he said.

After many complaints from the Oceanside community about drugs being sold in the downtown streets, Oceanside police Chief Frank McCoy needed assistance from the DEA’s Mobile Enforcement Team.

The sting operation was called “Operation Rock Solid” which encompassed more than 200 law enforcement officers from several agencies were sent undercover to purchase illegal drugs such as crack cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy and marijuana.

More than a half-pound of crack cocaine, two ounces of methamphetamine, several pounds of marijuana and 500 ecstasy pills were seized by Oceanside detectives and special DEA agents during the raid.

According to special agent Patridge, while the number of the drugs seized is not particularly significant, “what’s significant is the people who were trafficking these drugs were violent gang members in your city.”

There are thirteen people still remain at large. Six of the more than 30 arrested have been charges with federal drug crimes.

More than 30 arrested on drug charges after 6-month probe, San Diego Union Tribune, February 26,2009

Continue reading "Oceanside Undercover Operation Nets 30 Arrests for Drugs" »

An undercover drug sting that began last fall in the San Diego military housing community certifies 33 arrests.

“Operation Endless Summer” an undercover sting operation was erected because of residential complaints regarding an increase in illegal drug activity in the military housing sector.

Thirty-three people have been arrested and charged with selling illegal narcotics and other drug related offenses, 19 others have yet to be arrested. Only two sailors and one former Navy member who was recently separated from the military, were among the 33 charged, most were civilians.

“This operation has rounded up drug dealers who were jeopardizing public safety in military housing, the dedicated men and women serving in the military, along with their families, deserve a drug-free environment where they live,” said District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis.

Law enforcement posing to buy illegal drugs, seized two pounds of crystal methamphetamine, a half pound of powder cocaine, one gram of heroin, OxyContin and Ecstasy pills, over 400 marijuana plants, 6 pounds of marijuana, seven guns, which included semi-automatic handguns, and $19,000 in cash.

The District Attorney’s Office, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with the San Diego Police Department were responsible for carrying out the drug sting.

If the defendants are found guilty, they could be facing 16 months to 5 years in prison for a drug related felony.

Sting targets drug sales at military housing sites, Sign on San Diego

Undercover Drug Sting In Military Housing In San Diego Nets 33 Arrests, KFMB News 8

Continue reading "33 Arrested in San Diego Undercover Drug Sting in Military Housing" »

San Diego State University has suspended two fraternities for their involvement in a campuswide drug ring. SDSU’s vice president of student affairs notified presidents of both fraternities last week. Phi Kappa Psi has been suspected for a 1.5 years, and Theta Chi has been expelled for 3.5 years.

Last May, federal agents and SDSU police completed a yearlong undercover investigation into the sale and use of illegal drugs on campus. In addition to arresting 75 SDSU students on drug-related charges, authorities confiscated 4 pounds of cocaine, 50 pounds of marijuana, $60,000 in cash, and other drugs and paraphernalia.

Authorities noted Theta Chi as a center for cocaine dealing. Two fraternity brothers were arrested in September and sentenced in September. One of those fraternity members, a campus community-service officer who was completing a master’s homeland security, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a controlled substance. Another pleaded guilty to one count of selling a controlled substance and received 3 years’ probation and 120 days in county jail.

SDSU disciplines 2 fraternities over drug sting, San Diego Union-Tribune, November 21, 2008

Continue reading "San Diego Fraternities Disciplined After Drug Bust" »

Even more entertaining than reading about a celebrity crime is reading the lame excuses that celebrities give after they get busted. truTV rounded up some doozies. Here are a few of our faves.

Shelley Morrison, famous of playing Karen’s straight-talking maid Rosario on “Will & Grace,” was caught stealing jewelry from a department store. According to Morrison, “sometimes the mind has a mini earthquake.” Minor earthquake? We’re curious what constitutes a major earthquake of the mind.

When film actress Winona Ryder was caught stealing $5,560 worth of goods from Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills, California, she tried a different tactic. After denying her role in the store theft, she later claimed, “my director directed me to shoplift for a role I was preparing.” Hmm… a likely story.

Police found Gary Dourdan, former star of “CSI,” asleep at the wheel of his car after the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California. When questioned about the cocaine, ecstasy, and heroin discovered in his car, Dourdan said the drugs weren’t his. One would think that someone who appeared on a TV crime investigator show would know better…

Lamest Celebrity Excuses, truTV.com

Continue reading "Funniest Celebrity Arrest Excuses" »

The Brit Awards have dropped pop singer George Michael from their 2009 line-up after Michael was arrested for possession of cocaine and marijuana in August. Michael was to receive the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music, but the awards ceremony organizers have decided to search for a new award recipient.

After his August drug arrest, Michael was released with a warning. Michael also made headlines several times in 2006 and 2007 for other drug-related incidents. He was found asleep behind the wheel of his car and discovered with cannabis in two separate instances. Both times he received a warning.

Michael has been open about his drug use in the past and even smoked a joint while recording a TV interview last year.

George Michael cut from Brits following drug arrest, PinkNews.co.uk, October 13, 2008

Continue reading "Singer Loses Award After Drug Arrest" »

They may have looked cute and innocent as kids, but TruTV.com has a photo gallery featuring child stars behind bars. Here’s a rundown of who’s doing time and what crimes they’ve committed.

Tatum O’Neal was arrested earlier this summer after attempting to buy cocaine. Her alibi? “I was doing research for a movie role.” Tatum was charged with a misdemeanor, criminal possession of a controlled substance and later pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct. Guess her acting skills aren’t as convincing as she thought.

Next is Danny Donaduce from The Partridge Family. Danny was arrested several times for possession of cocaine and once for beating up a transvestite hooker. Another star child turned criminal is Gary Coleman, who was arrested and pleaded no contest to disturbing the peace after punching a fan.

And, of course, the list would be incomplete without mention of Lindsay Lohan, who was arrested last year for drunk driving and cocaine possession, or Macaulay Culkin, who was arrested for possession of marijuana and controlled substances without a prescription. Who would have thought that of cute little Macaulay?

Child Stars Behind Bars, truTV.com

Continue reading "Child Stars Doing Time in Prison" »

While on tour in Texas last week, rapper Snoop Dogg and his entourage were stopped by police for having an expired registration sticker. Police stepped onto Snoop Dogg’s tour bus and searched for drugs after catching a whiff of marijuana. They discovered two ounces of the drug and arrested Ethan Calhoun, 27, and Kevin Barkey, 26, who confessed that the weed belonged to them.

Both men were transported to Navarro County Jail on drug possession charges and, if convicted, face fines of up to $2,000 and six months in jail. The pair appeared before a justice of the peace and were released after posting bond ($1,500 each).

Snoop Dogg has not been charged in connection with the two men on his tour bus. However, the rapper, whose birth name is Cordozar Calvin Broadus, Jr., had been arrested at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, California last year. He pleaded no contest to felony gun and marijuana charges and agreed to five years’ probation, plus 800 hours of community service.

San Diego lawyer Victor Orsatti handles all types of felony or misdemeanor cases, including drug crimes. If you have been charged with possession of marijuana, methamphetamine, or other drugs, then contact Attorney Orsatti at the San Diego Law Center. He may be able to reduce or eliminate jail time if this is a first offense.

Snoop Dogg's Tour Bus Stopped By Police; Two Men Arrested On Drug Charges, MTV.com, August 1, 2008

Snoop Dogg Tour Bus Pulled Over; 2 Arrested, AccessHollywood.com, August 1, 2008

Former Guns N' Roses drummer Steve Adler was recently arrested in Los Angeles, California for drug possession charges. At the time of a reported disturbance at a residence in Hollywood, Adler had an outstanding warrant. LA police took the rock star into custody and released him after he made bail.

Celebrity gossip websites report that Adler turned to celebrity therapist Dr. Pinsky's rehab center in Pasadena, California for help. The Pasadena, California rehab center is also the site of VH1's reality show "Celebrity Rehab," which featured Adler during its second season.

Following his return to rehab, Adler was arrested yet again after allegedly doing drugs and causing a disturbance in the "Sober Living" house. According to Adler's manager David Weintraub, "Steven Adler's arrest was an unfortunate situation that didn't have to occur in the context of him starring in a television show." VH1 chose not to comment on Adler's arrest.

If you've been arrested for drug possession or other charges and cannot afford bail, San Diego attorney Victor Orsatti can help. He may be able to get the bail reduced or eliminated. The criminal defense attorney can also discuss your legal options to ensure that you receive the information you need to understand California state law.

"Sober" Dime Dropped on G n'R Drummer, TMZ.com, July 25, 2008

Former GN'R Drummer Steven Adler Back In Rehab, The Gauntlet, July 23, 2008