San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog

San Diego shooting causes four fatalities in the Coronado area.

Authorities arrived at the 1020 Park Place condo structure at around 2:20 a.m. in Coronado after receiving a call about reported gunshots. An adult male victim was found lying in the doorway of the building with a gunshot wound was found by officers when they arrived to the complex. It was confirmed by the officers that the adult male had no signs of life.

A sheriff’s SWAT team was called in by the Coronado police department. The team used a robot to go into the first floor of the building in order to spot out if an active shooter was inside. The SWAT team followed the robot continuing to search the first, second and third floors of the building.

Upon the search, three more bodies were found those of two men and one woman. All four victims had gunshot wounds. Two of the victims were identified as 25-year-old David Reis who was an F-18 pilot and his sister Karen who was a former student and volleyball player at UCSD. David’s neighbor Don Hubbard heard the gunshots saying “there were two shots…about a five-second pause and then five more”. The third victim was Reis’s roommate Bob Reeves who was a fellow Navy pilot. The last victim identified was a 31 year old Chula Vista resident where his relation to the other three victims is unclear. It is said that the Reis siblings were in downtown San Diego at a bar when they met someone new and brought him back to the condo to party with their roommate.

Details Surface About 4 Dead In Coronado Shooting, 10news.com, January 2, 2012

4 bodies found in Coronado condo, fox5sandiego.com, January 1, 2012

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San Diego man accused for killing his ex-wife pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Justin Meltzer pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault with a semiautomatic weapon for supposedly threatening neighbors with a gun, as well as counts of murder and use of a firearm. Meltzer is looking at 61 years to life in prison if convicted. The accused was arraigned Thursday morning in the hospital after undergoing surgery. The 42-year-old alleged shooter was arrested Friday evening at his home on Larkspur Drive in Alpine. Officers took action following reports of a man pointing a gun to the head of a woman who was identified as 40 year-old Deborah Meltzer. Carlos Campbell, Deputy District Attorney, reported that “a witness heard screaming, heard a fire alarm, approached where he heard it, which was the defendant’s house. [The witness saw the victim near the door of the defendant’s residence; handcuffed with a dog leash attached to handcuffs…She was screaming. She was asking for help. She was saying he has a gun, he’s going to shoot me”.

After an exchange of gunfire, the victim was hauled into the home with the man at which time the defendant was shot in the leg. Campbell also reported that “Sherriff’s deputies did respond, they attempted to save her. They were unsuccessful, firing shots. He then dragged the victim into the house. At that time sheriff’s deputies did hear several rounds. They went inside and found her with I believe seven shots from a 9 mm in her chest”.

Dawn Beebee, Justin Meltzer’s San Diego criminal defense attorney, argued for no bail due to the fact that Meltzer does not have a previous criminal record. Despite her argument, Judge William McGrath set the defendant’s bail at $2 million. The suspected shooter remains in the hospital in recovery under 24-hour surveillance by San Diego County sheriff’s deputies.

Man Accused Of Killing Ex-Wife Pleads Not Guilty, 10news.com, December 29, 2011

Alpine man pleads not guilty to killing ex-wife, fox5sandiego.com, December 29, 2011

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San Diego Man accused of stabbing a man riding the trolley then carjacking an elderly man’s vehicle is being ordered to stand trial.

Gregory Charles Davis, 54, is being charged with attempted murder, carjacking, elder abuse, and two misdemeanor counts of hit-and-run. Davis is accused for stabbing a fellow trolley rider as well as carjacking a 75-year-old man’s car near Old Town on September 26. Davis pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity following his preliminary hearing at the downtown courthouse. Preceding the trial, the defendant is to be examined by a psychiatrist and psychologist that is court-appointed. If the defendant is convicted of these charges he faces 15 years to life but if he is also found insane he could be sent to a state mental hospital.

Witness Kirstie Moss testified that Davis appeared to be frantic in the back of the trolley when he headed down the aisle, yelled something unintelligible and then stabbed victim James Novae in the neck. The victim had to have emergency throat surgery due to the life threatening wound. Another witness who was on the trolley during the incident testified that Davis seemed to be acting a bit strange and did not seem to be mentally secure when he attacked Novae.

According to prosecutor Christopher Moon, after exiting the trolley the defendant allegedly went up to an elderly man demanding the keys to his Buick. Davis then struck the man and recklessly drove away causing two hit-and-run accidents. The stolen Buick was spotted heading south along Interstate 805. Officers used a service dog to search an open brush area which the carjacker had been spotted after pulling over on the freeway. At around 4 p.m. Davis was taken into custody.

Carjacking Suspect Ordered To Stand Trial, 10news.com, December 19, 2011

Insanity trial ordered trolley stabbing case, fox5sandiego.com, December 20, 2011

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Chula Vista suspected mall robbers were taken into custody Thursday.

In the Chula Vista shopping mall, three people were arrested and taken into custody for armed robbery. The robbery occurred Thursday evening at the Footaction USA, a store in the Chula Vista mall located on Brodway and H Street. According to Chula Vista Police Lt. Daniel Hardman, it was reported that two males went into the store armed and ordered the employees to the back and then commanded that they give them cash and shoes. The alleged robbers tried to exit the store through the back door but were unable to immediately get out so during this confusion, an employee slipped out unseen to contact the authorities.

The suspects, identified as 24 year-old Lukmond Muhammad and 23 year-old Anthony Bolden, were spotted by officers arriving to the scene. Muhammad and Bolden were seen running from the south parking lot onto Fifth Avenue where they then split up as they entered a residential area. Police tracked down Muhammad who was then arrested and then used canine units and a helicopter to look for Bolden but were unable to find him. Muhammad’s 21 year-old wife, Patria, was also arrested for being an accomplice as the getaway driver. Police recovered all stolen property. Chula Vista police Capt. Gary Wedge reported that “based on information, evidence we have we believe she was well aware of what was going on”.

Bolden was arrested and taken into custody Friday afternoon at his San Diego home. The authorities also searched Muhammad’s residence and found evidence that connects the two suspects to another 10 armed robberies throughout San Diego County. Chula Vista police Lt. Lon Turner said “some items were items of clothing that may be involved in helping us identify other potential robberies”.

Suspected Mall Store Robbers In Custody, 10news.com, December 16, 2011

Mall heist suspect nabbed by police dog, signonsandiego.com, December 16, 2011

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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

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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

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San Diego teens accused of kidnapping and rape had their hearings rescheduled for December 12.

The two teenage boys are being tried as adults for the Rancho Penasquitos rapes of two young teen girls. According to Deputy District Attorney Wendy Patrick, the 16 year-old boys, Leonel Contreras and William Steven Rodriguez are each possibly facing up to 325 years to life behind bars if convicted of all of their charges. They are charged with 16 counts of kidnapping, forcible rape and sodomy by force.

The two teenage victims had gone for a walk during a family party on September 3 at around 8:15 p.m. Patrick told a judge at the defendant’s September arraignment that the two boys walked past the young girls with hooded jackets on and demanded they go to an isolated area across the street. The teenage victims complied and were then ordered to remove their clothes. The girls were assaulted for about 30 to 40 minutes until family members started to call their names looking for them.

The defendants then threatened the victims saying “don’t scream, I don’t want to have to hurt you”. The boys then took off on their bicycles that had been hidden away in some bushes nearby. The girls had never met the accused boys prior to the assault. The defendant’s are each being tried as adults and are looking at 25 years to life for each of the 13 charges out of 16 therefore if convicted could face up to 325 years in prison.

Hearing Rescheduled For Teens Accused Of Kidnapping, Rape, 10news.com, November 15, 2011

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Two San Diego men were arrested in connection to the La Mesa Carl’s Jr. robbery.

The robbery occurred at the Carl’s Jr. in La Mesa on the 8000 block of Parkway Drive jus off of Fletcher Parkway. Two men entered the fast food restaurant, occupied by one customer and several employees around 9 p.m. The armed men commanded the employees to lie on the ground and ordered the cooks to crawl to the front. The robbers stole both a safe and $900 cash then fled the scene. Although the faces of the robbers were partly covered, the employees were able to give a somewhat detailed description of the men to the police.

Not long after the robbery, an officer who was supervising an intersection near the Carl’s Jr. spotted a car occupying two men that matched the description of the robbers. The officer proceeded to pursue the car until it finally pulled over on Adobe Falls Road and Waring Road in Mission Valley. The occupants of the car were identified as 31 year-old Antonio Arnold and 30 year-old Mario Deangelo.

The two were arrested on spot without incident. Authorities searched the home of one of the suspects and were able to recover some of the stolen cash and located one of the weapons used. Police are investigating to see if they are in connection to any of the past 10 business robberies that have occurred in La Mesa in the past month however they do not think it is likely that either one of them are responsible for any of the previous robberies.

2 Men Arrested In Connection To La Mesa Armed Robbery, 10news.com, November 14, 2011

La Mesa Carl's Jr. Robbed at Gunpoint, sandiego6.com, November 14, 2011

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San Diego man who killed both of his parents with a machete was sentenced on Thursday.

47 year-old Dennis Gluck was sentenced to 32 years to life in prison for the killing of his elderly parents in their Carlsbad home. The married couple, Harry and Jean Gluck, was hacked up with a machete by their son. The bodies were discovered in a bedroom of their home on January 18, 2009 and had died from “chop” wounds inflicted upon them with a machete. According to the authorities, Gluck had always shown hostile behavior towards his parents. The defendant escaped to Mexico after murdering his parents but was arrested a month later in Ensenada and charged with second-degree murder.

Gluck was kept from standing trial for two years due to a mental illness however in August he was able to proceed with a trial because treatment and medications helped his condition improve. Gluck appeared to be vacant and inexpressive during his sentencing. Gluck’s brothers spoke at his sentencing and expressed their dissatisfaction with the state’s mental health system. Mitch Gluck said “even though Dennis bears some of the responsibility for what has happened, I’m also aware of how inadequate the mental health system is, much less than criminal system”. According to both Mitch and Richard Gluck, Dennis started showing signs of mental illness in his 20’s.

This isn’t Gluck’s first run in with the law. Some years before the murder of his parents, Gluck was arrested for assaulting a person with a machete at a homeless camp in Oceanside. During his sentencing, Gluck’s brothers did not ask Superior Court Judge Aaron Katz to be lenient on him. Richard Gluck’s ending statement was “we stand before him and this court with nothing but love and forgiveness in our hearts. Dennis, you are and always will be our brother and we love you”.

Man who hacked parents to death sentenced, fox5sandiego.com, Nov. 3, 2011

Man Who Killed Parents With Machete Sentenced, 10news.com, Nov. 4, 2011

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San Diego man is accused of molesting three young children who are enrolled in his wife’s home day-care in Southcrest.

53 year-old Hector Herrera is being accused of molesting three related children who attend his wife’s home day-care service. Judge Melinda Lasater ruled Monday after hearing all the evidence presented at the accuser’s preliminary hearing that Herrera must stand trial on four felony charges for the molestations. The defendant is being charged with three counts of child molestation and one count of oral copulation on a child under 10. Deputy District Attorney Harrison Kennedy says that if convicted, Herrera faces 60 years to life behind bars.

According to SDPD Lt. Rudy Tai, a 4 year old girl who attended the Shining Stars Daycare in the 3900 Block of Boston Avenue told her mother about being molested by Herrera in early May. The young girls two older brothers who are ages 6 and 8 also told their mother that they were touched inappropriately by Herrera. The accused was arrested by the San Diego authorities on May 18 of this year.

The defendant’s wife, and owner of the Shining Stars Daycare, said she did not know of her husband’s alleged crimes. Her day care was also temporarily shut down for an investigation being conducted by the Community Care Licensing Division of the state Department of Social Service. The San Diego criminal is to be back in court on Monday October 31 for arraignment in Superior Court.

Man Accused In Day Care Molestations To Stand Trial, 10news.com, October 17, 2011

Man Accused of Molesting Children In Wife’s Home Day-Care; Bail Set at $500,000, sandiego6news.com, May 20, 2011

Continue reading "San Diego Man Is to Stand Trial for Day Care Molestations" »

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

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California has the highest amount of parole violations in the nation.

The growing number of parole violations has grown significantly in recent years due to a variety of reasons. Individuals that have been released from prison that are on parole have a couple ways they can be sent back to prison. The two ways in which they can be sent back is if the parolee is convicted of a new crime, or if the parole board sees that the individual has had a technical violation. Examples of technical violations are if the individual fails a given drug test or misses an appointment with the parole officer. These situations are enough to send the parolee back to prison. The pattern for parolees to return to prison has fluctuated when having a technical violation however parolees returning to prison for new crimes has stayed at a constant rate.

In the last two decades parole violations raised 600 percent nationally but in California it has increased 2,884 percent. This growth comparison of the nation and California has a significant difference. California’s parolee population is greater than other states due to the fact that most prisoners who are released from California prisons are placed on parole while in other states this is not the case. Individual’s whose parole has been retracted has far exceeded the rest of the nation. A statistic offered by the California Parole Experiment is: one in every five parolees in the United States lives in California.

In order for a parolee to not be sent back to prison is if they carefully follow all court ordered rules and regulations. Since the most common way for a person’s parole to be evoked is by technical violations, it is imperative for the parolee to not miss any required appointments with the parole officer as well as to not use illegal substances in order to pass administered drug tests. It is also essential to not commit any new crime, although if this is the case this individual should contact San Diego criminal lawyer Victor Orsatti at the San Diego Law Center. These are obvious tips for parolees to follow. However, due to the amount of violation occurrences throughout California it is helpful to remember such advice.

Travis, J., & Lawrence, S. (2002). California parole experiment. Retrieved from
http://www.urban.org/uploadedPDF/CA_parole_exp.pdf.

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San Diego suspect was arrested for the random freeway shooting spree.

24-year-old Enrique Ayon was arrested Tuesday for being linked with the shootings that occurred on two major San Diego interstates. During a traffic stop in Los Angeles County early Tuesday morning, Ayon of Lancaster, was taken into custody by the California Highway Patrol and was then booked into San Diego Central Jail later that evening. He was booked on several charges including assault, discharge of a firearm causing injury, attempted murder, and shooting at an inhabited vehicle.

According to the authorities, Early Monday morning, the suspect’s car which was later identified as a white 2006 Chevrolet Malibu, was believed to be involved in a hit-and-run on East San Ysidro Boulevard. Shortly after, the first shooting took place on Interstate 805 headed northbound toward East Plaza Boulevard in National City. Darryl Hoover, the San Diego police Lt., said that a bullet hit a passing car but no one in the vehicle was injured. Not long after another firearm assault happened near on the 805 freeway in Serra Mesa, injuring a 26-year-old man in the calf. Another two shootings occurred on the 805 which was targeted at an officer who was assisting a motorist, and then again in the Del Mar Heights area heading northbound on the Interstate 5 where an ambulance was aimed at. No one was hurt in these later attacks.

According to Hoover, there was no communication between the victims and the shooters prior to and after the attack. Ayon has had previous arrests for possession of marijuana, and unlawful carrying and possession of weapons. Art Athans, CHP officer, reported that evidence shows that the shots “were all from the same gun and of the same caliber”.

Suspect In Freeway Shootings Booked Into Jail, 10news.com, October 5, 2011

Suspect in freeway shootings arrested, fox5sandiego.com, October 4, 2011

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In the Rancho Penasquitos sexual assault of two teenage girls, the two young men arrested and charged for the rapes have pleaded not guilty.

The two 16 year-old boys, Leonel Contreras and William Rodriguez are being tried as adaults. The two boys held two teenage girls at knifepoint in a Rancho Penasquitos park and allegedly raped them over Labor Day weekend. On Monday the two accused teens plead not guilty to 16 felony charges which includes forcible rape, sodomy by force and kidnapping. Bail was set for $5 million each. 13 of the 16 charges have a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison which if convicted can be up to a total 325 years to life in prison, according to Deputy District Attorney Wendy Partick.

The prosecutor told reporters “The nature of the crimes, the duration of the crimes, the number…the brutality of the crimes, the callousness..the stranger-rape nature of this offense justified charging them as adaults.” Contreras’s older brother Ivan disagreed with the severity of the charges saying “the charges they’re giving are obviously too much. How are you going to get him as an adult?”

The San Diego Crime occurred on September 3 when two girls, age 15 and 16, were attending a family party and walked to a nearby park. According to the prosecutor, the defendants were wearing jackets with hoods when they came up behind the girls and ordered forced them into a secluded area across the street. The two boys held the girls at knifepoint then sexually assaulted the two girls for about 30 to 40 minutes until a family member of one of the girls was heared calling their names. Patrick told the judge “this included every kind of rape you could imagine.” The defendants then left on a bicycle.

2 Teens Plead Not Guilty In Rancho Penasquitos Rape Case, 10news.com, September 12, 2011

2 teens plead not guilty to raping girls in park, fox5sandiego.com, September 12, 2011

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Two San Diego Men were convicted of first degree murder along with other charges.

29 year-old Brandon Hayes and 22 year-old Jeffery Carl Reed were convicted Tuesday for robbing and strangling their grandmother in her mobile home. Both men were charged and found guilty of first-degree murder along with two special circumstance allegations of murder committed in the course of a robbery and burglary branching from the death of 73 year-old Eunice Cothron. No date has been set for sentencing yet but the two men are looking at life in prison without the possibility of parole. The jury read their verdicts Monday afternoon after starting the deliberations Friday. Linda Allen, Cothron’s niece said after the verdict was read “we now have justice and go on with closure”.

According to Prosecutor Kurt Mechals, Cothron’s body was discovered by her son who is also Hayes’ father, Allen, and that she had bruises on her arms, lacerations to her neck and had blunt force injuries to her head face and neck. The prosecution argued that the defendant, Hayes, had strangled the victim after she had acquired a restraining order against him. Mechals also argued that “these are two drug-addicted individuals who, in our theory, wanted money and they knew where to get it. The prosecution explained to the jury that Cothron sympathized with Hayes and would give him money and do his chores when the rest of his family had disowned him because of he constantly stole from them.

Bart Sheela, Hayes’ San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer, didn’t argue that Hayes killed his grandmother however he argued on the reason for why he did it. According to Sheela, Hayes killed his grandma and robbed her because she told him she did not have her birth certificate and was not guilty of murder because his intention was not to rob her.

2 Men Guilty Of Robbing, Murdering Grandmother, 10news.com, August 23, 2011

Grandson, friend guilty in murder of elderly woman, fox5sandiego.com, August 23, 2011

Continue reading "San Diego Men Found Guilty of Robbing and Murdering their Grandmother " »

San Diego culprits of kidnapping and assaulting a 21 year-old woman were arrested Friday. Police identified 33 year-old Christopher Carrera and 47 year-old Catherine McCoy as the suspects of an assault against a 21 year-old woman. According to the San Diego Police Lt. Andra Brown, the pair was taken into custody on Friday. The man and women are believed to have attacked a young woman as she walked to her home in the City Heights area at around 7:30 p.m. Police have reason to believe that the woman knew her attackers. The suspects allegedly kicked and punched the young woman and then forced her into a white SUV. McCoy proceeded to beat and sexually assault the woman while Carrera drove. McCoy also threatened to kill the woman.

On State Route 125, Carrera suddenly stopped the SUV and dragged the victim by her hair over to an embankment and then fled the scene. A passing driver witnessed the incident and called the police at about 8:30 p.m. California Highway Patrol Sgt. Kevin Mensior said the witness “saw a male dragging the victim up the side of the hill by her hair…by the time they got turned around they were gone or in the process of leaving”. The victim was taken to a Chula Vista Hospital and suffered extensive injuries.

Both Carrera and McCoy were arrested on Friday during follow-up investigations. The two are being charged with attempted murder in the first degree and kidnapping with the intent to commit robbery and rape. Carrera was booked into County Jail and McCoy in Las Colinas and are being held without bail.

2 Arrested In Connection With Kidnapping, Sexual Assault Case, 10news.com, August 20, 2011

Two arrested for kidnapping, assault of woman found naked on roadside, cbs8.com, August 20,2011

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Escondido resident was arrested for stealing a 12 year-old girl’s identity.

The Escondido Police Department announced Wednesday the arrest of a 37 year-old undocumented woman that stole a 12 year-old girl’s identity. The woman was identified by the Escondido Police Department as Imelda Martinez- Hernandez. Martinez- Hernandez was arrested Tuesday and is being charged with using false citizenship documents and identity theft.

Martinez- Hernandez, who police say is an undocumented illegal immigrant from Mexico, was an employee at ABM Janitorial since 2002. Martinez- Hernandez used the Social Security number which belongs to a 12 year-old girl from Upland California in order to get employed. According to police, the child’s mother was informed by San Bernardino County officials that someone had obtained and been using her daughters Social Security number. After the 12 year-old girl’s mother had reported the stolen Social Security number with the Upland Police Department, the investigation found that it was being used by a worker in Escondido.

Martinez- Hernandez was arrested by Escondido police at her place of employment. Escondido Police then learned that Martinez- Hernandez also used a fake Social security card and a fake permanent alien resident card in order to gain employment. Martinez- Hernandez was issued an immigration hold after she was taken to the Vista Detention Facility.

Woman Accused Of Stealing Identity Of Girl, 12, 10news.com, August 17, 2011

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San Diego criminal defense attorney was sentenced Thursday for secretly filming several women undressing in an Escondido tanning salon.

43 year-old David Taylor Kaye was ordered by Judge Eugenia Eyherabide to probation and to receive sex offender counseling. Kaye was also ordered to not own pornography or a cell phone camera as well as to stay clear of tanning salons during his three year probation. Kaye was facing a 180 day jail sentence but Judge Eugenia suspended the jail stay unless Kaye violates his probation.

According to Deputy District Attorney Annette Irving, in June the defendant pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts each of filming another individual without their knowledge or consent and of peeping through a private area. Irving said “what was especially troubling was the fact that the person who committed these crimes holds the position of trust in our community”. Kaye was under a 10-month investigation which began when someone saw him secretly filming women at a tanning salon on El Norte Parkway. According to Escondido police Lt. Craig carter, on April 19, 2010 Kaye was arrested and charged with four misdemeanor counts of secretly filming another individual. There were seven victims identified one of them only being a 15 year-old girl.

A customer of the tanning salon happened to look up and was startled to see a recording camera in a small place between the ceiling and walls which separate the tanning booths where Kaye had placed them. Escondido police obtained a search warrant for the defendant’s San Marcos home and business in Carlsbad. According to the lieutenant, police found additional evidence on Kaye’s phones and computers that led to more charges. Kaye apologized to his victims through his San Diego criminal defense lawyer, Sean Leslie. Leslie said “He’s been very remorseful. He’s very apologetic, and he wants to make amends”.

Lawyer Who Taped Women At Tanning Salon Sentenced, 10news.com, August 11, 2011

Attorney Who Secretly Used Phone to Photograph Undressing Women Sentenced, sandiego6.com, August 11, 2011

Continue reading "San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer Sentenced For Secretly Filming Women Undressing" »

San Diego Robbery suspect arrested after two San Diego Banks were held up, according to the FBI.

San Diego Police arrested Jaquett Ebony Darby, 31, on Tuesday for allegedly robbing a North Park and a Rancho Penasquitos U.S. Bank. Both banks were robbed in a matter of 10 days. On July 9 in the 3200 block of University Ave, the suspected thief presented the bank teller with a note that read, “Give me the money or Die.” She left the scene after receiving a sum of money.

Then again on July 19, around 10:00 a.m., in the 14000 block of Penasquitos Drive the alleged bank thief gave the teller a note that read, “Money now or die.” The teller abided by her terms and gave her the money. Both times the robbery suspect wore a green dress, a hat and sunglasses.

Darby was identified after surveillance photos were released by the FBI. The suspected thief was arrested and taken into custody for the San Diego crimes.

Woman Accused Of Robbing 2 SD Banks Arrested, 10News.com, July 28, 2011

Bank Robber Arrested, San Diego 6 The CW, July 28,2011

Continue reading "San Diego Robbery Suspect Arrested" »

San Diego crime sweep that took place on Tuesday nets forty-three arrests for crimes ranging from robberies and homicide to weapons and drug trafficking.

The crime sweep also known as “Operation Second Sole,” was made up of local, state and federal law enforcement. According to San Diego police Lt. Kevin Ammon, “Many of the suspects arrested today have significant criminal histories and were considered to be armed and dangerous. The success of today’s operation rid the county of a serious threat to the safety and security of our citizens.”

The operation was started by San Diego Police dept officials and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives “to interrupt and prevent dangerous individuals from committing acts of violence in furtherance of narcotics trafficking,” said ATF special agent John Torres. “As a result of this joint effort, suspects implicated in criminal activity ranging from homicide to armed robbery have been taken into custody along with seized contraband, including illegal firearms and methamphetamine, said Torres.

If you find yourself in need of legal assistance trust your case to San Diego Criminal lawyer, Victor Orsatti who has years of experience in successfully handling all types of criminal cases. A San Diego Criminal Attorney can evaluate your case and offer the best legal advice for your situation.

Dozens Arrested In High-Risk Warrant Sweep, 10News.com, July 19, 2011

Continue reading "San Diego Criminal Sweep Nets 43 Arrests" »

A San Diego murder involving the stabbing death of a SDPD Detective and her daughter over the weekend is under criminal investigation, according to San Diego police.

San Diego Police arrested Brian Rockwell Williams, the 24 year old son of the San Diego murder victim after he surrendered himself without incident. “He was very calm when the officers got there, and he followed their commands (and) was arrested without any incident,” said SDPD Capt. Jim Collins at a news conference.

San Diego Police were called after neighbors reported hearing screams coming from the house in the 9800 block of Paseo Montril at 1:22 a.m. When they arrived they found 52 year old Donna Williams, and her 18 year old daughter Bree Williams stabbed to death.

Brian Williams was arrested and taken to county jail where he is likely to be charged on two counts of murder. The intention of this San Diego violent crime is uncertain. According to SDPD homicide Lt. Ernie Herbert said Preliminary evidence “only revealed there was a disturbance between the son, mother and daughter.”

Mother, Daughter Stabbed To Death By Son Identified, 10News.com, July 18, 2010

Continue reading "San Diego Homicide of Mother and Daughter in Rancho Penasquitos" »

San Diego gang members are being charged for the death of a City Heights man.

20-year old Laquan Antione Jordan and 19-year old Darius Isaiah Peete are being charged with murder in the death of a City Heights man identified as Aaron Robinson age 29. The suspected gang members plead not guilty on Tuesday to murder and other charges. Deputy District Attorney Christine Israel reported that the bail set for each gang member is $1 million.

During a party held at an apartment complex in the 4300 block of 54th Street, a conflict broke out between the victim and some friends who were confronted by several men who tried to crash the party. Witnesses reported that after the young men were told to leave they became confrontational and aggressive. San Diego police Lt. Kevin Rooney reported that “one of the males issued a gang challenge, and a fight ensued. During the fight, a suspect pulled out a handgun and shot at the victim group.” A 21-year old woman was shot during the incident. When the authorities responded to a report of a shooting, they found the woman on the third-floor unit around 4 a.m. suffering from a gunshot wound. Patrol officers were informed by another resident that a man was lying inside a doorway of a first-floor unit. Police officers found the renter, Robinson, dead inside the apartment. According to Rooney “the investigation revealed that the same (assailants) were responsible for both incidents”.

The victim was not in attendance at the party and was shot in the doorway to his apartment. Robinson’s alleged attackers were identified as Jordan and Peete. Peete was already in custody for another separate crime and was then re-booked as a suspect in the shootings. Jordan was arrested by detectives in the 600 block of North Mollison Avenue in El Cajon. In addition to the murder charge, Jordan is being charged with assault with a semiautomatic weapon and for another unrelated robbery.

2 Plead Not Guilty In Fatal Party Shooting, 10news.com, July 12, 2011

2 accused of fatal party shooting in City Heights plead not guilty, cbs8.com, July 12, 2011

Continue reading "San Diego Suspected Gang Members Plead Not Guilty To Murder Charge" »

Escondido AVID teacher arrested for having a sexual relationship with a student.

Valley High School teacher in Escondido was arrested Friday for allegedly having inappropriate contact with a minor in his classroom. 35-year old Mario Humerez of San Marcos was arrested by Detectives from the Escondido Police Department Family Protection Unit at a local Starbucks in the 400 Block of North Escondido Boulevard. Police lead Humerez to believe that he was meeting the victim but was instead met by authorities where they proceeded to arrest him.

The now 19- year old victim prompted the investigation on Humerez. The relationship between Humerez and the then 16-year old female student began in September 2007 and lasted 16 months. The victim currently attends college in South and recently reported the incidents to the police when she came home to visit. The victim told police of two sexual encounters she had with Humerez. Both encounters occurred in Humerez’s classroom and one of them happened with other students in the classroom while the students were watching a movie.

According to the authorities Humerez and the victim did not engage in sexual intercourse. The accused was booked on the charges of one count of suspicion of oral copulation of a minor and one count of sexual penetration of a minor. The Escondido teacher is a favorite among students at Valley High School, many of his students describing him as “super cool, good to have around, super helpful, almost a best friend and inspiring”.

Teacher Accused Of Sexual Acts With Student In Classroom, 10news.com, June 17, 2011

Teacher accused of molesting student, fox5sandiego.com, June 17, 2011

Continue reading "Escondido Teacher Accused of Having Sexual Encounters with a Minor " »

San Diego County authorities conducted a countywide sex offender sweep.

14 people were arrested during the San Diego countywide sex offender sweep where local authorities were to check on the status of registered sex offenders. Hundreds of San Diego law enforcement officers contacted over 800 registered sex offenders across San Diego County to verify whether or not they were complying with the terms of their release. Of the 800 sixty-one were under strict investigation resulting in 14 arrests. “Operation Watchdog” was the term used to call this sex offender sweep. This operation was conducted early Wednesday morning. The “Operation Watchdog” task force commander David Collazo said that the operation was handled by 300 members of the San Diego Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement Task.

According to Collazo, most of the sex offenders that were investigated were following the terms of their release and were complying with the law by living at their registered addresses. Collazo said “We want offenders in San Diego to know they are being actively watched. Our goal was to verify they are complying with registration laws and to identify any illegal activity they might be engaged in”. Collazo also said that because most of the sex offenders were complying with the laws that “that’s a good indicator that offenders in this community know we take the registration laws very seriously”.

14 people were arrested on top of the sixty one that are under investigation. Authorities found various probation and parole violations among the ones arrested. One apprehended for being suspected in a homicide. The search turned up illegal substances such as marijuana and drug paraphernalia as well as pornography. Legal things that sex offenders are not permitted to be in possession of had also came up during the sweep. Things such as laptop computers, smart phones, alcohol, children’s clothing and toys, and digital media had turned up.

14 Arrested In Countywide Sex Offender Sweep, 10news.com, June 23, 2011

Cops make surprise visits to hundreds of sex offenders, fox5sandiego.com, June 23, 2011

Continue reading "San Diego County Sex Offender Sweep" »

San Diego man accused of cheating at the Sycuan Casino.

30 year-old Jesus Angel Salazar was arrested Thursday night at Sycuan Casino in the Dehesa area and was put on an unpaid leave the next day following his arrest. He allegedly was padding his bets at the East County gaming house. According to Bernard Gonzalez, who is part of the Chula Vista Police Department, the accused was booked on suspicion of a misdemeanor illegal gambling charge. Salazar was playing a game of blackjack when he was caught for stealthily adding chips to a winning wager after a round of play is complete.

Assistant Tribal Manager for the Sycuan Tribe, Adam Day, told reporters that “the suspect was at the blackjack table. After the second or third bet, our dealer noticed he was attempting to cheat the house”. Day ordered a close look at the surveillance video by security which confirmed the dealers suspicion. The accused was then arrested by Sycuan police and was detained on misdemeanor charges of cheating at a casino.

Chief David Bejarano of the Chula Vista Police Department told reporters that “if, in fact the…allegation is sustained and is accurate, I can assure this person will not be a member of our department in the near future”. Bejarano vowed that any transgressions at the fault of members of his force would not be tolerated. Court records show that Salazar was also facing a DUI charge that occurred in April where he had a .21 blood-alcohol level which also took place at the Sycuan Casino. He was on paid leave for that incident but was allowed to return after a short time. Salazar’s bail was posted at $10,000 and was released from custody late Friday morning.

Chula Vista Police Officer Accused Of Cheating At Casino, 10news.com, June 3, 2011

Off-duty cop accused of cheating at casino, fox5sandiego.com, June 3, 2011

Continue reading "Chula Vista Police Officer Arrested For Cheating At a Casino" »

San Diego Police Officer is accused and being charged for raping a Prostitute.

The preliminary hearing was set for Tuesday June 14 for the former San Diego policeman who is being accused of raping a prostitute while on duty in Presidio Park. The accused, Daniel Edward Dana, is currently being held on $300,000 bail. Dana will have a bail review Thursday and will be back in court for it. 26 year old Dana has pleaded not guilty to four felonies including rape under the color of authority. Immediately after the defendants arrest he was no longer under the SDPD employment done either being fired or quitting.

The defendant had befriended the 34 year old prostitute where she told the authorities that she had agreed to meet him at around 3 in the morning of May 11 in Presidio Park. Dana allegedly forced her to have intercourse with him and told her that if she refused he would arrest her. The defendant is also facing more charges of false imprisonment assault by an officer and oral copulation under the color of authority. Deputy District Attorney Annette Irving if Dana is convicted of all the charges he can receive more than 17 years in prison.

There have been a total of ten San Diego police officers who have been accused of a variety of different crimes over the past few months. They have ranged from driving while under the influence while off-duty to sexual-assaults while on-duty. The arrest of the defendant Dana was preceded by the public apology from police Chief William Lansdowne for the wave of alleged officer transgressions on the San Diego Police force.

Hearing Date Set For SDPD Officer Accused Of Raping Prostitute, 10news.com, May 24, 2011

Cop accused of raping prostitute wants lower bail, fox5sandiego.com, May 24, 2011

Continue reading "San Diego Police Officer’s Hearing Date Set For Raping Prostitute " »

An Oceanside man was sentenced on Monday to life in prison in Vista court for murdering a woman outside a shopping center in North San Diego County.

Eric Russell Andreasen fatally stabbed Katherine Parker in April 2009 while she was visiting from Sacramento. Thirty-nine year-old Andreasen was charged with first degree murder as well as a special circumstance allegation of murder at some stage in a robbery. Andreasen who claimed insanity and pled not guilty was in fact legally sane during the time of the stabbing. Throughout the hearing on Monday, the San Diego murderer disrupted the court several times claiming that he tried committing suicide with a knife and that he was raped in prison.

The victim’s husband, Al Parker as well as other family members attended the hearing. Aaron Katz, a Vista Superior Court Judge acknowledged and personally apologized to the victim’s husband for his loss. Al Parker stated that his wife’s murderer was going “where he belongs.” Parker also stated that his late wife “was the best thing that ever happened to me. She kept me on the straight and narrow.”

Evidence at the trial showed that Katherine Parker was attacked in the parking lot of an Oceanside shopping center where she was stabbed in the upper and lower parts of her body at least nine times. Andreasen’s public defender Dan Segura argued that schizophrenia prompted the attack, not anger. Segura also explained that witnesses of the attack heard Andresen say “God told me to do it” right after he fatally stabbed the victim. Segura recommended during the trial that Andreasen be placed in a prison where his mental illness will be treated.

O'side Man Gets Life for Fatally Stabbing Tourist, Sign on San Diego, May 23, 2011

Continue reading "San Diego Tourist's Murderer Recieves Life in Prison" »

A San Diego criminal suspect may face life in prison if convicted of murder charges.

The San Diego murder suspect, Johnny Chenda, was charged in an attempted burglary “smash and grab” where one of his accomplices died in a shootout with a security guard. The San Diego crime happened at a Chula Vista Apple store. South Bay Judge Kathleen Lewis set Chenda’s bail at $1 million.

Twenty three year old Alex Somphonoh Choulamontry, a documented gang member was shot in the head and died at the scene as he tried to run away. Another accomplice, 21 year-old Melissa Ortiz and Chenda fled the scene but were later arrested for the San Diego crime.

Chenda’s criminal charges include, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit a robbery and burglary, possessing a firearm while being a felon. A preliminary hearing is set for August 24. If you are charged with violent crimes a San Diego Criminal lawyer can help.

Suspect in Apple Store Smash & Grab Also Charged with Murder, San Diego 6 The CW, May 11, 2011

Continue reading "San Diego Criminal Suspect Charged with Murder" »

In San Diego, Mark Anthony Diaz was found guilty of murder as well as a couple of other charges.

The 50 year old former boxing trainer shot one man in a gym in Vista as well as wounding two other people. Diaz was found guilty of not only murder, but also attempted murder, making a criminal threat in a previous incident that occurred in April of 2010 and lastly assault with a firearm. The San Diego murderer faces 96 years or more to life behind bars.

The victim that Diaz had shot was 52 year old Hector Gil, a boxing trainer at Pacific Coast Boxing. This was in response for 21 year old Ricardo Gutierrez, a boxer, switching over to train with Gil instead of Diaz. In February, court records showed that Pacific Coast Boxing filed for a restraining order against Diaz not to come around the gym. In April, Diaz stormed into the gym opening fire ultimately killing Gil, and wounding trainer Peter Moreno in the shoulder as well as shooting Gutierrez in the leg.

It took two days for the jury to come up with a verdict. The San Diego criminal did not make eye contact when the verdicts were read in court on Wednesday.

Boxing Trainer Guilty of Murder in Vista shooting, Sign On San Diego, April 27, 2011

Continue reading "Vista Boxing Trainer Convicted of Murder" »

An Oceanside prostitution ring led by an Oceanside gang was that was broken up by law enforcement leaves 38 people indicted including a North San Diego motel owner.

According to a special agent in charge of investigations for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in San Diego, prostitutes as young as 13 years old were rescued “from this nightmare that they have been living” said Michael Carney. Prostitutes were solicited on the internet in “a form of modern day slavery,” according to U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy.

The 18 month multi-agency investigation in which 29 people were arrested included the owner of the Oceanside Travelodge motel, Vinod Patel and his 27 year-old son Hitesh. The indictment states that there were other motels where the prostitution took place but the Travelodge was “the most egregious example,” said Duffy.

According to Duffy at a news conference, “The Patels were targeted in the case because they not only knowingly assisted the Crips use of the facility to conduct prostitution and other gang activities, but they personally profited from it,” she said. Each defendant could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted of racketeering conspiracy in this San Diego crime.

Child and Adult Prostitution Ring Busted in Oceanside, San Diego 6 the CW, April 18, 2011

38 indicted in prostitution ring in northern San Diego County, L. A. Times, April 18, 2011

Continue reading "Oceanside Prostitution Ring Broken up by Feds Leave 38 Indicted" »

On Tuesday in Vista California, Brendan Liam O’Rourke, the man who shot and wounded two elementary school-age girls in Carlsbad will stand trial on charges such as assault with a firearm and premeditated attempted murder which could land him 103 years to life in prison if he is convicted.

Judge K. Michael Kirkman of the Vista Courthouse decided that there was a sufficient amount of evidence to charge the San Diego shooter with seven counts of each assault as well as murder. On April 26, O’Rourke will stand trial. According to one of the Kelley Elementary school second graders, she explained that she heard O’Rourke yelling when she saw him with a gun right before he shot her.

According to the young victim, she “wasn’t looking at him” because she “ran away.” She then described that she remembered seeing a gun in his hand. The girl, who is now eight years old, had been shot near the elbow of her right arm and the gunfire sounded to her like an “earthquake.” She also explained that her arm felt “squiggly” after she had been wounded.

According to one of the three construction workers who helped capture the San Diego school shooter, testified that O’Rourke was indeed “crazy” as well as having a “disconnected” facial expression during the Carlsbad school shooting. Another construction worker that helped stop the enraged O’Rourke explained that while the gunman was shooting, he was mumbling something about Barack Obama.

Man Accused In Carlsbad School Shooting To Stand Trial, San Diego 10 News, March 8, 2011

Continue reading "Carlsbad Elementary School Shooter to Stand Trial" »

San Diego resident, Miguel Angel Malacara, is the primary suspect in a string of groping assaults.

Malacara’s DNA was extracted through one of the victim’s jeans after he allegedly bit her buttocks. The DNA found on the victim’s jeans matched a sample provided by Malacara after he was convicted for drug trafficking in 2009. Deputy District Attorney Enrique Camarena said “the Chula Vista police reported that one of the victims was bitten on the jeans, and that’s where the DNA was collected”. Witness statements also connect 25-year-old Malacara to the groping string.

No charges have been filed yet fore investigators have not yet submitted any evidence in the groping case. Police searched Malacara’s home last week with a search warrant and obtained a few items from the defendant’s house which includes a pair of white sneakers, four sweatshirts with hoods, a small digital scale, and a metal cash box. According to the witnesses and victims they described him as wearing a “hoodie”. The defendant was arrested Wednesday night for a pair of unrelated domestic violence incidents that occurred last Friday. Malacara appeared at the South Bay Courthouse Friday on the charges of this domestic dispute. The Groping series began in September 2010 and continued until late February 2011 in which the perpetrator grabbed and fondled around 16 female pedestrians.

The San Diego criminal pleaded not guilty to two felony counts and a misdemeanor during his arraignment Friday afternoon. Due to an alleged probation violation, Malacara was ordered to be held without bail by Judge Roderick Shelton. Judge Shelton scheduled and readiness conference for March 7.

Man Suspected In Groping Series Makes Court Appearance, 10news.com, February 25, 2011

Police Capture Suspect In Chula Vista Groping Spree, sandeigo6.com, February 25, 2011

Continue reading "Chula Vista Man Suspected in Groping Series Pleads Not Guilty" »

In Chula Vista on Wednesday, Miguel Angel Malacara was arrested due to DNA evidence linking him to a string of groping occurrences.

According to police, Malacara groped fourteen women in the Chula Vista area. Twenty-five year old Malacara is arranged to appear in court for his arraignment on Friday. Police were concerned that there would be other potential victims if Malacara hadn’t been caught. His arrest alleviated the stress for his victims as well as the community.

A week ago, there was a community meeting where a couple of sketches of the possible suspect were circulating around the meeting. The fourteen victim’s ages ranged from fifteen to late fifties and all the sexual batteries took place around the Broadway corridor located in the city’s downtown. Malacara is accused of touching the private parts of his victims over their clothes. According to one woman, Malacara not only touched her but bit her rear end. The evidence of DNA composed corresponded to Malacara, who in 2009 was arrested for selling drugs in National City. That same day, there was a domestic violence occurrence between Malacara and his girlfriend.

Malacara will not be able to post bail and is detained in county jail for domestic violence as well as violating his probation. He remains in custody while the investigation persists for the sexual battery groping case.

Arrest Made in Chula Vista Groper Series, Sign On San Diego, February 24, 2011

Continue reading "Chula Vista Man Arrested For Groping 14 Victims" »

In Chula Vista on Tuesday, Raul Casilla pleaded guilty for working without a contracting license and taking two elderly victims money.

Fifty-year old Casillas was sentenced to a year in jail and five months probation. The prosecuting attorney as well as the defense attorney explained that Casilla was considered a good man in his community who was religious and honest; however, Casilla tricked those who trusted him. According to Paul Greenwood, the Deputy District Attorney, explains that “he [Casilla] is a classic Jekyll and Hyde. He has destroyed people’s lives.” The San Diego criminal previously plead guilty to a felony and a misdemeanor for stealing from an elderly man, working without a license and using a false license number. As part of the charge, Casilla will have to repay the $60,000 at sentencing.

Since Casilla is repaying the money, he will not receive any prison time. While he is on probation he cannot do any contracting work, and if he violates probation there is the possibility that he could receive five years and eight months behind bars. According to the prosecutor, there were five victims who paid Casilla to work on their homes but the work was never completed. In 2005 through 2006 as well as 2008 he also pleaded guilty to working without a contacting license but still didn’t intend to ever apply for a legitimate license.

Supporters of Casilla that showed up to his sentencing accused that the elderly folks were lying when the hearing ended. As everyone was leaving the courtroom, deputies had to keep the groups seperated.

Man Gets a Year in Jail, Probation in Elder Theft Case, Sign on San Diego, February 15, 2011

Continue reading "Chula Vista Man Sentenced to One Year in Jail for Elderly Theft" »

Joe Lizura, a popular San Diego weatherman pleaded guilty for engaging in lewd conduct inside an office window.

Lizura, 49, left KUSI-TV without a word of why he decided to leave. The misdemeanor charge he pled guilty to was in response to allegations made that he was masturbating in an office building window located in Normal Heights. The allegation was made in October of last year. On January 31st, Lizura entered his guilty plea resulting for him to serve three years probation. In addition to probation, Lizura has to attend a counseling session as well as pay a $200 fine.

A twenty-something female SDSU student who witnessed Lizura’s indecent exposure explained
that Lizura, although he was fully clothed, was masturbating in front of a glass door at the Latin America Multimedia Corporation offices while looking at her as she waited for the bus across the street. Chris Morris, his attorney, explained that “The witnesses are adamant that they saw what they saw," Morris said. "Joe is adamant that it didn’t happen that way.”

According to police LT. Andra Brown, there was another witness at that same bus stop who saw what was happening. It was confirmed that the San Diego weatherman had been in the building during that time when Police went to check it out. When Lizura was being questioned about the incident, he told Police that he was adjusting the blinds. The SDSU student picked Lizura out of a photo lineup. According to an official at KUSI, Lizura resigned in order to pursure his business.

TV Weatherman Joe Lizura Pleads Guilty to Lewd Act, Sign On San Diego, February 11, 2011

Continue reading "San Diego Weatherman Recieves Three Years Probation" »

San Diego and Los Angeles county alleged bank robber was arrested on Thursday.

The suspect is known as the “Drywaller Bandit” who has been involved in a series of armed bank robberies for the past six months from banks across San Diego and Los Angeles counties. Following his 11th alleged holdup, he was caught by the authorities. According to Lt. Jim Walker, at about 9:15 a.m. on Thursday, an armed man wearing a dust mask robbed a Chase Bank branch office located in Encinitas on the 100 block of North El Camino Real.

Witness Joe Radick witnessed the San Diego crime and was inside the bank when the suspect aggressively stomped into the lobby of the bank. Radick reported that he was startled when he heard the suspect say “This is a stickup”. The startled witness also reported “I see his mask and his gun in his left hand. I look at him… wow, he’s really focused on robbing this bank and I make a run for the door, ran to my truck”. Radick then claims that he was nervous and was wondering if the man was going to shoot him and any others in the bank. Radick left the building and made a call to the authorities.

A few minutes after Radick made his call, the police arrived and saw a man matching the description of the robber walking east near the bank. Deputies caught up with the alleged bank robber and later identified the suspect as John Leendert Oskam, a 39-year-old man from Pasadena. Oskam was arrested and taken to the Encinitas Sheriff’s Station to be interviewed.

Man In 'Drywaller Bandit' Robberies Arrested In Encinitas, 10news.com, February 3, 2011

Alleged 'Drywaller Bandit' arrested after Encinitas heist, fox5sandiego.com, February 4, 2011

Continue reading "San Diego “Drywaller Bandit” Arrested" »

Joaquin Martinez was sentenced on Friday in Vista to 28 years to life in prison for injecting Janina Hardoy, his former girlfriend, with a lethal amount of heroin and then spreading her dismembered body throughout parts of North County.

Thirty-two year old Martinez was convicted last year of this horrific murder that occurred in 2005, however, his sentencing was delayed until this year so that his mental competency could be tested. According to Geoff Allard, Deputy District Attorney, he explains that in his 20 years, he has “never ever prosecuted a murder as chilling and stone cold as this one.” Hardoy was murdered because she threatened to turn Martinez as well as others into the police because of the bank robberies they committed.

Joan Weber, Vista Superior Court Judge did not grant the San Diego murderer a reduced conviction of second-degree murder. In court, a statement was read by Martinez claiming his innocence as well as asking for more time so that another witness could prove that innocence.

Prosecutors and witnesses claim that Martinez injected the victim with a lethal dose of heroin, and then chopped off her hands. He then asked a roommate to chop off her feet and hit her in the head with a bat so that she would not be identified by her dental records. Her body would ultimately be dumped in Escondido and a backpack containing her hands and feet would be set on fire. The murder case has four others who pled guilty as an accessory for Hardoy’s murder.

Gangster Gets Maximum Sentence for Dismemberment Murder, Sign On San Diego, January 28, 2011

Continue reading "San Diego Murderer Recieves Maximum Sentence for Dismembering Victim" »

Marcos Gerardo Manzano Jr was arrested Monday for allegedly harboring illegal immigrants.

Manzano’s home in San Ysidro was raided by a federal SWAT team shortly before sunrise on Tuesday. Manzano’s house, located in the 3600 block of Shooting Star Drive was where Jose Alfredo Garrido-Morena, a suspected undocumented immigrant was arrested. In the regularly quiet neighborhood, neighbors woke up to the see heavily armed law enforcement outside their homes with helicopters circling above in the sky. According to the U.S. Court in San Diego, Garrido-Morena was residing in Manzano’s home since last November along with the accuser’s 46-year-old father, Marcos Gerardo Manzano Sr. Manzano Sr. is facing charges of federal immigration violation in the case and he remains at large according to the FBI. Manzano Sr. was deported twice to his home country in Mexico for being convicted four years ago in a U.S. Court of possessing marijuana for sale. Manzano Jr. and Garrido-Morena are pending their initial appearances in federal court which is scheduled for Wednesday in the Metropolitan Correctional Center. Garrido-Morena has a previous track record in the U.S. in which he was arrested in October 2009 for possession of methamphetamine and for giving false information to the authorities. Garrido-Morena also tried to resist arrest for falsely identifying himself.

Manzano Jr. had also allegedly lied to a fellow border patrol agent saying he did not know of his father’s whereabouts when the other agent asked. Authorities did not disclose why they chose to include the FBI and SWAT to help back up the San Diego Police.

Border Patrol Agent Accused Of Housing Illegal Immigrants, 10news.com, January 11, 2011

Border agent arrested for allegedly harboring illegal immigrants , fox5sandiego.com, January 11, 2011

Continue reading "San Diego Border Patrol Agent Arrested for Housing Illegal Immigrants " »

Two Los Angeles men must pay a fine and participate in community service for selling phony Comic-Con tickets at last summer’s convention in San Diego.

The San Diego criminals must pay a $750 fine and pick up roadside trash. 24-year-old Farhad Lame was charged with theft pleaded guilty to the charge on Monday. Last week in San Diego Superior Court Lame’s co-defendant Navid Vatankhahan who is also 24 pleaded guilty to theft. Both men are required to complete ten days of public work service and have been placed on three years probation to pay restitution to the victims. Deputy City Attorney Kristine Lorenz said that Vatankhahan is also banned from re-selling tickets during his probation because he was the one who placed an advertisement to sell the false tickets on Craigslst.org .

Lame and Vatankhahan were arrested on the last day of the Comic-Con convention in July after the two woman who purchased the forged tickets were refused entry by Comic-Con security. The fake tickets were photocopies of an exhibiter’s ticket, which was not transferable. The two women who purchased the tickets from the San Diego Criminals each paid $120 and were told that they were two-day tickets to the Comic-Con convention. The two women bought the fake tickets on Craigslist after seeing the advertisement posted by the defendants. According to officials no Comic-Con tickets are transferable and they also cannot be resold.

San Diego City Attorney Jan Goldsmith said “The old adage ‘if it seems too good to be true it usually is’ applies more than ever to the Internet. This is particularly true if you don’t know the identity of the seller, as is often the case with Web sites such as Craigslist.org”.

2 Men Fined For Selling Fake Comic-Con Tickets, 10news.com, December 27, 2010

2 men fined, placed on probation for Comic-Con ticket scam, cbs8.com, December 27, 2010

Continue reading "Fake San Diego Comic-Con Tickets Sold by Two Men" »

Angel Gutierrez was arrested Sunday by Chula Vista Police for being involved in a fatal hit-and-run.

A 54-year-old woman who was crossing the street of the 1200 block of Third Avenue was struck by a car at about 8:30 p.m. where she died. According to Lt. Eric Thunberg, the Chula Vista police arrested Gutierrez, who is 23, early on Sunday. Gutierrez’s partial license plate number was given to the Chula Vista police by a witness that saw the white Pontiac sedan strike the woman. The authorities found the abandoned car in the 200 block of Moss Street an hour later.

Police found the San Diego Criminal’s address on his car registration and arrested Gutierrez at about 2:40 a.m. at his home in the 200 block of Date Street. Gutierrez at first told police that he had loaned his car to a “homeboy” and that he was not the one driving. The dead woman is believed to be a transient by authorities. The suspect was booked on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter. According to the medical Examiner’s office the fatally struck woman’s name is being withheld awaiting notification of close family. The results of Gutierrez’s blood-alcohol were not made available.

If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in San Diego, it may be in your best interest to seek legal advice from an experienced Criminal Defense attorney.

Chula Vista man charged in hit and run death, fox5sandiego.com, December 26, 2010

Arrest Made In Fatal Hit-And-Run, 10news.com, December 26, 2010

Continue reading "San Diego Man Arrested for Fatal Hit-And-Run" »

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 " »

San Diego resident Eric Protas is being accused of sexually molesting a young boy and is free on bail set at $800,000.

San Diego County Deputy District Attorney John Philpott attempted to persuade the judge that the San Diego Criminal is a flight risk and asked the judge to raise the bail to $1 million at a readiness hearing in El Cajon on Thursday morning. Authorities came across new evidence where they seized a journal from Protas’ computer at home that points to Protas’s guilt. Authorities also found DNA on Protas’ bedspread. Philpott is concerned that the San Diego Criminal will flee after finding out about this new evidence from the prosecution. Philpott says “The DNA is sourced to several males. There is no way to know the age of the donor, but we know it does not come back to Mr. Protas and that gives us pause”.

After hearing Philpott’s request, the judge prohibited Protas use of the Internet with only the exception of the defendant e-mailing his defense team. Philpott showed concern about Protas’ use of his Facebook page. According to Philpott, the defendant posted many offensive things about his accuser. Philpott explains “The type of things Mr. Protas was posting, among other things, includes asking people to pray for his accuser, pray that the accuser would relent and change his story. Mr. Protas compared himself to Jesus and referred to his accuser as Judas, things as a prosecutor, I thought were offensive”.

In October during a preliminary exam, the now 14-year-old victim of the San Diego Sex Crime testified that he had sex with Protas 300 times over a span of a year and a half. The victim went to an after-school program at the Allied Gardens School of Martial Arts which Protas used to own. The 38-year-old defendant’s trail has been pushed to March 22.

DA: Man Accused Of Molesting Boy Compares Self To Jesus, 10news.com, December 16, 2010

Karate instructor faces new child molestation evidence, fox5sandiego.com, December 16, 2010

Continue reading "San Diego Ex-Karate Teacher Accused of Molesting a 13-Year-Old Boy" »

A San Diego man pleads guilty Monday to thirteen felony charges for practicing medicine without a license during the time span of November 2001 to April 2009.

Kurt Walter Donsbach of Bonita pleads guilty to those felony charges in order to avoid prison. On his March 4th hearing, the San Diego criminal is expected to serve five years of probation and possibly local jail time in addition to probation. These charges included practicing medicine without a license, delivering and selling drugs that were misbranded with intent to mislead and defraud and lastly, the attempt of grand theft. According to court documents, these charges are related to three victims.

According to authorities, Donsbach was known as a chiropractor and a neuropathic doctor online as well as appeared on a radio show broadcasting on the internet. He stated to offer natural and nutritional remedy substitutes for various conditions such as cancer. Thomas Warwick, his attorney, claimed that his client was offering advice on alternative remedies, not practicing medicine.

A woman had developed osteoporosis over a six year time span due to a drug that Donsbach told her to take according to Gina Darvas, Deputy District Attorney. The prosecuting attorney described that Donsbach prescribed drugs that were not approved in the United States to his patients. The Rosarito beach clinic where Coretta Scott King died of cancer in January 2006 was founded by Donsbach. Mexican authorities closed the clinic a month later because of the unorthodox way they treated cancer as well as other health problems.

Fake Doctor Pleads Guilty to 13 Felonies, Sign on San Diego, Decemeber 13, 2010

Continue reading " Fake Doctor in San Diego Guilty of 13 Felonies" »

A San Diego resident plead not guilty to a murder charge on Wednesday in which she fatally stabbed her husband.

42-year-old Jennifer Trayers allegedly stabbed her husband in their North Park condominium because she suspected he was seeing another woman. The victim of the San Diego violent crime is Dr. Frederick Trayers, a 41-year-old surgeon at Balboa Naval Medical center who was stabbed in the chest, and back of the neck. Mrs. Trayers was found Monday morning near her husband’s body and was then taken to Scripps Mercy Hospital where she denied the murder charges from her hospital bed. Police arrived at the Trayers’s residence because the victim had failed to show up to work for a number of days. The authorities discovered the defendant on the opposite side of the bed with the victim where she had self-inflicted cuts on her body.

Trayers had sent an e-mail to the woman who was suspected of having an affair with the defendant’s husband, that she-the defendant- would be the last person he would be with. Deputy District Attorney, Fiona Khalil, told this to Judge Leo Valentine Jr. right before he ordered the defendant to be held on $2 million dollar bail.

Detectives believe that the San Diego homicide may have occurred as early as Saturday. Two knives were recovered and gathered as evidence. One knife was found in the bed sheets while the other was found on the bedroom floor. The defendant is facing up to 26 years to life in prison if convicted of this San Diego crime.

Wife Charged with Murder of Physician Husband in North Park, sandiego6.com, December 8, 2010

Injured Wife Pleads Not Guilty To Charges In Death Of Doctor, 10news.com, December 8, 2010

Continue reading "San Diego Woman Accused of Fatally Stabbing Her Husband " »

San Diego Parolee, David Joseph Lascelles, allegedly kidnapped and raped a 15-year-old girl from East County.

The 49-year-old suspect allegedly got together with the young girl on Monday morning on the guise of taking her shopping for Christmas presents. The San Diego kidnapping crime occurred when Lascelles and the teen arrived at a Wal-Mart store in El Cajon where the parolee allegedly pointed a pistol on the girl, grabbed her cell phone and compelled her to lie on the floor of his Mitsubishi Eagle. The San Diego sex crime occurred when Lascelles took the teen to the Fiesta Island area of Mission bay where he sexually assaulted her and held her captive for hours until about 4 p.m. where he then drove to Alpine and dropped the El Cajon resident off at one of her relatives homes.

After arriving at her relative’s home, the teen immediately reported the San Diego crime. Lascelles was taken into custody early Tuesday afternoon when members of a fugitive task force caught up with him in the 1200 block of Imperial Avenue in the East Village district of downtown San Diego. He was then booked into county jail. His court appearance was on Thursday afternoon where he plead not guilty to the charges of kidnapping and rape. His bail is held at $1 million dollars and according to prosecutors Lascelles is facing up to 142 years to life if convicted.

The victim was acquainted to Lascelles last year through one of her family members. The suspect has previously served time in prison for burglary and kidnapping convictions and has recently been living in his vehicle. Lascelles is also being charged with a similar crime on the assault of a woman in El Cajon.

Parolee jailed in kidnap, rape of teen, fox5sandiego.com, December 9, 2010

Parolee Pleads Not Guilty To Raping Teen, 10news.com, December 9, 2010

Continue reading "San Diego Parolee Pleads Not Guilty to Rape" »

San Diego Authorities believe that 19-year-old Billy Cook is responsible for the string of robberies around San Diego County known as the “Cover-My-Strap” robberies.

Cook was arrested by the authorities and was injured while he tried to get away from a police officer after allegedly robbing Church’s Chicken restaurant in Otay Mesa on Tuesday. Cook allegedly held what seemed to be a weapon wrapped in a T-shirt and demanded the cashier to open the register. Cook then snatched a customer’s $10 dollar bill off the counter and ran off. Authorities later learned that Cook’s weapon was not a gun, but was a hammer.

The San Diego criminal is being charged with one count each of robbery and burglary. It is believed that more charges will be made, for Cook is believed to be the one accountable for the series of San Diego armed robberies ranging from Carmel Valley to National City. In each of the thefts, authorities said a man with a bandanna covering the bottom half of his face goes to gas stations and drugstores pointing what looks to be a covered gun in clerks’ faces, ordering them to open the cash register and to give him money. In the San Diego robbery at the Valero Station, Cook is said to have threatened the clerk’s life before leaving the store without any money.

Cook attended Mar Vista and Montgomery high schools where he played football. Classmates described him as arrogant and that he was always getting into trouble. Contrary to this, two women who claim to be family friends of Cook’s, described him as a good boy. Cooks preliminary hearing is December 15, and his bail was set at $200,000.

Man Possibly Linked To Robbery Series Pleads Not Guilty, 10news.com, December 2, 2010

"Cover-My-Strap" Robbery Suspect Arrested Tuesday, sandiego6.com, November 30, 2010

Continue reading "San Diego Authorities Arrest Man Who is Believed to Be Involved in a String of Robberies" »

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" »

Lisa Hench, a 45-year-old well-known La Jolla Real Estate Agent, plead guilty to the charges to eight misdemeanor counts of corporal injury on a child on Thursday.

The defendant is being accused of scratching and pinching babies ranging from 3 months to 19 months, all at different locations and over a 4 month period of time during the fall of 2009. Hench originally pleaded not guilty to the San Diego Crime of four felony counts of child abuse in April 2010. Her change of plea to the San Diego Criminal act could end her up to 8 years in county jail.

It is ambiguous as to the reasons of why Hench, who is a mother of three, would harm eight babies by scratching them and pinching them hard enough to leave marks and make them cry. Each case of abuse happened in different locations such as schools and parks. Lainie Carswell, the mother of 7-month-old Jori who was one of Hench’s victims said “I believe she’s out there still doing it and I believe she will be caught for it again and that the punishment will be severe when it happens”. Carswell also said that Hench did not show any remorse for what she did.

Deputy District Attorney Patrick Ojeil said that Prosecutors will most likely ask that Hench not be forced to serve time in jail unless she commits the San Diego violent crime again. The defendant is to be sentenced on January 25.

La Jolla Real Estate Agent Pleads Guilty To Scratching Children, 10news.com, December 2, 2010

Mother of 3 admits scratching 8 babies, Fox 5 San Diego, December 3, 2010

Continue reading "San Diego Resident Pleads Guilty to Scratching Children" »

San Diego Sex Offenders were arrested during a California sex offender sweep.

Throughout the week-long endeavor, 79 total convicted San Diego sex offenders were arrested due to violations of their parole conditions and are now being brought back to prison as a result. This effort was a part of “Operation Safe Playgrounds” which is an organization that intends to prevent sex crimes against children. State Parole Administrator, Maritza Rodriguez, conducted the statewide sweep that stretched from the border of California and Oregon to the San Diego-Mexico border.

Many of the San Diego criminal sex offenders were found by GPS technology which enabled authorities to get within feet of the sex offenders who had ankle tracking devices around their legs. David Oyos, a person who is a part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force said “We’re checking the phones and we’re going through messages, we’re going through internet history and pictures to see if there is anything that has to do with child exploitation.” If the suspects are found to be in violation of their parole, their tracking device is removed and the sex offender is thrown back in prison.

Police used another tactic in order to catch sex offenders. Police had dozens of parolee sex offenders waiting outside the San Diego Parole office, who thought they were there for a presentation, but to their surprise were in fact there to be searched. A few were in possession of pictures of naked children. A total of 417 registered sex offenders were detained throughout California.

Arrests Made In State's Largest Sex Offender Sweep, 10news.com, November 19, 2010

78 jailed during sex offender sweep, Fox5sandiego.com, November 19, 2010

Continue reading "San Diego Sex Offenders Arrested Due to Parole Violations" »

A San Diego crime involving resident, Nima Ali Yusef, is being charged with aiding a Somali terrorist organization.

The 24-year-old suspect is to stay behind bars while her San Diego Criminal Lawyer, Charles Rees, gathers information to help build her a case that will grant her bail. Attorney Rees told U.S. Magistrate Judge Nita Stromes that he needed an extended amount of time to investigate Yusef’s case before he could ask for bail during a hearing on Thursday. Yusef may be held in custody without bail regardless due to possible immigration issues. San Diego Defense Attorney Rees also requested to see two sealed search warrants to help build the case of the San Diego terrorist crime. Stormes granted the warrants to be unsealed and set another hearing date for November 29.

Yusef is being criminally charged for giving money and personnel to the Somali-based terrorist group Al-Shabaab. The San Diego criminal charges against Yusef are making false statements to investigators, conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, and conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, her case is not related to a similar case of three men who also supported and provided aid to the same terrorist group. Al-Shabaab is known for assassinations, bombs, explosives, atomic weapons, and suicide bombings in order to frighten and destabilize Somalia’s government and its supporters.

Woman accused of supporting Somali terrorists to remain jailed pending bail request, KFMB News 8, November 18, 2010

Woman Charged With Terrorist Ties Remains In Jail, 10news.com, November 18, 2010

Continue reading "San Diego Woman’s Bail Pending After Being Accused of Aiding Terrorists" »

San Diego alleged murder suspect Julio Angel Garcia-Puente pled guilty on Wednesday to the charges of arson and the murder of his 38-year-old wife Lorena Gonzalez.

Investigators believe that Garcia murdered Gonzalez before setting her car ablaze. The car was found in the parking lot of the UC San Diego Campus off of Voigt Drive. The San Diego violent crime occurred on October 30.

Firefighters discovered Gonzalez’s charred body in the car shortly after extinguishing the fire. A postmortem examination deemed Gonzalez a victim of murder; however the results of the autopsy have not been released to the press. The bail is set for $1 million and if convicted, Garcia could face 26 years to life in prison.

Garcia is not a legal U.S. citizen and was detained in Tijuana last Friday where he was then released to San Diego Detectives. Authorities described the San Diego murder suspect as an “unemployed transient” who was often seen around Carlsbad and San Marcos.

Estranged Husband Pleads Not Guilty in UCSD Murder, Arson Case, San Diego 6 The CW, November 10, 2010

Man Accused Of Burning Wife, Car Pleads Not Guilty, 10news.com, November 10, 2010

Continue reading "San Diego Murder Suspect Pleads Not Guilty in UCSD Arson and Homicide Case" »

A North San Diego County warrant sweep ends with thirty-two people under arrest.

The sweep which covered the coastal communities of Encinitas, Leucadia, Cardiff by the Sea, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar and Solana Beach began at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, according to Del Mar Sgt. Joel Wigand.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department along with Deputies from the Encinitas Sheriff’s Station, sheriff’s detectives from the Fugitive task force, and the Vista Court Service Field Unit all covered the coastal areas looking for fugitives with outstanding warrants for San Diego felony and misdemenor crimes.

Thirty-two people were taken into custody. Most of them were for misdemeanor crimes. A portion of the arrests made were wanted for felony crimes. If you have been arrested for a San Diego crime it may be in your best interest to obtain legal assistance from a San Diego criminal lawyer.

32 Arrested During North County Warrant Sweep, 10news.com, November 6, 2010

ENCINITAS: 32 arrested on outstanding warrants, North County Times, November 6, 2010

Continue reading "North San Diego Warrant Sweep Nets 32 Arrests" »

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 San Diego sex offender with a long criminal past was arraigned in court under Chelsea’s Law on suspicion of child molestation.

Joseph Cantorna, 55, who pleaded not guilty, was charged with four felony counts of committing lewd acts on a minor. The incident occurred on Sunday morning, September 12 on Cherry Road in Lakeside when two boys who had been riding their bikes stopped for a break. Cantorna allegedly approached the 7 and 9 year old and inappropriately touched them.

The mentally disordered sex offender from Lakeside has a criminal past dating back to 1973. He had been living in a group home for the past several years in close proximity to where the allegations are being made. “Cantorna never should have been allowed in that neighborhood, in that home, walking the area freely and doing what he did on Sunday,” said Kent Kopperud, a nearby resident.

Cantorno is the first San Diego sex offender to be charged under Chelsea’s Law which was signed into effect on September 9 by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The new law has stricter penalties for sex offenders of San Diego sex crimes involving children. Bail has been set at $1 million by Judge Herbert Exarhos.

Mentally disordered sex offender has long criminal history, KFMB 8, September 16, 2010

First offender in county charged under Chelsea's Law, Sign on san Diego, September 15, 2010

Continue reading "San Diego County Registered Sex Offender Charged Under New Chelsea’s Law" »

Nine people were taken into custody during a San Diego sex offender sweep that was to make sure that all prior sex-offenders were in compliance.

The California Attorney General’s office led the San Diego sex-crime sweep. The nine were arrested on parole and probation violations, drug paraphernalia and weapon possession charges. “Because of sex offenders’ propensity to re-offend, keeping tabs on them is crucial to protecting the public,” said Attorney General Jerry Brown. “As in many things, the price of safety is constant vigilance, and my office is committed to providing that,” he said.

The “Operation Watchdog” included over 100 officers from various local, state and federal agencies that combed the region to find out if prior sex offenders are abiding by all laws and residing at the addresses that are on record with law enforcement.

There are serious repercussions that may come with being accused of committing a San Diego sex crime. MosSex of the sexual crimes committed in San Diego are felony sex crimes.

Sex Offender Sweep Nets 9 Arrests, San Diego 6 the CW, July 15, 2010

Continue reading "Nine San Diego County Sex Offenders Arrested During Sweep" »

A boy, who was suspected of raping a 16 year-old girl in Escondido at gunpoint as she was walking to school, is to be charged as an adult.

Daniel Joseph Entzminger, 17, was arrested at Washington Park the day after the San Diego violent attack occured. A teenage girl was walking to school along a path near North Ash Street and East Valley Parkway around 8:30 a.m. when she noticed a male pass her. As she looked back at him, she saw him running toward her wearing a black ski mask and holding a gun. He caught up to her, held the pistol to her side and raped her in some bushes, according to Lt. Craig Carter.

According to prosecutor Patrick Espinoza, San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis had the choice of filing the San Diego criminal case in adult court or bring the case to juvenile court. “Because of the serious nature of the crime, because a handgun was used, because a 16-year-old girl was kidnapped on her way to school, that’s why we decided to charge the case as we did,” said Espinoza.

Entzminger pleaded not guilty to rape, robbery and aggravated kidnapping charges and could face a maximum of 50 years in prison if he is convicted. The defendant, who is being held on $1 million bail, is being charged as an adult under California’s “one strike law.”

Boy accused of raping girl on her way to school charged in adult court, KFMB news 8, July 14, 2010

ESCONDIDO: Teen rape suspect charged, faces life in prison, North County Times, July 14, 2010

Continue reading "Escondido Suspected Rapist to be Charged as an Adult" »

Outside an El Cajon Jack in the Box a man who threatened a pedestrian with a large hunting knife is shot by an El Cajon Police Officer after he ignored orders to drop the weapon and came after the officer, died from gunshot wounds.

Moses Jovid Muhammad, 56, was told to drop the knife he was wielding at a pedestrian by motorcycle Officer Nick Spreccho. When he didn’t drop the weapon and instead lunged after the officer, he was shot several times by Officer Spreccho.

The El Cajon shooting incident happened outside a Jack in the Box restaurant at second Street and Madison Avenue, according to El Cajon police Lt. Mark Coit. The Officer is a nine year veteran and the son of El Cajon Police Department Chief Pat Spreccho.

The knife wielding criminal suspect died after undergoing surgery for gunshot wounds to his upper body and legs.

Officer Shoots Knife-Wielding Man At Restaurant, 10News.com, July 2, 2010

Suspect Dies after El Cajon Police Shooting at Restaurant, San Diego 6 The CW, July 8, 2010

Continue reading "San Diego Shooting of Man Waving Knife outside Jack in the Box Dies " »

A man who was suspected of the North San Diego attempted murder of three men at a San Marcos donut shop was taken into custody after being found hiding under his girlfriend’s bed, according to sheriff’s officials.

Daniel Helweski, 26, started shooting at three men outside a Yum Yum donut shop with a 9 mm pistol. The San Diego shooting incident occurred after an argument broke out around 10:45 p.m. on East Mission Road, according to sheriff’s Sgt. Dan Deese.

None of the three men were injured from the gunshots. One man sustained slight cuts from a glass window that was broken from the shots fired into the victim’s vehicle. The alleged shooter also fired shots into the San Marcos Bakery and a Thai restaurant.

The gunman was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and taken to jail on Monday after he was found at his girlfriend’s home in San Marcos hiding under the bed.

Suspect in Attempted Murder Found Hiding Under Girlfriend's Bed, San Diego 6 The CW, July 5, 2010

Continue reading "North San Diego Attempted Murder Suspect Arrested after Found Hiding under Girlfriend’s Bed" »

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" »

After the San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted to appropriate more land, Santee jail could be three times the size.

It looks as though plans to grow the Las Colinas Women’s Detention Facility from 15 acres to 45 acres could be in the works. “I think we are now well on the way to starting, putting it out to bid,” according to San Diego County Sheriff William Gore.

Some Santee residents and city officials are not happy with the expansion of Las Colinas and strongly oppose it, but with San Diego crime and the population growth, the facility needs to increase in size.

In 1979 the Santee jail became a female detention center; it was originally built in 1967 to hold juveniles. With the decision made by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors the expansion is likely to become a reality.

Las Colinas Expansion Plan Met With Resistance, 10News.com, April 27,2010

County moves forward with Santee jail expansion, Fox 5 San Diego, April 28,2010

Continue reading "San Diego County Board of Supervisors Vote to Expand Santee Jail" »

An East San Diego bank robbery had employees and customers lying on the ground by three armed bandits who escaped with an undetermined amount of cash in Rancho San Diego, said police.

The San Diego thieves held up a Citibank branch office on Monday in Rancho San Diego around 11:00 a.m. in the 3700 block of Avocado Boulevard and Calle Verde Drive.

Everyone in the bank, including bank employees and patrons were ordered to lie on the floor by one of the bank robbers who yielded a gun. The two other bandits ascended over the counters, trampling over the tellers and stealing the cash, according to the FBI.

Three bank tellers were hurt in this San Diego theft crime. The robbers who were considered to be violent, escaped in a white four-door sedan with an undetermined amount of money. Images were captured on a surveillance camera of the three robbery suspects.

Violent trio hits Rancho San Diego bank, Sign on San Diego, April 19, 2010

3 Men Rob East County-Area Bank, 10News.com, April 19, 2010

Continue reading "East San Diego County Bank Robbed by Three Men" »

In San Diego County, after a spree of car burglaries in Chula Vista, there were five people arrested in connection with car break-ins in two separate occurrences over the weekend.

One incident occurred about 10:30 p.m. Saturday when police were notified by a person who was following a vehicle with three men in it who tried to burglarize his car earlier. As the vehicle was entering the 805 Freeway police pulled them over as they exited on Bonita Road. One of the suspects got out of the car and was arrested. The driver of the vehicle that turned out to be stolen earlier that day in National City took off and collided into another vehicle injuring a woman. At that time the second suspect took off out of the stolen vehicle and was arrested. As the driver sped off again he crashed sustaining injuries. San Diego police arrested the driver charging him with hit and run and felony evasion, all three were charged with suspicion of vehicle burglary and possession of stolen property.

Two other men suspected vehicle burglary were taken into custody early Sunday morning about 2:30 a.m., after admitting to an officer that they committed the San Diego theft crime after the officer saw them inside a car in Eastlake in the 1900 block of Marquis Court.

“Whether they’re a part of a larger ring operating in San Diego County, we don’t have any idea at this point,” said Bernard Gonzales with the Chula Police Department. The two suspects, 18 year-old Glenn Spears and Zachary White of Eastlake were arrested on suspicion of vehicle burglary, conspiracy, and possession of stolen property.

Rash of Burglaries in Chula Vista, San Diego 6 The CW, April 20,2010

Five linked to vehicle break-ins arrested, Sign on San Diego, April 18, 2010

Continue reading "San Diego Car Thieves Arrested in Chula Vista" »

A San Diego robbery and carjacking that happened just before midnight on Monday night in the City Heights area of San Diego leaves three men in custody.

Three men were suspected of robbing a 20 year-old man of cash around 11:45 p.m. on Monday in the vicinity of Van Dyke Avenue and Wightman Street in the Castle area of San Diego.

Shortly after, the three San Diego thieves came up to a man in his thirties. One of the robbers punched him in the face through an open window while he was parking his Toyota Camry behind his apartment building. As the motorist got out of his vehicle one of the suspects drove off in the victims car. The other suspects caught up with him and sped away, according to San Diego police.

The San Diego carjackers were found on West Street near ocean View Boulevard in Mountain View. As San Diego police arrested the driver of the stolen vehicle the two other suspects of this San Diego crime fled on foot. They were soon caught and also arrested.

Three Suspects Arrested in Robbery & Carjacking, San Diego 6 The CW, April 13, 2010

Three men arrested after robbery, carjacking, Sign on San Diego, April 13, 2010

Continue reading "San Diego Carjacking and Robbery Leaves 3 Men in Custody" »

San Diego car break-ins have increased in the first three months of 2010, according to the Chula Vista Police Department.

Eastlake, Otay Ranch, and San Miguel Ranch have been hit the hardest by thieves. There has been a 148 percent increase in Chula Vista car burglaries in 2010 compared to the same time last year. From January to March, 189 incidents were reported to police compared to 76 in 2009.

Police are advising people to not leave any valuables in their vehicle especially if they are left out in plain sight and they are telling them to lock their cars. Thieves are looking for the easy target for break-ins. “A lot of the community members are leaving valuables in their vehicles and as they do that, they’re creating an opportunity for these individuals,” said Chula Vista Police Lt. Roxana Kennedy to 10News.

San Diego car thefts and burglaries can be reduced or avoided by locking your car, using your car alarm and not leaving anything of value in it or keeping it garaged.

Chula Vista Car Burglaries On Rise, 10News.com, April 9, 2010

Continue reading "San Diego Car Burglaries Climb in Chula Vista" »

A San Diego man who shot and killed a UCSD Professor more than 14 years ago was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.

David Hessler, who was 30 when he was shot and killed after he heard suspicious noises outside his University City home more than 14 years ago, Alvin Timbol was 19 at the time when he pulled the trigger. Now at 33 years old, after pleading guilty to second degree murder earlier this year he is sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison.

On November 14, 1995 around 2:00 a.m., Timbol and four other car thieves drove to Hessler’s neighborhood to steal computer equipment he had left in his Nissan Pathfinder. Hessler went outside after hearing noises, and was shot by Timbol as he leaned out of a speeding getaway car.

Timbol’s San Diego criminal defense attorney said “He had fired a single shot out of the window to ward off the victim.” Timbol was sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison for this San Diego violent crime.

Man Who Fatally Shot UCSD Professor Sentenced, 10news.com, March 26,2010

Continue reading "San Diego Man Sentenced For Shooting a UCSD Professor " »

A San Diego robbery of a Point Loma Community Credit Union branch leaves two men in custody, according to San Diego police.

A Point Loma Community Credit Union branch at 1350 Rosecrans St. in the Roseville-Fleetridge area was robbed on Tuesday just after 12:30 p.m. when a man handed a bank teller a demand note to hand over money, according to Sergeant Ramona Hastings of the San Diego police department.

The thief walked out of the credit union branch on Emerson Street with an undisclosed amount of stolen cash where he was met by his accomplice. San Diego police were called by an employee of the bank and a customer who followed the thieves onto Rosecrans Street while keeping a safe distance between them.

Richard Wayne Lewis, 40 and Steven Alfaro, 38 were arrested for the San Diego theft crime and taken into custody on suspicion of robbery. The stolen money was given back to the credit union.

2 In Custody For Credit Union Robbery, 10news.com, February 17, 2010

Continue reading "San Diego Robbery of Credit Union Leaves Two Men Arrested" »

An 18 year-old Los Angeles gang member was sentenced to 31 years in state prison for the San Diego fatal shooting of a man after an argument took place outside a San Diego bar.

Christopher Hawthorne, 25 was shot down by Alexander Rafael Garcia who was 17 at the time of the San Diego murder. The teen pled guilty last December to voluntary manslaughter. The violent crime occurred January 9, 2009 after a fight broke outside O’Connell’s bar on Morena Boulevard.

“Your actions that night affected a lot of people, things that we enjoy in life just don’t matter anymore. I hope your stay in prison is painful and lonely,” said Clay Hawthorne Sr., the father of the victim.

According to Garcia’s criminal defense attorney, he belonged to a gang called Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice. The San Diego violent crime was committed for the benefit of the gang he was involved with. Garcia was sentenced to 31 years in state prison for the fatal shooting.

Teen Gang Member Sentenced For Fatal Shooting, 10news.com, February 9, 2010

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A man is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman at gunpoint and stealing her computer and cell phone.

According to the San Diego Police Department, Londrea Raymond, 19, is accused of sexually attacking a 26 year-old woman on Wednesday after following her to her apartment in the 4500 block of Vandever Avenue in Tierrasanta about 10:40 p.m.

After entering her apartment the victim closed the door behind her. The suspect then walked into the apartment and sexually assaulted her. “It appears he may have seen her come into the complex and followed her, said Lt. Rick O’Hanlon. “She was not physically injured but went to a hospital for a sexual exam,” O’Hanlon said.

The suspected thief was taken into custody by San Diego police at the Emerald Hills trolley station on Thursday where he had the victim’s laptop and cell phone in his possession. He was arrested on suspicion of robbery, burglary, kidnapping and sexual assault.

Man Accused In Robbery, Sex Assault To Be Arraigned, 10news.com, February 8, 2010

Continue reading "San Diego Arraignment of Man Accused of Robbery and Sexual Assault" »

In San Diego County there were approximately 260 inmates convicted of nonviolent crimes that were released from jails around the San Diego County now that a new state law that is in effect.

A bill that was signed to reduce the state prison population as part of last year’s budget which will decrease an inmate’s amount of time served by about half. This new rule will be retroactive and the inmate will be credited for time already served.

Jail inmates convicted of San Diego violent crimes or crimes relating to children are not eligible for this new rule that now is in effect. Prisoners that were being released from jails in Otay Mesa or George Bailey were brought by bus to South Bay Jail or downtown where they were able use public transit.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department has been working in conjunction with the Probation Department, Public Defenders Office, County Council and the District Attorney’s Office to decide which inmates, out of about 1600 are eligible for early release.

Local jails release 260 under new state law, Sign on San Diego, January 25, 2010

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A San Diego Del Norte school freshman girl’s soccer coach was released from county jail Friday after being arrested on suspicion of sending a sexual text message to a minor student.

Robin Michael Alarcon an assistant freshman girl’s soccer coach was arrested on Wednesday at the 4-S Ranch campus on suspicion of luring a minor for sexual purposes and sending “harmful matter” to a juvenile.

San Diego sex crime charges were not filed against Alarcon. More investigation is still needed and more questions need to be answered, according to police. The 35 year-old has been “permanently released from all duties” with the Poway Unified School District, according to Sharon Raffer spokeswoman for the district.

This was the second arrest since December when Ryan Paul Carnell, a former Westview High School volunteer wrestling coach was arrested for allegedly molesting a juvenile female student. The 28 year-old Carnell three months earlier pleaded no contest to lewd behavior for sending a picture of his genitals to an underage female student.

School Soccer Coach Arrested for Sexting Released from Jail, San Diego 6 The CW, January 8,2010

HS Coach Accused Of Sexting Avoiding Questions, 10news.com, January 11, 2010

Continue reading "San Diego Del Norte High School Soccer Coach Released From Jail" »

San Diego police arrested a woman for allegedly stabbing her 48 year-old ex-boyfriend sending him to the hospital with injuries that were considered to be not life threatening, according to police.

The San Diego stabbing happened just before 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday at a house during an argument. The victim, after being stabbed in the back made his way to the Par Grocery and Liquor on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard where officers were called, said Officer David Stafford of the San Diego Police Department.

The victim whose name has not been released was taken to a local hospital and treated for a knife wound to the back. Shortly after the attack police found the former girlfriend and arrested her.

The 52 year-old woman who was arrested for this San Diego assault was taken into custody and booked into San Diego’s County Jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. If you are arrested for a crime in San Diego it is in your best interest to have legal representation by an experienced San Diego criminal lawyer to help you with your legal matter.

Woman, 52, Stabs Ex-Boyfriend In Back, 10News.com, December 10, 2009

Continue reading "San Diego Stabbing By Former Girlfriend Leaves Man Injured" »

A San Diego crime sweep that took place over the weekend in Escondido nets 56 people arrested, including sex offenders and others with warrants out for their arrest, said Escondido police.

The sweep that targeted individuals who could possibly commit a San Diego criminal offense during the holidays ran from Friday at 4:00p.m.and ended Saturday at 2:00 a.m. Affiliates from the California Department of Corrections, Sheriff’s Department, County Probation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the regional Auto Theft Task Force, and the state Alcohol Beverage Control worked in conjunction of the sweep.

Fifty-six people who were suspected of having felonies, misdemeanors or active warrants were taken into custody by police. 13 San Diego registered sex offenders were checked on as well as 100 people who had warrants or on probation. Seventy-five citations were issued and twenty-two cars were impounded by police, according to Lt. Chris Wynn.

If you are arrested for a crime, having the right San Diego criminal defense attorney to defend your case can be one of the most important decisions you make.

ESCONDIDO: 56 arrested in sweep , North County Times, November 15, 2009

Continue reading "San Diego Crime Sweep in Escondido Nets 56" »

San Diego County sees a slight drop during the first half of 2009 in violent crime compared to the first six months of 2008, according to a study by the San Diego Association of Governments.

San Diego violent crime including rapes, murders, and aggravated assaults were down during the first six months of 2009. There were 49 murders in 2008 versus 39 during the first half of 2009. San Diego theft crimes were the only violent crimes that saw an increase. Robberies were up 4 percent over the same time as last year.

Property crime had an 18 percent drop off seen during the first six months of 2009, as compared to the same time in 2008, according to SANDAG. Property crime and violent crime rates were the lowest in 10 years.

“While there seems to have been the expectation in some circles that the crime rate may go up with the economic situation in 2009, this has not been the case,” Cynthia Burke, SANDAG’s director of criminal justice research said.

Report: County Violent Crime Rate Down In 2009, 10News.com, October 29,2009

Continue reading "San Diego County Sees a Drop in Violent Crime During First Six Months" »

In San Diego, a woman from Mira Mesa who stole almost $5000.00 of personal property from lockers at a Santee 24 Hour Fitness Center was sentenced to a three year prison term.

While pretending to be working out at the Santee gym, 36 year-old Tina Waider used a homemade mechanism to open the lockers of others and pilfer their belongings. After being arrested for stealing almost $5000 of stolen property, the thief pled guilty to four counts of grand theft and one count of burglary and ordered to pay back $4800.00 to her victims at an earlier hearing in front of Judge Allan Preckel.

Some of the stolen items were a watch that was valued at $1600.00 and a purse that held approximately $400.00 worth of goods. After a search was made at the thief’s home other stolen items were found, including high end clothes, jewelry, make-up and gift cards.

Tuesday a judge sentenced Waider to spend three years in prison for the Santee theft crimes.

Woman Sentenced For Santee Gym Locker Thefts, 10News.com, October 20,2009

Prison Time for Woman Who Stole from Gym Lockers, San Diego 6 The CW, October 20, 2009

Continue reading "San Diego Women Sentenced To Three Year Prison Term For Fitness Center Locker Thefts" »

A man was stabbed and robbed in the Harborview area of San Diego on Wednesday, according to San Diego police.

The San Diego attack happened in the 2200 block of Pacific Coast Highway about 10:40 in the morning, when the two men were wrestling over a cell phone that belonged to the stabbing victim.

The thief attacked the man, stabbed him, robbed him then fled on foot to Laurel Street. Police searched the area along with a police helicopter but the bandit got away. The 24 year-old victim was taken to a trauma center for his injuries. It is not known how his condition remains.

The assailant was said to be a black man in his thirties. He wore his hair in a ponytail, and was wearing a grey and black striped shirt with black jeans. The suspect was also carrying a black and blue backpack.

Man Stabbed, Robbed In Harborview Area, 10News.com, October 14,2009

Continue reading "San Diego Area Man Stabbed and Robbed" »

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 Carlsbad home invasion robbery ends with two gunmen arrested and taken to jail on suspicion of felony armed robbery.

The Carlsbad robbery occurred about 8:20 p.m. on Wednesday in the 7200 block of San Benito, when two armed men, 27 year-old Francisco Bonillas, and 28 year-old Robert Amador broke into the home of a couple and were later arrested by police, according to Carlsbad police Sergeant Steve Thomas.

The thieves escaped with the stolen goods in a four door white Mitsubishi. Police soon recognized the Mitsubishi on eastbound 78 and was able to make the vehicle come to a halt at San Marcos Blvd. and Grand Avenue.

Amador tried to escape but, was later caught by police. Bonilla gave himself up right away. Police found the weapons and the Carlsbad couples stolen property inside the car. The suspects were taken into custody where they were booked on suspicion of felony armed robbery at the Vista Detention Facility.

Two Arrested for Carlsbad Home Invasion Armed Robbery, San Diego 6 The CW, September 24, 2009

CARLSBAD: Police capture suspects following Carlsbad Burglary, North County Times, September 24, 2009

Continue reading "In Carlsbad Two Men Are in Custody After Home Invasion Robbery" »

A principal of an Oceanside Elementary school who allegedly stole $50,000 over four years from the Oceanside School District and the PTA, pleads not guilty to ten felony counts.

After being charged on August 28 for allegedly steeling $50,000 from the Oceanside Unified School District and the PTA, Paulette Dastrup Thompson pled not guilty to nine counts of grand theft and one count of identity theft during her arraignment on Tuesday in front of Judge David Szumowski.

In February, Thompson took a leave of absence from her position at Reynolds Elementary School after an investigation took place regarding the missing funds. The school district brought the information to the police who then turned over the case to the District Attorney’s Office.

The 59 year-old defendant remains out of custody on her own recognizance. If convicted she could be facing probation to nine years in state prison for the grand theft felony charges, according to Deputy District Attorney Robert Eichler. A November 3rd readiness conference has been set and a December 1st preliminary hearing has been scheduled by Judge Szumowski.

Oceanside Principal Pleads Not Guilty To Grand Theft, 10News.com, September 22,2009

Principal Accused of Stealing $50,000 from School, San Diego 6 The CW, September 22, 2009

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San Diego Chargers Shawne Merriman was arrested at his home in Poway on suspicion of felony battery and false imprisonment for allegedly choking MTV reality star Tila Tequila on Sunday.

According to San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies, 27 year-old Tila made a 911 call at 3:45 a.m. stating that the Chargers outside linebacker choked her, threw her on the floor and physically restrained her from departing his home in Poway.

Tequila was taken to Pomerado Hospital where she was reported to be in good condition. “Deputies did not observe any injuries to her, but she wanted to go and that is her right,” said Jan Caldwell, spokeswomen for the Sheriff’s Department.

“During the evening, Ms. Tequila was extremely intoxicated, inebriated and Mr. Merriman did everything he could to assist her in arranging for transportation to leave his home,” said Todd Macaluso, criminal defense attorney for Merriman, to reporters. “At no time did Mr. Merriman assault her; at no time did Mr. Merriman keep her against her will. His intentions were nothing but good.”

Merriman, 25, was taken into custody and later released. Police are still investigating the domestic incident. Formal charges have not been made pending the District Attorney’s office investigation.

In a statement said by San Diego Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith, “It’s disappointing to hear about the issue regarding Shawne Merriman.” “We’ll continue to monitor the situation and let the legal process run its course.”

CHARGERS: Merriman arrested in domestic incident, North County Times, September 6,2009

Continue reading "San Diego Chargers Outside Linebacker Shawne Merriman Arrested" »

A transient who stole a steak knife from one downtown San Diego eatery and threatened to rob employees at another restaurant was gunned down by police when he refused to drop the weapon and instead approached the officer in an aggressive manor.

The San Diego shooting incident occurred in the Gaslamp District at Fourth and E Street on Monday around 4:30 p.m. after a transient stole a knife with a five inch blade from Greystone the Steakhouse and threatened staff workers. The thief approached another restaurant where he demanded money but was ignored.

When a police officer came up to the suspected thief and demanded that he drop the weapon, instead he became belligerent, according to Lt. William Stetson.

“The suspect refused and instead advanced on the officer in a menacing manner while creaming obscenities with the knife raised,” said Stetson. “The officer fired his handgun at the suspect. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.”

Homicide detectives are investigating the officer involved killing.

Police Shooting Of Man With Knife Downtown Investigated, News10.com, August 4, 2009

Continue reading "San Diego Downtown Restaurant Robber Shot by Police" »

The San Diego crime rate has declined 16.3 percent in the beginning of the year in comparison with last year’s crime rate. Mayor Jerry Sanders announced that the amount of violent offenses had diminished by 2.6 percent compared to last year.

Other crimes such as property crime (18.3%), rape (10.1%), robbery (8.8%) and San Diego homicides (7.7%) have reduced as well from January 1 through June 30th of this year. As heard by many San Diego criminal attorneys.

In contrast, aggravated assault has increased by 1.7 percent as well as a 6.4 boost of illegal behavior attributed to gang members.

The San Diego Police Department’s Chief William Lansdowne, as well as his officers has been congratulated by the mayor for their persistent efforts. However, the mayor did not mention that decrease in crime had an unforeseen consequence of being excluded from the list of recipients for grants as part of the economic stimulus payout from the federal government.

Mayor Sanders said that “San Diego continues to be one of the safest cities in the nation, largely due to the efforts of this police force and their partnership with the community.”

Report: Crime In San Diego Down, 10news.com, July 29.2009

REGION: Violent crime reports up, property crime down at 2009's midpoint, North County Times, July 29, 2009

Continue reading "San Diego Crime Drops 16.3 Percent During First Six Months" »

Wednesday morning in San Diego, an eighteen year old male was arrested on the suspected shooting of a security officer and the theft of his gun at the East County rail depot.

According to Sgt. Ray Battrick, Marquise Loftis was arrested after being pulled over in a vehicle around 12:30 am in the 2200 block of 54th Street. The shooting incident occurred on Saturday around 10:15 pm, at the Grossmont Center Trolley Station.

Police did not reveal what directed them to suspect Loftis who may have been involved with the shooting incident. Loftis was a passenger in the vehicle that was pulled over by police at the time of his arrest.

According to police, two other possible suspects have been taken into custody. When the injured security officer fell down, the man with the gun took his pistol and two ammunition clips and shot the officer again. After the violent attack, the gunman ran up the stairs and escaped into a close by shopping center.

The victim was treated at a hospital and released the next day. The victim’s name has not yet been released and is recovering at home according to MTS spokeswoman Judy Leitner.

Suspect Arrested in Trolley Shooting, San Dieg0 6 The CW, July 22, 2009

Continue reading "San Diego Trolley Shooting’s Suspect Arrested" »

San Diego area beaches saw an increase in the number of people celebrating the Fourth of July Weekend, although there were fewer arrests made for crimes compared to the same time last year.

All of the thirteen arrests made over this years holiday weekend came from crimes that were felonies, including handgun possessions and for drug crimes. In 2008, 21 of the 41 arrests made were for misdemeanors according to San Diego Police department Capt. Shelly Zimmerman.

There were about 1.2 million people covering San Diego beaches this year, almost 250,000 more than last years Fourth of July Weekend. The drop in arrests were due to improvement in “municipal public relation efforts” said Capt. Zimmerman.

“We’ve done a lot of education regarding what the beach rules are,” Zimmerman said.

Although San Diego police gave out more citations for alcohol related cases this year, 200 compared to 104 last year.

Bigger Crowds, Fewer Arrests at the Beaches over the 4th, San Diego 6 The CW, July 5,2009

Continue reading "San Diego Beaches Have More Crowds and Fewer Arrests Over Holiday Weekend" »

In San Diego a man pleaded guilty to robbery and evading police Thursday after being suspected of robbing four banks and leading police on chase.

Thomas Edward Lavalle, 61, pleaded guilty to five felony counts of robbery for robbing four banks in Encinitas, Escondido, Fallbrook and Carmel Mountain Ranch, reckless driving while evading police, two counts of possessing a concealed weapon and carrying a loaded gun..

After robbing a Bank of America on Carmel Mountain Road, Lavalle led police on a high speed car chase that lasted about 40 minutes before a CHP patrol car bumped into Lavalle’s Honda Civic which caused his vehicle to spin out of control on the ramp of the 163. No one was injured.

If convicted the robber could be facing six years and eight months in prison. Sentencing is scheduled on July 16, by Judge David Danielsen at the San Diego Superior Court.

Man pleads guilty to bank robberies, Sign on San Diego, June 4, 2009

Man Pleads Guilty To North County Bank Robberies, 10 News.com, June 4, 2009

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San Diego County Crime was down in 2008 in most areas of crime according to the FBI.

The federal law enforcement agency said that San Diego violent crime decreased 4.5 percent in 2008 from the previous year and property-related offenses declined 8.6 percent.

Even though statistics show that crime was down in San Diego, forcible rape increased by 27 percent and burglary increased by 1 percent in 2008 from the prior year. Although in Chula Vista violent crime fell 9.7 percent and property crime went down 10.5 percent, said the FBI.

In the North County area of San Diego, the number of violent crimes in Escondido dropped 13.7 percent and property offenses fell by 3.4 percent, burglary went up by 11 percent.

Oceanside saw a decline of violent crimes by 11.2 percent and a 9 percent reduction in property crimes in 2008. They had a total of five homicides, 2 more than in the prior year.

FBI: Most County Crimes Decreased In 2008, 10 News.com, June 1, 2009

Continue reading "San Diego County Crime Decreases Overall in 2008" »

Police have arrested two teenage women in connection with a fatal stabbing of a National City woman in broad daylight.

Justine Brown, 18, of National City died shortly after sustaining a fatal stab wound to the left side of her chest, about 1:00 p.m. Friday. The murder occurred in the 100 block of East 9th Street in National City.

According to the San Diego County’s Medical Examiner’s Office, Brown was taken to UCSD Medical Center where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Antoinette Dokes Hendricks, 18, was arrested and taken into custody late Saturday night in connection with the fatal stabbing on charges of suspicion of murder. The suspected murderer is also known as Antoinette Latrice Dokes.

Another suspect, Rachel Elizabeth Wheelis, 19, was also arrested and taken into custody on suspicion of being an accessory to murder, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

Hendricks and Brown appeared to have a mutual boyfriend, which might have been a motive.

Two Teens Held in Connection with Fatal National City Stabbing, KFMB News 8, April 19, 2009

Victim of stabbing ID'd; two have been arrested, Sign on San Diego, April 20, 2009

Continue reading "Two Teens Arrested For Murder of a National City Woman" »

Police arrest a parolee carrying a gun in his car after he leads them a short chase late Monday night, said police.

Around 11 p.m. a 29 year old man who is on parole took off after a police officer tried to pull him over to issue him a traffic warning, according to Lt. Daniel Hardman.

While on pursuit the suspect drove into a canyon and ran into a power pole. He fled his car and ran away from police.

With the assistance of ASTREA, police finally found him about a half an hour later near the intersection of Paseo Ladero and Telegraph Canyon Road.

Police arrested the parolee and took him into custody on suspicion of carrying a concealed weapon, tampering with the serial numbers on a gun and hit and run causing damage to a property.

The man is also facing charges of damaging city property for kicking out a vent and breaking a fan in a police transport van, said Hardman.

Police pursuit ends in arrest of parolee, Sign on San Diego, March 31,2009

Continue reading "Parolee Leads Police on Pursuit Before Arrest in Chula Vista" »

A former fifth grade teacher has pled not guilty to felony molestation charges of a boy when he was 13 years old.

Adrienne Elizabeth Feistel, 35, is charged with 10 counts of committing a lewd act on a child. According to prosecutors, she molested the student several times between August 2006 and August 2008. The boy is now 15 years old.

Feistel was a teacher at the Rosa Parks Elementary School in City Heights. She was a district employee from August 1999 through February 2006 and resigned September 1, 2006, according to the San Diego Unified School District spokesman, Jack Brandais.

Feistel moved in with the family of the boy for several months after befriending the family. Authorities say Fiestel began molesting the boy when he was in the seventh grade and was no longer his teacher.

After police responded to a disturbance at the home of the boy, the boy told his mother about the molestation.

If convicted of the sex crime, Feistel could be facing “a significant amount of time in prison,” said Deputy District Attorney Wendy Patrick Mazzarella.

Former teacher pleads not guilty to sex charges, Sign on San Diego, March 26,2009

Continue reading "San Diego Former Teacher Pleads Not Guilty To Child Molestation Charges" »

A mechanic who had just finished his shift early Tuesday morning at the Metropolitan Transit System complex in San Diego fired several gunshots at co-workers leaving one man dead and one man critically injured in this violent crime. Police shot and killed the gunman after he pointed his gun at them.

According to San Diego Police, Lonnie Glasco, 47, worked at the Metropolitan Transit System for 29 years, had just finished his shift when he walked into a lounge area and told co-workers “no one is going to leave” then went out into a parking lot and fired several shots with a deadly weapon, killing co-worker Benjamin Mwangi and critically injuring Michael Stevenson, 55 who later died at the University of California San Diego Medical Center.

When police arrived at the scene they found the shooting suspect holding a gun. After officers repeatedly told the gunman to drop the weapon, Glasco ignored their requests and made a call using his cell phone with his other hand, according to Lt Kevin Rooney. “When the call ended, he started to raise the gun at the officers and they shot him.” said Rooney.

Motives for the shootings are under investigation.

Third Man Dies In San Diego Transit Center Shooting, KFMB News 8, March 24, 2009

Continue reading "San Diego Transit Center Shooting Leaves Three Dead" »

A Girl Scout Volunteer bookkeeper for 44 North County troops was sentenced to spend 30 days in jail and 3 years of probation for embezzling about $13,000 over a period of 18 months.

On January 8th she had pleaded guilty to one count of felony grand theft.

Janet Daily, 36, had been in charge of the bank accounts for 44 Girl Scout troops in the Solana Beach and Rancho Santa Fe area for seven years.

The defendant told police she had financial difficulties and she was going to pay it back.

She tried to pay back some of the stolen money after she was caught, but she still owed the Girl Scouts $5958 when she entered her guilty plea, according to District Attorney Kate Flaherty.

Last November after Daily announced she was moving out of state, coordinators discovered thousands of dollars missing. She was arrested by police and admitted to steeling from the Girl Scouts.

In court yesterday, the former bookkeeper had a check for $5458 and said she would pay back the remaining $500 she still owed.

Daily is now in jail serving her 30 day sentence.

Ex-bookkeeper who stole from Scouts gets 30 days, Sign on San Diego, March 17,2009

Girl Scout Bookkeeper Pleads Guilty To Embezzlement Charges, KFMB News 8, March 16, 2009

Continue reading "North County San Diego Girl Scout Bookkeeper Sentenced " »

An Encanto Man accused of stabbing his wife repeatedly is awaiting for the jury to reach a verdict in the case.

The defendant, Fredrick Melanson, 46, has been accused of first degree murder for stabbing his wife multiple times in the face, neck and chest.

According to prosecutors the defendant was upset with his wife Parmenia Melanson, 48, for non stop asking for money, and demanding for him to buy her a Gucci purse. The couple argued over finances.

After drinking several beers and tequila shots at the Formosa Club in Chula Vista he drove over 10 miles home. The waitress at the bar testified that Melanson seemed in a good mood and did not appear to be drunk when he left the club.

The prosecutor told the jury that Melanson liked hanging out with women at the Formosa Club because “they don’t give me crap.”

The defense attorney for the defendant said he is only guilty of voluntary manslaughter. He said his wife attacked him first, kicking him in the groin and poking him in the eye.

When the defendant arrived home, they apparently argued and his wife blocked him as tried to come out of the bathroom, he accidentally stepped on her foot according to his defense attorney. His wife thought is was on purpose. Melanson then picked up a knife he saw on some clothes and planned to take it back to the kitchen, that’s when his wife kicked him and poked him in the eye.

The defendant said that he passed out and does not remember stabbing her. “It happened so fast he did not have time to think.”

Melanson turned himself in after he awoke and saw what had happened. He told his defense attorney that he loved his wife and had no reason to kill her. He had to be provoked. This was not premeditated, but fueled by alcohol.

If convicted Melanson could be facing 26 years to life in prison.

Deliberations Begin in Murder Trial of Encanto Man Who Killed His Wife, San Diego 6 The CW, February 27,2009

Continue reading "San Diego Jury Deliberations Begin for Encanto Man who Allegedly Murdered Wife" »

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" »

A bank who robber fled on the back of a motorcycle driven by an accomplice, robbed a Kearny Mesa Union Bank on Monday.

The 200 lb 6- foot 2-inch thief who was wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses when he handed a bank teller at the Union Bank of California a demand note. The robbery occured about 3:30pm at the branch office located in the 7700 block of Clairemont Mesa Boulevard according to San Diego police.

The bank teller handed the thief who appeared to be in his 20’s an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect exited the bank and proceeded to Convoy Street where another man waited on a black motorcycle, said San Diego Police Department Seargent Art Campa.

Robberies are the most serious of all theft crimes. Robberies is divided into First or second Degree. If two or more persons are charged with First degree Robbery, the punishment can be 3, 6, or 9 years in state prison.

The amount of time increases significantly if a weapon or firearm is used in a robbery.
All robberies, regardless of degree are “Strikes" under California Three Strikes Law.

Kearny Mesa Union Bank Robbed, San Diego New 6 The CW, February 23, 2009

Continue reading "San Diego Thief Robs Kearny Mesa Union Bank" »

A couple who operated a day care out of their San Diego apartment and are accused of molesting four children pled not guilty to 8 felony charges, including child abuse.

Anita Maria Kaczmarczyk, could be facing 60 years to life in prison if convicted. She is now in custody with bail set at $150,000.

Mark Lee Kaczmarczyk, 58, is awaiting extradition after being arrested last Sunday in Taiwan on child molestation charges. He is the husband of Anita Maria.

According to Deputy District Attorney Lucy Weismantel, an investigation took place after vaginal injuries were discovered in September of 2007 on one of the alleged victims. The molestations took place between June and September of 2007. The victims range in age from a few months old to just over 2 years old.

The defendants are being charged with four counts of lewd and lascivious acts on a child and a sentence enhancing allegation of multiple victims, along with child abuse.

A readiness conference is set for February 25th, and a preliminary hearing is set for March 4th For Anita Kaczmarczyk, according to Judge David Szumowski.

Mark Lee Kaczmarczyk told clerks at a shop that he wanted to open an English-language kindergarten in Taiwan. An undercover female Taiwanese agent who befriended the suspect found out where lived, and he was then arrested on molestation charges, the Taipei Times reported.

Day Care Operator Pleads Not Guilty to Molestation Charges, San Diego 6 The CW, February 19, 2009

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Earlier this month the San Diego police have warned residents in the Granite Hills area of residential burglaries that have taken place over the last three months.

There have been 15 homes that have either been victims to attempted burglary
or have been broken into on Mahogany Drive and Spanish Oak Place since last October.

According to the El Cajon Police Department the crimes that were committed have been when the residents were actually at home. Most of the victims that were at home when the robberies occurred didn’t even know it at the time. They heard strange noises and sounds but thought they were harmless.

Most of the crimes committed were theft crimes. Purses, wallets, cell phones, lap top computers were some of the stolen items.

Another area with a surge in neighborhood crime is in San Marcos, near Palomar Community College. In a one-mile radius in the past 3 months there have been 19 cars stolen or broken into with windows smashed, and 12 acts of vandalism according to the news 8 Crimefighters.

A resident said “It’s gotten to the point where we have to put up numerous cameras connected to TVs and the motion sensor lights that are bright and shiny.”

Police Warn Of Granite Hills-Area Robbery Series, 10News.com

Crimetracker Maps Car Thefts & Vandalism In San Marcos, KFMB News 8

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Two men tried to rob a coin shop in the North Park area of San Diego, but a worker shot and killed one of the robbers.

The shooting occured around 9:15 am this morning when two armed men entered the Old Coin Shop on El Cajon Boulevard, near Texas Street and approached two employees in an attempted robbery.

One of the employees armed with a handgun shot one of the robbers. The suspect was shot in the left leg and lower back. At the same time 911 was called and police were en route to the scene. It is not known how many shots were fired in the coin shop.

The robber who was identified as Michael Anthony Watkins Jr. of San Diego was taken to Mercy Hospital and died a short time later. Witnesses say that the second man picked up Watkins body and carried him to an outside parking lot before fleeing the scene with a handgun.

San Diego police homicide Lt Terry McManus said witnesses described the accomplice as a young black man, with a thin build around 5 feet 10 inches tall wearing a gray sweater and dark pants. Police are on the lookout for him.

Coin Shop Worker Fatally Shoots Attempted Robber, 10 News.com

Attempted Coin Shop Robbery Ends In Fatal Shooting, KFMB News 8

Robber shot during coin shop heist dies, Sign on San Diego

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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

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For the first time since the administration of LBJ, San Diego has seen the lowest rate in crime per capita says Mayor Jerry Sanders. According to the City of San Diego’s crime report there has been an 8% decrease in crime rates in San Diego.

There were five-percent fewer murders in 2008 compared to 2007. Robberies were down 3-percent, as well as aggravated assaults, hate crimes and domestic violence. Although, there has been a 27 percent increase in rapes in San Diego.

According to Police Chief William Lansdowne, about 80 percent of the rapes that happen are date rapes, usually spousal rapes where people have consumed too much alcohol and have become overly intoxicated . He also stated that the reason he feels there is a rise in these statistics is because more rape victims are reporting these crimes.

Chief Lansdowne also said that grant money will be used for the prevention of rape.

The good news is that with the decrease in crime San Diego is considered one of the safest places to live.

San Diego Crime Rate Drops 8% San Diego 6 TheCW

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Last week, an Ocean Beach man who is suspected of carrying out 17 bank robberies in four years was arrested by San Diego police and FBI agents outside his home. Authorities nicknamed the suspect, Stephen Colburn, nicknamed “Big Boy Bandit” because of his large size.

Colburn is suspected of robbing several banks from 2004 to 2008. The most recent robbery occurred on November 17.

The 54-year old was apprehended after employees at a bank in Mission Valley noticed him acting suspiciously. They provided a description of the bank robbery suspect and his license plate number, which helped authorities track him down at his home on Santa Monica Avenue. Authorities booked Colburn into county jail, according to a special agent in charge of the San Diego FBI office.

The series of robberies is still under investigation.

San Diego Police, FBI Nab 'Big Boy Bandit', 760KFMB.com, January 27, 2009

Suspect in 17 bank robberies arrested outside home, San Diego Union-Tribune, January 26, 2009

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In San Diego Superior Courts, a 17-year-old male is accused of fatally stabbing one teen girl and wounding another. The incident occurred at San Diego’s Old Town Transit Center, where Daniel Padilla claims he was attacked by his two stabbing victims on September 17.

Rochelle Luz Quintana, 17, was stabbed once in the chest and died. Sara Chavez, also 17, sustained stab wounds in her abdomen and survived. According to several witnesses, Quintana and Chavez attacked Padilla in retaliation for Padilla flashing a gang sign to Chavez’s half sister and her boyfriend. Chavez said in a police interview that she threw the first punch.

Padilla, who is being held in Juvenile Hall instead of $1.5 million bail, is charged with murder and attempted murder. A hearing will determine if there is enough evidence to try Padilla, who has been charged as an adult.

Teen accused in stabbing says victims attacked him, San Diego Union-Tribune, January 23, 2009

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In San Diego, three people are charged with running a child prostitution ring. All three pleaded guilty to sex-crime charges last Tuesday. Their plea included one count of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of children and another count of coercion and enticement of a minor into prostitution.

According to federal prosecutors, the three defendants recruited children to work as prostitutes and posted inappropriate photos of the children on Craigslist to lure male customers. Two of the dependents admitted driving children to and from hotels in the Sports Arena and Mission Valley neighborhoods.

The court will sentence two of those charged with child sex trafficking on March 30. The other defendant will receive sentencing on April 13. The minimum mandatory sentence for the coercion charge is 10 years in jail, and the conspiracy charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in jail.

Three plead guilty to running child-sex ring, San Diego Union-Tribune, January 20, 2009

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In La Mesa, California, private investigators hired by Grossmont Union High School District are blaming high school employees for failing to report suspicions of child abuse as required by California state law. Four former teachers at Helix High School have been convicted of sex crimes against students since 2006.

According to the investigation, school employees did not report suspected child abuse and school administrators did not take proper preventative measures after the first case of sexual abuse. The report states that students did not feel their complaints would be taken seriously by school officials based on the reaction to the first incident of sexual abuse.

Officials from the school denied these findings and said they plan to issue a detailed response.

San Diego high school faulted after abuse cases, Associated Press, January 17, 2009

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According to the San Diego Union Tribune, the FBI has released statistics showing less crime in the San Diego area and across the country. The FBI’s Preliminary Semiannual Uniform Crime Report showed a 3.5 percent decrease in violent crime nationwide during the first half of 2008 compared to the same time frame the previous year. It also showed a 2.5 percent decrease in property crime during that same period.

Here in San Diego, the area has seen a 10 percent decline in property crime and 2.8 percent decline in violent crime, including manslaughter, murder, rape, aggravated assault, and robbery. Burglary, motor-vehicle theft, and larceny-theft are included in property crimes.

The Carlsbad Police Department said that when taking into account the city’s increase in population, the city noted a 9 percent decrease in FBI index crimes. Oceanside saw a 16 percent drop in violent crime and a 3.5 percent drop in property crime. Chula Vista saw a 7 percent drop in violent crime and a 14 percent drop in property crime. Escondido saw a 24.5 percent drop in violent crime and a 4 percent drop in property crime.

Uniform Crime Reports, FBI.gov

FBI: Crime down nationwide, including San Diego, San Diego Union-Tribune, January 13, 2009

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According to an article in The Californian, 20 people in San Diego County were charged with rape by intoxication last year, which is an increase over the 11 people who were charged in 2007. That same year, nine of the 11 defendants were convicted of a felony in those rape by intoxication cases.

Rape by intoxication is an especially difficult crime to prove in court, because the victim’s memory of the event may be limited. In some cases the defendant may have also been drunk; however, drunkenness is not a legal defense for committing rape. Rape by intoxication is a sex crime, so those convicted of the crime are required to register as a sex offender for the rest of their life.

In San Diego, local authorities and community organizations have teamed up to create a program called PRICE: Preventing Rape by Intoxication through Community Education. The program is aimed at teaching people between 18 and 25 to drink responsibly and not leave intoxicated friends by themselves.

REGION: Rape by intoxication hard to prove, The Californian, December 29, 2008

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On Sunday in San Diego, a man was stabbed to death in what San Diego police believe to be a gang attack. They have identified the stabbing victim as 24-year-old Francisco Nava.

Originally, the stabbing was reported to police as a shooting. The incident occurred around 2:45pm in Mountain Wood on Olivewood Terrace near Logan Avenue. Police officers arrived at the scene to find a man lying near the sidewalk, according to homicide Lt. Kevin Rooney. The man had stab wounds and was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:15pm.

Detectives say that Nava and his friends were on Olivewood Terrace and were challenged by several members of a gang. One of the gang members confronted Nava and stabbed him, according to witnesses. The stabbing suspect has not been identified.

Public Safety: Man stabbed to death in apparent gang attack, San Diego Union-Tribune, January 12, 2009

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A San Diego Court has charged a 60-year-old man with engaging in deceitful practices, grand theft, and conspiracy to commit grand theft. The man has pleaded not guilty.

According to prosecutors, Larry Smith posed as a mortgage foreclosure consultant and offered “land patents” to those who had defaulted on their mortgages. He reportedly told victims that the patents would avoid foreclosure because the banks would own the home instead of the land underneath it.

A district attorney said that investigators have found 17 homeowners who may have fallen prey to Smith’s scheme. A San Diego Superior Court Judge set the suspect’s bail at $3 million. Prosecutors say Smith faces a potential sentence of 37 years to life if convicted of all counts.

Smith’s criminal record includes convictions for robbery, assault, and second-degree murder as far back as the late 1960’s.

Man pleads not guilty to charges of grand theft, San Diego Union-Tribune, January 1, 2009

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San Diego police are searching for the man they believe was behind a Redwood Village home invasion and rape that happened on October 18. According to Monica Munoz of the San Diego Police Department, Tommy Nguyen, a 32-year-old Vietnamese construction worker, is suspected in this case and in similar crimes that occurred in Riverside and Orange counties. His two alleged accomplices were arrested at the scene of the crimes.

Munoz said Nguyen should be considered armed and dangerous.

According to prosecutors and police, the suspects were robbing a residence in the 5900 block of Hughes Street when the inhabitants arrived home. The suspects allegedly doused the male victims with lighter fluid and threatened to kill them if they didn’t their attackers $20,000. They also allegedly took the wife into a bedroom and raped her, according to a Deputy District Attorney.

Police Search For Man Involved In Home Invasion, 10News.com, December 26, 2008

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San Diego police say that on Christmas Eve, a man was wounded after two other men attempted to steal his beer. The shooting occurred at University and Euclid avenues in City Heights after the victim refused to surrender his beer.

As the two robbers assaulted the man, his beer fell to the pavement. One of the robbers fired a shot into the air and three at the victim, who suffered a gunshot wound in the buttocks as the two suspects fled the scene of the shooting.

The gunshot victim was transported to a hospital for treatment.

Public safety: Beer-theft attempt leaves man wounded on street, San Diego Union-Tribune, December 26, 2008

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A sweep through the southwestern part of San Diego resulted in the arrest of nine people for parole violations this weekend. San Diego Police arrested four juveniles and five adults for violating terms of their probation.

Two of the people in question tried to barricade themselves but later surrendered peacefully. According to a supervising probation officer, the police were able to locate a woman named in a warrant two years ago as well as a documented adult male gang member. The officer added that information received during the raid on last Friday afternoon and night.

The San Diego Police Department, the Chula Vista Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Office Regional Fugitive Task Force collaborated with the county’s Probation Department.

Nine Arrested For Probation Violations, 10news.com, December 20, 2008

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The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the holiday season is peak time for cycbercriminals hoping to steal bank account information or other personal data to use for fraudulent purchases. A San Diego State University professor of information technology said the volume of cybercriminal activity is increasing.

Because online shopping increases during this period, criminal activity also increases, because hackers know that there isn’t time for online retailers to screen every transaction as thoroughly. By attacking computer networks during November and December, identity thieves believe there is less chance of detention.

In order to prevent hackers from stealing their identity, bank account numbers, or other information, experts have the following advice for consumers:

*Keep your anti-virus and spyware software up-to-date.
*Shop through retailers who have a strong reputation for security.
*Use different passwords for email, banking, and online shopping

Holiday season brings out worst in cybercriminals, San Diego Union-Tribune, December 17, 2008

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In Redlands, California last week, police arrested a San Diego man who they suspect molested a runaway teenager. Police also suspect that Scott Douglas Oakley, 29, may have molested other victims in the San Bernardino and Redlands areas.

According to court documents, Oakley is charged with molesting a minor and providing marijuana to a minor. He picked up his 14-year old victim near the Redlands Mall entrance and allegedly drove to an area home where the two smoked marijuana. Police believe Oakley then pulled out a handgun and molested the victim, who reported the sex crime during a school counseling session two months ago.

Police have located a 20-year old transient who says Oakley offered to smoke marijuana with him and then molested him. According to detectives, Oakley told them he looked for transient men near the down library and Greyhound bus station in San Bernadino between 2003 and 2007. In the past year, Oakley allegedly looked for men in Redlands.

San Diego man arrested on suspicion of arresting Inland teen, The Press-Enterprise, December 11, 2008

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A San Diego Superior Court Judge convicted a woman of identity theft for using an acquaintance’s personal information to open fraudulent credit card accounts. Former loan officer Denise Ramirez has been ordered to serve one year in prison and will spend five years on probation. Her prison sentence may increase to up to three years and eight months if she fails to comply with an order to reveal all illegal transactions performed with her friend’s information.

Police arrested Ramirez on September 25 after authorities discovered Ramirez had stolen money from the account of Evanthia Pappas and opened debit and credit cards in Pappas’ name. Prosecutors say the money in question was between $80,000 and $90,000. On October 30, Ramirez pleaded guilty to grand theft and identity theft.

Pappas, who was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer and struggled to pay her medical bills, has received reimbursement from Citibank for much of the money stolen from her account. Therefore, restitution would be paid to several banks impacted by the identity theft case.

Woman guilty of ID theft will serve one year in jail, San Diego Union-Tribune, December 4, 2008

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The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that two of the three people charged in the pipe bombing of the San Diego federal courthouse pleaded guilty on Friday. The bombing occurred last May and no one was injured.

On September 25, Eric Robinson, 43, pleaded guilty to a charge of possession and use of a destructive device to commit a crime of violence. He admitted to driving the getaway car. On Friday, Judge Margaret McKeown formally accepted Robinson’s plea and that of Ella Louise Sanders, 57, who pleaded guilty to the same charges, which carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years.

Robinson and Sanders admitted their involvement in constructing and helping to detonate pipe bombs at the courthouse and a FedEx building in May. Their motive has not been established yet, and a third defendant, Rachelle Carlock, is awaiting her trial.

Courthouse bombers plead guilty, San Diego Union-Tribune, December 5, 2008

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A San Diego man has been sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison after he allegedly traveled to Colorado to sexually take advantage of children. He will also have to register as a sex offender and may be deported to his native Lebanon after serving out his sentence.

When Georges Najjar, 33, arrived in Denver on March 14, he was greeted by an undercover agent and Denver police. The undercover agent had posed as a single mother with two young children and had made contact with Najjar online and by phone. According to the Department of Justice, Najjar stated during conversations with the undercover agent that he planned to have a physical relationship with the woman and her children.

Responding officers and agents seized Najjar’s luggage after he landed in Denver. His bags contained children’s toys, DVDs, and candy, among other items. In July, Najjar leaded guilty to the charges.

Sex offender to spend more than a decade behind bars, San Diego Union-Tribune, November 26, 2008

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In San Diego, California, the Sheriff’s deputies are on the hunt for an inmate who was mistakenly released from a San Diego County jail.

The inmate, 50-year old Tuan Tran, also known as Kevin Nguyen, reportedly switched wristbands with another Otay Mesa jail inmate who was about to be bailed out of custody. Tran was released in the other inmate’s place in October, and the mix-up was discovered a few hours later when the other inmate’s mother called to ask about her son’s release from jail.

The Sheriff’s office says that Tran has been at large for several weeks, and he is believed to still be in the San Diego area. He was serving time for burglary and fraud; however, authorities do not believe that he is a threat. The search continues for Tran, who is described as a Vietnamese male around 5 feet 5 inches and 140 pounds.

Inmate Pulls a Switch on Jailers, Escapes, SanDiego6.com, November 18, 2008

Sheriff's Deputies Hunt Prison Escapee, 10News.com, November 17, 2008

Inmate mistakenly released from San Diego jail, MercuryNews.com, October 31, 2008

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According to an article in today’s San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego’s crime rates were down nearly 8% in the first nine months of 2008, as compared with the same period during 2007. The San Diego police noted a decrease in the number of robberies, assaults, hate crimes, and domestic violence.

However, the homicide rate is up nearly 10%. At this time last year, San Diego had 41 reported homicides. This year, that number was up to 45. The number of reported rapes in San Diego has also increased to 278, up from 207 in 2007. The city has also seen an increase in gang-related crimes, including tagging, theft, vandalism, and drugs, though shootings and stabbings were down.

“Crime (overall) is at the lowest it's been in more that 40 years, with fewer than 35 crimes per 1,000 residents,” said San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders. “This is the first time since 1966 that we've dipped below that 35 crime mark on the crime index.”

Continue reading "San Diego’s Crime Rate Drops, as Rapes, Homicides Increase" »

Police say that alcohol-related crimes in San Diego were down this year after the one-year booze ban went into effect. The City Council approved a temporary ban on alcohol at city beaches in November. Last year, San Diego police issued a total of 3,438 alcohol-related citations. So far this year, they have issued only 2,855, which is a decrease of 17 percent. The number of minors in possession of alcohol has also declined.

Of course, this drop in crime on San Diego’s beaches might also have to do with the drop in visitors. Some predict that if trends continue San Diego will see close to 4 million fewer visitors this year. However, the addition of security cameras and lower than normal temperatures may also explain the lower number of visitors.

If voters reject Proposition D, it will expire on January 14, 2009. If Proposition D passes, it will make consuming alcohol illegal at city beaches, including Mission Bay Park and other coastal parks.

Report: Alcohol-related crime drops following beach booze ban, North County Times, October 22, 2008

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