Narrative:(S)#1: 17 yr. old male juvenile, Earlimart

(S)#2: Rolando Tut, AKA Mariano Escovar, 25 yrs, Earlimart

On 8-2-10 at approx. 0730 hours, Wilson farms reported the theft of approx. $15,000 worth of grape harvesting equipment. This case was referred to the Agricultural Crimes Unit for follow up. During this investigation AG Crime Detectives developed information of subjects in the Earlimart area selling some of the victims stolen property. Ag Crime detectives set up an undercover operation and made arrangements to meet with the suspects and purchase the stolen items. Upon meeting with the suspects they were immediately taken into custody without incident. One of the suspects was found to be in possession of a loaded and concealed handgun.

(V)s property was located in the suspects vehicle and a search warrant was authored for the suspects residence where additional property was located. During this investigation, additional stolen property from a previous robbery/kidnapping case was located and an additional male juvenile suspect was identified in that case. Both of these cases are still under investigation and anyone with information is asked to please contact Sgt. Jody Cox or Det. Mike Hallum of the Tulare County Sheriff's Department Agricultural Crimes Unit at 559-735-1853 or 559-733-6218.

Narrative:

On 8/3/10 at 1000 hrs. detectives of the Sheriff’s Tactical Enforcement Personnel (S.T.E.P.) Team responded to an Okra field in the area of Ave. 324 and Rd. 160 for a suspected marijuana garden. Detectives located 16,004 plants growing among the Okra crop on a 5 acre parcel. The plants had been tied down to grow close to the ground to avoid detection from passers-by. No suspects were located at the scene, the case is under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt. Franks of the STEP Unit. 559-713-2990

On August 4, 2010 starting at 1000 hours, opening ceremonies for the Orosi Traveling Day Camp 2010 will commence.  This two day event is hosted by the Cub Scouts of America, Boy Scouts of America and the Tulare County Sheriff's Office Explorer program.  The funding for this event was received through a $8,000 grant authorized by the Tulare County Board of Supervisors  The theme of this event is All American Sports.  This event is designed to entice youth between the ages of 7 to 11 and pair them with current Explorers for mentoring and leadership.  Activities include Arts / Crafts, Archery, Camping, Basketball and much more.

Come and join Sheriff Bill Wittman at the Opening Flag Ceremony on Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at 10:00, at Palm Elementary School, 12915 Ave 419
Orosi, CA 93647-1916

For questions regarding this event, please contact
Lt. Gary Chambers  591-5810
Lt. Keith Douglass  735-1825

Detectives with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Gang Violence Suppression Unit patrolled the towns of Cutler and Orosi over the weekend. During their contacts, Detectives arrested 7 subjects for various Penal Code and Vehicle Code violations. They also served 7 arrest warrants, towed two vehicles and identified several possible gang members. All those arrested were booked at the Tulare County main Jail or the Juvenile Detention Facility.

1.) Name: Guillen, Juan Age:21 Resident: Orosi Charges: 166.4 PC

2)  Name: Lopez, Israel Age: 26 Resident: Orosi

   Charges: 166.4 PC

3) Name: Santana, Miguez Age: 20 Resident: Orosi

Charges: 148 PC & Felony Warrant

4) Name: Female Juvenile Age: 17 Resident: Orosi

Charges: 243 (b) PC / 148 PC

5) Name: Medina, Felixo Age: 42 Resident: Seville

Charges: Tulare County Misd. Warrant & Kern County Misd. Warrant

6) Name: Fonseca, Miguel Age: 37 Resident: Cutler

Charges: Tulare Co. Misd. Warrant/Fresno Co. Misd. Warrant/San Jose Misd. Warrant

7) Name: Ibarra, Eduardo Age: 21 Resident: Orosi

Charges: 23152 CVC

This case remains under investigation by the Tulare County sheriff

Anyone with information regarding this investigation or any type of gang activity in Tulare County is urged to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Departments Gang Violence Suppression Unit. ’s Department’s Gang Violence Suppression Unit at the toll free number of

1-888-END-GANG (1-888-363-4264)

Persons giving information can remain anonymous

**Update**

On 08/02/10 an autopsy was performed by the Tulare County Coroners Office and the cause of death was determined to be by multiple penetrating gunshot wounds. The investigation is continuing and no further information is being released at this time.

On 7-31-10 deputies were dispatched to a shots fire call in Tulare. On arrival deputies located the victim suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to local hospital and is listed in critical condition. Detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit and the North End Property Crimes Unit responded to investigate the case further. During the course of the investigation witnesses provided information regarding the shooting and the shooter. Mike Minjarez was arrested at the scene, while Mark Anthony Herrera is still outstanding.

The investigation is on going and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Det. Fernandez at (559) 735-1898 or (800

On 07/30/10 deputies responded to an address located on the 12400 block of Ave 418 regarding a gun shot wound victim. Upon arrival deputies located a victim that had sustained a gun shot wound. The victim was transported to Kaweah Delta District Hospital and is currently in stable condition. The case is currently under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department.

On 07/29/10 at approximately 2110 hrs Deputies from the Pixley Substation were dispatched to the 1000 blk of S. Maple in Pixley in regards to a shots fired call with a man down. Upon the deputies arrival they found a male Hispanic later identified as the victim deceased on the roadway and it appeared as if he has been shot.
    Detectives from the Sheriff’s Departments Violent Crimes Unit were called to investigate the incident. The ensuing investigation revealed that the victim had met unknown subjects and that during a conversation several shots were fired and the victim succumbed to his wounds at the scene. No suspects are in custody. The investigation is still in its early stages and no further information is being released at this time.
    Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Bari Molyneux at (559) 735-1898 or (800) 808-0488.

On 7-29-10 at approx. 1200 hours, Deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Porterville Substation responded to the above location to assist Tulare County Animal Control officers with a possible animal cruelty/neglect investigation. Tulare County Animal Control officers advised that they had been contacted by the Kern County Animal Control office and a referral was made to check the above location due to a subject adopting numerous animals from Kern County, and reportedly operating an animal rescue center.
    Upon arrival Animal Control officers and TCSO deputies observed a horse on the property with no food or water and numerous deceased animals in various stages of decomposition around the property. Upon further investigation they observed dogs, cats, birds and other animals inside the residence both inside and outside of cages which appeared to be in various stages of neglect. Officers observed several of the animals fighting with each other and felt their safety and well being were in jeopardy. Detectives from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Ag Crimes Unit responded to assist with the investigation.
    A search warrant was obtained for the residence and Officers entered the residence to  secure the animals. Upon entering the residence approximately 140 live animals (dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, rooster, cockatoo, parakeets, cockatiels, chinchilla) were located throughout the residence in various stages of declining health. Officers also located approximately a dozen deceased animals throughout the residence, also in various stages of decomposition. Additional Animal Control Officers were summoned to assist with the removal of all animals from the residence.
    Further investigation led to the identity of the property owner as Linda L Baker-Corsiglia, who later returned to the residence with a 16 year old juvenile. It was then determined that the parties were residing in the residence and Child Welfare Services were contacted due to the extremely poor living conditions.The above suspect was arrested without incident and booked on charges of Animal Cruelty/Neglect and Child Endangerment and the juvenile was placed into the custody of Child Welfare Services.
    Anyone with information in regards to this case is asked to please contact Sgt. Jody Cox or Det. Mike Hallum of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department, Ag Crimes Unit at 559-735-1853 or 559-733-6218.

Sheriff Bill Wittman will be holding a ceremony to promote Detective Mark Wallace to the rank of Operations Sergeant on Friday, July 30, 2010 at 10:00 am.  The ceremony will be held at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Headquarters Lobby.  Friends and family will also be present to show their support.

Det. Wallace was born and raised in Exeter. His formal education includes graduating from Exeter High School in 1985 and attending the College of the Sequoias from 1986-1988 graduating with his Associates degree in Liberal Arts as well as Criminal Justice.

Det. Wallace’s off duty interests include raising his children, fishing and hunting, not to mention Mark has also been in the study of Martial Arts since the age of 14.  

Det. Wallace began his Law Enforcement career in 1989 when he attended and graduated from the College of the Sequoias Police Academy.  In December of 1989, he was deputized with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office and assigned to the Detentions Divisions where he was responsible for the safety and security of inmates. 

In 1994 he was transferred to the Operations Division assigned to the Orosi Substation.  In 1996 Det. Wallace attended Field Training Officer School and was assigned as an FTO.  In 1999 Det. Wallace transferred to the Headquarters station where he continued to hold the position of FTO.  Mark was also assigned the VIP unit while at Headquarters. 
 
In 2001 Mark was promoted to Detective and assigned to the Sheriff’s Tactical Enforcement Personnel Unit.  Mark was also one of the team members that responded to the Exeter Bank Robbery in 2006.  Mark was the third man into the bank at the conclusion of that incident, taking the suspect into custody without any loss or damage to life.  After six years in STEP, Mark transferred to the Property Crimes Unit were he has worked for the last three years.  

Sheriff Bill Wittman offers his sincere congratulations to Sergeant Mark Wallace, and wishes him well in his new assignment as a supervisor.  The public is welcome to join the Department, friends and family in the Sheriff’s Headquarters Lobby Friday, July 30, 2010 at 10:00 am to witness the ceremony and celebrate his promotion.  Refreshments to follow.

On 7-28-10 deputies were dispatched to a possible kidnaping near Delano.  It was determined that the victim had been kidnaped during a car jacking.  The victim was later released several miles away with minor injuries and reported the incident.  Detectives with the Violent Crimes unit responded to investigate further.  During the course of the investigation the victim’s vehicle was located and recovered.
    The investigation is on going an anyone with information is encouraged to contact Det. Molyneux at (559) 735-1898 or (800)808-0488.

’s Gang Violence Suppression Unit conducted routine patrol in the towns of Goshen, Ivanhoe, London, Traver, Dinuba, Orosi and Cutler. During their contacts Detectives contacted and identified several suspected gang members, serving 6 of them with Gang Injunctions for the Cutler & Orosi areas. Detectives also towed 6 vehicles, served 4 felony arrest warrants, 5 misdemeanor arrest warrants and seized an undisclosed amount of Methamphetamine. As a result of their efforts, Detectives arrested 16 people for various Penal Code, Vehicle Code and Health & Safety Code violations, including one suspect for a Federal Fugitive Warrant. All suspects were booked at the Tulare County Main Jail or the Juvenile Detention Facility.

Taken into custody were:

1) Name: Valasquez, Ismael Age: 58 Resident: Ivanhoe

Charges: 647 (f) PC & Misdemeanor Warrant2) Name: Costa, Jessica Age: 35 Resident: Ivanhoe

Charges: Felony Warrant & Misdemeanor Warrant

3) Name: Prather, Terry Age: 52 Resident: Visalia

Charges: 11364 HS & 11550 HS

4) Name: Rodriguez, Jesus Age: 30 Resident: Ivanhoe

Charges: 11379 HS & 11378 HS

5) Name: Male Juvenile Age: 16 Resident: Orosi

Charges: Felony Warrant

6) Name: Rangel, Gabriel Age: 35 Resident: Orosi

Charges: Felony Warrant

7) Name: Bravo, Pedro Age: 30 Resident: Kingsburg

Charges: 14601 CVC

8) Name: Taylor, Ronald Age: 19 Resident: London

Charges: Fresno County Warrant

9) Name: Gomez-Olivas, Raul Age: 18 Resident: Orosi

Charges: 23152 CVC

10) Name: Calixto, Rogelio Age: 46 Resident: 23152

Charges: CVC & Misdemeanor Warrant

11) Name: Male Juvenile Age: 16 Resident: Dinuba

Charges: Felony Warrant

12) Name: Garcia, Andres Age: 24 Resident: Hanford

Charges: 653 (k) PC

13) Name: Lopez, Israel Araisa Age: 26 Resident: Orosi

Charges: 11377 HS

14) Name: Morelos, Iran Age: 21 Resident: Orosi

Charges: Federal Fugitive Warrant

15) Name: Morelos, Ana Age: 25 Resident: Orosi

Charges: 12500 CVC

16) Name: Torres, Brian Age: 24 Resident: Orosi

Charges: Misdemeanor Warrant

’ departments Gang Violence Suppression Unit.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation or any type of gang activity in Tulare County is urged to contact the Tulare County Sheriff

’ Department’s Gang Violence Suppression Unit at the toll free number of :

1-888-END-GANG (1-888-363-4264)

On 07-23-10, Detectives with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department South County Gang Violence Suppression Unit and Tulare County Community Base Officers conducted a series of probation searches and warrant services in the South County towns of Pixley and Earlimart.

As a result of the gang operation conducted, approximately ten gang members were identified and four people were taken into custody. During one of the searches in the 600 block of Bobbi in the town of Earlimart detectives located two outstanding subjects that were wanted for a recent kidnaping and assault on a female. One of the subjects a validated gang member was located in the attic of the residence. It was also discovered that the subject had removed his electronic ankle monitor. The listed subjects were taken into custody, on the below listed charges.

Taken into custody were:

1) Male Juvenile 17 Yrs. Earlimart resident Date of arrest: 7-23-10 Charges: 207 PC/ Kidnaping 186.22 PC/Gang Enhancement

On 07-21-10 at approximately 1700 hours, Deputies were contacted by the victim who advised that someone had stole her child support check and cashed it at a store in Poplar. The victim advised that for some unknown reason her mail was being forwarded to an address in Lindsay. Deputies responded to the Lindsay address and contacted the home owner Rosana Burdusco. Burdusco later admitted to forging the child support check and cashing it at the market in Poplar. Burdusco was arrested and booked for PC470 and PC459.

Suspect in Custody

James Floyd, 67 years old, Poplar CA

Detectives from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement conducted a sex offender compliance check in the Poplar area.  Detectives contacted and arrested James Floyd, 67 of Poplar, for failure to register as a sex offender.

Floyd was booked and is being held at the Tulare County Main Jail.  Bail was set at $25,000.00.

UPDATE

On 07-22-10, an autopsy was performed by Tulare County Coroner’s Office.  The cause the death was determined to be exsangunation, caused by gunshots.

Suspect: Karl Todd, 22 year old male from the Goshen area.

On 07-21-10 at approximately 0002 hours, Tulare County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a report of shots fired in the area of Farr Rd. and Ave 310, in the community of Goshen.

Upon arrival, deputies located the Victim, who had been determined to have been shot.  The Victim was transported to the Kaweah Delta District Hospital where life saving measures were taken without success.  The Victim was pronounced deceased by Kaweah Delta medical staff as a result of the gunshot wounds.

Tulare County Detectives were requested and responded to the scene to investigate this incident.  During the investigation, it was learned that a domestic dispute ensued between the victim and his girlfriend.  During the altercation, the suspect who is the brother of the victims girlfriend and who was also present, produced a handgun, firing two to three shots at the victim, striking him in the upper body.  As indicated above, the victim expired due to the result of his injuries.

The suspect was taken into custody without incident and later booked into the Tulare County Main Jail, held without bail. 

Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the Tulare County Violent crimes unit at 733-6218, Detective Frank Zaragoza