UPDATE: 

On Tuesday, 02/21/2012 autopsies were conducted in this case. The subjects were identified as:

Benjamin Franklin Arnold, 81 years old, from Springville
Cause of death: Single gun shot wound to the head

Ellen Babel Arnold, 80 years old, from Springville
Cause of death: Single gun shot wound to the head

Evidence in this case indicates both subjects were in the vehicle when Benjamin first shot Ellen, then himself. Benjamin’s foot was holding down the accelerator at the time, causing the engine to race for an extended period, resulting in an engine fire.

Fire investigators from Tulare County Fire assisted in this investigation.

For questions please contact Sgt. Chris Douglass at cdouglass@co.tulare.ca.us.

PRIOR RELEASE: On 2-16-2012 at approximately 1600 hrs, the Tulare County Sheriff's Office received an alarm call and dispached deputies to the area of Yokohl Valley Drive near Balch Park Road.  While in route to the area the Sheriff's Office received information that a vehicle file may also be involved.  Upon arrival deputies located a vehicle that was on fire.  Cal Fire was also called to assist.  Two people were located in the vehicle deceased.  Detectives from the Violent Crimes and Forensic Investigations units were called to investigate the suspicious death. As additional information is received an update will be issued.  Identities and cause of death are still under investigation. media inquiries to cdouglass@co.tulare.ca.us 

S-Jose Luis Montemayor 44 yoa, Orosi

On 2/20/12 at 1200 hrs members of the Tulare County Sheriff's Office S.T.E.P. Unit responded to the above listed location to follow-up on a reported marijuana grow. Upon arrival detectives contacted the above listed suspect for a routine compliance check. This check revealed the suspect was growing over the allowed number of plants for the posted medical recommendations.  Three valid medical recommends were located at the residence allowing a total of 270 medical marijuana plants to be grown.

It should be noted that doctors recommending marijuana, routinely allow the arbitrary number of 90 plants to be grown solely because this is under the 100 plant threshold for federal prosecutions. This number of outdoor marijuana plants is able to produce several hundred pounds of usable bud over the course of a season when under the care of a competent grower. This amount is clearly in excess of any single persons “medical needs.”

Detectives counted a total of 765 live growing plants, started from clones. Upon determination of the count being over what was legally allowed the suspect was detained and further questioned.

It is an ongoing problem that persons are obtaining medical marijuana recommends from doctors who allow them to grow plants well in excess of their medical needs then sell the excess to a dispensary or on the street. The above suspect was arrested and charged with cultivation of marijuana and possession for sales.

The marijuana bud if allowed to mature would have a street value in excess of $3,000 per plant
This case is still under investigation by the TCSO STEP Unit.

UPDATE: 02-21-2012 / 1723 hrs
Suspect is in custody.  Porterville Police Department made contact and arrested the suspect at approximately 1130 hrs on 02-21-2012. 

Casillas is in custody for five TCSO cases.

Case #12-1668, PC 211 on 02-07-2012, Victim was a taxi driver in the County area of Delano

Case #12-1983, PC 211 on 02-13-2012, Victim was La Tienda Market in Earlimart

Case #12-2043, PC 211 on 02-13-2012, Victim was a street vendor selling flowers in Earlimart

Case #12-2193, PC 211 on 02-18-2012, Victim worked at a recycling center in Earlimart

Case #12-2198, PC 211 on 02-18-2012, Victim was Poplar Mini Mart

Luis Antonio Casillas
26 years old
Hispanic male adult
Height: 603”
Weight: 210 lbs
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown

TCSO Case# 12-2193/ 12-2198

On Saturday 02/18/2012, at approximately 1230hrs, Deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Pixley Substation were dispatched to the area of Washington Ave and State Rd in the community of Earlimart, in regards to a report of a possible robbery of a Recycling business. 

Deputies arrived and discovered that the suspect contacted the clerk at the business, brandished a firearm and demanded money.  The suspect then fled the area with the property. 

Detectives from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Division responded and took over the investigation.  Detectives identified the suspect as Luis Casillas of Delano. 

On Saturday 02/18/2012, at approximately 1300hrs, Deputies from the Porterville Substation responded to the Poplar Mini Mart, which is located in the area of Ave 144 and Rd 192, in the community of Poplar. 

Deputies arrived and discovered that the suspect entered the business, brandished a firearm and demanded money from the store clerk.  The suspect then fled the area. 

The suspect in this case was later identified as Luis Casillas of Delano. 

Anyone with information regarding these cases or the whereabouts of Luis Antonio Casillas is asked to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at 800-808-0488.

You may also send your information anonymously through email at TCSO@tipnow.com or by text or voicemail at (559) 725-4194.

Photo and flyer located on Sheriff's Flickr page at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tularecountysheriff/sets/72157629380345805/

UPDATE:  02-17-12/1315 hrs
Initial findings have led investigators to believe this incident is a case of murder/suicide with a firearm.  Autopsies to confirm the preliminary findings have been scheduled for early next week.  The identities of the decedents are being withheld at this time pending verification and next of kin notification.

The subjects located in the vehicle were an elderly couple from the Springville area.  Investigation revealed the couple also had deteriorating health issues.  The male subject was identified as having used the firearm.

When identities are verified, an update will be issued.

UPDATE 02-17-2012 / 0844hrs:
The Sheriff's Office is attempting to make contact with next of kin regarding this case.  Detectives ask that media not report any further until next of kin are notified. The Sheriff's Office will post an update as soon as notification is made.  For questions please contact Sgt. Chris Douglass at cdouglass@co.tulare.ca.us.

PRIOR RELEASE:
On 2-16-2012 at approximately 1600 hrs, the Tulare County Sheriff's Office received an alarm call and dispached deputies to the area of Yokohl Valley Drive near Balch Park Road.  While in route to the area the Sheriff's Office received information that a vehicle file may also be involved.  Upon arrival deputies located a vehicle that was on fire.  Cal Fire was also called to assist.  Two people were located in the vehicle deceased.  Detectives from the Violent Crimes and Forensic Investigations units were called to investigate the suspicious death.

As additional information is received an update will be issued.  Identities and cause of death are still under investigation.

media inquiries to cdouglass@co.tulare.ca.us

On 2-16-12 at about 1:59 pm, personnel from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department North End Gang Violence Suppression Unit performed an enforcement stop upon a vehicle for a moving violation near Rd. 136 and Ave. 416 Orosi, Ca.  The driver was found to be driving on a suspended license and in possession of about one ounce of crystal methamphetamine, packaging materials, digital scales, narcotic paraphernalia and more than $600.00 in U.S. Currency.  A follow up investigation was done at the suspect’s residence in the 13000 block of Ave. 416 Orosi and approximately five more grams of methamphetamine was located.  The street value of the seized narcotics was more than $1,200.00. 

Mike Franco (48 years) was arrested without incident and booked into the Tulare County Main Jail for transportation of a controlled substance for sale, possession and possession for sale of a controlled substance, possession of narcotic paraphernalia and operating a motor vehicle while having a suspended/revoked license.  His bail was set at $30,000.00
 
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Department at 559-733-6218 or you can remain anonymous by sending your information to tcso@tipnow.com or by texting to (559) 725-4194.
 

Taken into custody were:

1)  Rodrigo Bedolla 18 years, out of the Poplar area. 
 
Charges:  30605(a) PC, possession of an assault weapon
11359/11366/11370.1 H&S, Drug charges for possession and possession for sales as well as weapon with drugs. (Bail of $50,000.00)  

2)  Jorge Bedolla 27 years, out of the Poplar area.

Charges:  664/187 PC, Attempted murder (Bail of $1,000,000.00)
11377/11364/11359/11366/11370.1 H&S, Drug charges for possession and possession for sales. (Bail of $35,000.00) 
 Also booked on two outstanding misdemeanor arrest warrants. (Bail of
    $20,000.00)

Narcotics seized:  Approximately 2.3 grams of suspected Methamphetamine
    Over 16 lbs. of Marijuana
    Approximately .35 oz. of Hashish

Firearms seized:  AK-47 Assault weapon  

On Thursday, February 16, 2012 at approximately 0730 hours, members of the Tulare County Sheriff's Departments Gang, STEP and Narcotics teams served a search and arrest warrant in the 15800 block of Rd 192 of Poplar.  An on going investigation by the Gang Violence Suppression Unit’s South County Team led detectives to the above location.  This investigation is in relation to a shooting in Poplar that occurred on January 20th, 2012 that left a man seriously injured and who is still recovering from his injuries. 

During the service of the warrant, numerous items of evidence were seized as related to the above listed charges on the above listed suspects.  Both suspects were taken into custody and booked into the Tulare County Jail without incident.    

This case is currently under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff=s Office, Gang Violence Suppression Unit.  Anyone with information as to this case is encouraged to call TCSO Detectives at 559-733-6218 or 1-800-END-GANG.  You can also remain anonymous by logging onto TCSO@TIPNOW.com or text to 559-725-4194.

Responding Agencies: Tulare County Sheriffs Department Orosi patrol / Fresno County Sheriffs Department Eagle One Helicopter / Dinuba PD / Reedley PD / Orange Cove PD / Visalia CHP
Suspects In Custody: 16 year old male juvenile from Orosi, on active felony probation for Grand Theft, booked at Juv. Hall
                                    14 year old male juvenile from Orosi, booked at Juv. Hall
                                     17 year old male juvenile from Dinuba, booked at Juv. Hall

Recovered property: three stolen vehicle stereos, valued at $600.00

Summary:  02-14-12 / 2259 hrs., TCSO Orosi Deputies were dispatched to assist other agency call, from Dinuba PD, where a citizen was reportedly following a suspect vehicle with four suspects, who had been observed breaking into vehicles in the City of Dinuba.  The witness was following the suspects as they traveled out of town towards the Orosi area on Ave. 424 and Road 120.

Deputy spotted the suspect vehicle, which began to flee the scene at a high rate of speed. Deputies pursued the suspect vehicle, a 2005 Toyota SUV, Northbound on Road 128.  The suspect reached speeds of 100 MPH, and failed to negotiate an S turn at Road 128 and Ave. 444. The suspect driver lost control and crashed into the East raised bank of an old railroad track road. 

The four suspects got out of the vehicle and began to flee from deputies.  A TCSO Orosi K-9 was deployed and one suspect was taken into custody by K-9, a second suspect was also arrested.
Responding units from Dinuba PD, Orange Cove PD, Reedley PD, Vis. CHP, and Fresno County Sheriffs Department Helicopter Eagle One responded for a search.

Eagle One was able to locate a third suspect hiding in cover, near the crash scene, Eagle One directed ground units to the suspect, who was arrested.

All suspects medically cleared and booked at Tulare County Juvenile Hall.
Victim from Dinuba city able to recover stolen vehicle stereo

On 02 15 11 the Tulare County Inter Agency Narcotic Enforcement Team, consisting of personnel from Lindsay P.D., Exeter P.D., Farmersville P.D., Tulare County Probation and the Tulare County Sheriff's Office concluded a two month narcotic investigation by serving a narcotic search warrant in the 160 block of South Ashland in the city of Lindsay. Detectives secured the residence and detained two adults and two children. Detectives searched the residence and located drug paraphernalia, a small hand scale, a small amount of methamphetamine which was packaged in several plastic bindles. These items were located in a safe that was disguised as a book. Approximately 5 grams of concentrated cannabis was located in a kitchen cabinet accessible to the children.

Suspect Francis Arredondo, age 33 of Lindsay, was arrested, transported and booked into the Tulare County Bob Wiley Detention Facility for the following charges:
11378 H&S     Possession of a controlled substance for sales
11366 H&S     Maintaining a location for sales/use of narcotics
11364 H&S     Possession of drug paraphernalia
11357 H&S     Possession of concentrated cannabis

Suspect Johnny Navarrette, age 33 of Lindsay, was arrested, transported and booked into the Tulare County Main Jail for two misdemeanor arrest warrants for under the influence of a controlled substance and violation of probation, bail was set at $ 25,000.00 for each warrant.

This case is still under investigation.

Members of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Agricultural Crimes Unit conducted a compliance check detail of road side vendors throughout Tulare County on Tuesday February 14th, 2012. The Ag Crimes Unit conducts periodic random checks of these vendors to comply with Grant funding requirements.
During the detail, numerous roadside vendor locations were checked, Licensing and Permit compliance checks were conducted and 25 individuals were issued misdemeanor citations for various violations of the California Health & Safety Code, the California Food & Agriculture Code and the California Revenue and Taxation Code.

One subject, Juan Romero Morales, was arrested for an outstanding warrant related to previous citations for the same violations.

Deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Dept. Pixley Patrol were dispatched to the intersection of Sierra and Front, Earlimart, in regards to a subject with a weapon.  Upon arrival a female selling flowers on the roadway was contacted and she made the following statement.  She advised that a male Hispanic adult had brandished a weapon at her and demanded any money she had made selling the flowers.  A customer arrived at the location as this was happening and the male fled the area.  Anyone with information in regards to this robbery is asked to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Dept. Southend Investigation Unit (559)733-6218.   

Deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Dept. Pixley Patrol were dispatched to the La Tiendita Market in Earlimart in the regards to a robbery.  Upon arrival Deputies were advised a male subject entered the store and brandished a firearm at the clerk, demanding money.  The subject fled the store prior to law enforcement arriving with a undetermined amount of US currency.  The store clerk was not injured during the robbery.   Anyone with information in regards to this robbery is asked to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Dept. Southend Investigation Unit (559)733-6218.   

The case is under investigation by TCSO

Property Loss: $4,800.00
Property Recovery: $4,500.00

S1:                    Mendoza, Carlos of Plainview
S2:                    Known Suspect - Confidential

On 02/10/2012 at approximately 1000 Hours, Tulare County Sheriff's Deputies from the Porterville Substation responded to an in-progress residential burglary in the community of Plainview. Suspects forcibly entered the residence, removing approximately $4,800.00 worth of televisions, computers and electronics. Deputies obtained a vehicle description and were able to locate the suspect vehicle where it was followed to a residence in Plainview. Deputies contacted the suspects at the residence who were still in possession of a majority of the stolen property taken during the burglary.

Pursuant to the investigation, Deputies successfully recovered approximately $4,500.00 of the victim's property and arrested Carlos Mendoza of Plainview. One known suspect is still actively being sought by Sheriff's Deputies. This is an active investigation by the Sheriff's Department.



Kevin Kemmerling
Sergeant
Tulare County Sheriff's Department
Porterville Division
Search & Rescue / Swiftwater/Dive Rescue
379 N. Third Street
Porterville, CA 93257

CHARGES:  Possession and possession for sales of Methamphetamine/ Maintaining a residence for illicit sales of narcotics/ Possession of Marijuana for sales/ Child Endangerment/ Unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.

Suspect: Miguel Mendoza     Age:    31

Suspect: Female Juvenile Age:    17
 
Victim # 1  Male Juvenile 1 yr 4 mos

After an approximate Two (2) week investigation into illegal narcotics trafficking in the unincorporated area of  Dinuba/ Delft Colony area investigators from the Sheriff’s Departments Narcotics Division were lead to a residence in the 5600 Blk of Lawrence Ave where a search warrant was served.  The ensuing investigation and search revealed approximately 38.7 grams of Methamphetamine packaged for sales, 2.5 pounds of processed marijuana packaged for sales, scales, packaging materials and indicia related to the sales of illegal narcotics as well as maintaining a residence for illicit narcotic sales. There was a 16 month old child in the residence that was exposed to this activity in the residence. It was also determined that the 17 yr old suspect was in a sexual relationship with the 31 yr old suspect.
The child was released to the care of Tulare County CWS and the suspects were booked at Tulare County Main Jail and the Juvenile Detention Facility for the listed charges.

Miguel Mendoza was booked for 11377/ 11378/ 11366/ 11359 H&S 273(a) PC 261.5 (c) PC
Female Juvenile 17 yrs was booked for 11377/ 11378/ 11366/ 11359 H&S 273(a)



Photo for suspect #1 available through the Main Jail.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    Case Agent: Det. M. Price        Supervisor:  S. Kennedy, Sgt.

Suspect: #1 Servando Duque Torres  40 yrs Porterville, Ca. Charges:  11358/ 11359 H&S 182 PC

Suspect: #2  Moses Villegas 43 yrs  Porterville, Ca     Charges: 11358/ 11359 H&S 182 PC

Suspect #3 Joel Castillo  32 yrs    Porterville, Ca.    Charges 11358/ 11359 H&S   182PC

Suspect #4 Sam Padilla  49 yrs     Porterville, Ca.    Charges 11358/ 11359 H&S  182 PC

Suspect #5 Jesus Hernandez 44 yrs Woodville, Ca. Charges 11358/ 11359 H&S  182PC

Suspect #6  Fabian Zarco Flores 48 yrs  Visalia, Ca. Charges 11358/ 11359 H&S 182 PC  12025 PC
                          
Suspect #7 Elisanpro Carranza Sandoval 37 yrs Dinuba, Ca. 11358/ 11359 H&S 182 PC 12025 PC 148 PC     

After a long term investigation into illegal narcotics trafficking in the unincorporated area of Woodville, Ca. investigators from the South Tri-Counties HIDTA and the  Sheriff’s Departments Narcotics Division were lead to a residence in the 16500 Blk of Ave 168 where a search warrant was served.  The ensuing investigation and search revealed that a Drug Trafficking Organization was dealing and selling in large amounts of Marijuana under the guise of the medicinal marijuana laws. Ninety-five (95) pounds of processed marijuana packaged for sales, scales, packaging materials and indicia related to the sales of illegal narcotics was seized. One hundred twenty-one (121) marijuana plants were growing in a garden at the rear of the residence were eradicated. During the service of the warrant one suspect fled on foot and was captured and two suspects had firearms in their possession.
All suspects were booked at the Tulare County Jail on the listed charges.

Anyone with information in encouraged to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department narcotics Division with information.

Photos available through the Tulare County Main Jail.

On 2-10-12 at about 12:12 pm, personnel from the Tulare County Sheriff Departments North End Gang Violence Suppression Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in the 13000 block of Quinto Ct. in Cutler, Ca.  Members from the Sheriff’s Tactical Enforcement Personnel and narcotic division assisted during the service of the search warrant.  The warrant was in the furtherance of an on-going investigation for an attempt homicide that occurred back on 12-12-11 in the 14300 block of Avenue 384 Yettem, Ca. 

Upon completion, detectives arrested Angel Benavente (19 years) for conspiracy of attempted homicide and criminal street gang activity.  He was booked into the Tulare County Main Jail with bail set at $500,000.00.  This case still remains under investigation with future arrests anticipated.
 
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Department at 559-733-6218 or you can remain anonymous by sending your information to tcso@tipnow.com or by texting to (559) 725-4194.