Offence:   261 PC - Rape., 261.5 PC - Unlawful sex w/a minor., 207 PC - Kidnaping 243(e)(1) PC - Domestic Violence

Narrative:

On 7-18-10 at approximately 0822 hrs., the Tulare County Sheriff's Department was called to an address in the City of Dinuba were an alleged kidnaping, sexual assault, rape and domestic violence incident, involving a juvenile female and an adult male, was being reported to have had occurred in the 43300 block of Road 112 in the community of Orosi.

TCSO Detectives responded to the Dinuba address and took over the investigation. A search for the suspect was performed but he was not located. Due to the nature of this incident and the early stage of investigation, no further information is being released at this time. Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Sgt. Moore or Det. Zaragoza at 1-800-808-0488.

Case Number 10-80211 to 10-80218 & 10-8638

Crime:  Assault with a Deadly Weapon / Participation in a Criminal Street gang / Possession of a Controlled

              Substance / Transportation of a Controlled Substance / Possession of a Controlled Substance for

              Sales / Under the Inlfluence of a Controlled Substance / Felony Evading a Peace Officer (Pursuit) / 

              Violation of a Court Order / Public Intoxication / Felony Warrant / Misdemeanor Warrant

Date:   7-16-10 & 7-17-10

Detectives with the Tulare County Sheriff's Gang Violence Suppression unit patrolled the towns of Cutler, Orosi and Dinuba over the weekend.  During their contacts, Detectives arrested 10 people for various Penal Code, Vehicle Code and Health & Safety Code violations.  Detectives also seized suspected controlled substances including Methamphetamine, Marijuana and Prescription drugs without a doctors prescription, and a loaded firearm.  Detectives also towed 3 vehicles, and contacted and identified several suspected gang members. 

Gang Unit Detectives also investigated an Assault With a deadly Weapon that occurred in the 12700 block of Avenue 424, Orosi on 7-15-10.  With the assistance of Sheriff's patrol Deputies, a suspect was identified and arrested.  The suspect, a 17 year old from Orosi, was booked into the Juvenile Detention Facility and charged with Assault With a deadly Weapon and Participation in a Criminal Street Gang. 

Taken into custody were:

1)  Name:  Female Juvenile      Age:  17        Resident:  Cutler

     Charges:  11359 HS, 11379 HS, 11378 HS

2)  Name:  Zamora, Eric             Age:  19        Resident:  Orosi

     Charges:  11359 HS, 11379 HS, 11378 HS

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

     Charges:  11357 HS, 647(f) PC, 12500 VC

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

    Charges:  245 PC, 186.22 PC

5)  Name:  Balaam, Blake         Age:  24        Resident:  Farmersville

      Charges:  2800.1 VC, 22450 VC

6)  Name:  Stafford, Michelle    Age:  27        Resident:  London

     Charges:  Felony Warrant (Fresno County) for 11377 HS

7)  Name:  Manzo, Alex               Age:  18        Resident:  Cutler

     Charges:  166.4 PC, 647(f) PC

8)  Name:  Garza, Mercedes       Age:  20        Resident:  Dinuba

     Charges:  11377 HS, 11550 HS

9)  Name:  Ramirez, Arnuldo      Age:  32        Resident:  Orange Cove

     Charges:  647(f) PC

10) Name:  Luevanos, Librado    Age:  34        Resident:  Cutler

     Charges:  Misdemeanor Warrant for Traffic Violations

This case remains under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff's 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's Departments Gang Violence Suppression Unit at the toll free number of:

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

Persons giving information can remain anonymous.

 On 07/15/2010 at approximately 1633 hours, Deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department responded to a residence located within the 14700 block of Road 190 in Poplar, regarding a report of a home invasion.  Upon arrival it was discovered while the victim was asleep, a suspect entered into the residence and removed approximately $329.00 of property from the occupied residence, without permission.   During the Deputies investigation, $154.00 of the property was located and two subjects were subsequently arrested for involvement in the crime.

Suspect-1: Cesar Domingo Jr. 18YOA
Suspect-2: Michael Ridge Jr. 20 YOA

This case is currently investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department.

(S-1)    Zamora, Eric 19 Yrs old
(S-2)    Juvenile female

On the above date and time Tulare County Detectives from the Gang Suppression Unit conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in the area of Rd 128/Ave 400 for a traffic violation.  Upon a search of the vehicle Detectives found over two ounces of marijuana packed for individual sales. Also in the vehicle Detectives located approximately 6.5 grams of crystal methamphetamine and packaging material.  Eric Zamora and a juvenile Female were taken into custody.

The case is currently under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriffs Department

On 07-15-2010, Deputies with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched to the area of Rd 128 and Ave 424 for a report of a stabbing victim. Upon arrival, Deputies located the above victim suffering from a stab wound to his left elbow. The victim was transported to Kaweah Delta Hospital for medical treatment and was later released.

Detectives with the Gang Violence Suppression Unit responded to the crime scene and took over the investigation. This case is currently under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Gang Unit.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Department at 1-888-END-GANG (1-888-363-4264)

Suspect in custody:  Stees, Earl  57 years, Dinuba, CA

On 07/14/2010 The Tulare County Sheriff’s Department’s Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE) Team, the Dinuba Police Department and with assistance from the Fresno ICAC Task Force served a search warrant at the Stees residence in regards to a possession of child pornography investigation. After a five month investigation which began when Stees took his home computer to a computer repair shop for a computer virus the repair technician noted child pornography on the computer and turned the computer over to Law Enforcement.

The ensuing investigation determined Stees was in possession of child pornography which culminated in the search warrant. Stees was taken into custody without incident and booked at the Tulare County Main Jail on Possession of Child Pornography and is being held in lieu of $40,000.00 bail at this time.

The investigation is continuing and anybody with information is encouraged to contact Det. C. Paul Gezzer at (559) 735-1970.

The Tulare County Sheriff’s Departments SAFE Team is funded by a state grant from the California Emergency Management Agency and is an affiliate member of the Fresno ICAC Task Force.

Photo available through the Tulare County Main Jail.

Victims:

V-2, Male Juvenile, 16 years, Earlimart Injuries: Gun shot wound to lower body

V-3, Male Juvenile, 15 years, Earlimart Injuries: Gun shot wound to lower body

***NEWS RELEASE UPDATE - ARREST MADE***

On 07/13/2010, detectives from the Violent Crimes Investigations Unit and the South County Gang Unit served two search warrants in the 1800 block of West Sierra in Earlimart. There, suspect Robert Rivera, 20 years old, was arrested at his residence. The vehicle used in the crime was located and taken as evidence, along with gang indicia. Two marijuana plants were located at the residence and seized. Rivera was arrested without incident and booked into the Tulare County Main Jail on the following charges: 664/187 PC Attempted Murder, 32 PC Accessory after the fact, 182.66 PC Participating in a Gang Crime, and 11358 HS Cultivation of Marijuana.

PREVIOUS NEWS RELEASE INFORMATION:

As previously reported, on 7/01/2010 at 1850 hours, deputies from the Pixely substation responded to a call of shots fired at Church and Sutter, and 1 block west at State and Sutter. Deputies arrived and found three gun shot wound victims, listed above, on scene. Victim #1 was air lifted to an area hospital for the above listed injuries. He underwent surgeries and remains stable in an area hospital at this time. Victims 2 and 3 were transported by ambulance to another area hospital for non life threatening injuries. Both were treated and released

Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit responded to investigate. During the investigation it was discovered that victims 1 and 3 were walking in the area of Church and Sutter when the suspects arrived in a vehicle and fired at the victims. As the suspects were leaving they fired at Victim #2 at State and Sutter.

The case remains under investigation at this time. More arrests are expected. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jose Torres or Sgt. Gary Hunt at the Tulare County Sheriff's Department Violent Crimes Unit at 559-733-6218 or 1-800-808-0488.

Crime- Possession of a Deadly Weapon/Possession of a Controlled Substance/Being Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance/Violation of a Court Order/Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol/Public Intoxication/Misdemeanor Warrants/Felony Warrant

Date and Time Occurred-7-7-10 to 7-10-10

On 07-08-10, Detectives with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department South County Gang Violence Suppression and Tulare County Inter Agency Narcotics Team served a search warrant in the 300 block of Spani Way in the town of Pixley.

As a result of the search conducted, detectives seized an automatic assault rifle, sawed off shotgun, a rifle and a handgun. Detectives also located a large mass of ammunition, gang paraphernalia and a bullet proof vest.

The residence was also being used for the sales of narcotics. Detectives located approximately 44 grams of crystal methamphetamine. The listed subjects, validated gang members, were taken into custody, on the below listed charges

Taken into custody were:

1) Juan Alberto Sanchez Navarro 25 Yrs. Pixley resident Date of arrest: 07-8-10

Charges:12031PC/ possession of Weapons / 11378 H&S/ sales of narcotics/186.22 PC/Gang Enhancement

2) Ector Sanchez Navarro 26 Yrs. Pixley resident Date of arrest: 07-8-10

Charges:12031PC/ possession of Weapons / 11378 H&S/ sales of narcotics/186.22 PC/Gang Enhancement

This case remains under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department’s - 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’s Department’s - Gang Violence Suppression Unit at the toll free number of :

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

Narrative:

Suspect In Custody:

Alexander, Wesley David, 45 years old from Fresno area

On the above date and time Deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the area of Hwy 99 north of the City of Tulare regarding a report of a male passenger who stated he was armed with a handgun and made threats to kill the driver. There were 23 other passengers on the bus including a juvenile child. The male suspect also grabbed the steering wheel of the bus, causing the bus to swerve slightly. The driver was able to force the suspect back away from the drivers compartment. The driver called 911 on his cellular telephone. The bus was located at the 27200 block of north bound Hwy 99 in Tulare by Officers from the California Highway patrol and Deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office. A traffic stop was conducted and the suspect was taken into custody without incident. No injuries were reported at the time of the incident. During the incident the suspect had vandalized the bathroom causing $100.00 in damage. The case is currently under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Gary Marks at (559)733-6218.

After an approximate two month investigation beginning in May of this year Detective’s from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement Team (SAFE) have arrested suspect Silvino Santos on numerous charges of Child Molestation.  The victim reported the incidents took place when she was between the ages of 9 to 11 years of age.  The suspect was arrested on toady’s date and is in custody at Main Jail in lieu of $850,000 bail.

If anyone has further information regarding this case they are encouraged to contact Detectives Jason Wall or Esmeralda Ramos at 559-735-1970.

The SAFE team is grant funded by the California Emergency Management Agency.

Case Number- 10-80188 to-10-80196

Crime- Burglary/Possession of Stolen Property/Possession of a Switchblade Knife/Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance/Resisting Arrest/Driving Without a License/Violation of A Court Order/Felony Warrants/Misdemeanor Warrants

Date and Time Occurred- 07-01-10 to 07-04-10

Victim- State of California

Narrative: Detectives with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Gang Violence Suppression Unit conducted suppression patrol in the North County areas of Goshen, Ivanhoe, Dinuba, Cutler and Orosi. Detectives contacted several subjects, including those suspected of participating in gang activity. During their contacts, detectives served 11 suspected gang members with civil gang injunctions, served 7 arrest warrants and towed 3 vehicles. A total of 15 people were arrested for various Penal Code, Vehicle Code and Health & Safety Code violations. Gang Unit Detectives also assisted the Dinuba Police with the investigation of a burglary, which resulted in the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of the stolen property.

Taken into custody were:

1) Name: Ramirez, Jose Luis Age: 24 Resident: Orosi

Charges:1 Felony Warrant/1 Misdemeanor Warrant

2) Name: Majia, Larry Age: 24 Resident: Orosi

Charges: 11550 HS

3) Name: Spohn, Ralph Age: 23 Resident: Tulare

Charges: 2 Felony Warrants

4) Name: Male Juvenile Age: 16 Resident: Cutler

Charges: 166.4 PC

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

Charges: 653 (k) PC/12500 CVC

6) Name: Serna, Matthew Age: 19 Resident: Dinuba

Charges: 459 PC/496 PC

7) Name: Serna, Michael Age: 24 Resident: Dinuba

Charges: 496 PC/2 Misdemeanor Warrants

8) Name: Male Juvenile Age: 17 Resident: Orosi

Charges: 166.4 PC

9) Name: Reyes, Bulmaro Age: 24 Resident: Orosi

Charges: 166.4 PC

10) Name: Hernandez, Norberto Age: 19 Resident: Orosi

Charges: 166.4 PC

11) Name: Male Juvenile Age: 17 Resident: Cutler

Charges: 166.4 PC

12) Name: Male Juvenile Age: 17 Resident: Cutler

Charges: 166.4 PC

13) Name: Ramirez, Adam Age: 25 Resident: Reedley

Charges: 1 Misdemeanor Warrant

14) Name: Huerta, Jose Age: 33 Resident: Ivanhoe

Charges: 148 PC/12500 CVC

15) Name: Orozco, Ernesto Age: 19 Resident: Cutler

Charges: 166.4 PC

This case remains under investigation by the Tulare County sheriff’ 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)

Victims: V-1 Male Juvenile, 16 years, Earlimart Injuries: Gun shot wound to upper body

V-2, Male Juvenile, 16 years, Earlimart Injuries: Gun shot wound to lower body

V-3, Male Juvenile, 15 years, Earlimart Injuries: Gun shot wound to lower body

On 7/1/10, at approximately 1330 hours, it was reported that the victim was sexually accosted against her will by two unknown male subjects.

No arrests have been made in this case and it is currently under investigation by detectives from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department.

On 07-01-10 at approximately 0715 hrs. the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Division, along with personnel from the Interagency Narcotic Enforcement Team concluded an investigation by serving a search warrant in the 600 Block of East Wilson, Earlimart.

During the search of the residence, detectives located approximately 22.0 grams of crystal methamphetamine.

Suspect Rodriguez was arrested for possession and possession for sale of methamphetamine, maintaining a place of narcotic use/sales and booked into the Tulare County Sheriff’s Main Jail with bail set at $30,000.00. In addition to the drug charges, state parole placed a parole hold on Suspect Rodriguez.