Media is welcome to come:
 
Please join Sheriff Bill Wittman and his staff as they introduce the new Patrol Aircraft. The new aircraft, a Flight Design model CTLE, is the first Light Sport category aircraft that has been designed for public safety use. The two seat carbon-fiber construction aircraft comes complete with police and fire radios, a color and infrared camera and a high power searchlight.

The aircraft will be flown on a regular bases in support of patrol activities. Additionally, the aircraft will be used to patrol critical infrastructure in Tulare County, such as dams and the Friant-Kern Canal. This is the first light sport aircraft to be used full time to support law enforcement in the United States. With it’s 100 hoursepower engine and aerodynamic design, this aircraft will do 95% of what a helicopter can do at less than one-tenth the cost.

Please join us for more detailed information, demonstrations and conversations with the Air Support Unit Pilots

Open House
Tulare County Sheriff’s Air Support Unit
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Visalia Municipal AirportAMS Avionics Hanger
(located at the base of the rotating beacon)RSVP (559) 636-4717
 

Photos and invitation can be located on the Sheriff's Flickr page:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tularecountysheriff/sets/72157628043485229/

Suspect: Chris Elizade, 31

Victims: Brizen Wooden, 22 and Laura Merritt, 31

Crime: 664/187 PC, 245PC, 246.3PC

Narrative:

On 11-27-11 at approximately 2145 hrs, deputies responded to a disturbance at a residence in Woodlake.  Upon arrival, deputies found the residence unattended, however, evidence of a physical altercation at the scene.  Subsequent investigation located a female victim suffering from a gunshot wound to her leg.  The victim was contacted while being treated at KDMC for her injuries.  Further investigation found her gunshot wound was sustained during an altercation involving Mr. Wooden and (S) Elizade.

The suspect was contacted at KDMC after transporting the victim for treatment and was taken into custody without incident.  The suspect was the victim's boyfriend and booked into the Tulare County Main Jail.

Case currently being further investigated by the Tulare County Sheriff's Department.

   Suspect: George Aquino    Age: 19

On 11-26-2011, Detectives with the North County Gang Violence Suppression Unit were assigned to the Cutler-Orosi area to conduct probation searches and attempt warrant services. At approximately 1407 Hours, Detectives responded to a residence in the 12400 block of Amethyst Ave in Cutler for an attempt warrant service. During the contact, Detectives located a sawed off shotgun inside the residence and detained the above suspect. Detectives then obtained a search warrant for residence and located an additional handgun, ammunition, packaging material, and over 2 ounces of marijuana. The above suspect was arrested and booked at the Main Jail on the above charges.

    This case is currently being investigated by Detectives with the North County Gang Unit.

SUSPECT: MARK WALKER DOB: 12-12-78 ARRESTED & BOOKED

On 11-25-11 at approximately 1530 hours, Deputies responded to Rockford School (14900 block of Road 208) in Porterville in regards to a theft of a historical artifact. The reporting party advised that someone had stolen the historic bell off the monument in front of the school. School officials advised the bell has been at the school since its induction in 1862. School officials estimated the value of the bell at approximately $50,000.00.

Deputies reviewed surveillance video of the theft and recognized the suspect car. During a two day investigation, Deputies eventually located the stolen bell and arrested the suspect. The suspect was identified as Mark Walker Jr.

The stolen bell was eventually returned to Rockford School.

Walker was booked at the Porterville Substation for PC 496 (Possession of stolen property), PC 487 (Grand theft), PC 12022.1 (Committing a crime while out on bail).

Taken into custody were: Jonathan Estrada DOB: 06-17-88

Charges: PC 664/207

On 11-24-2011 at approximately 1754 hrs Tulare County Sheriff Deputies responded to the area of 14000 Blk Imperial in the town of Poplar for a report of gun shot wounds. Upon arrival deputies contacted 2 gun shot victims. 1 victim was treated at the scene the second victim was transported to Fresno Regional Medical Center and is listed in stable condition. This case is under the investigation of the Tulare County Sheriff Department. Anyone with information is urged to contact Tulare County Sheriff Department at 59-733-6218 or 1-800-808-0488

UPDATE:
Video from Press Conference is now available on "TulareSheriff" YouTube Channel at:
http://youtu.be/wLJ8OS1zmfk

UPDATE:
Additional suspect arrested on Narcotic/weapons case
Steven Deniz, age 33 of Tipton, child endagerment, possession and possession for sales

Avaliable mugshot photos posted on "TulareSheriff" Flickr page under set titled "Press Conference 11-22-11"
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tularecountysheriff/sets/72157628106012949/

PRIOR INFORMATION:
Sheriff Bill Wittman held a press conference today to share additional information regarding arrests made on crimes that occured in the South County and Earlimart areas.

Below is the additional information that was released:

Regarding case #11-00596 Homicide (additional information in prior news releases)
●  187 Occurred: January 14, 2011
●  Location:  500 block of E. Washington in Earlimart
●  Two deceased gunshot victims located at the scene and believed to be gang related
●  10 month investigation by TCSO VC and GVSU
●  November 16, 2011 = Patrol deputies arrest Angel Gutierrez on an unrelated warrant.  Angel was being sought by Violent Crimes Detectives in connection with this homicide investigation as well.  Further investigation by detectives led to Angel being charged with conspiracy to commit murder in connection to this homicide.
●  November 21, 2011 = Violent Crimes Unit, Gang Violence Suppression Unit, Narcotics/STEP Unit and Tulare County Probation served three search warrants in Earlimart.  As a result of these efforts, three more suspects were located and arrested in connection with this investigation.  All three additional suspects are being charged with conspiracy to commit murder, murder and gang enhancements.

Suspects in custody:
Angel Gutierrez, age 20 - Earlimart
Julio Macias, age 18 - Earlimart
Juan Perez, age 19 - Earlimart
Anthony Alcaraz, age 18 – Earlimart

Additional Suspect Sought:
Antonio Valdez, age 23 – Earlimart

Regading the narcotics and weapons cases:
5 month narcotic, Gang, Weapons Investigation
11 – people arrested in the Pixley Tipton area today
1 which is under federal indictment
10 of which are facing various drug, weapon and gang enhancement charges

Through the course of the five month investigation the following has been seized:
8- Firearms one of which is a submachine gun
169.8 grams of methamphetamine
13.5 pounds of processed marijuana
3 grams of cocaine
$10,000 cash
Various forms of gang indicia


SUSPECTS IN CUSTODY
Davier Porchia 23 yrs- Federally indicted on weapons and narcotics charges
Noe Torres 24 yrs sale of a firearm, cultivation of marijuana, sales of marijuana, possession of a firearm during the course of a felony
Balas Landeros 35 yrs possession of marijuana
David Deniz 28 yrs possession for transport and sales, sale of a firearm, cultivation of marijuana
Velma Conde 20 yrs child endangerment
16 month old child released to CWS
Ramon Martinez 27 yrs possession for sales, gang enhancement
Emilio Ortega 21 yrs arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence and a warrant for vandalism
Claudia Perez 21 yrs illegal sale of firearm
Moises Martinez  26 yrs Parole hold, possession of narcotics, concealed weapon, destruction of evidence
Hugo Guerrero 27 yrs possession of narcotics for sales
Ralph Ortega 19 yrs
More arrests pending

Press Conference regarding criminal activity in Earlimart area
Sheriff's Headquarters Lobby
2404 W. Burrel, Visalia
11-22-2011
1630 hrs

The Sheriff will be holding a press conference regarding the recent activity with criminal cases out the Earlimart area. This press conference is to allow the media time to ask questions regarding these cases.

The two main topics will be:

1. Case #11-00596, Homicide occurred in Earlimart on January 14, 2011
   Four suspects are now in custody with gang enhancements.
2. Drug / Gang sweep with assistance of ATF conducted 11-22-2011
   This sweep was a result of a 5 month investigation regarding narcotics and weapons. ATF was asked to assist. Ten subjects are in custody, one of which on a Federal Indictment. Weapons and narcotics were also seized on this case. Additional information from this case will be provided at the press conference.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Sgt. Douglass at cdouglass@co.tulare.ca.us or call 559-735-1832.

Suspects in custody:
Angel Gutierrez, age 20 from Earlimart
Julio Macias, age 18 from Earlimart
Juan Perez, age 19 from Earlimart
Anthony Alcaraz, age 18 from Earlimart

On January 14, 2011, Tulare County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the 500 block of E. Washington in Earlimart for a report of shots fired and discovered two deceased males who had been shot and killed in a apparent gang related shooting.

On November 16, 2011, patrol deputies arrested Angel Gutierrez on an unrelated warrant.  Angel was being sought by Violent Crimes Detectives in connection with this homicide investigation as well.  Further investigation by detectives led to Angel being charged with conspiracy to commit murder in connection to this homicide. 

On November 21, 2011 Detective from the Violent Crimes Unit, Gang Violence Suppression Unit, Narcotics/STEP Unit and Tulare County Probation served three search warrants at three locations in Earlimart.  As a result of these efforts, suspects Julio Macias, Juan Perez and Anthony Alcaraz were located and arrested without incident in connection with this investigation.  All three additional suspects are being charged with conspiracy to commit murder, murder and a 186.22 gang enhancement. All of these suspects have been booked at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Main Jail.

 
Anyone who has information regarding this homicide investigation is asked to contact Detective Maria Lomeli or Sgt. Gary Hunt from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Violent Crimes Unit at 735-1898.  Information can also be provided to the Sheriff’s Department at the TIP NOW hot line 559-725-4194 or by text message to tcso@tipnow.com

Taken into custody:

Linares, Gerardo 25 yrs of age

Charges:PC 470(d)

On 11-20-11 at approximately 0020 hrs., a Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Deputy made a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle for a vehicle code violation. Upon contacting the driver, who identified himself as Gerardo Linares, he was found to be in possession of over $200 in fraudulent $10 dollar bills. Deputies responded to the residence of Gerardo Linares where a search was conducted, and additional $10 dollar bills in the making process were located as well as $2,100 worth of fraudulent $100 dollar bills. Deputies confiscated a laptop computer and scanner/copier from the residence which is believed to have been used in the making of the counterfeit money. Gerardo Linares was booked at the Porterville substation for the above listed charge.
This case is under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department.

On Saturday, 11/19/2011 at 1532 hours deputies responded to a call of 2 subjects that appeared to be deceased on a rural lot, just off of Avenue 304. Upon arrival they confirmed the subjects were deceased from apparent gun shot wounds.

The subjects do not appear to be associated with the property. Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit responded to investigate. The case remains under investigation at this time. An update will be posted as information is received.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Det. Rodney Klassen via the Sheriff’s Department’s Tip Now line at 559-725-4194 or text or email to tcso@tipnow. Information can remain anonymous.

Media is welcome to come:

Please join Sheriff Bill Wittman and his staff as they introduce the new Patrol Aircraft. The new aircraft, a Flight Design model CTLE, is the first Light Sport category aircraft that has been designed for public safety use. The two seat carbon-fiber construction aircraft comes complete with police and fire radios, a color and infrared camera and a high power searchlight.

The aircraft will be flown on a regular bases in support of patrol activities. Additionally, the aircraft will be used to patrol critical infrastructure in Tulare County, such as dams and the Friant-Kern Canal. This is the first light sport aircraft to be used full time to support law enforcement in the United States. With it’s 100 hoursepower engine and aerodynamic design, this aircraft will do 95% of what a helicopter can do at less than one-tenth the cost.

Please join us for more detailed information, demonstrations and conversations with the Air Support Unit Pilots

Open House
Tulare County Sheriff’s Air Support Unit
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
1:00 PM
Visalia Municipal Airport
AMS Avionics Hanger
(located at the base of the rotating beacon)
RSVP (559) 636-4717

Photos and invitation can be located on the Sheriff's Flickr page:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tularecountysheriff/sets/72157628043485229/

Suspect: Dustin Benson, age 31, of Porterville Ca.

On 11/15/11 detectives of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department S.T.E.P. team completed a three month investigation by arresting Dustin Benson and serving search warrants at his residences in the 1200 block of Slaughter Ave. in Porterville and on Cedar Brook Trail in California Hot Springs. Benson was arrested for allegedly shipping, what he was calling, medical marijuana out of state via a commercial parcel service. The package was intercepted and traced back to Benson prior to being delivered in Ohio.

The subsequent search warrant service found that Benson is a medical marijuana recommend holder,and allowed to possess up to 90 marijuana plants. What was found was a sophisticated multi-stage indoor grow of 269 live plants, clearly in excess of what is needed for legitimate medical needs of one person.  It was also noted that Benson is currently out on bail on similar charges from an arrest by the S.T.E.P. unit this summer in which Benson was allegedly offering medical marijuana for sale over the internet and cultivation/possession of marijuana clearly in excess of his allowed/needed amount.

It has been an ongoing problem that persons are obtaining medical marijuana recommends from doctors who allow them to grow plants in excess of their medical needs. Growers then sell their excess marijuana to dispensaries, directly to buyers on the street, over the internet or as in this case out of state. Under most circumstances 7 to 10 marijuana plants meet the needs of legitimate medical marijuana users. A experienced/proficient grower can meet legitimate medical needs from 1 to 2 plants per year.

It should be understood that the wholesale street price of medium grade marijuana in California at this time is around $1,100 per pound. In some of the Eastern states where possession of marijuana is still a Felony that same pound of marijuana could go for as high as $8,000 per pound.

This case is still under investigation. Any information should be sent to the Tulare County Sheriff’s Dept. S.T.E.P. unit.

Suspect: Marcelo Sosa, age 67, of Terra Bella           

On 11/15/11 at 1600 hrs. detectives of the Tulare County Sheriff's Dept. S.T.E.P. unit responded to the above listed location to assist in the robbery of (50) pounds of processed marijuana (TCSO Case # 15229) Upon arrival detectives determined Sosa had grown the marijuana with the express intent of selling it. Sosa expected to earn $50,000 from the (60) pounds stolen and he only had (10) pounds left in his possession at that time. S.T.E.P. Detectives waited until the robbery investigation was completed, then arrested Sosa and seized the remaining 10 pounds of processed packaged marijuana Sosa was intending to sell.

It was found that Sosa had a medical recommend allowing him to have (6) pounds of processed marijuana and that he had been using another person’s recommend, along with his own, to allow him to grow excessive amounts of marijuana for sale under the cover of California medical marijuana laws.

Deputies responded to the above location in regards to an armed robbery.  Detectives were called to take over the case.  During the investigation detectives learned the victim was sitting in his vehicle which was located outside the residence at this location. A Black or Gray Jeep pulled up and asked if the residence next to this was for rent. The victim started to reply and watched as the passenger of the vehicle pulled out a pistol and ordered the victim to the ground. The victim laid on the ground without incident and was ordered not to look around. The victim laid on the ground while two subjects got out of the suspect vehicle. Those two suspects entered the residence and removed approximately 50 pounds of processed marijuana, a shotgun and rifle. The suspects placed the stolen merchandise inside their vehicle and ordered the victim to stay on the ground. The suspects left the property and drove westbound on avenue 92.

The Sheriff's Marijuana Suppression Program was also notified of the case because of the involvement of Marijuana.  This site was deemed out of county compliance and a narcotics case investigation was initiated.  See news release for case #11-60990.

This case is currently under investigation.

If you have information regarding this case you can send it anonymously by text or e-mail through the Sheriff's TipNow Program at 559-725-4194 or tcso@tipnow.com .