Narrative:

Loss/Damage value: Estimated : $7000.00

On 11-29-10 deputies responded to an address located on the 39300 block of Rd 12 in Kingsburg regarding several burglaries that had occurred at this location. Upon arrival evidence led deputies to the suspect’s residence located on the 1200 block of Ave 392. Upon contacting the suspects deputies conducted a search of their residence. Deputies located and recovered several items of stolen property that were reported missing from the burglaries. The suspects were arrested and booked at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Main Jail and the Tulare County Juvenile Detention Facility.

Suspect(s):

S-1 David Navarro Jr 20 years old from Kingsburg

S-2 Male Juvenile

REPORTING DEPUTY:                                                                    SUPERVISOR:

B Saldana S6522                                                                                Sgt H. Liles 

DATE/TIME: November 29, 2010

On 11/27/10, at approximately 1930 hours, Deputies responded to an address in the Pixley area. Upon arrival the victim stated four unknown subjects entered her residence. The subjects restrained the victim and took items from the residence. One of the subjects had a firearm and one shot was fired inside the residence. No one was injured. The subjects left in an unknown vehicle. No arrests have been made and this case is currently under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should call at (559)782-9679 or (559)733-6218.

UPDATE:  The female child was located in the vehicle and is three months old. The deceased are the biological parents of the child.  There was a troubled relationship between the couple and were originally discovered by a passerby.  The vehicle was there for several hours, less than 24.  The couple was from Delano.  If anyone has any addtional information please contact the Sheriffs' Office at 800-808-0488.

Prior Release:

Victim: Vanessa Majarro (deceased)  23yrs

Suspect: Victor Mota  (deceased) 19yrs

Tulare County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an orchard near road 148 and County Line Road where people located two deceased adults, one male and one female, and a live infant inside a vehicle. The infant was transported by ambulance to Delano hospital where she was treated and released to family.

The deceased adults each suffered from a single gunshot wound in an apparent murder/suicide in which the male, identified as Victor Mota, shot and killed the female, identified as Vanessa Mojarro, before turning the gun on himself and taking his own life. A handgun was located in the vehicle with the deceased.

The two adults and the infant were last seen by family members on 11/25/2010 at 1930 hours. It is unknown just how long they were in the orchard but it appears they were there for several hours before being discovered.

Case under investigation by TCSO

Narrative:

On 11-26-10, Deputies were dispatched to a reported home invasion robbery in the 15000 Block of Ave 288, Visalia. The victim reported a white female and three black males forced entry into the residence and bound her. Victim stated one black male suspect was armed with a handgun and demanded money, while the other two black male suspects searched the residence. Victim stated suspects fled with jewelry, cash and a half pound of medical marijuana.

The victim and witnesses described the suspects as follows:

S1 White female adult, 5'2" tall, 190 Lbs with brown hair

S2 Black male adult 6'2" tall, medium build, shoulder length dread locks, wearing black hoodie sweat shirt and black pants.

S3 Black male adult 6'2" tall, medium build, short hair, wearing black hoodie sweat shirt and black pants.

S4 Black male adult 6'2" tall, medium build, short hair, wearing black hoodie sweat shirt and black pants.

Suspect Vehicle described as a dark colored four door compact vehicle.

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

Anyone with information should contact Detective Joe Rodriguez at 559-733-6218.

On 11-25-10, at 0054 hours, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department was dispatched to an address east of Earlimart regarding a home invasion where shots were exchanged between the victim and three known suspects. Upon arrival it was discovered that three known suspects forcibly entered the victim’s residence. When confronted by the victim shots were exchanged and the suspects fled. The victim sustained a non- fatal wound.

Case under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department. Any information regarding this case, please contact Detective Hembree.

On 11/24/2010 at 1334 hours deputies at the Tulare County Main Jail found Mario Lopez hanging in his cell and unresponsive, in an apparent suicide attempt. Deputies immediately initiated first aid, called for on duty medical staff and called for an ambulance. Lopez was treated by jail and medical staff until ambulance personnel arrived on scene. He was pronounced deceased at the scene at 1346 hours.

Detectives from the Sheriff’s Department’s Violent Crimes Unit were called to the Jail to investigate the suicide.  Lopez had been arrested on 08/27/2010 for making criminal threats towards family members and was awaiting court proceedings. Lopez was housed by himself in a single cell during the time of his incarceration. 

    The case remains under investigation at this time. An autopsy will be conducted at a later time to determine the cause of death.

During the week of November 17^{th through November 20th 2010, personnel from the North End Gang Violence Suppression Unit conducted suppression patrol in the North County communities of Tulare County.}

They also made numerous traffic stops, contacted numerous subjects, including those suspected of participating in gang activity and completed ten Field Identifications. Six subjects were arrested and booked into the Main Jail and the Bob Wiley Detention Facility for fresh charges and warrants. An additional subject was cited to appear in court for outstanding arrest warrants

.

1. Kristina Vega (42 years) possession of a controlled substance and child endangerment

2. Yvette Sanchez (42 years) transportation, possession of a controlled substance, under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of narcotic paraphernalia

3. Juan Rodriguez (28 years) under the influence of a controlled substance

4. Sergio Lua (20 years) driving while under the influence of alcohol/drugs

5. Male Juvenile (16 years) violation of a court order / gang injunction

6. Juan Garcia (27 years) misdemeanor arrest warrant

7. Jose Luna (31 years) four misdemeanor arrest warrants

Anyone with information regarding 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 or (1-888-363-4264). Persons who provide information can remain anonymous.

LOCATION:  300 block of N. Church, Earlimart   DATE:  01-25-2010   TIME:  1926 hrs 
CASE NUMBER:  10-1002         VICTIM:  Alejandro Esparza, age 25     CITY:  Delano

As previously reported, on 01-25-10 at 1926 hours deputies from the Pixley Substation responded to a report of 2 gun shot wound victims in the 300 block of North Church in Earlimart. Victim #1, Alejandro Esparza, 24 years old, from Delano was found deceased at scene. Victim #2, Arturo Sanchez, suffered from gun shot wounds and was air lifted to an area hospital. He survived his injuries.

UPDATED INFORMATION
During the investigation, detectives from the Sheriff’s Violent Crimes Unit discovered that the suspect in the case was Tomas Antonio Medrano Corrales, 19 years old from Delano.

In September, 2010, detectives developed information that Corrales was in a rural area in Hidalgo County Texas. They obtained an arrest warrant for Corrales for charges of Murder, Attempted Murder, and Possession of a Firearm during a Street Gang Crime, Use of a Firearm during a Serious Felony, Carrying a Concealed Firearm, and Participating in a Criminal Street Gang. Detectives then began working with the US Marshalls Office in both Fresno and Southern Texas District as the investigation continued.

On 11-19-2010, Deputy US Marshals from the Gulf Coast Violent Offender Fugitive Task Force conducted a search of a residence in Elsa Texas, where they located Corrales and took him into custody without incident. He was booked into the Hidalgo County Jail on the murder warrant, and is being held without bail, pending extradition.

This case remains under investigation and if anyone has information regarding this case they are urged to contact the Det. Frank Zaragoza or Sgt. Gary Hunt from the Tulare County Sheriff's Department Violent Crimes Unit at (559)733-6211 or 800-808-0488.

Detectives with the Tulare County Sheriff Department’s North County Property Unit conducted a two week investigation regarding identity theft and passing fictitious bills.   During the investigation Detectives conducted a search of a residence in the 40000 block of Encina.
 
As a result of the search conducted, detectives located several items used in the operation for the identity theft.  The subject was taken into custody, on the below listed charges.
 

Taken into custody were:

1)    Charles Mauldin                49Yrs.                      Three Rivers   resident       
 
Charges: 470 PC , 530.5 PC 496 PC, 484 PC:  Identity theft, possession of stolen property/access card

On November 3rd, 2010, Det. Cathy Garcia was awarded “Patrick Sullivan Investigator of the year Award”. Det. Garcia has been a member of the Tulare County Sexual Assault unit since 2008. Det. Garcia is a very passionate about her assignment and has proven time and time again her dedication to the arrest and prosecution of sexual predators. She was selected from a pool of very qualified applicants for this award. On one of the specific cases she was nominated for the award with, she received a conviction for a suspect that resulted in 711 years to life in prison. The Tulare County Sheriff’s Department is proud of Det. Garcia accomplishments as she continues to serve the citizens of Tulare County. 

Some of the guidleines and criteria for award nomination consist of:

• How the nominee affected change or added to a present state of affairs
• How the nominee increased awareness of the plight of victims
• How the nominee made a difference in the community to effect change toward the overall good as it effects the entire Sexual Assault Response Team concept
• How the nominee overcame great obstacles to investigate, close, and prosecure a case
• How the nominee supported the overall good of the population to protect and work towards more protective legislation
• How the nominee supported and contributed to the overalll success of forensic sciences in the investigation of sexual assault cases

Detectives from the Tulare County Sheriff's Office have received this award for the last three years. Past recipients of this award include Det. Jason Kenndy (2009) and Det. Rodney Klassen (2008.) All three recipients are current members of the Tulare County Bureau of Investigations unit.

For more information regarding the California Sexual Assault Investigators Association and the "Patrick Sullivan Investigator of the Year Award"  please see  their website at  http://www.csaia.org/ .

*editors note:  a photograph WILL NOT be available of the detective due to types of investigations she may work on in the future. 

On 11-16-2010 the Inter Agency Narcotic Enforcement Team (I.N.E.T.) consisting of personnel from Lindsay Police Department, Farmersville Police Department, Exeter Police Department, Tulare County Probation and the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department concluded a three week investigation by serving a search warrant in the 400 block of South Rose in the City of Farmersville. Suspect Adrian Juarez was arrested and booked into the Tulare County Main Jail for the following charges:

11377 H&S        Possession of methamphetamine
11366 H&S        Maintaining a location for use/sales of a controlled substance. 
11364 H&S        Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
            


Suspect Juarez bail is set at $ 10,000.00.

This case is still under investigation.

UPDATED INFORMATION:
    On Friday, 11/12/2010 an autopsy was performed on Ayon. The cause of death was determined to be multiple gun shot wounds to the body.
    Suspect Francisco Ayon and person of interest Aaron Celestino Chavez, 24 years, Earlimart are both still outstanding and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Joe Torres or Det. Bari Molyneux at (559) 735-1898 or (800) 808-0488.

Suspect # 1 - Juvenal Ibarra Lemus, Lindsay Ca.  45 yoa


On 11/15/10 at 1400 hrs. detectives of the Sheriff’s Tactical Enforcement Personnel (S.T.E.P.) Team responded to the 23100 block of Ave. 224 Lindsay  for the service of a Search Warrant in regards to the cultivation of marijuana. Upon arrival detectives contacted the above listed  suspect and determined he had a medical marijuana recommendation . During the course of the investigation it was determined that suspect Lemus had processed marijuana in excess of that he was allowed to possess under his medical recommendation. An excess of 75 lbs of processed marijuana was seized. In addition a stolen shotgun, an illegal assault weapon and a large amount of U.S. currency were located and seized from the location. Further investigation located forged documents and Resident Alien cards along with equipment and materials for making the cards.

California law allows medical recommend holders or their primary caregivers to cultivate and possess marijuana within the limits of their doctor issued recommendation. It does not allow the possession of marijuana for sale under any circumstances. It has become common for suspects to utilize the loopholes in the California Compassionate Use act to hide behind and facilitate criminal cultivation and sales of marijuana. A Federal hold was placed by the Immigration and Naturalization Service in regards to the forged I.D. cards.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Det. Holguin or Sgt. Franks at the STEP Unit.

On 11-12-10 at approximately 2303 hours, a Tulare County Sheriff's Deputy assigned to the Orosi substation was on routine patrol in the Cutler area when he contacted a suspicious subject on a bicycle. Upon contact, the subject immediately attempted to evade the deputy fleeing to the area of Ave 403 and Ralph Rd where he abandoned his bicycle and fled on foot. As the deputy pursued on foot, he was able to make contact with the subject who turned and confronted him. The subject ignored commands given by the deputy and made a furtive movement reaching into his sweatshirt pocket. The deputy responded to the threat by drawing his side arm and firing one round that did not strike the subject. The subject once again fled and was not located despite a search by assisting deputies. Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Detective Cesar Fernandez with the Tulare County Sheriff's Department Violent Crimes Division at (559) 735-1898.

Narrative:

During the week of November 10^th through November 13^th 2010, personnel from the North End Gang Violence Suppression Unit conducted suppression patrol in the North County communities of Tulare County.

They also made numerous traffic stops, contacted numerous subjects, including those suspected of participating in gang activity and completed 11 Field Identifications. Two subjects were arrested and booked into the Main Jail and the Bob Wiley Detention Facility and two others were cited in the field to appear at court.

1. Richard Urbano (22 years) under the influence of a controlled substance

2. Arlene Yanez (47 years) felony arrest warrant

3. Alex Manzo (19 years) possession of less than an ounce of marijuana

4. Raymond Villareal (28 years) misdemeanor arrest warrant

Anyone with information regarding 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 or (1-888-363-4264). Persons who provide information can remain anonymous.