On 6-17-10 at about 6:30 a.m., members from the Sheriff’s Tactical Enforcement Personnel team, along with personnel from the Inter-agency Narcotic Enforcement Team and Narcotic Division, completed an investigation and eradicated a substantial marijuana grow site within the confines of the Kaweah Oaks Preserve in rural Exeter, Ca.

During the detail, detectives located an abandoned clandestine camp site associated to the illegal grow site, a secluded marijuana processing station, fertilizers, manicuring tools, irrigation line and 5,514 marijuana plants all containing various amounts of "bud". The estimated street value for the seizure could have produced more than $22,000,000.00 in illicit proceeds.

No suspects were located during the detail, however the investigation is on-going. Anyone with information regarding this grow site or others, can remain anonymous and report information to the following numbers; 1-800-808-0488 or (559) 713-2951.

NEWS  ITEM
Case Number- 10-90118
Crime- 11379,11378, 11366.8 H&S /  Possession for sales  / False compartment
Area Occurred- Rd 128 and Ave 84 Pixley Ca.
Date and Time Occurred- 06-15-10 @ 0900Hrs.
Victim- State Of California

Detectives with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Departments  South County Gang Violence Suppression Unit conducted a traffic stop in the area of Road 128 and Ave 84 in Pixley Ca.  As Detectives contacted the driver  there was an overwhelming amount of marijuana smoke. Detectives conducted a vehicle search of the vehicle.  As a result of the   search approximately five grams of crystal methamphetamine was located in a false compartment disguised as a water bottle. The estimated street value approximately $500.00.  They also located numerous items of gang related indicia.   The subjects were taken into custody on the below listed charges. 
 . 
Taken into custody were:
1) Alfredo Sanchez Duarte    19Yrs.         Pixley resident             Date of arrest: 06-15-10
Charges: 11379, 11378, 11380 H&S Possession for sales/ False compartment

2) Abel Ojeda    19Yrs.         Pixley resident             Date of arrest: 06-15-10
Charges: 11379, 11378, 11380 H&S Possession for sales/ False compartment

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).
Persons giving information can remain anonymous.                        Prepared by: Sgt. H. Liles

On 06-14-2010, at approximately 2300 hrs Deputies responded to the 22700 block of Road 140 in Tulare regarding an interrupted burglary.  Upon arrival deputies discovered a vehicle that was left abandoned by the suspect containg the victim's property.  Upon further investigation, deputies were advised the victim had confronted the suspect who attempted to flee in the vehicle, then fled on foot leaving the vehicle with the victim's property behind.

On 6-15-10 at approximately 0500 hrs Deputies responded to the 14100 block of Road 228 in Tulare regarding a residential burglary and vehicle theft. During the investigation it was determined that the two burglaries were related.

Detectives were led to a possible suspect, Curtis Peck who may be driving the stolen vehicle.  Lindsay Police Department located the stolen vehicle and attempted to make a traffic stop.  A pursuit was initiated with the assistance of  TRAT, CHP, Lindsay PD, Tulare PD, TCSO and Lindsay PD Air Patrol.  The vehicle radiator failed and stopped in the area of Blackstone south of Cartmill.  The suspect, Curtis Peck, fled the scene on foot but was detained and booked into the Tulare County Main Jail on the following Charges:

Curtis Peck, age 32 of Tulare
Case numbers:  TCSO 10-7216, TCSO 10-7220, LPD 10-1015
Charges: PC 459, 245, 211, 460, 496, 594, 148  VC 10851, 2800.2

All property was located and returned.

Detectives with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Gang Violence Suppression Unit conducted Suppression Patrol in the Cutler & Orosi area for the Cutler/Orosi Weed & Seed Program. During the weekend detail, Detectives contacted and identified several suspected gang members. As a result, Detectives seized two loaded handguns, that were also suspected to be stolen, an undisclosed amount of methamphetamine, served 12 gang injunctions and served two felony arrest warrants. Detectives arrested and booked 5 subjects for various Penal and Health & Safety Code violations.

Taken into custody were:
1)  Name: Delgado, Sebastian             Age: 22             Resident: Orosi
Charges: Felony Warrant
 
2) Name: Zayas, Ruben                       Age: 51             Resident: Pixley
Charges: 11377 HS and a Felony Warrant

3) Name: Naranjo, Juan                    Age: 34             Resident: Orosi
Charges: 12031 PC

4) Name: Angulo, Oscar                    Age: 18            Resident: Cutler
Charges: 12021 PC, 496 PC

5) Name: Female Juvenile                 Age: 16             Resident: Cutler
Charges: 32 PC, 496 PC  

This case remains under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department 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).

Persons giving information can remain anonymous.

Update:  Autopsy has been completed.  Cause of death is listed as exsanguination due to stab wound to the upper torso.  The suspect is still outstanding.  Please encourage the public to provide any information regarding the case or the location of the suspect to Det. Joe Torres or Sgt. Gary Hunt at (559) 735-1898 or (800) 808-0488.

Wanted Flyer and photo of suspect are available by e-mailrequest to cdouglass@co.tulare.ca.us .

UPDATE:

A suspect has been identified as Rigoberto Hernandez, also known as Rigo Herrera, age 28 from Bakersfield. Detectives are attempting to locate the suspect. Information has been provided that the incident occurred regarding a domestic dispute between the suspect, the victim and a female adult. Official cause of death pending autopsy scheduled for Monday, June 14, 2010.

PRIOR RELEASE:

On the above date and time, Deputies responded to a call of a stabbing victim at the 300 block of East Marin in Earlimart.  Upon arrival subject was transported by ambulance to Delano Hospital.  At 1359 hrs he was pronounced deceased.

Violent Crimes and Forensic Investigations Units have been called out to investigate the case.  Additional information will be relased as investigation continues.

Anyone with information please contact Det. Joe Torres or Sgt. Gary Hunt at (559) 735-1898 or (800) 808-0488.

Sheriff Bill Wittman's Police Activities League (P.A.L.) Program is getting ready for it's annual beach camp out this summer.  Over 130 children ages 8-12 have been signed up for the trip with 25 Explorers assisting. 

On Tuesday, June 15th, the school districts will be assisting by busing their students from the various Tulare County communities to the Tulare WalMart parking lot where they will meet up the the PAL members and Explorers at 8:00 AM.  Eagle Mountain Casino has provided the buses that will transport the children to the Pismo, North Beach Campground.  They will arrive and spend Tuesday and Wednesday nights camping in tents provided by the PAL program.  A variety of activities have been planned for the children.  They will return in the afternoon of Thursday, June 17th, 2010. 

This is an annual program that provides underprivileged children with an opportunity they may not have ever been able to experience.  It also provides a positive interaction with law enforcement as the Sheriff and a variety of community based officers and explorers assist in the program.  The Sheriff's Explorers are each assigned 3-5 children that they mentor throughout the trip.  This trip is funded by the Sheriff's PAL Program.  A large protion of the funds are raised from the PAL food booth at the Annual World Ag Expo.

NOTE:  Staff and Explorers will be meeting on 6-15-2010, at the Tulare WalMart parking lot at 7:00 am, children were asked to be there by 8:00 am.

Victim #1: Jose Maravilla Age 29

Parlier, CA

Victim #2: Female Juvenile Age 7

Parlier, CA

Place of Occurrence: Reedley Beach, Reedley, CA 93654

6-13-10/1814 hrs

On the above date and time Tulare County Sheriff's Deputies were on boat patrol in the area of Reedley Beach(in Reedley) when they observed a female juvenile struggling to get out of the water and having difficulty swimming. Deputies then observed another male(Jose Maravilla) attempting to help the female juvenile get out of the water. Maravilla appeared fatigued and was unable to swim or get out of the water. Maravilla then went under the water and began to sink. A Tulare County Deputy then jumped into the water from the TCSO boat to rescue Maravilla. Maravilla was then pulled to shore where he was non-responsive. Deputies then performed and completed CPR, reviving Maravilla. Medical personnel, Reedley P.D., Fresno County Sheriff's Deputies arrived shortly after. Both victims were treated and released on scene by medical staff. No other people were reported to be missing. Tulare County Sheriff's Deputies cleared the scene.

On June 12, 2010 members of the Tulare County Sheriff's Department Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE) Team and the Visalia Police Department conducted a joint Internet Based Prostitution Sting Operation.

The Investigators reviewed online ads for erotic services and contacted the suspects. The Investigators advised the suspect that he/she is interested in "a date" and asks if he/she is available to come to a pre designated location. The investigators also posed undercover creating an undercover on line advertisement soliciting sexual favors. Once the elements of the crime have been met the suspect is taken into custody. This operation was two fold, one to catch the soliciting of sexual favors as well as to catch the person purchasing the sexual favors.

Internet prostitution is becoming extremely popular and is slowly replacing the more conventional methods of prostitution.

The below listed suspects were taken into custody for the listed charges during the operation.

#1) Nicole Dowling 23yrs of Porterville, CA 10-7099

Solicitation of prostitution.

#2) Amber Robinson 26yrs of Tulare, CA 10-7101

Solicitation of prostitution

#3) Catherine Diaz 26yrs of Tulare, CA 10-7111

Solicitation of prostitution

#4) Toni Sams 20yrs of Fresno, CA 10-7119

Solicitation of prostitution, Sexual battery..

#5) Judith Alvira 19yrs of Hanford, CA 10-1722

Solicitation of prostitution, Sexual battery

#6) Ashley Stay 26yrs of Clovis, CA 10-7128

Solicitation of prostitution

#7) Ismael Ramirez 25yrs of Fresno, CA 10-7125

Solicitation of prostitution

#8) Brian Ridenour 38yrs of Visalia, CA 10-7097

Soliciting prostitution

#9) William V. Charles 39yrs of Tulare, CA 10-7104

Soliciting prostitution

#10) Raj Rakkar 39yrs of Fresno, CA 10-7107

Soliciting prostitution

#11) Jason Ferris 34yrs of Tulare, CA 10-7112

Soliciting prostitution

#12) Dale Garrison 59yrs of Kingsburg, CA 10-7114

Soliciting prostitution

#13) Mark Cardwell of 41yrs of Porterville, CA 10-7118

solicitin prostitution

The females wer booked at BWDF and the males at Tulare County Main Jail.

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

Suspects:

#1 - Lord, Christopher Adult

#2 - Long, Timothy Adult

#3 - Harding, Jason Adult

 On 6/12/10, at approximately 1230 hours, Detectives and Deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at a residence in the Pixley area after information was received regarding possible manufacturing and distribution of fraudulent checks.

Numerous items of evidence utilized to manufacture fraudulent checks and documents were located at the residence. Four subjects were arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges, including parole violation. The subjects were booked at Tulare County Jail.

Kenneth "Andy" Anderson has been located in the area of Lloyd Meadow at Kern River Highway near Pyles Boys Camp in Johnsondale.  A hiker located Mr. Anderson who appeared dehydrated and disoriented at the time.  Mr. Anderson was taken to Kern Valley Medical center for treatment and was reunited with his family.

Wanted Flyer and photo of suspect are available by e-mailrequest to cdouglass@co.tulare.ca.us .

UPDATE:

A suspect has been identified as Rigoberto Hernandez, also known as Rigo Herrera, age 28 from Bakersfield. Detectives are attempting to locate the suspect. Information has been provided that the incident occurred regarding a domestic dispute between the suspect, the victim and a female adult. Official cause of death pending autopsy scheduled for Monday, June 14, 2010.

PRIOR RELEASE:

On the above date and time, Deputies responded to a call of a stabbing victim at the 300 block of East Marin in Earlimart.  Upon arrival subject was transported by ambulance to Delano Hospital.  At 1359 hrs he was pronounced deceased. 

Violent Crimes and Forensic Investigations Units have been called out to investigate the case.  Additional information will be relased as investigation continues.

Anyone with information please contact Det. Joe Torres or Sgt. Gary Hunt at (559) 735-1898 or (800) 808-0488. 

On today's date, after a two week investigation, detectives with the Tulare County Sheriff's Department Sheriffs Tactical Enforcement Personnel (S.T.E.P.) Unit. Eradicated 23,625 live marijuana plants from the Lewis Creek area near Lindsay. If allowed to grow to maturity the harvest would have been worth an estimated $94,500,000

 During the operation a camp site was located in the garden area with signs of having been recently occupied. One firearm was located within the grow site.  This case is under investigation  the Tulare County Sheriff's Dept. STEP unit. Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Gabe Macias at (559)713-2990 or (800) 808-0488.

Mr. Anderson was seen at his home on 06/08/10 at approximately 1700hrs. Mr. Anderson left his home to an unknown location and has not been seen since. Mr. Anderson frequents Indian Casinos in the area. Mr. Anderson drives a 2007 Honda CRV, four doors, silver to grey in color. Mr. Anderson suffers from medical issues and is without his medication.

Anyone with information regarding Kenneth Anderson whereabout is asked to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office (800)808-0488.

A flyer is available by e-mail request to cdouglass@co.tulare.ca.us .

On 6-8-10 at approximately 0500 hours, Detectives from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Gang Violence Suppression Unit and Agents from the Department of  Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms conducted a Narcotics Search Warrant at a residence in the City of Earlimart.  
 
Upon execution of the search warrant, quantities of Methamphetamine, Cocaine and Marijuana were located along with other items consistent with the sales and distribution of Narcotics.   A 17 year old male juvenile was taken into custody and charged with Possession of Narcotics for Sales and Distribution.  The juvenile was booked at the Tulare County Juvenile Detention Facility, pending formal charges by the District Attorney’s office.

    
    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)

Persons giving information can remain anonymous.

The Tulare County Sheriff's Office is actively seeking the suspect on this case.  If anyone has information regarding the location of this subject or information regarding the case please contact the Sheriff's Office immediately.

Suspect:  Jose Fedrico Ruiz Jr. , age 23 of Woodlake.  Also know to have lived in the areas of Visalia and Orosi.  The suspect has a mole on his face under his right eye and a tattoo on his right forarm with the letters OGS.  The suspect is wanted for homicide.

On 6-5-10, 1934 hours, deputies were dispatched to a gun shot victim at a convienience store in the 15600 block of Ave 384, Seville.  Upon arrival the deputies found the victim unconsious and suffering from apparent gun shot wounds.  He died at the scene.  An autopsy will be performed by the Coroner's Unit.

Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit and Gang Unit were called in to investigate.  It was discoverd the suspect saw the victim at the store.  The suspect shot at the victim and left the scene on foot.  The incident occurred outside.  Surveillance video is being reviewed.  The incident appears to be gang related at this time.  Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Det. Joe Torres or Sgt. Gary Hunt at the Tulare County Sheriff's Department, Violent Cimes Unit at (559) 733-6211 or (800)808-0488.

Photos of the suspect will be evailable upon request by e-mail to cdouglass@co.tulare.ca.us