Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Category Archives: Irvine

Irvine YouTube twin pranksters arrested after two fake bank robberies

Posted on by Posted in Banking, Crime, Irvine, OCDA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Twin brothers who star in YouTube videos featuring pranks on unsuspecting people have been charged with false imprisonment and swatting in connection with a pair of fake bank robberies in Irvine that resulted in their Uber driver being held at gunpoint by police. The Uber driver was not involved in the prank.

Alan and Alex Stokes, 23 of Irvine, have been each charged with one felony count of false imprisonment effected by violence, menace, fraud, or deceit and one misdemeanor count of falsely reporting an emergency in connection with the October 15, 2019 pranks.

They each face a maximum sentence of four years in state prison if convicted on all counts.

On October 15, 2019, at about 2:30 p.m., the Stokes brothers are accused of being dressed all in black, wearing ski masks, and carrying duffle bags full of cash as they pretended they had just robbed a bank while their videographer filmed this.

They ordered an Uber and when they got in the vehicle the Uber driver, who was unaware of the prank, refused to drive them. A bystander witnessed this, believing the two men had just robbed a bank and were attempting to carjack the Uber driver.

Irvine police arrived and ordered the Uber driver out at gunpoint. He was released after police determined he was not involved.

Police issued a warning to the Stokes brothers about the dangerous of their conduct and let them go.

Four hours later the Stokes brothers performed the same kind of prank on the campus of the University of California, Irvine. Police again received emergency calls regarding a bank being robbed.

“These were not pranks,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “These are crimes that could have resulted in someone getting seriously injured or even killed. Law enforcement officers are sworn to protect the public and when someone calls 911 to report an active bank robbery they are going to respond to protect lives. Instead, what they found was some kind of twisted attempt to gain more popularity on the internet by unnecessarily putting members of the public and police officers in danger.”

Deputy District Attorney Laila Nikaien of Special Prosecutions is prosecuting this case. 

Burglar who targeted a medical group arrested in Irvine

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Irvine 1 Comment
Items stolen by Mitchell Starbuck

Fountain Valley, July 30 – On July 22, 2020, Fountain Valley Police Department Officers responded to Memorial Care, located in the 17900 Block of Brookhurst Street, where they took a report reference a commercial burglary.

The initial investigation revealed a male suspect, later identified as Mitchell Starbuck, a 36-year-old resident of Huntington Beach, pried a door leading to the IT Department.

Mitchell Starbuck stealing items

Once inside, Starbuck ransacked the interior and stole the following: 44 Apple iPad Pro’s, 2 Apple MacBook’s, 2 Apple iPhones, and several other electronics valued at over $50,000.

A records search revealed Starbuck was on active parole and had an outstanding no bail warrant.

On July 28, 2020, FVPD Detectives located Starbuck in the City of Irvine while driving the same vehicle used in the commission of the burglary.

During a subsequent search of the vehicle, FVPD Detectives located 32 of the stolen iPads, MacBook’s, iPhones, and several other stolen electronics all belonging to Memorial Care.

The recovered items in the vehicle were valued in excess of $41,000.

Starbuck was arrested and booked into the Orange County Jail for numerous felony charges including commercial burglary, grand theft, conspiracy, possession of stolen property, and the no bail warrant. (DR# 20-23494).

A kidnapping suspect died at the O.C. jail yesterday

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Irvine, OC Sheriff, Santa Ana 1 Comment

SANTA ANA, Ca. (July 16, 2020) –At approximately 8:40 a.m. today, an inmate housed at the Intake Release Center in Santa Ana was pronounced deceased at a local hospital. The inmate, a 50 year old man, was found unresponsive in his cell the morning of Monday July 13, 2020.  Deputies immediately rendered medical aid and called paramedics.  The inmate was transported to the hospital and was pronounced deceased today.

The inmate was booked into custody by the Irvine Police Department on June 16, 2017 for kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon.

Preliminary, there are no suspicious circumstances.  At the time of his death, the decedent was housed in a single-man cell in a medical area, and was not exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.

Per protocol, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office will investigate the in-custody death. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will conduct an in-custody death review. No additional information will be released at this time.  

A man and his dog carjacked a Caltrans truck and crashed it at John Wayne Airport

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Irvine, John Wayne Airport Leave a comment

The Irvine Police Department arrested 31-year-old Erik Baumle after he carjacked a Caltrans truck on Thursday, July 16, by tossing a large dog into the passenger seat of the vehicle, which was at the Boomer’s parking lot located off of Harvard and Michelson.

A Caltrans worker was sitting in his work vehicle when his passenger side door suddenly opened. The victim was startled to find Baumle standing at that now open truck door. The victim asked Baumle what he was doing but the suspect did not respond. Instead Baumle tossed his large dog onto the passenger seat, without any provocation.

The victim exited the vehicle at that point as he did not know if the dog was vicious and he was afraid for his personal safety.

Baumle then jumped into the truck and moved from the passenger side to the driver’s side where he took over possession of the truck. Baumle then drove out of the parking lot and onto Michelson, going due West.

At the time of the carjacking another Caltrans worker was parked in his truck next to the truck that was stolen. The victim got into that truck and together they chased after the stolen truck while they dialed 911 from a cell phone.

Irvine police officers were quickly able to locate the stolen Caltrans truck and a pursuit ensued. During the pursuit Baumle drove onto John Wayne Airport’s property and he attempted to enter a parking structure on the second floor near the departing terminals.

Due to the size of the carjacked Caltrans truck it collided with the top of the parking structure and was unable to continue forward. Baumle then put the truck in reverse and intentionally slammed it into an Irvine Police vehicle, disabling it.

Baumle eventually stopped the vehicle. However he remained in the truck for about five minutes before he finally surrendered.

Baumle was placed under arrest under charges of carjacking, theft of a vehicle and assault with a deadly weapon. This case was referred to the Orange County District Attorney’s office for eventual prosecution.

First West Nile Virus positive mosquitoes confirmed in Orange County this year

Posted on by Posted in Anaheim, Disease, Garden Grove, Irvine, Orange County, Orange County Vector Control District Leave a comment

Garden Grove, CA. The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD/District) has confirmed that mosquito samples in three cities have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). These are the first samples to test positive in the county this year. The positive mosquitoes were collected on July 7, 2020 in Cypress at Cerritos Ave and Lexington Dr, in Anaheim at E. Sycamore St. and East St. and in Garden Grove at Garden Grove Blvd and Stafford St. The District has also confirmed that one dead bird with WNV was collected in Irvine.

“West Nile virus positive mosquito samples indicates that the virus is active in Orange County and there is an increased risk for residents to become infected with WNV through a mosquito bite.” Said Robert Cummings, Director of Scientific Services.

West Nile virus is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. There are no confirmed cases of human infections currently in Orange County.

The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District staff will continue to conduct surveillance, inspections, and control measures for mosquitoes in the areas to prevent additional mosquito breeding. OCMVCD will post WNV advisory signs alerting residents of high WNV activity in the affected areas.

“It is essential for residents to do their part and take charge of their yard,” said Lora Young, Director of Communications. “The best way to protect yourself is by applying EPA-registered repellent, wearing long sleeved clothing and eliminating potential breeding sources around your property.”

To learn more about West Nile virus click here.

Mosquito control is a shared responsibility. Orange County residents need to do their part to control mosquito breeding around their properties and prevent bites. Eliminating mosquito breeding sources is critical to preventing the spread of West Nile virus. To prevent mosquito bites, take action and follow these tips:

• Dump and drain containers filled with water at least once a week
• Clean and scrub bird baths and pet water bowls weekly
• Dump water from potted plant saucers

For more information on how you can help reduce the risk of WNV in your community, visit www.ocvector.org.

The O.C. Soccer Club launches a Hispanic Advisory Board

Posted on by Posted in Irvine, Latino Leaders, Latinos, Soccer, Sports Leave a comment

In an effort to greater serve the OC Hispanic community, Orange County SC announced today, the formation of the club’s Hispanic Advisory Board. The board will be led by OCSC Front Office Staff and Fidel Gomez, Director, Corporate & Foundation Relations at the University of La Verne, and will work to better reach and serve the Hispanic community of Orange County and the surrounding areas.

“We are proud and excited to bring so many great community leaders together to help make professional soccer accessible to our Hispanic community in Orange County”, said Orange County SC President of Business Operations, Jeff Garner. “The impact of soccer in our Hispanic communities is well known and will provide excellent opportunities to bring awareness and support of critical needs for these communities.”

The Mission Statement for the Advisory Board is as follows:

As a professional sports organization, Orange County SC embraces our responsibility to unite our local communities and make an impact. Therefore, the OCSC Hispanic Advisory Board will serve as a liaison between the greater Hispanic community and the club to fulfill this responsibility. Through our partnership, OCSC will become a resource for non-profits, schools, youth organizations, and families in our local Hispanic community.

Joining Mr. Gomez and OCSC on the Hispanic Advisory Board are community leaders from throughout Orange County. The current board is comprised of members from organizations including the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the MIND Research Institute, Northgate Gonzales Markets, Wells Fargo, Tu Liga Radio 1330, the Hispanic 100, Para Todos Magazine, and City of Costa Mesa Council Member Arlis Reynolds.

Mario Rodriguez

Board members include:

“It is an exciting time for the sport of soccer in the US, and particularly for Southern California”, said Fidel Gomez, Director, Corporate & Foundation Relations at the University of La Verne. “As the world’s most popular sport, soccer has become a uniting factor and a common denominator for diverse backgrounds, languages, cultures and individuals around the world.

What a tremendous honor it is to have the opportunity to be part of the Orange County Soccer Club, an organization that strives to become one with the community it serves. I am very humbled to work alongside selfless civic leaders that are passionate about serving our communities from local to national levels. I am excited for the future of the sport and the positive impact it will create in our communities across our beloved Orange County.”

For more information on the OCSC Hispanic Advisory Board and a complete listing of members and their individual profiles click here.

All other questions and for opportunities to get involved, please contact Matthew Fonseca, matthew@orangecountysoccer.com.

ABOUT THE ORANGE COUNTY SOCCER CLUB

Orange County Soccer Club is Orange County’s only professional soccer team that is part of the United Soccer League (USL), the fastest-growing Division II professional soccer league in the world. The USL is comprised of 35 teams across the United States. The team plays its home games at the Orange County Great Park’s Championship Soccer Stadium, located in Irvine, CA. Nestled in the heart of the Great Park, Championship Soccer Stadium has a capacity of over 5,000 for Orange County SC matches. Orange County SC was one of 12 founding members of the USL during its inaugural 2011 season. The preceding club, Orange County Blues, won the 2015
Western Conference Regular Season Championship and reached the Western Conference Semi-Finals of the USL Playoffs in back-to-back seasons. Team owner and Chief Investment Officer of LARO Properties, James Keston, purchased and re-branded the team in 2017. Keston, who
actively oversees all operations of the team, is dedicated to providing a pathway to professional soccer and a world-class soccer organization that focuses on the fans, players and youth clubs of Orange County.

In December 2019, Orange County SC entered into a strategic partnership with Rangers FC from the Scottish Premier League.

For more information about Orange County Soccer Club, and to experience professional soccer in the OC, click here. For more information about the United Soccer League, click here.

Burglary suspects who targeted O.C. homes arrested in multi county sweep

Posted on by Posted in Anaheim, Crime, Irvine, OCDA, Orange County Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Five men accused of running a multi-county burglary ring responsible for stealing $1.9 million in designer watches and purses, jewelry, guns, purses, and cash in 44 residential burglaries in Orange and San Bernardino counties were arrested by SWAT teams on Friday.

The District Attorney’s AB109 Task Force, along with the Fullerton, Anaheim, and Buena Park Police Departments, the Orange Sheriff’s Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, executed simultaneous search warrants on Friday, May 15, 2020 in Los Angeles County.

Jurandir Endnilson Penate, 24, Erick Daniel Soria, 27, Alvaro Ramos, 37, Eugene Yi, 35, and Sergio Soto, 33, all of Los Angeles, were arrested in the multi-agency operation.

Felony criminal charges were filed against the five defendants Monday, May 18, 2020 in connection with the rash of burglaries that began in Chino Hills in August 2019 and continued in Fullerton, Anaheim Hills, Villa Park, Lake Forest, Yorba Linda, Buena Park, and Irvine through February. Four of the burglaries occurred when residents were home.

“This case underscores law enforcement’s resolve to effectively collaborate, across jurisdictions, to bring criminals to justice,” said Fullerton Police Chief Bob Dunn, who spoke at a Monday morning press conference at the District Attorney’s Office to announce the arrests.

Orange County Assistant Sheriff Jeff Hallock, Buena Park Police Chief Corey Sianez, Anaheim Police Chief Jorge Cisneros, Orange County District Attorney Bureau of Investigation Chief Paul Walters, and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Stephen Galloway of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives were also in attendance at Monday’s announcement.

Soria, who is currently on parole for residential burglary, is facing 83 years and 8 months in state prison if convicted on all charges. Soto, is a third striker with prior convictions for residential burglaries and assault with a deadly weapon, is facing 35 years to life in state prison if convicted on all charges. Ramos, who is currently on parole for residential burglary and evading police, is facing 125 years in state prison if convicted on all charges.

Yi, who has one prior strike for a 2005 great bodily injury conviction, is facing 19 years and 8 months in state prison if convicted on all charges. Penate is facing 55 years and 4 months in state prison if convicted on all charges.

“Ongoing efforts to decriminalize felonies and release state prisoners and jail inmates back into our communities has resulted in an increase in property crime. These are the people who are sneaking into our backyards to steal designer purses, shoes, cash, and guns,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “This case exemplifies why I started the AB109 Crime Impact Task Force last year to identify parolees who commit new crimes and assist police agencies in their investigations to get these criminals off the streets and back in prison where they belong.”

In order to support the efforts of probation which is now responsible for supervising AB109ers and to further protect the residents of Orange County, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office created a dedicated task force to identify and arrest AB 109ers who commit new crimes.

The AB 109 Crime Impact Task Force, which is housed at the Santa Ana Police Department, is made up of five District Attorney Investigators, one Santa Ana Police Officer, one Orange County Probation Officer, and an Investigative Assistant and a Research Analyst from the District Attorney’s Office.

Since July 2019, the AB 109 Task Force has arrested 128 AB109ers on new crimes, including five attempted murder suspects, four stolen car suspects, and 73 suspects arrested on felonies.

The task force has done 5,840 compliance and reporting checks on AB 109ers and revoked Post Release Community Supervision on 71 convicted felons since July 2019.

The AB 109 Task Force has located wanted subjects in other states, and coordinated their arrests and extradition back to Orange County to face charges.

Penate, Soto, Soria, Yi and Ramos are all being held on no bail at the Orange County Jail. This is an ongoing investigation.

The SAPD arrested a suspect in Irvine after a pursuit following a suspicious death

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Irvine, Santa Ana, SAPD, Seniors Leave a comment

On Saturday, February 22, 2020, at approximately 10:40 AM, SAPD Officers responded to 1203 South Baker Street for a death investigation. Officers met with a family member who located the homeowner deceased inside. Officers entered the home and located an elderly woman deceased. Orange County Fire Authority paramedics responded and confirmed the woman had died. The manner and cause of death is unknown at this time.

During the preliminary field investigation, officers canvassed the neighborhood. Based on witness statements and their observations inside the home, the officers suspected foul play. The scene supervisor requested the Santa Ana Homicide Section respond.

SAPD Homicide detectives responded and assumed the investigation. Detectives are seeking a search warrant to enter the home and recover potential items of evidentiary value. The Orange County Coroner’s Division is standing by for the warrant in order to conduct their investigation. The identity of the decedent has not been confirmed.

At approximately 1:43 PM, a possible suspect in the case approached the residence in a vehicle. When officers attempted to speak with him, the person drove away, leading officers in a slow speed vehicle pursuit. The pursuit terminated in the City of Irvine. The suspect barricaded himself in the vehicle. A K9 deployment occurred, which resulted in officers apprehending the suspect. The suspect is currently at a local trauma center receiving medical attention due to injuries sustained during his apprehension.

The investigation is ongoing.

Registration open now for OCFA’s Girls Empowerment Camp on March 7-8

Posted on by Posted in Irvine, OCFA, Santa Ana, Women 2 Comments

The Orange County Fire Authority’s Girls Empowerment Camp will take place for a second year on March 7-8.

OCFA will play host to 100 campers ages 14-18 at the free camp. Registration is now open at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/girls-empowerment-camp-registration-89898431629.

The camp introduces participants to the fire service and provides campers with a realistic, hands-on overview of firefighting. It teaches about all aspects of a fire service career, including the minimum qualifications for employment and the physical demands of the job. The program also empowers campers with life skills and professional guidance to encourage them to pursue careers in public safety.

The camp will take place from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at the OCFA Headquarters, 1 Fire Authority Road, Irvine.

The SAPD arrested two male suspects for giving drugs to minors and having sex with them

Posted on by Posted in Cochino Alert, Crime, Irvine, Santa Ana, SAPD 1 Comment

Santa Ana Police Detectives arrested two adults for giving two minors drugs and engaging in illegal sex acts with them. Isai Higinio Hernandez, a 21-year-old resident of Santa Ana, was arrested for committing lewd acts with a minor. Hernandez met both victims through Snapchat. Hernandez gave the first victim, a 14-year-old girl from Irvine, drugs before engaging in illegal sex acts with her.

At the time of Hernandez’ arrest, he was found sleeping in his vehicle with a second victim, another 14-year-old girl from Irvine and Jason Rabadan, a 20-year-old resident from Santa Ana. The second victim was a reported runaway from Irvine. Detectives discovered that Hernandez had also given her drugs and learned that Rabadan engaged in illegal sex acts with her.

Hernandez and Rabadan were booked at the Orange County Jail for multiple counts of committing lewd acts and for providing drugs to a minor. Their bail has been set at $100,000.00 each.

Santa Ana Police Department Detectives believe there may be additional victims because the suspects targeted the Irvine area and ask anyone with information to contact Detective J. Gallardo at (714) 245-8378, jgallardo@santa-ana.org or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

THE SANTA ANA POLICE DEPARTMENT WOULD LIKE TO REMIND PARENTS TO CLOSELY MONITOR THEIR CHILD’S SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVITY FOR ANY INAPPROPRIATE CONTENT.

Former Jamaican police officer, two others charged with murder of Irvine man

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Irvine, OCDA Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A former Jamaican police officer and two other men have been charged with murdering an Irvine man and seriously injuring another during a home invasion robbery in October.

Devon Quinland, 33, of Westminster, Andre Andrews, 34, of Miramar, Fla., and Omar Miller, 41, of Lauderdale, Fla., have each been charged with one felony count of murder, one felony count of conspiracy to commit a crime, and one felony count of assault with a firearm.

The three men are also charged with the special circumstances of murder committed during the commission of a robbery and murder committed during the commission of a burglary. Additionally, Andrew and Miller are charged with three felony enhancements for personal use of a firearm and inflicting great bodily injury.

Miller is a former Jamaican police officer.

All three men could be eligible for the death penalty if convicted on all charges.

On Saturday, Oct. 26, at approximately 5:45 a.m., the Irvine Police Department and Orange County Fire Authority were dispatched to a call of an injured man in a residential neighborhood in Irvine.

A man told officers that he and his roommate had been assaulted inside a home onBayleaf Lane. Officers entered the residence on Bayleaf Lane and found a second man who was suffering several gunshot wounds. Both victims were taken to a local hospital and the gunshot victim, later identified as Raymond Alcala, 20, of Irvine, was pronounced dead. The second victim survived.

Quinland was arrested by Irvine police in the City of Westminster on December 17, 2019. Irvine police, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, arrested Andrews and Miller in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on the same day. Andrews and Miller were extradited back to California on January 22, 2020.

All three defendants are being held without bail in the Orange County Jail. Quinland is scheduled to be arraigned on February 28, 2020 at the Central Justice in Department C55.

“The men and women of the Irvine Police Department worked diligently to identify the individuals responsible for committing this horrible crime and we thank our law enforcement partners in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), including the FBI Orange County Violent Crime Task Force and the FBI South Florida Violent Crime and Fugitive Task Force, for their assistance in this case,” said Irvine Police Chief Mike Hamel.

“The arrest and prosecution of these three individuals is a testament to the close working relationship the Irvine Police Department has across multiple jurisdictions and across state lines,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “It is this commitment to justice that is allowing the Orange County District Attorney’s Office to prosecute these murderers to the fullest extent of the law.”

Senior Deputy District Attorney Janine Madera of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.

L.A. man charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old Irvine girl he met online

Posted on by Posted in Cochino Alert, Crime, Irvine, OCDA Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A 22-year-old man has been charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old Irvine girl he met online, and videotaping at least one of the assaults. Investigators are asking for the public’s help in identifying other potential victims.

Angel Leonel Alonzo, 22, of Los Angeles, was arrested Thursday morning by the Irvine Police Department.

Alonzo has been charged with three felony counts of oral copulation of a victim under the age of 16, two felony counts of unlawful sexual intercourse, one felony count of sodomy of a victim under the age of 16, one felony count of sexual penetration by a foreign object of a victim under the age of 16, one felony count of using a minor in the production of child pornography, and one felony count of sending child pornography to a minor.

He has also been charged with one misdemeanor count of possession of child pornography.

Alonzo faces a maximum sentence of 11 years, six months if convicted on all charges.

He is currently being held at the Orange County Jail on $100,000 bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday, September 23, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. in CJ1.

“The internet provides predators with unfettered access to children who they can select and groom in order to abuse them,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “As parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors, we must do everything we can to educate our children about the dangers of the internet and prevent them from becoming victimized. And as law enforcement, we will hold these predators accountable.”

“The Irvine Police Department aggressively investigates crimes perpetrated against children and we are committed to safeguarding these vulnerable members of our community,” said Irvine Police Chief Mike Hamel.

Detectives are asking for anyone with information regarding other potential victims to contact the Irvine Police Detective Jameson Roberts at (949) 724-7170.

Deputy District Attorney Sarah Rahman of the Sexual Assault Unit is prosecuting this case.

Irvine burglary suspect now arrested for a double slaying in Newport Beach

Posted on by Posted in Costa Mesa, Crime, Irvine, Newport Beach, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Press Release – Double Homicide Suspect Arrested

On April 25, 2019, the Newport Beach Police Department arrested Jamon Rayon Buggs, a 44 year old resident of Huntington Beach, for the murder of Darren Donald Partch, a 38 year old resident of Newport Beach, and Wendi Sue Miller, a 48 year old resident of Costa Mesa.

The victims were found deceased inside a residence in the 2100 Block of East 15th Street in Newport Beach on the evening of April 21, 2019. At the time of his arrest, Jamon Rayon Buggs was in custody at the Orange County Jail in connection with unrelated charges stemming from an arrest by the Irvine Police Department. Jamon Rayon Buggs is currently being held on a $1,000,000 bail pending double murder charges.

This is an open and ongoing investigation and no additional details are available at this time. Please see the attached booking photo of Jamon Rayon Buggs from the Irvine Police Department. Anyone with information regarding this case or with information on the recent activities and whereabouts of Jamon Rayon Buggs prior to his arrest should contact Detective Rick Henry at 949-644-3797.

The Newport Beach Police Department would like to thank our law enforcement partners, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Orange County Crime Lab, Irvine Police Department, Laguna Beach Police Department, Costa Mesa Police Department, Santa Ana Police Department, and Anaheim Police Department for their assistance with this investigation.

Costa Mesa Basketball Coach arrested for unlawful sex with minors in four cases from 2009

Posted on by Posted in Cochino Alert, Costa Mesa, Crime, Irvine, Santa Ana, Sports Leave a comment

Irvine, Calif. – A former basketball coach has been arrested after four victims came forward to report sexual incidents that occurred in 2009, when the victims were between 11 and 14 years of age. Carlos Juarez, 44, was arrested Thursday, April 11, outside his home on the 1300 block of Adams Avenue in Costa Mesa.

Juarez met the victims, who do not know each other, when all were in elementary school. Irvine Police Department Detectives believe that Juarez groomed the victims from a young age, with the incidents beginning years after his first contact with them. Juarez met the girls through his work as a basketball coach for a club team. The Irvine Police Department, Costa Mesa Police Department, Tustin Police Department and OC Sheriff’s Department are involved in the cases related to the four victims. Costa Mesa police arrested Juarez on a $100,000 warrant obtained by the Irvine Police Department. He was subsequently transferred to Orange County Jail.

Investigators believe there are more victims in this case. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective John Sanders at 949-724-7233 or jsanders@cityofirvine.org.

A Santa Ana man got 50 years to life in prison for killing a man over a bike

Posted on by Posted in Bicycles, Crime, Irvine, OCDA, Santa Ana Leave a comment
Jacob Michael Margo

Jacob Michael Margo, 24, a Santa Ana resident, was sentenced on Friday to 50 years to life in prison for killing Octavio Jesus Alcala, a 19-year-old man, at an Irvine construction site – because he thought the victim stole his bike, according to the O.C. Register.

Margo was convicted in October of first-degree murder as well as a sentencing enhancement for using a gun to commit murder.

The shooting occurred at a construction site near Wolf Trail and Orchard Hills, in Irvine. Margo lured Alcala to that site, according to the OCDA. Construction employees found Alcala’s body on June 5, 2015, as they were arriving at work.

The prosecutor told the jury that Margo had told one of his friends that he “was going to shoot the guy who stole his bike.”

Margo allegedly savagely beat Alcala before finally shooting him, according to the prosecutor. Police investigators found Margo’s DNA on a rock at the scene of the crime.

Margo’s defense attorney argued that the killing was a “strangulation” done in the “heat of the moment” but the prosecutor countered by saying that Margo chose the construction site because it was remote and not close to residences. He then dumped the gun and ammo in the nearby ocean, at Laguna Beach.

Margo also told the jury that only wanted Alcala to “walk home” and he did not intend to hurt him.

The prosecutor also alleged that Alala’s body was a bloody mess when he was found and that Margo clearly had the upper hand during the entire altercation. Margo was in fact seen after the killing with hardly a scratch on his body.

Margo also had to explain to the jury why he went to Mexico two days after the murder. He said he went there to “get away” not because of the case and the resulting publicity.