New Santa Ana | Category Archives: OC Sheriff

Man arrested for using a drone to try to smuggle drugs into the Theo Lacy Jail

Posted on September 16, 2021 by Editor Posted in Costa Mesa, Drugs, Guns, OC Sheriff, Orange, Orange County Leave a comment

ORANGE, Ca. (Sept. 16, 2021) The Custody Intelligence Unit (CIU) on Tuesday, Sept. 14, arrested a man suspected of using a drone in an attempt to smuggle drugs into the Theo Lacy Facility in Orange.

CIU investigators were advised of a drone carrying narcotics that landed in an outdoor recreation area of the jail. The drone was carrying 2 grams of heroin, 4 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 15 Xanax pills and approximately 15 muscle relaxers.

Through their investigation, the CIU identified a possible suspect in the city of Costa Mesa and obtained a search warrant for the man’s residence. During their search, investigators confiscated numerous illegal firearms, fentanyl and a controller determined to pair with the drone that landed at Theo Lacy.

The suspect also was found to be in possession of a stolen vehicle and had been renting his residence using fraudulent identification. Investigators also recovered materials determined to be associated with identify theft and fraudulent criminal activity in the man’s residence.

Chey Cody Smart, 43, of Costa Mesa was arrested on suspicion of multiple felony drug and firearms charges, along with grand theft. He was booked into the Orange County Jail on Sept. 14. It also was determined Smart had a warrant for his arrest issued by Mendocino County, California for felony weapons charges.

“The Custody Intelligence Unit is extremely proactive in intercepting narcotics attempting to come into our jails,” said Sheriff-Coroner Don Barnes. “They have adopted an investigative strategy that includes locating the outside entities attempting to bring narcotics into our facilities, and this case is a great example of that work. We will continue to stay diligent in keeping those entrusted to our custody and care safe, and we will hold accountable those who attempt to threaten that safety.”

Review of the OC Sheriff’s Department use-of force policies finds them to be dangerous and poorly conceived

Posted on August 25, 2021 by Editor Posted in Crime, Don Barnes, OC Sheriff, Orange County, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

(Santa Ana, CA) — The Orange County Office of Independent Review (OIR), a government oversight body charged with ensuring transparency and accountability across five justice-related agencies, issued a public report on August 25, 2021 detailing its months-long investigation of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s (OCSD) force policies and practices.

The report describes the investigation, its findings, and related recommendations. The OIR found that:

OCSD policies do not provide enough information on de-escalation and other critical areas, including the use of lethal force. Policies also allow avoidable high-risk force practices, including what OCSD calls “alternative” force – which are force techniques OCSD does not address in its policies or cover in its training. This may result in deputies using prohibited force or using force in a manner divorced from policy constraints and training. These vulnerabilities increase risk for the public.
OCSD training on force and crisis intervention revealed troubling cultural currents that may contribute to undesirable deputy conduct, including bias against individuals with mental health needs. One instructor teaching a crisis intervention course presented a slide with three photographs and the caption: “Danger to Others? Why do all mass shooters look like mass shooters?” The instructor’s presentation and comments, along with others observed by the OIR in other courses, suggest that deputies can determine whether an individual is a threat based on appearance.
OCSD’s force-reporting and review practices make it difficult to fully understand how well OCSD is managing the use of force by its deputies. Force reports often lacked necessary detail and the supervisory reviews that followed were, at times, deficient – leading to failures to refer potential misuse of force to its Internal Affairs team. The OIR also identified a frequent practice of late reports. Twenty one percent (21%) of use-of-force packets reviewed from 2020 included at least one late force report. One was filed 41 days after the force incident took place.

“The OIR’s investigation and report represent the realized promise of zealous and independent oversight of the county’s criminal justice system,” said Executive Director Sergio Perez. “If addressed through changes in policy and practices, the issues identified by my office will help secure more just and effective policing services for the people of Orange County.”

The report includes recommendations intended to improve OCSD policy and practices. Those recommendations touch on improvements to policy, better vetting and monitoring of trainers, and changes to the way force is reviewed, among other things. The report is available on the OIR’s website.

An inmate at the O.C. Lacy Facility died of a suspected drug overdose

Posted on August 22, 2021 by Editor Posted in Crime, Drugs, OC Sheriff, Orange County Leave a comment

A 25-year-old male inmate housed at the Theo Lacy Facility in Orange died on August 20, 2021 of a suspected overdose.

The inmate was booked into jail in June 2021 on a probation violation. He was found unresponsive on his bed in dormitory housing this morning. Medical attention was provided and the inmate was transferred to a local hospital. He was pronounced deceased at the hospital just after 11 a.m. Preliminarily, there are no suspicious circumstances.

The identification of the decedent is being withheld pending the notification of next of kin.

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.

Suspect in violent carjacking of elderly O.C. couple extradited from Florida

Posted on August 17, 2021 by Editor Posted in Crime, OC Sheriff, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A man suspected in a violent carjacking of an elderly couple in Lake Forest last year has been extradited from Florida to face felony charges. One of the victims was slashed in the neck with a box cutter during the attack.

Michael John Wood, 42, of Jensen Beach, Florida, was arrested on June 25 and extradited to Orange County.

Wood has been charged with two felony counts of carjacking, two felony counts of inflicting injury on an elder adult, one felony count of second-degree robbery, and two felony enhancements for the personal use of a deadly weapon.

He faces a maximum sentence of 14 years and 8 months. He is currently being held at the Central Men’s Jail on $1 million bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on August 26, 2021 at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach in Department H9.

On December 20, 2020, an elderly couple was unloading groceries from their car in the city of Lake Forest when someone in a mask attacked them. The woman was pushed to the ground and the man was slashed by a box cutter. Their attacker then stole the victim’s vehicle and wallet.

Lake Forest Police Services responded to provide aid to the victims and conduct an area search for the vehicle. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the Orange County Crime Lab responded to conduct interviews and collect evidence.

On December 31, 2020, the couple’s stolen vehicle was located and evidence was collected by patrol deputies. Based on DNA samples collected by the Orange County Crime Lab from one of the victim’s neck, along with items found inside the car, Wood was identified as a possible suspect.

Sheriff’s Investigations worked with the South Directed Enforcement Team who located the suspect in Florida. Further investigation discovered Wood resided in Lake Forest during the time of the incident. An arrest warrant was issued for Wood based on the combined efforts of the patrol deputies, Investigations, the Orange County Crime Lab, and the South Directed Enforcement Team. With the assistance of the United States Marshall’s Office, Wood was taken into custody in Florida on June 25 and recently extradited to Orange County by OCSD personnel. Wood was booked into Orange County Jail on July 20.

“It was a tireless effort to track this suspect across the country and work with our local and federal partners to take a dangerous criminal off the streets,” Sheriff Don Barnes said. “The impressive work by our patrol deputies, investigators, Directed Enforcement Team, and personnel from the Orange County Crime Lab highlights our vigilance and dedication to bringing criminals to justice.”

“This was a violent crime committed on two unsuspecting elderly residents who were just unloading groceries at their home,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “The Orange County District Attorney’s Office and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department refuse to let violent criminals prey on innocent victims. Technology and teamwork combined to identify and track down this individual and bring him back to Orange County to be held accountable.”

Deputy District Attorney Michael Bardeen of the Science and Technology Unit is prosecuting this case.

$195k settlement reached in suit against an off-duty O.C. Deputy who drew a gun on a teen at a Skate Park

Posted on July 15, 2021 by Editor Posted in Lawyers, OC Sheriff, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, CA – Following a high-profile incident where an off-duty officer pulled his gun on a teen at a skate park, attorneys Eric Traut and Connor Traut have reached a settlement of $195k agreed to at the July 13 Orange County Board of Supervisors closed session in Santa Ana.

The Deputy’s conflict with the teen in 2019 at Ralphs Skate Court in San Clemente was caught on video.

The original complaint was against a Sherriff’s Deputy, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the County of Orange for negligence, assault, civil rights violations and emotional distress. [Filing: https://www.dropbox.com/s/1zgnzji6dyoi3y8/Chance%20Complaint.pdf?dl=0]

Says Eric Traut of the agreement, “The family is pleased that this chapter in their son’s life has come to an end and that some justice was served.”

Having tried over 100 civil jury trials, attorney Eric Traut successfully represents people who have been personally injured by violence and threats of violence. He served as one of the attorneys representing the families of victims of the infamous “Seal Beach Shootings” in 2011 committed by Scott DeKraai.

ABOUT ERIC V. TRAUT: Eric Traut distinguished himself early as one of the top trial attorneys in Southern California when he was recognized as the youngest winner of the prestigious Trial Lawyer of the Year award in the history of the Orange County Trial Lawyer Association. Eric has handled high-profile cases that have resulted in appearances on Good Morning America, Fox News, Court T.V., and ABC’s “Primetime.”

ABOUT CONNOR J. TRAUT: Connor Traut is a personal injury attorney with Traut Firm who currently serves as a mayor of a local city. He previously worked as a mediator and judicial law clerk with the Superior Court of California.

ABOUT TRAUT FIRM: Partners of Traut Firm have litigated cases for a combined 70 years, serving as plaintiff’s attorneys primarily in areas of personal injury, wrongful death, vehicle accidents, assaults, and animal attacks. http://trautfirm.com

In-custody death of an inmate at the Theo Lacy Facility

Posted on July 2, 2021 by Editor Posted in OC Sheriff Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Ca. (July 2, 2021) – A 39-year-old male inmate housed at the Theo Lacy Facility in Orange died Thursday evening at a local hospital. The death is not believed to be related to the Covid-19 pandemic and the investigation is ongoing.

The inmate was booked into Orange County jail in June 2021 by the Sheriff’s Department on suspicion of cruelty to a child. He was located in his cell unresponsive around 11 a.m. on June 24, 2021 and deputies performed lifesaving measures. He was subsequently transferred to the hospital, where he remained until his death.

Preliminarily, there does not appear to be any suspicious circumstances.

A Santa Ana man died at the O.C. Intake Release Center of a suspected suicide

Posted on June 1, 2021 by Editor Posted in Costa Mesa, Crime, OC Sheriff, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Ca. (June 1, 2021) –A 32-year-old male inmate housed at the Intake Release Center in Santa Ana died the evening of May 30, 2021 of a suspected suicide.

The inmate, Robert Martin of Santa Ana, was booked into jail in May 2021 by the Costa Mesa Police Department on suspicion of attempted murder, domestic violence, cruelty to a child, false imprisonment and a probation violation. He was located in his cell around 7 p.m. and deputies and medical staff attempted lifesaving measures. The inmate was pronounced deceased by the Orange County Fire Authority at approximately 7:45 p.m.

A woman who lost her baby while at the OC Jail will get a $1.5 M settlement

Posted on April 28, 2021 by Editor Posted in Crime, OC Sheriff, OCDA, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The O.C. Supervisors agreed to pay a $1.5M settlement with Ciera Stoetling, a woman who lost a baby when it was born while she was in custody at the Orange County Jail. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office in June concluded there was no wrongdoing involved in the death of Stoelting’s baby.

Stoetling was jailed on May 12, 2018, when she lost her baby. She alleged in a Federal lawsuit that she told the jail officials that she was pregnant and was having contractions on May 11, 2018. She pressed an emergency button for help and no one responded to her plea.

A jail nurse then allegedly refused to have Stoetling to a hospital because of a “lack of staff.” Instead Stoetling was taken to a jail infirmary and, amazingly, was told to drink eight cups of water a day on a Saturday and that she could finally see a doctor by Monday. That Sunday was Mother’s Day.

That advice proved deadly as Stoetling ended up giving birth to the baby as she was sitting on the toilet in her cell. The baby died at childbirth.

Stoetling’s lawsuit will be dismissed after she approves the settlement.

DUI driver arrested in Santa Ana after a police pursuit and a collision

Posted on April 25, 2021 by Editor Posted in Alcohol, Crime, OC Sheriff, Orange, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

On Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 8:22 PM, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the Orange Police Department were in pursuit of a white pick-up truck. During the pursuit, a collision occurred between the truck and a van at 2300 N. Tustin Avenue.

Orange County Fire Authority personnel responded and began to treat the occupants of both vehicles. The occupants of the van were transported to an area hospital with major injuries.

The preliminary investigation has revealed the truck was being pursued south on Tustin Ave approaching Santa Clara Ave. The van was traveling west on Santa Clara Ave at Tustin Ave. As the van proceeded into the intersection on a green traffic signal, it was struck by the truck.

The driver of the truck was arrested at the scene for felony DUI and evading by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

The Santa Ana Police Department’s Collision Investigations Unit (CIU) is handling the investigation. Anyone possibly having information about this collision is asked to contact Cpl. W. Hadley at (714) 245-8216 or the Santa Ana Police Department’s Traffic Division at (714) 245-8200.

Suspected assault of an OC Jail inmate by a Deputy under investigation

Posted on April 21, 2021 by Editor Posted in Crime, OC Sheriff, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Ca. (April 21, 2021): Today, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department submitted a case to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office regarding a deputy suspected of assaulting an inmate in the Orange County Jail.

On Thursday April 1, 2021, a deputy working in the mental health-housing module at the Intake Release Center was serving an inmate with a disciplinary notice for a jail rule violation. The deputy requested the inmate sign the notice through the cell door hatch. The inmate refused to sign the notice and instead, extended his arms through the open hatch on the door. The inmate refused to bring his arms back inside the cell, preventing the deputy from securing the hatch. The deputy left and returned a short time later with two other deputies so they could assist in gaining voluntary compliance from the inmate.

The deputies approached the inmate and again requested his compliance to bring his hands back inside the cell. When the inmate refused, a deputy is suspected of throwing hot water on the inmate’s arm. During a later security check, the inmate told another deputy that he was injured from the incident and requested medical assistance. The inmate had visible injuries and was provided medical attention.

The following day, on April 2, three deputies from the Intake Release Center were placed on administrative leave. An internal criminal investigation was immediately launched, and led to the case submitted today to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

“I am absolutely intolerant of this behavior,” said Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes. “Deputies working in the Orange County Jail are responsible for providing care and safety for the inmates in our custody, not causing harm or injury. Unfortunately, the actions of one can reflect on the many, but I want to make it clear that this is not indicative of the conduct of deputies inside the Orange County Jail. I have reiterated to our personnel that anything that even resembles this type of inexcusable behavior will not be allowed, and that anyone who goes beyond their training and Department policy will be held fully accountable. We have completed a criminal investigation and submitted it to the District Attorney’s Office for a prosecutorial decision. It is my expectation that the District Attorney will review this case in a timely manner to determine if charges are warranted.”

The Department will continue its internal affairs investigation to determine whether policy violations were committed, which is a separate process from the criminal investigation. The names of the three deputies are not being released at this time due to protections provided under state law.

Man convicted of escaping from the O.C. Jail and kidnapping a cab driver

Posted on April 12, 2021 by Editor Posted in Crime, OC Sheriff, OCDA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. – The first of three inmates charged with carrying out an elaborate escape from the Orange County Men’s Central Jail along with two other inmates in 2016 has been convicted of the escape and kidnapping of a 72-year-old cab driver to help aid in the escape. The three escaped inmates were the targets of a statewide manhunt that lasted more than a week.

Bac Tien Duong, 48, was convicted by a jury of one felony count of escape by a prisoner and one felony count of kidnapping. The jury failed to reach a verdict on one felony count of taking of a vehicle.

He faces a maximum sentence of eight years and eight months in state prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 14, 2021.

On January 22, 2016, Duong is accused of escaping from the Orange County Men’s Central Jail along with inmates Hossein Nayeri and Jonathan Tieu after spending several weeks cutting through jail vents in order to access the jail’s plumbing tunnels and climb up on the jail’s roof.

Duong and the other two inmates are accused of using jail sheets to rappel down the side of the jail. Later that day, Duong called an unlicensed taxi service he located in a Vietnamese-language periodical, and 72-year-old Long Ma arrived to drive the three escapees to various points in Orange County and Rosemead. At various points, Duong held the cab driver at gunpoint.

Over the next few days, the three escapees and the abducted cab driver drove to various locations around California, ending up in San Jose.

On January 29, 2016, Duong drove with Ma back to Southern California. Duong arranged to turn himself in at a Santa Ana auto shop and after dropping Duong off at the auto shop, Ma drove away.

Nayeri and Tieu were captured in San Francisco the next day after a man recognized the two escapees from media reports. Then -Orange County Supervisor Todd Spitzer presented Matthew Hay-Chapman with a $100,000 reward for providing the information that led to the capture of Nayeri and Tieu.

When he escaped, Duong was facing charges for attempted murder with a 25-life gun-use enhancement, assault with a firearm, first-degree burglary, and discharging a firearm at an inhabited dwelling. His trial is still pending on those charges.

Nayeri was sentenced in October to two consecutive terms of life without the possibility of parole along with another seven years to life for kidnapping and torturing a marijuana dispensary owner. After the commission of those crimes in October of 2012, Nayeri fled to the country of Iran, before traveling to the Czech Republic where he was arrested and extradited to the United States.

Nayeri and Tieu are still awaiting trial on the jail escape.

Deputy District Attorney Jake Jondle of Special Prosecutions is prosecuting this case.

The OC Sheriff arrested a suspect in a string of bank robbers in four counties

Posted on April 2, 2021 by Editor Posted in Banking, Crime, OC Sheriff, Orange County Leave a comment

ALISO VIEJO, Ca. (April 2, 2021) – Sheriff’s Department investigators arrested a man suspected of a series of recent bank robberies across Southern California.

At approximately 2:40 p.m. on March 10, 2021 a male suspect committed a bank robbery in the 26000 block of Aliso Creek Road in the city of Aliso Viejo.

Upon investigation, it was determined the suspect was involved in a series of bank robberies in February 2021 and March 2021 in Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura and San Diego counties. The suspect targeted banks in grocery stores. He would pass his cell phone to the teller, which contained a note demanding money and indicating the suspect was armed.

Orange County Sheriff’s investigators wrote multiple search warrants and their work led to identification of the suspect. Kyle Marquise Adlam, 24, was arrested and booked into Orange County Jail on Wednesday, March 31, on suspicion of robbery.

Traffic stop leads to a large drug bust in Irvine

Posted on April 2, 2021 by Editor Posted in Drugs, Irvine, OC Sheriff Leave a comment

O.C. Sheriff narcotics investigators seized thousands of illicit pills, drugs, guns and cash after a traffic stop in South Orange County.

At about 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the city of Irvine, which resulted in the discovery of illicit pills stamped as known prescription medication. Investigators collected 40,000 counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine and 10,000 counterfeit Xanax pills containing fentanyl.

The roadside seizure led to the issuance of a warrant to search the suspect’s Irvine residence where investigators collected additional substances including two pounds of the hallucinogenic psilocybin, 29 grams of cocaine, and 800 THC vape cartridges. An additional 6,515 pills of illicit Adderall containing methamphetamine and 10,100 illicit Xanax pills containing fentanyl also were found at the residence, along with two handguns, one assault rifle, and about $124,000 in cash.

The 24-year-old man was booked into Orange County Jail on suspicion of felony possession of narcotics for sale, felony transport of narcotics for sale, and felony possession of controlled substances for sale.

Limited visiting at the OC Jails resumes

Posted on March 30, 2021 by Editor Posted in Crime, OC Sheriff, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Ca.: The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has resumed limited visiting at the Orange County jails, as of Friday, March 26.

Due to successful COVID-19 mitigation efforts in the jails and the County of Orange being designated as a “red tier” county, the Sheriff’s Department has established visiting protocols keeping the safety of those in custody, Department personnel, and visitors a top priority.

“We understand the value of visitation and know those in our custody and their loved ones have been impacted over the last year as we navigated the challenges of COVID-19,” said Sheriff-Coroner Don Barnes. “We look forward to reinstating visiting in a way that is safe for all.”

The Sheriff’s Department temporarily suspended visiting in March 2020 based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and in consideration of the Sheriff’s Department’s COVID-19 prevention efforts.

Over the last year, the Department routinely assessed the feasibility of safely reintroducing visiting days. With COVID-19 considerations in place, inmates will now be able to schedule one visit a month.

The Sheriff’s Department will continue to reassess procedures to determine further expanding visiting practices.

VISITING PROCEDURES

Visiting at all facilities is by appointment only. No walk-ups will be accepted. Members of the public wishing to visit an inmate must call and make an appointment at the facility the inmate is housed at currently. The phone numbers to schedule a visit at each facility are listed below.

Newly booked inmates under mandatory 14-day quarantine and those housed in medical isolation or quarantine will not be eligible for visitation.

When calling to schedule, it is recommended to have the booking number of the inmate you wish to visit. Booking numbers can be searched through the online database link here: Inmate Information. Visitors should be prepared to provide a contact phone number in case of housing changes or other incidents occur that may affect the visit.

Two adults and two minors will be permitted to visit any one inmate.

All facilities will require face coverings and have screening procedures in place. Face coverings will not be provided. Non-compliance will result in denial of a visit.

SCHEDULING A VISIT

To schedule a visit, call the facility of the inmate you wish to visit from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Visiting hours are Friday-Monday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Para hacer una cita para visitar, llame de Lunes a Viernes de las 8am – 5pm.

Intake Release Center- 550 North Flower Street, Santa Ana CA 92703

· IRC Scheduling number: 714-647-6050

· Visitors with a scheduled appointment will line up outside the Intake Release Center lobby and maintain physical distance

· The IRC lobby will be limited capacity for those with ADA considerations

· More information: IRC Visiting

Central Jail Complex- 550 North Flower Street, Santa Ana CA 92703

· Central Jail Scheduling number: 714-647-4543

· Visitors with a scheduled appointment will line up outside the Intake Release Center lobby and maintain physical distance

· The IRC lobby will be limited capacity for those with ADA considerations

· More information: Central Jails Visiting

Theo Lacy Facility- 501 The City Dr. S, Orange, CA 92868

· Theo Lacy Facility Scheduling number: 714-935-6202

· Appointments must be made 24-72 hours in advance

· Visitors with a scheduled appointment will line up outside the lobby and maintain physical distance

· The Theo Lacy Facility lobby will be limited capacity for those with ADA considerations

· More information: Theo Lacy Visiting

An O.C. inmate died after a suspected suicide

Posted on March 15, 2021 by Editor Posted in OC Sheriff, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Ca. (March 15, 2021) – A 41-year-old male inmate housed at the Intake Release Center in Santa Ana died yesterday evening at approximately 7:45 p.m. of a suspected suicide.

The man was booked into the Orange County Jail by the Cypress Police Department on Aug. 18, 2020, on multiple charges including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and mayhem.

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.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will continue to evaluate protocols and procedures to ensure the highest level of care is provided to those in custody.

No additional information will be released at this time.