New Santa Ana | Tag Archives: orange county sheriff

Deputy Sheriff from Santa Ana charged with illegally viewing criminal histories

Posted on August 8, 2016 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OCDA, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 16CM07158

Date: August 8, 2016

OCSD DEPUTY CHARGED WITH UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT DATABASE TO VIEW CRIMINAL HISTORIES

SANTA ANA, Calif. – An Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) deputy has been charged with unauthorized access of a law enforcement database to view criminal histories. Angel Lora Guerrero, 57, Santa Ana, is charged with two misdemeanor counts of receiving unauthorized privileged information. If convicted, Guerrero faces a maximum sentence of one year in county jail. The defendant is scheduled to be arraigned Sept. 6, 2016, at 8:30 a.m. in Department C-54, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

At the time of the crimes, Guerrero was employed as an OCSD deputy for approximately 16 years. Continue reading→

Three dangerous inmates escaped from the O.C. Central Men’s Jail on Friday

Posted on January 23, 2016 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Orange County, Santa Ana 6 Comments

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org; Carrie Braun, 714.647.1848, CBraun@ocsd.org

SPECIAL BULLETIN: JAIL ESCAPE

SANTA ANA, Calif. (January 23, 2016) – On Friday, January 22, 2016, inmates NAYERI, Hossein, 37, TIEU, Jonathan, 20, and DUONG, Bac, 43, were discovered unaccounted for at the Orange County Central Men’s Jail. An immediate search was conducted of the Central Jail Complex and adjacent Civic Center area of Santa Ana; however, all indications are that the inmates escaped the jail and have fled the area. Based on the preliminary investigation, the inmates were last confirmed to be seen during the morning hours of Friday, January 22, 2016. Continue reading→

Toxicology results show that Erica Alonso had a lethal dose of GHB and alcohol in her system

Posted on July 22, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Drugs, Orange County 1 Comment

Erica Alonso pic

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org; Emily Osterberg, 714.647.1840, EOsterberg@ocsd.org

Erica Alonso Death Investigation

UPDATE: Toxicology Results & Cause of Death

SANTA ANA, Calif. – (July 22, 2015) – On Tuesday, July 21, 2015, Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigators obtained results of toxicology tests performed on Erica Alonso, 28, Laguna Hills. The results indicate Ms. Alonso had varying levels of alcohol and Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in her system at the time of her death.

Based on the Ms. Alonso’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .22 and the amount of GHB found in her system, the Coroner Division has determined the combination and amounts were lethal. The Coroner Division has determined the cause of death to be an overdose; however, the manner remains undetermined. Continue reading→

Former Santa Ana High School teacher arrested for child molestation and pornography

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Education, Orange County, Santa Ana 9 Comments

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org; Emily Osterberg, 714.647.1840, EOsterberg@ocsd.org

Dana Hills High School Teacher Arrested for Child Molestation and Pornography

DANA POINT, Calif. – (May 4, 2015) – On Monday, May 04, 2015, Ezequiel Barragan, 48, Aliso Viejo, was arrested following allegations of child molestation and possession of child pornography. (Editor’s Note – Barragan reportedly was a teacher at Santa Ana High School where he also was a varsity baseball coach).

On Monday, May 04, 2015, the Orange County Child Exploitation Task Force (OCCETF) was notified by a United States Postal Service (USPS) agent regarding an ongoing child pornography investigation. Barragan has been the target of a USPS investigation resulting in discovery of information that he also engaged in sexual relations with a male juvenile over the last two years. Today’s investigation has included interviews, search warrants and review of evidence obtained by investigators. Continue reading→

OC Sheriff’s Department’s 27th Annual Medal of Valor Ceremony set for 4/23

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in irvine, Orange County, Public Safety, Sandra Hutchens Leave a comment

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042,JHallock@ocsd.org; Emily Osterberg, 714.647.1840, EOsterberg@ocsd.org

OC Sheriff’s Department’s 27th Annual Medal of Valor Ceremony

WHAT: The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will honor 37 of their own at the 27th Annual Medal of Valor Luncheon and Ceremony. This signature event recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of the men and women of the Sheriff’s Department. The deputies and employees who will be honored have demonstrated exceptional Courage, Merit and Lifesaving. The event is underwritten and hosted by the Sheriff’s Advisory Council. Continue reading→

They found Erica Alonso’s car but she is still missing!

Posted on March 25, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Orange County Leave a comment

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org; Emily Osterberg, 714.647.1840, EOsterberg@ocsd.org

Vehicle Belonging to Missing Person Located

SANTA ANA, Calif. – (March 25, 2015) – On Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at approximately 2:00 p.m., Orange County Sheriff’s deputies located a white 2014 Honda Civic EX, California license plate #7FSS563 in the area of Cedarbrook and Redwood, Aliso Viejo in the Glenwood Park neighborhood. The vehicle belongs to Erica Alonso, 27, Laguna Hills, a reported missing person since Sunday, February 15, 2015.

Alonso was reported missing by her family after she was last seen leaving her boyfriend’s house in the city of Irvine. Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigators have been actively pursuing leads and information since the report of Alonso’s disappearance. Continue reading→

Man charged with attempted murder after he repeatedly stabbed a female jogger

Posted on March 23, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OCDA, Orange County Leave a comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 12WF2895

Date: March 23, 2015

MAN TO FACE TRIAL FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER OF FEMALE JOGGER BY STABBING HER MULTIPLE TIMES

WESTMINSTER – A man is expected to face trial tomorrow for the attempted murder of a female jogger by stabbing her multiple times. James Anthony Rivas, 20, Rossmoor, is charged with one felony count each of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and mayhem, with sentencing enhancements for premeditation and deliberation for the attempted murder, great bodily injury and personal use of a deadly weapon. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 11 yearsto lifein state prison. Opening statements are expected to begin tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 in Department W-9, West Justice Center, Westminster. The time is to be determined.

At approximately 9:00 p.m. on Oct. 23, 2012, Rivas, then 18 years old, is accused of approaching 27-year-old Jane Doe, who was jogging through a residential neighborhood in Rossmoor. Continue reading→

Four dine and dash suspects arrested after running over a waitress

Posted on March 23, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Crime, Restaurants, Stanton Leave a comment

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org; Emily Osterberg, 714.647.1840, EOsterberg@ocsd.org

Suspects Arrested Following Assault on Waitress with Vehicle

ANAHEIM, Calif. – (March 23, 2015) – On Monday, March 23, 2015, Orange County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Rowshaid Pellum, 24, Cerritos; Markeisha Williams, 18, Long Beach; Shyteice Miles, 19, Long Beach and Santeea Ralph, 23, Long Beach; in connection with an assault that occurred at the Mexico Lindo Restaurant in the 10900 block of Magnolia Avenue in unincorporated Anaheim.

On Sunday, March 22, 2015, Sheriff’s deputies responded to the Mexico Lindo Restaurant after a victim reported being struck in the parking lot by a black Volkswagen sedan. The victim, a waitress at the restaurant, reported that she walked into the parking lot to confront four patrons who left without paying their bill. As she attempted to contact the patrons in their vehicle, they drove away striking the victim and knocking her to the ground. Continue reading→

High school coach arrested for sexual misconduct with students

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Fullerton, Villa Park Leave a comment

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org; Emily Osterberg, 714.647.1840, EOsterberg@ocsd.org

Villa Park High School Coach Arrested for Sexual Misconduct with Students

SANTA ANA, Calif. – (February 26, 2015) – On Wednesday, February 25, 2015, Orange County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Unit (SVU) investigators arrested Dwayne Jordan Richardson, 19, Fullerton, following allegations he engaged in sexual misconduct with two female minor high school students. Richardson is a “walk-on” girls’ basketball coach at Villa Park High School and does not teach at the school.

On Thursday, February 25, 2015, the Villa Park High School Resource Officer obtained information about the alleged sexual misconduct. The Sheriff’s Department’s SVU responded and assumed responsibility for the investigation. Following the preliminary investigation, it is believed Richardson engaged in sexual misconduct with a female minor student who attends Villa Park High School and a student at El Dorado High School in the city of Placentia. Based on information obtained during the investigation, investigators suspect Richardson has engaged in sexual misconduct with at least one of the minor students since June 2014. Continue reading→

Investigators seeking additional victims after arrest of sexual assault suspect

Posted on February 24, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Orange County Leave a comment

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org; Emily Osterberg, 714.647.1840, EOsterberg@ocsd.org

Investigators Seeking Additional Victims Following Arrest

LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif. – (February 24, 2015) – On Thursday, February 19, 2015, Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigators arrested Raymond Newton Baker, 72, Laguna Niguel, following a three week investigation into allegations he sexually assaulted a victim under the guise he was training her to use a medical device. Continue reading→

Recovered body identified as missing Laguna Beach swimmer

Posted on February 19, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Beaches, Orange County Leave a comment

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org; Emily Osterberg, 714.647.1840, EOsterberg@ocsd.org

Recovered Body Identified as Missing Laguna Beach Swimmer

SANTA ANA, Calif. – (February 19, 2015) – On Wednesday, February 18, 2015, a body was discovered near the rocks at Shell Beach, in the area of Monarch/Three Arch Bay. The body has been positively identified as Anthony Parnell, 18, Las Vegas. The area Parnell’s body was discovered is approximately one-half mile south of 1000 Steps Beach, the area he was last seen. Continue reading→

Public assistance sought in identifying a dead man found in Crystal Cove

Posted on February 19, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Beaches, Crime, Orange County Leave a comment

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org; Emily Osterberg, 714.647.1840, EOsterberg@ocsd.org

Investigators Seeking Public’s Assistance Identifying John Doe

SANTA ANA, Calif. (February 19, 2015) – Investigators have recently compiled the sketch of a John Doe missing since Tuesday, December 24, 2013. Investigators have determined the person had been deceased for as long as several weeks prior to discovery.

At that time, the body of a male was found floating approximately one mile off of the Newport Beach Coastline in the Crystal Cove area. The victim may have suffered unknown head trauma and had been weighted down with a 35lb iron dumbbell. The subject was wearing a dark colored ‘Champion’ nylon sweatpants with zippered legs, size 11 black ‘Asics’ tennis shoes and a black ‘Timex’ watch with a black plastic band. While his age is unknown, it is believed he is older than 30 and as old as 50, height of 5’8”-5’9”, approximately 165 lbs with dark hair. Continue reading→

The SAPD issues a warning about IRS and Sheriff phone scams

Posted on February 18, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: Santa Ana Police Department Advisory – Phone Scams

The Santa Ana Police Department advises the public to be aware of two current phone scams involving suspects who pretend to be IRS or Orange County Sheriff’s Department employees. Since January 29th, 2015, the SAPD has several reported cases involving these scams where victims have lost approximately $10,000.

IRS-Impersonation Telephone Scam:

An aggressive and sophisticated phone scam targeting taxpayers, including recent immigrants, has been making the rounds throughout the country. Callers claim to be employees of the IRS, but are not. These con artists can sound convincing when they call. They use fake names and bogus IRS identification badge numbers. They may know a lot about their targets, and they usually alter the caller ID to make it look like the IRS is calling. Continue reading→

Police seek additional victims of robbery suspects who targeted hotels

Posted on February 13, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: Investigators Seek Additional Victims of Robbery Suspects

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTBx20c3lHE

SANTA ANA, Calif. – (February 13, 2015) –On Wednesday, February 11, 2015, Sandy Cacero, 24, La Palma and Christopher Herrera, 27, Bell Gardens, were arrested in connection with robbery that occurred in the city of Dana Point. Cacero and Herrera were arrested in the city of La Palma following an investigation immediately following the incident.

On Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at approximately 12:30 a.m., Orange County Sheriff’s investigators began investigating a robbery at the Best Western Hotel located at 34280 Pacific Coast Highway in the city of Dana Point. Investigators suspect Herrera and Cacero arrived at the hotel to meet the victim after corresponding on the website Backpages.com. During the contact at the hotel, Herrera and Cacera physically assaulted, peppered sprayed and robbed the victim of his cash, cellular phone and tablet. They were last seen leaving the hotel in a white, 2013 Nissan Maxima, CA license plate #6XCC446 (photo attached). Continue reading→

Phone scammers are pretending to work for the O.C. Sheriff

Posted on February 13, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org; Emily Osterberg, 714.647.1840, EOsterberg@ocsd.org

Phone Scams Use Names of OCSD Personnel to Solicit Money

SANTA ANA, Calif. (February 13, 2015) – The Orange County Sheriff’s Department advises the public to be aware of phone scams involving subjects pretending to be law enforcement personnel. Several instances of this type of fraud continue to occur throughout Orange County.

Suspects fraudulently identifying themselves as law enforcement officers, call victims claiming they have a warrant for their arrest. The reasons for the warrant vary; the most recent being failing to appear for jury duty or unpaid tickets. The victim is then told they can resolve the issue by obtaining a pre-paid money card and calling back with the card number. Once the number is obtained, the funds can be accessed anywhere in the world. The scammers are using names of actual Orange County Sheriff’s Department personnel; have voicemails using the officers’ names and “spoof” caller identification so the numbers of actual law enforcement agencies will appear on the victim’s phone. Continue reading→