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
Tag Archives: o.c. sheriff
The O.C. inmate who died of COVID-19 this week was accused of killing his mother
The O.C. inmate who died at the O.C. Jail intake center this week was Ah Le Fang, a 37-year-old man, who was in jail while he was awaiting trial on charges of killing his mother and wounding her boyfriend in 2017.
Fang died on Thursday of medical complications after testing positive last month for COVID-19, according to the O.C. Sheriff’s Department. Fang tested positive for COVID-19 in December and was hospitalized on Jan. 6. He is the second person incarcerated in Orange County jails to have died of COVID-19.
Fang’s mother called the Fullerton police to report she was being attacked, on Aug. 15, 2017. The responding police officers found her outside her apartment complex at 134 S. Pritchard Ave., suffering from a stab wound to her abdomen. Her boyfriend also had a stab wound to an arm.
Fang’s mother and her boyfriend were taken to a local hospital, where she passed away.
Fang pleaded not guilty way back in 2018 and he was awaiting a jury trial that was scheduled for this July.
The O.C. Sheriff’s Department says that 2,270 Orange County Jail inmates have tested positive for COVID-19. Currently there are sixty-one O.C. inmates who are dealing with the virus.
In December, an O.C. Superior Court judge ordered Sheriff Barnes to release half of the O.C. inmates after the ACLU filed a lawsuit accusing Barnes of not doing enough to protect medically vulnerable inmates during the pandemic.
Sheriff Barnes names 24-year OCSD veteran Jeff Hallock as new Undersheriff
SANTA ANA, Ca. (January 13, 2021): Sheriff-Coroner Don Barnes has named Jeff Hallock, a 24-year veteran of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, as the new Undersheriff. Hallock will be responsible for the Department’s day-to-day operations, overseeing more than 4,000 personnel and a $1 billion budget.
Undersheriff Hallock was promoted January 6 in a private badge pinning at Sheriff’s Headquarters.
“Undersheriff Hallock is a consummate leader who serves with integrity and approaches any assignment he is given with an unwavering work ethic and a deep commitment to the betterment of this Department,” said Sheriff-Coroner Don Barnes. “His breadth of experience and innovative approach to law enforcement operations will help the Sheriff’s Department continue our tradition of providing exemplary service to the County of Orange.”
Hallock’s previous assignments include Custody Operations, Jail Planning, Patrol Operations, Investigations, Narcotics, Internal Affairs, and Public Affairs, serving as the Public Information Officer.
His accomplishments include serving as the first Field Training Bureau Commander, implementing solutions to keep the department on the leading edge of change. He served as the Public Information Officer during several major incidents that drew national attention, navigating complexities in a forthright and transparent way. Most recently, he served as Assistant Sheriff of Field Operations and Investigative Services, overseeing the department’s response to multiple emergencies in 2020.
Former O.C. Sheriff Sandra Hutchens has passed away
SANTA ANA, Ca. (January 4, 2021): Please see the statement below from Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of former Sheriff Sandra Hutchens.
“In November 2012, Sheriff Hutchens was diagnosed with breast cancer. She courageously fought this disease while still leading this department. Her fight was successful for eight years. Unfortunately, the cancer recently returned and Sheriff Hutchens passed this morning with her loved ones by her side.
“Sandra Hutchens served as the 12th Orange County Sheriff from 2008-2019. She took office at a difficult time. The public’s trust had been broken by the previous sheriff. Upon taking office, she immediately took action to put one of the nation’s largest law enforcement agencies back on track. She was a leader whose ethics matched the culture of the men and women of this department. She restored our pride, gave us back our dignity and rebuilt trust with the people we serve. She kept her oath, kept her promises, and ended her time in office leaving this agency better than when she started.
“Hemingway described courage as “grace under pressure.” There is no one who embodied that description more than Sandra Hutchens. Sheriff Hutchens lived her life and led this agency with courage, grace and dignity. She bravely closed her life in the same manner. When I last spoke to her she was strong, maintained her sense of humor and continued to have a deep love and appreciation for the people of Orange County. Her legacy will endure for many years through all those she mentored and entrusted with helping her lead the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
“For me personally, she was a mentor and a friend. I will continue to be inspired by her commitment to always do the right thing, regardless of the consequences, and serve with the department and community’s interests first without need for self-recognition. I am tremendously grateful for the opportunities she presented me, and the many lessons I learned from her over the years.
“In keeping with Sheriff Hutchens’ wishes, there will not be a memorial service. Her family has asked that donations be made in her name to Drug Use is Life Abuse (www.duila.org) or the Susan G. Komen Foundation (www.komen.org), two charities she actively supported while in office.”
O.C. Deputy Sheriff arrested for suspected burglary of a dead elderly man’s residence
SANTA ANA, Ca. (Sept. 10, 2020): Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy Steve Hortz has been booked into jail on suspicion of burglary.
The deputy, a 12-year veteran of the Department, responded to a call for service on July 20, 2020 at a Yorba Linda residence regarding a man in his 70s who died from apparent natural causes. On September 9, the Department was contacted by an attorney representing the family estate who reported items missing from the residence. The attorney provided home surveillance video that captured the deputy making unauthorized entrance to the residence on at least three separate occasions and exiting with stolen property.
In the first incident, the deputy returned to the residence on July 27. While in uniform, he broke into the unoccupied residence through the rear and left a short time later. It is unclear whether a theft occurred at that time.
The deputy returned to the residence in the early morning on August 10 and August 16 while in civilian clothes and removed items including weapon safes, ceiling fans, and cases containing unknown items. It is believed the home was unoccupied.
Upon learning of the burglaries, the Department launched an immediate investigation. The deputy was arrested the morning of September 10, 2020 and has been booked into the Santa Ana Jail on suspicion of burglary. He was also placed on administrative leave, and the Department will investigate prior calls handled by the deputy to determine if similar unreported instances have occurred.
“The suspected criminal actions of this deputy are a violation of public trust, are inexcusable and intolerable,” said Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes. “This deputy will be held accountable through a swift and thorough process including a full criminal and internal administrative investigation.
“These actions undermine the good work done every day by the men and women of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. We have proudly served the community of Yorba Linda since 2013. As your Sheriff, I want you to know that these criminal actions by a member of my staff will not be tolerated and are not indicative of the service we provide to Yorba Linda, or any other contract city.
“I will hold accountable deputies who do not honor the oath they swore to uphold. It is imperative that we do everything in our power to ensure that the men and women who have the privilege to wear the badge humbly recognize the responsibility entrusted to them as a member of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.”
In-custody death of another inmate at the O.C. Central Men’s Jail
SANTA ANA, Ca. (March 30, 2020) –At approximately 3 p.m. on March 29, an inmate previously housed at the Central Men’s Jail in Santa Ana was pronounced deceased at a local hospital. The inmate, a 69-year old man, was transferred to the hospital the morning of March 27 due to medical issues resulting from underlying health issues. Upon the inmate’s arrival at the hospital, he was tested for COVID-19, and the results are pending.
The inmate was booked into Orange County Jail on Jan. 24, 2020 for a probation violation and possession of narcotics.
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.
Early release of inmates from the O.C. Jail starting due to COVID-19
SANTA ANA, Ca. (March 27, 2020): Communities across the United States are in the midst of an unprecedented public health crisis. As the novel coronavirus pandemic continues to evolve, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is taking proactive steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Three inmates in the Orange County Jail have tested positive for COVID-19, making it necessary to quarantine or isolate portions of the jail population to contain the spread of the virus. As a consequence, it is critical to create additional bed capacity in the Orange County Jail System.
State law authorizes a Sheriff, in cases of emergency, to release inmates from a correctional facility. Under this authority, and in collaboration with County of Orange criminal justice partners, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be releasing a limited number of inmates prior to the conclusion of their sentence. At this time, Sheriff Don Barnes is limiting releases to low-level offenders with less than 10 days remaining on their sentence and inmates who are medically vulnerable as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and the Public Health Officer. Violent offenders and those who pose a risk to the community will not be released early.
“The decision for early release was made collaboratively and is absolutely necessary to stop the spread of this virus and preserve lifesaving medical resources,” said Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Don Barnes. “During this unprecedented moment, with substantial pressure on our health system, we are taking action to protect those in our custody, reduce the risk to our correctional personnel, and ultimately preserve our mission to keep the public safe.”
Without the ability to manage the impacts of COVID-19 within custody operations, there is a risk of an outbreak in the jail system. Utilizing the emergency authority to release a small segment of the inmate population is a proactive way to reduce demand on the healthcare system beyond the jail walls and maintain the ability of the jail to keep the most serious offenders behind bars.
To date, the total jail system houses a population of 4,580 inmates. A total of 141 inmates have been quarantined due to potential exposure to COVID-19. Fifteen inmates have been tested for COVID-19, eight inmates have had a negative result, three have tested positive, and four are pending.
The Sheriff’s Department has implemented several changes to jail operations over the past few weeks in response to COVID-19. Actions include requiring enhanced medical screening for all inmates, law enforcement, and staff entering the Orange County Jail; temperature screening prior to entering any jail facility; temporary suspension of visiting; and increased access to hygiene and cleaning supplies for inmates.
Breaking news – the SAPD is investigating a suspicious package at the Civic Center
Photo by Nelson Lopez
One of our readers has reported that the SAPD is investigating a suspicious package at W. Santa Ana Blvd. and N. Broadway, in Santa Ana.
That location is near the Old Orange County Courthouse and the Orange County Hall of Administration. Continue reading
O.C. Sheriff’s Deputy gets probation for misusing the law enforcement database
ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE
Case # 16CM07158
Date: October 12, 2016
SANTA ANA, Calif. – An Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) deputy was sentenced to three years of informal probation today for unauthorized access of a law enforcement database to view criminal histories. Angel Lora Guerrero, 57, Santa Ana, pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of receiving unauthorized privileged information. He was also ordered to complete 80 hours of community service and donate $500 to the Victim Witness Emergency Fund.
At the time of the crimes, Guerrero was employed as an OCSD deputy for approximately 16 years. Continue reading
Homeless man shot by the police at Santa Ana’s Plaza of the Flags
BREAKING NEWS – Richard Gene Swihart, a 32-year-old homeless man, has been shot by an SAPD police officer, at Santa Ana’s Plaza of the Flags, at the Civic Center. The man was hit in the upper torso and was undergoing surgery, according to the O.C. Register.
The O.C. Register has confirmed that the shooting was by an SAPD police officer, outside the courthouse. Continue reading
The OCDA turns over a recently discovered Sheriff’s jail log to defense attorneys
ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE
Case # 12ZF0137 (Wozniak)/12ZF0128 (Dekraai)
Date: June 9, 2016
*OCDA sets out concrete action plans to remedy OCSD’s previous nonproduction of documents
SANTA ANA, Calif. – The Orange County District Attorney (OCDA) today turned over to the court a complete copy of the newly obtained Special Handling Log (SH Log) from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD), and filed briefs to seal privileged data and request a court hearing to turn over discovery to the defense in the People v. Scott Dekraai. In May 2016, hearings in People v. Daniel Wozniak were held in the Honorable John D. Conley’s courtroom to confirm that the defense is being given all the materials to which they are entitled, and portions of recently-uncovered set of jail records were produced to defendant Wozniak by the OCSD in response to third-party subpoenas served on OCSD by the defense.
During the recent May court hearings in Wozniak, the OCSD custodian of records testified that OCSD management and command staff previously knew nothing of the existence of a set of jail records called the SH Log described in court as a daily activity log of the jail’s special handling deputies. Correspondingly, the OCDA did not know of the existence of this set of jail records. Continue reading
Murder suspect arrested in Westminster
NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org; Emily Osterberg, 714.647.1840, EOsterberg@ocsd.org
Murder Suspect Arrested
WESTMINSTER, Calif. (September 11, 2015) – On Friday, September 11, 2015, Orange County Sheriff’s Department Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) deputies arrested Craig Tanber, 37, Dana Point, wanted in connection with the stabbing homicide that occurred last Monday, September 7, 2015 in front of the Patsy’s Irish Pub in the City of Laguna Niguel. Tanber was taken into custody without incident or injuries.
Tanber was arrested at approximately 6:15 a.m. this morning after investigators obtained information he was staying at the Motel 6 at 13100 Goldenwest Street., Westminster. SWAT operators made entry into the motel room and safely took Tanber into custody. Continue reading
Erica Alonso’s body has been found in the Cleveland National Forest
NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org; Emily Osterberg, 714.647.1840, EOsterberg@ocsd.org
Body Discovered Off Ortega Highway Identified as Missing Woman
CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – (April 28, 2015) – The body discovered in a remote area off Ortega Highway in the Cleveland National Forest has been preliminarily identified as Erica Alonso, 28, Laguna Hills; however, confirmation is pending fingerprint and/or dental record comparison. Alonso was a reported missing person since February 15, 2015.
On Monday, April 27, 2015 at approximately 10 p.m., the Orange County Sheriff’s Department was notified after a group of biologist working for Cal-Trans, discovered a decomposed body in a rugged area off Ortega Highway, approximately 12 miles east of Interstate 5. A crime scene was established overnight until homicide and coroner investigators could assemble and begin conducting an investigation. Continue reading
11th Annual NHBWA Awards and Scholarships Dinner on May 19
The National Hispanic Business Women Association (NHBWA) cordially invites you to join community and business leaders, friends, and supporters at our 11th Annual Awards and Scholarships Dinner, honoring 2011 Business Women of the Year and Educational Scholarships.
Deadline to RSVP is May 15, 2011. Click here to register now.
2011 Women of the Year Honorees include:
- Sandra Hutchens, O.C. Sheriff-Coroner, for Community Service
- Milly Lago, Santa Ana Library, for Education
- and Angelica Navarro-Sigala, Esq., from the Law Offices of John R. Alcorn, for Small Business
EVENT LOCATION:
DoubleTree Hotel – Santa Ana
201 E. MacArthur Blvd.
Santa Ana, CA 92707
DATE AND TIME:
Thursday, May 19, 2011
6:00 PM PDT
UNABLE TO ATTEND?
You can still support our NHBWA Scholars in any of the following ways (click each link for details):
O.C. Register endorses Craig Hunter for O.C. Sheriff
The editorial board at the O.C. Register has endorsed Anaheim Deputy Chief of Police Craig Hunter for O.C. Sheriff. Here are a few excerpts from their Op-Ed:
While Ms. Hutchens has, at the very least, rehabilitated the stained reputation of the department, and Mr. Hunt has a “tough cop” energy about him, the Register endorses Craig Hunter.
We compared the candidates’ positions on six issues: community policing, pension reform, immigration, budget management, jail management and gun permits. Mr. Hunter’s and Ms. Hutchens’ outlook most closely aligned with ours on the first three categories. Mr. Hunter expressed a stronger reform approach on pensions and new ideas for jail management. Ms. Hutchens has done a credible job of improving practices and policies at the once-troubled Theo Lacy jail facility and she supports a two-tiered pension system. Mr. Hunter manages a sizeable but arguably relatively stable budget; Ms. Hutchens has overseen cuts to a much larger sheriff’s budget. Continue reading