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: San Clemente
A police pursuit began in San Clemente and ended with a crash in Santa Ana
A police pursuit that started in San Clemente ended with a car crash in Santa Ana after a driver fled from Federal agents, according to the O.C. Register.
Federal agents tried to stop the suspect, who was in a white four-door sedan, at about 8:40 a.m., on Interstate 5 near the Customs and Border Patrol station that’s just south of San Clemente. But the driver sped off due north and led enforcement officers on a high speed chase.
The suspect was tracked by an O.C. Sheriff’s helicopter but then the suspect evaded the pursuers. But a Fountain Valley police officer spotted the suspect vehicle as it was racing on Harbor Blvd. at about 9:06 a.m.
The Fountain Valley policeman was writing a ticket at the time but he reported that the suspect was going very fast, due north, in southbound lanes. That officer then tried to pursue the suspect.
The suspect finally struck a curb and crashed near Harbor Blvd. and 1st St., according to the SAPD. Fortunately no other vehicles or pedestrians were involved in the crash.
Unfortunately the suspect was long gone when the police officers arrived at the scene of the crash. Police investigators however did find 20 kilograms, or about 44 pounds, of possible narcotics. The drugs were sent to a lab for analysis. A police detective thought the drugs might either fentanyl or cocaine.
An SAPD K9 police dog helped to arrest a man who fled from Deputies in San Clemente today
Are you wondering why so many police were swarming a Santa Ana neighborhood not far from Adams Elementary School this afternoon? It was because an unidentified white male suspect in his 30’s who ended up barricaded in a home in that neighborhood after a police pursuit that began in San Clemente, according to the O.C. Register.
Authorities said a chase started in the area of El Portal and North El Camino Real in San Clemente, San Clemente with the suspect who was pulled over by an O.C. Sheriff’s Deputy as he was riding a motorcycle that turned out to be stolen, according to KTLA News. Continue reading
Mail theft suspects arrested following vehicle pursuit from Laguna Hills to Downey
NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org; Carrie Braun, 714.647.1848, CBraun@ocsd.org
Mail Theft Suspects Arrested Following Vehicle Pursuit
LAGUNA HILLS, Calif. (December 18, 2015) – On Friday, December 18, 2015, Orange County Sheriff’s deputies arrested David Brown, 45, Anaheim, Jessie Brown, 55, Anaheim, and Corey Richardson, 22, Anaheim, following an almost two-hour pursuit through Orange and Los Angeles counties. The suspects were arrested after they fled on foot following termination of a vehicle pursuit in the City of Downey.
At approximately 2:30 p.m., Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 25000 block of Buckboard Lane after neighbors reported seeing two male subjects taking mail from their mailboxes. The informants described the subject’s vehicle as a silver compact vehicle. The Sheriff’s Department’s airship “Duke” responded to the area with patrol units and immediately located a silver 2011 Honda Civic leaving the area. The vehicle, driven by David Brown, was travelling at a high rate of speed on Alicia Parkway towards the Interstate 5 freeway. Deputies attempted a traffic stop of the vehicle; however, the vehicle accelerated and a pursuit ensued. Continue reading
Investigators seek iPhone thieves who robbed a Verizon store in south O.C.
NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 17, 2014
Contact: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org
Investigators Seeking Public’s Assistance Identifying Robbery Suspects
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. – On Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at approximately 7:20 p.m, a robbery occurred at the Verizon 4G Wireless store located at 120 North El Camino Real. The suspects entered the store and demanded iPhones that were being stored in the back of the store. No weapon was seen or threatened by the suspects and they were seen leaving the location in a late model, grey or light blue, Toyota mini-van.
The suspects are described as male, Hispanics or Asians, 5 feet 7 inches tall, medium build, hoodie sweatshirts, dark colored pants and black ski masks. One suspect was wearing a red baseball cap. Continue reading
No happy ending for massage therapist charged with sexual battery
ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE
Case # 14HM08787
Decenber 10, 2014
NEWPORT BEACH – Additional charges have been filed against a San Clemente massage therapist for inappropriately touching four other women. Ping Li, 51, San Clemente, was charged today with six misdemeanor counts of sexual battery against six victims. Li was initially charged with four counts of sexual battery. The four additional victims came forward after seeing media coverage about this case. If convicted, Li faces a maximum sentence of three years in jail and a $12,000 fine. At his arraignment on Nov. 3, 2014, Li was ordered by the court to no longer work as a massage therapist and to not enter any massage parlor during business hours. The defendant is out of custody on $100,000 bail. He is scheduled for pre-trial Jan. 12, 2015, at 8:30 a.m. in Department H-7, Harbor Justice Center, Newport Beach. Continue reading
Orange County 2014 Veterans Day events
Anaheim
2014 Veterans Day Ceremony
Saturday, November 8, 10:00 AM
Anaheim Veterans Monument, 241 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Brea
What: City of Brea Veteran’s Day Ceremony
When: November 11, 2014
Where: Brea War Memorial Brea Civic & Cultural Center 1 Civic Center Circle
Time: 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Costa Mesa
“Veterans and Labor – Partners in Service,” a special Veterans Day event, is set for Nov. 11, 2014 at the Orange County Fair & Event Center (88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa). For more information, check out the Veterans + Labor website by clicking here.
Children’s book author facing trial for sexually assaulting two little girls
ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE
Case # 11HF0852
Date: October 29, 2014
SANTA ANA – A children’s book author will face trial tomorrow for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old relative and a 9-year-old child of a family friend. Michael William Snyder, 47, San Clemente, is charged with five felony counts of committing lewd acts upon a child under 14 years old and one felony count of oral copulation or sexual penetration with a child 10 years old or younger with a sentencing enhancement for committing lewd acts against more than one victim. If convicted, Snyder faces a maximum sentence of 90 years to life in state prison. Opening statements are scheduled to begin tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014, at 9:15 a.m. in Department C-44, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.
Between Jan. 1, 2008, and Sept. 7, 2010, Snyder is accused of having then 9-year-old Jane Doe #2 in his San Clemente home before taking her to San Diego Zoo and orally copulating her. Continue reading
Fake OC cop made a traffic stop and stole his victim’s wallet, cell phone and keys
The above sketch is a composite image and not an actual photo depicting the suspect
Orange County Sheriff”s Department
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 Suspect Impersonating an Officer
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. – (August 15, 2014) – On Thursday, August 14 at approximately 9:20 p.m., an adult male victim was contacted by a suspect believed to be impersonating a police officer. The suspect conducted a traffic stop of the victim in the city of San Clemente and stole personal property from inside the vehicle.
The victim was travelling northbound on the Interstate 5 freeway when he observed red and blue flashing lights behind his vehicle. The victim exited the freeway and yielded in the Jack-in-the-Box parking lot located at 2938 S. El Camino Real. Immediately after yielding, the victim was contacted by the suspect who was extremely aggressive and ordered him out of the vehicle and to sit on the curb. While the victim was sitting on the curb, the suspect stole a wallet, cell phone and keys from inside the vehicle. Continue reading
Turns out those creepy dolls were a kind gesture!
NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042
JHallock@ocsd.org
Emily Osterberg, 714.647.1840
EOsterberg@ocsd.org
Investigators Locate Person Responsible for Porcelain Dolls
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. – (July 24, 2014) – On Thursday, July 24, 2014 Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigators began pursuing information related to reports that several porcelain dolls were left on porches of homes in the Talega community of San Clemente. Based on initial reports, the porcelain dolls were left on porches over the course of the last week. Though initially there was not a specific criminal component being pursued, Sheriff’s investigators immediately dedicated time and resources in attempt to resolve the issue and identify the person or people responsible.
Investigators immediately began examining the dolls in attempt to locate any evidence as well as meeting with the impacted families to determine similarities or commonalities amongst the group. Following conversation and questioning of several parents, information was learned that focused on a female adult who lived in the local community and attended church with many of the impacted families. Continue reading
Creepy dolls that resemble San Clemente girls found on porches
NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org; Emily Osterberg, 714.647.1840, EOsterberg@ocsd.org
Porcelain Dolls Found on Porches at San Clemente Homes
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. – (July 24, 2014) – On Tuesday, July 22, 2014 the Orange County Sheriff’s Department was notified regarding porcelain dolls being left on the doorsteps of numerous residences in the Talega community of San Clemente. As many as eight homes have had porcelain dolls left on their doorsteps over the last week. Families in each of the homes where porcelain dolls were left, voiced concern that the dolls resembled their daughters. Continue reading
Man sentenced for raping women under guise of spiritual cleansing
Alberto Flores Ramirez
Orange County District Attorney Press Release
For Immediate Release: July 3, 2014
Case # 12CF1076
*Second victim came forward after seeing media coverage on the original case
SANTA ANA – A man was sentenced today to 45 years to life in state prison for forcibly raping two women after luring them under the pretense of performing a spiritual cleansing. Alberto Flores Ramirez, 39, San Clemente, was found guilty by a jury April 22, 2014, of two felony counts each of forcible rape, forcible oral copulation, one felony count each of sexual penetration by foreign object by force, attempted forcible oral copulation, and a sentencing enhancement for sex crimes against multiple victims. Continue reading
Man convicted after raping women while pretending to cleanse their spirits
Orange County District AttorneyPress Release
For Immediate Release, Case # 12CF1076: April 23, 2014
*Second victim came forward after seeing media coverage on the original case
SANTA ANA – A man was convicted yesterday of forcibly raping two women after luring them under the pretense of performing a spiritual cleansing. Alberto Flores Ramirez, 39, San Clemente, was found guilty by a jury yesterday, April 22, 2014, of two felony counts each of forcible rape, forcible oral copulation, one felony count each of sexual penetration by foreign object by force, attempted forcible oral copulation, and a sentencing enhancement for sex crimes against multiple victims. He faces a maximum sentence of 75 years to life in state prison at his sentencing June 13, 2014, at 8:30 a.m. in Department C-43, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana. Continue reading
Man to face trail for raping women while cleansing their spirits with raw eggs
Orange County District Attorney Press Release
For Immediate Release, Case # 12CF1076: April 15, 2014
*Second victim came forward after seeing media coverage on the original case
SANTA ANA – A man will face a jury trial tomorrow for forcibly raping two women after luring them under the pretense of performing a spiritual cleansing. Alberto Flores Ramirez, 39, San Clemente, was charged in April 2012 for Jane Doe #1 with one felony count each of forcible rape, forcible oral copulation, and sexual penetration by foreign object by force. In May 2012, he was charged for Jane Doe #2 with one felony count each of forcible rape, forcible oral copulation, and attempted forcible oral copulation. He faces a sentencing enhancement for sex crimes against multiple victims. If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum sentence of 75 years to life in state prison. Opening statements are expected to begin tomorrow, Wednesday, April 16, 2014, at 9:00 a.m. in Department C-43, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana. Continue reading
San Clemente teacher faces trial for sex assault and lewd acts against students
Orange County District Attorney Press Release
For Immediate Release, Case # 12HF1756: August 16, 2013
SANTA ANA – A middle school math teacher faces trial Monday for sexually assaulting an 8th grade female student while alone with her on campus and committing lewd acts against two other female students. Richard John Rack, 51, San Clemente, is charged with six felony counts of lewd acts on a child age 14 or 15, one felony count of lewd or lascivious acts with a minor under 14, and one felony count of oral copulation of a minor under 16. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 12 years and eight months in state prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Opening statements are expected to begin Monday, Aug. 19, 2013, in Department C-27, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana. The time is to be determined. Continue reading