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Criminal Law News
September 01, 2009
MODESTO WOMAN SENTENCED TO OVER 4 YEARS IN PRISON FOR EMBEZZLEMENT-RELATED CHARGES
Former Employer Lost Over $1.6 Million
FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that LISA SHAE ALLEN, 38, of Modesto, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Judge Anthony W. Ishii to 51 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay over $1.6 million in restitution. ALLEN pleaded guilty on June 15, 2009, to 15 counts of mail fraud that resulted in a loss of over $1.6 million to her former employer.
August 31, 2009
PUBLISHER OF BAY AREA NEWSPAPERS CHARGED WITH FILING FALSE TAX RETURNS
Failed to report income from newspapers
SAN FRANCISCO – A federal grand jury indicted Harry Warren Green, yesterday with four counts of filing false tax return, United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello and Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Scott O’Briant announced.
August 28, 2009
Former Assistant Principal Pleads to Molesting Students
LOS ANGELES – Former assistant principal Steve Thomas Rooney pleaded no contest today to sexually molesting four young female students while he worked at two different Los Angeles Unified School District campuses.
August 27, 2009
PALO ALTO REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER SENTENCED FOR TAX FRAUD
Failed to disclose foreign transactions to return preparer
SAN JOSE, Calif. – A Palo Alto, Calif., real estate developer was sentenced in federal court yesterday for aiding or assisting in causing a false tax return to be filed, announced United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello and Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Scott O’Briant.
August 26, 2009
LAWYER INDICTED FOR ACCEPTING CASH IN EXCHANGE FOR PROMISE OF TAMPERING WITH GRAND JURY WITNESS TESTIMONY
An attorney arrested earlier this month after accepting $50,000 in cash as part of a payment made in exchange for the lawyer's promise to tamper with a federal grand jury investigation was indicted this afternoon by another federal grand jury.
August 25, 2009
SAN JOSE MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FEDERAL CHARGES
Defrauded Mortgage Lenders, Financial Institutions
SAN FRANCISCO - John A. Bui pleaded guilty in federal court in San Francisco today to wire fraud conspiracy, destruction of records in a federal investigation and witness tampering, United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced.
August 24, 2009
SAN BRUNO WOMAN SENTENCED FOR FAILING TO FILE REPORT OF FOREIGN BANK ACCOUNT (FBAR)
Relinquished 2000 Mercedes SUV and $24,178 in U.S. Currency
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif, B Iris Lai Hung Tam was sentenced today to 7 days in custody with credit for time served, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a special assessment fee of $100, for willfully failing to file a Department of Treasury Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR), announced United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello and Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Scott O’Briant.
August 22, 2009
Pastor Charged with Embezzlement
COMPTON – The pastor of the Double Rock Baptist Church in Compton was arrested today on charges he embezzled more than $800,000 from the church.
August 21, 2009
FAKE MARRIAGE BROKER SENTENCED TO 19 MONTHS PRISON
Federal Investigation Targeted San Francisco Broker Who Arranged Fake Marriages Between Chinese Citizens And American Citizens For Immigration Benefits
August 20, 2009
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY WOMAN INDICTED FOR TAX EVASION
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging DEBORAH MURILLO, 55, of Valley Springs, with evasion of federal income taxes.
August 19, 2009
SACRAMENTO GANG MEMBER SENTENCED TO OVER 10 YEARS FOR LEADERSHIP OF NATIONWIDE BANK FRAUD SCHEME
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that CHARLES BARKSDALE, 28, of Oakland and Sacramento, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Frank C. Damrell Jr. to 10 years and 10 months in prison for bank fraud. BARKSDALE pleaded guilty on February 17, 2009. Papers filed with the court indicate that he is a member of the “G-Mob” gang in Sacramento.
August 18, 2009
DEFENSE CONTRACTOR PLEADS GUILTY IN FEDERAL COURT
Failed to Make Parts for Bradley Fighting Vehicles to Contracted Specifications
SAN JOSE, Calif. – Janusz Lament pleaded guilty in federal court today to making false financial claims against the United States Department of Defense, wire fraud, and transporting money out of the United States to further unlawful activity, United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced.
August 17, 2009
COSCO BUSAN OPERATOR ADMITS GUILT IN CAUSING OIL SPILL
Fleet Mgt. Ltd. Agrees to Pay $10 Million for Pollution and Obstruction Crimes
August 14, 2009
Former Sheriff’s Civilian Official Pleads Guilty to Grand Theft by Embezzlement
LOS ANGELES – The former Facilities Bureau service manager for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department pleaded guilty today stealing refurbished generators used in emergency situations, selling them to a broker and pocketing the proceeds.
August 13, 2009
MERCED TRUCKER SENTENCED TO A YEAR AND A DAY FOR TAX EVASION RELATED TO GRAIN THEFTS
FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that United States District Judge Ishii today sentenced MANUEL VILLEGAS-YBARRA, 66, of Merced to a year and a day in prison for tax evasion for failing to report as income money he earned on stolen grain. He was also ordered to pay $43,861 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
August 12, 2009
‘GOOFY HAT BANDIT’ SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS IN PRISON
A man with a lengthy criminal record that includes two prior convictions for bank robberies has been sentenced to 16 years in federal prison for committing a series of bank robberies that earned him the moniker the “Goofy Hat Bandit.”
August 10, 2009
Three Charged with Attempted Murder, Kidnapping
WHITTIER -- Three men were charged today with kidnapping and attempted murder of a woman they allegedly left for dead in Turnbull Canyon.
August 07, 2009
THREE MEN SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON FOR ILLEGALLY EXPORTING HIGHLY SENSITIVE U.S. TECHNOLOGY TO CHINA
LOS ANGELES – In two separate cases, three men have been sentenced to federal prison for attempting to transport sensitive and advanced U.S. technology to the People’s Republic of China. Two men were sentenced yesterday, and another man linked to one of the schemes was sentenced last week to five years in prison.
August 06, 2009
SALINAS RETURN PREPARER PLEADS GUILTY TO TAX FRAUD
Failed to report $1,163,425 in taxable income on behalf of clients
SAN JOSE, Calif. – Lydia Hernandez pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to tax evasion and aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns, United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello and Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Scott O’Briant announced.
August 05, 2009
CALIFORNIA STATE PROBATIONER PLEADS GUILTY TO BANK ROBBERY
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that MICHAEL ANDREW WILLIAMS, 28, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty this morning to a single count of bank robbery before United States District Court Judge Frank C. Damrell Jr.
August 04, 2009
NEW YORK RABBI PLEADS GUILTY TO SCHEME TO DEFRAUD I.R.S.
Four Other Defendants Scheduled to Enter Guilty Pleas this Afternoon
LOS ANGELES – The Grand Rabbi of Spinka, a religious group within Orthodox Judaism, pleaded guilty this morning to a criminal conspiracy charge, admitting that he worked with others to obstruct the Internal Revenue Service by soliciting charitable donations with secret promises to refund donors the vast majority of the money they “donated.”
August 03, 2009
ANAHEIM MAN GUILTY OF INTERFERING WITH UNITED AIRLINES FLIGHT CREW FOR DISRUPTING HONG KONG-LOS ANGELES TRIP
LOS ANGELES – An Orange County man has been convicted of interfering with a flight crew for abusive behavior that led a United Airlines flight crew to handcuff and duct tape the unruly passenger to his seat.
July 31, 2009
FORMER BELL POLICE OFFICER PLEADS GUILTY TO FEDERAL CIVIL RIGHTS CRIME FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT
LOS ANGELES – A former officer with the Bell Police Department pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to a federal civil rights charge for sexually assaulting a female motorist.
July 30, 2009
SAN DIEGO COUNTY MAN PLEADS GUILTY IN MOVIE PIRACY CASE FOR POSTING ‘SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE’ ON INTERNET
LOS ANGELES – A San Marcos man pleaded guilty this morning to a felony charge of using the Internet to distribute a pirated copy of “Slumdog Millionaire” in violation of federal copyright law.
July 29, 2009
Husband Charged With Murder Of Wife Aboard Cruise Ship
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that Robert McGill was arraigned today in federal court in San Diego by United States Magistrate Judge William McCurine, Jr. on a criminal complaint charging him with murder, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1111(b) and 7.
July 28, 2009
Man Convicted of Fatally Shooting Veteran Law Enforcement Officer
LOS ANGELES – A jury convicted today a 26-year-old Los Angeles man of the 2004 first-degree murder of an off-duty Los Angeles County police captain who was fatally shot as he was riding his bicycle in Compton.
July 27, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO MAN INDICTED FOR FAILING TO REPORT TO PRISON
After Absconding, Waddell Williams Allegedly Shot at Police Officers
SAN FRANCISCO - A federal grand jury in San Francisco on Tuesday indicted Waddell Williams on felony charges of failure to surrender for service of sentence and contempt of court, United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced.
July 24, 2009
LAFD Inspector Accused of Soliciting, Accepting Bribes
LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) inspector has been charged by the District Attorney’s Public Integrity Division (PID) with soliciting and accepting bribes from operators of small nursing care facilities run out of private homes in the San Fernando Valley.
July 23, 2009
Felon Convicted of First-Degree Murder In Chatsworth Clerk’s Beating Death
SAN FERNANDO – A San Fernando Superior Court jury deliberated just four hours before finding a 35-year-old felon guilty today of first-degree murder in the baseball bat beating of a Chatsworth mini-mart clerk three years ago.
July 22, 2009
Woman Convicted of Westside ATM Murder
LOS ANGELES – One of two defendants charged with murdering a federal employee last year at an ATM in West Los Angeles was convicted today by a Los Angeles Superior Court jury.
July 21, 2009
DIXON IDENTITY THIEF INDICTED
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that a federal grand jury returned a 13-count indictment charging JONAH HANNEKE NELSON, 30, of Dixon, with bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud, counterfeiting securities, and possession of more than 15 access devices.
July 20, 2009
CHESSDISCUSSION.COM WEBMASTER INDICTED FOR COMPUTER FRAUD AND AGGRAVATED IDENTITY THEFT
SAN JOSE, Calif. - A federal grand jury in San Jose indicted Gregory Alexander, of Everett, Wash., Wednesday for unauthorized access of the private email account of a member of a not-for-profit organization’s board of directors, United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced.
July 17, 2009
Motorist Charged With Murder in Cyclist Death
SAN FERNANDO – A Canyon Country man on probation for two separate misdemeanor DUI cases was charged today with murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, felony hit-and-run and other charges.
July 16, 2009
FORMER NFL PLAYER PLEADS GUILTY TO FEDERAL FRAUD CHARGES IN SCHEME THAT COST VICTIMS $5 MILLION
SANTA ANA, California – A former player with the Tennessee Titans pleaded guilty this afternoon to federal fraud charges related to a $5 million Ponzi scheme in which he collected funds with promises of high rates of returns on investments in loan programs, including multimillion dollar condominium projects in Mexico.
July 15, 2009
Man Imprisoned for 22 Years In Hate Crime Attack
LOS ANGELES – A Bakersfield man convicted of stabbing and wounding an Asian man last year during what a jury determined was a hate crime attack was sent to prison today for 22 years.
July 14, 2009
PORTERVILLE MAN SENTENCED TO 17.5 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR PRODUCING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
FRESNO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced that VICTOR ISREAL MARTINEZ, 30, of Porterville, California, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Anthony W. Ishii for his conviction for one count of sexual exploitation of a minor by production of images of that minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The sentence imposed includes a prison term of 210 months to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release during which his access to minors, computers, and the Internet will be restricted.
July 13, 2009
SALINAS MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO SENDING FALSE DISTRESS MESSAGE
SAN JOSE, Calif. – Kurtis Thorsted pleaded guilty in federal court in San Jose on Monday to knowingly and willfully communicating a false distress message to the United States Coast Guard, United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced.
July 10, 2009
FROILAN ROLDAN PLEADS GUILTY TO THREE ARMED BANK ROBBERIES
Milpitas Man Admits to Using a Firearm and Stealing Over $90,000 from Bank of America
SAN JOSE, Calif.– Froilan Alix Roldan, of Milpitas, Calif., pleaded guilty today to three counts of armed bank robbery, and to brandishing a firearm during the commission of one of those robberies, United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced. As part of the plea agreement, Roldan and the government have agreed to a prison sentence of 18 years.
July 09, 2009
SHELLTOWN GANG MEMBER SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE METHAMPHETAMINE
Eduardo Barajas, a member of Shelltown 38th Street Gang, was sentenced today to serve a term of 10 years in federal prison and a $10,000 fine by United States District Judge William Q. Hayes, announced United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt. Barajas was sentenced based on his August 27, 2008 guilty plea to participating in a conspiracy to distribute 25 pounds of methamphetamine within the San Diego area.
July 08, 2009
Man Charged In December 2008 Bentley Murder
LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles man was charged with murder late today in connection with the fatal shooting last December of a car salesman whose body was found in his 2005 Silver Bentley.
July 07, 2009
Brown Sues 22 Midas Shops to Block Bait-and-Switch Auto Repair Scam
Oakland - Following more than two dozen undercover sting operations, Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. today sued Maurice Irving Glad and his 22 California Midas auto shops to stop a "massive bait- and-switch scam" in which customers were offered cheap brake specials and then charged hundreds of dollars more for unnecessary repairs.
July 06, 2009
Man Charged in Reseda Explosion Faces Arraignment
VAN NUYS – A man charged with various felony crimes
stemming from an explosion and discovery of a large cache of illegal weapons and ammunition at a home in Reseda is scheduled to appear for arraignment this afternoon in Van Nuys Superior Court.
July 04, 2009
GUILTY PLEA IN $1.4 MILLION BAKERSFIELD DRUG BUST
FRESNO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown and DEA Special
Agent-in-Charge Anthony Williams announced today the first guilty plea in the federal prosecution of THAI HOANG NGUYEN, 32, of Surrey, British Columbia, Canada for conspiring to purchase and then resell 85 kilograms, or about 187 pounds, of cocaine. SOKHA BHOPAL, 50, of Valencia, Calif., VATH LIM, 34, of El Monte, Calif., and DAVINDER SINGH, 41, of Delta, British Columbia, Canada are also charged in the conspiracy.
July 03, 2009
EMPLOYEE OF MASSACHUSETTS COMPUTER PARTS COMPANY PLEADS GUILTY TO CONSPIRING TO COMMIT WIRE FRAUD
Conspired To Make Fraudulent Request For Replacement Parts Under Cisco’s SMARTnet Warranty Program
SAN JOSE, Calif. – A former employee of Data Resource Group, a company based in Salisbury, Mass., plead guilty today to defrauding Cisco Systems Inc. of computer networking equipment through Cisco’s SMARTnet warranty program, United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced.
July 02, 2009
Lost Dog Leads to Attempted Extortion Charge
LOS ANGELES – A convicted sex offender on parole was charged today with attempted extortion after he allegedly offered to return a lost dog to its young female owner in return for cash or sex.
June 30, 2009
Two Men Convicted of Murder, Manslaughter in Street Racing Deaths of Three
POMONA – Two men were convicted today of multiple murder and gross vehicular manslaughter charges in connection with a 2007 street racing incident that claimed the lives of a mother and her two children.
June 29, 2009
$1 MILLION INTERNATIONAL DRUG CONSPIRACY RESULTS IN GUILTY VERDICTS
FRESNO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Williams announced today jury verdicts convicting HARJEET MANN, 50, a Canadian national and resident of Bakersfield; SUKHRAJ DHALIWAL, 39, of Bakersfield; and GURMEET BISLA, 29, of Livingston, for conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute a large quantity of cocaine. In addition, MANN and DHALIWAL were convicted of attempting to possess with intent to distribute 70 kilograms of cocaine following their delivery of approximately $843,000 in cash to an undercover narcotics agent.
June 26, 2009
MOUNT PLEASANT, PENNSYLVANIA MAN CHARGED WITH WARRANTY FRAUD
SAN JOSE, Calif. – A federal grand jury in San Jose indicted Thomas J. Kline with five counts of mail fraud, Wednesday, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1341, announced United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello.
June 25, 2009
JUNK COLLECTOR INDICTED ON FEDERAL CHARGES FOR ILLEGALLY STORING TOXIC AND EXPLOSIVE HAZARDOUS WASTE IN RESEDA NEIGHBORHOOD BACKYARD
A local resident has been indicted on federal charges for illegally storing toxic and explosive hazardous wastes in the back yard of his residence located on Ingomar Street in Reseda, California.
June 24, 2009
R&B Singer Pleads Guilty to Assault
LOS ANGELES – R&B singer Chris Brown pleaded guilty today to physically attacking his former girlfriend earlier this year as the two were driving to a residence in Hancock Park.
June 23, 2009
LASSEN COUNTY MAN INDICTED ON CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging RONALD EUGENE BERNAL, 47, of Susanville, with producing and possessing child pornography.
June 22, 2009
Truck Driver Indicted on Murder Charges
LOS ANGELES – A commercial truck driver whose big rig crashed April 1 in La Canada Flintridge, killing a father and his 12-year-old daughter, pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges in a Grand Jury indictment unsealed today.
June 19, 2009
Convicted Private Investigator is Arraigned
LOS ANGELES – Imprisoned private investigator Anthony Pellicano and a man he allegedly hired to threaten a Los Angeles Times reporter in 2002 both pleaded not guilty today to conspiracy and making a criminal threat.
June 18, 2009
FORMER TULARE WESTERN HIGH SCHOOL BAND DIRECTOR SENTENCED TO 6.5 YEARS IN PRISON FOR POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
FRESNO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that Chief United States District Judge Anthony W. Ishii sentenced RAYMOND HARRY FERENCI, 52, of Tulare, today to six and a half years in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release for his conviction of possession of child pornography. One victim has filed a claim for restitution, and the judge has scheduled that matter for a hearing on July 28, 2009 at 9:00 AM.
June 17, 2009
Petition Circulator Pleads Guilty to Voter Registration Fraud
LOS ANGELES – A 26-year-old owner of a voter registration company pleaded guilty today to voter registration fraud and agreed to legally register at his correct address, the District Attorney’s office announced.
June 16, 2009
Former Hospital Employee Pleads Guilty in ID Theft Case
LOS ANGELES – A former Cedars-Sinai Medical Center employee pleaded guilty today to stealing patient information to fraudulently bill insurance companies and collect more than $354,000.
June 15, 2009
Man Sentenced for Threatening Bell Gardens Council Member
LOS ANGELES – The owner of a towing company today was serving a 360-day jail term as part of a sentence for threatening a Bell Gardens City Council member two years ago.
June 12, 2009
Sylmar Man Charged with Attempted Murder
SAN FERNANDO – A 34-year-old Sylmar man was charged today with multiple counts of attempted murder after he allegedly stood in the middle of a Sylmar street on Tuesday and fired on acquaintances.
June 11, 2009
Temple City Mayor, Former Mayor Indicted
LOS ANGELES – Temple City’s current and former mayor and a former aide appeared in court today on an indictment charging them with bribery, perjury and other charges.
June 10, 2009
LAPD Detective Charged with Decades-Old Murder
LOS ANGELES – A veteran LAPD detective was charged today with capital murder in the 1986 death of her ex-boyfriend’s wife, whose body was found badly beaten and shot.
June 09, 2009
LEMOORE MAN SENTENCED TO 7 YEARS AND 3 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
FRESNO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that JUSTIN DYLAN GIPSON, 31, of Lemoore, was sentenced by United States District Judge Anthony W. Ishii to seven years and three months in prison to be followed 10 years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography on January 20, 2009.
June 08, 2009
Gang Member Sentenced to 110 Years to Life for Harbor Gateway Shooting
LONG BEACH-- An Eastside Torrance gang member was sentenced today to 110 years to life in prison for the March 2008 shooting of a 6-year-old boy in the Harbor Gateway area.
June 05, 2009
Accused Welfare Cheats Targeted in Joint Agency Arrest Sweep
LOS ANGELES – District Attorney’s investigators along with agents from state and federal agencies fanned out throughout Los Angeles County today with arrest warrants for nearly two dozen people accused of bilking taxpayers out of more than $2.3 million in phony public assistance benefits.
June 04, 2009
SACRAMENTO MAN SENTENCED TO 21 MONTHS FOR FENCING GOLD COINS STOLEN FROM THE U.S. MAIL AND POSSESSING A LOADED FIREARM
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Acting U.S. Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that DAVID ALLEN GIBSON, 42, of Sacramento, was sentenced this morning by United States District Judge John A. Mendez to 21 months in prison to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release for possessing items stolen from the U.S. Mail and for possession of a loaded firearm. He was also ordered to pay restitution.
June 03, 2009
Arraignment Scheduled for Triple Murder Suspects
COMPTON – Three suspected gang members who allegedly gunned down three victims in a Compton apartment in March are scheduled to be arraigned today on capital murder charges.
June 02, 2009
Former Gardena Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Sentenced
TORRANCE – The former executive director of the Gardena Valley Chamber of Commerce – convicted two months ago of grand theft and forgery – was sentenced to state prison today.
June 01, 2009
Record Producer Sentenced to 19 Years to Life in Prison
LOS ANGELES – A Superior Court judge sentenced convicted record producer Phillip Spector today to 19 years to life in prison for the 2003 murder of actress Lana Clarkson at the defendant’s Alhambra mansion.
May 29, 2009
Monrovia Man Pleads to Sex Charges for Luring Girls Via Web
PASADENA – A 34-year-old Monrovia man accused of using the Internet to lure teen girls for sex pleaded today, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
May 28, 2009
Hawthorne Mother Pleads No Contest to Kidnapping Pedestrian
LOS ANGELES – A 26-year-old Hawthorne mother suspected of forcing a 72-year-old female pedestrian into her car after hitting her, then eluding police during brief chase, pleaded no contest today to kidnapping the victim.
May 27, 2009
Murder Filed Against Atlanta Man in Fatal Rapper Shooting
LOS ANGELES – An Atlanta man was charged today with Monday’s fatal shooting of a young rap artist at the Beverly Center.
May 26, 2009
Employee Charged with Capital Murder in Fatal Shooting of Boss
LOS ANGELES – A 51-year-old employee suspected of fatally shooting his boss and a co-worker at a Vernon lumber yard Monday is scheduled to be arraigned today on capital murder charges.
May 25, 2009
Four Charged in Widespread Electronic Crime Scheme
LOS ANGELES – Four San Fernando Valley men were charged today with grand theft, identity theft and other felonies in connection with a widespread electronic crime scheme in which more than two dozens victims, including two banks, lost more than $400,000 through phony ATM withdrawals.
May 22, 2009
OAKLAND RESIDENT PLEADS GUILTY TO DRUG, GUN CHARGES
Illegal Alien Faces Mandatory 15-Year Minimum
SAN JOSE, Calif. – Francisco Torres-Felix pleaded guilty in federal court in San Jose Monday to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, carrying and possessing a firearm in relation to these crimes, being an illegal alien in possession of two firearms, and illegal re-entry following deportation, United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced.
May 21, 2009
Brown Announces Takedown of "Merced Gangster Crips"
Merced-- Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced that agents from the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement yesterday arrested 15 members of the "notorious and violent" Merced Gangster Crips on charges of conspiracy, drug-trafficking, and weapons sales.
May 20, 2009
LAPD Officer Pleads to Assault While Off-Duty
LOS ANGELES – A 39-year-old LAPD officer pleaded guilty today to assault with a semiautomatic firearm stemming from a 2008 off-duty encounter with restaurant patrons at the Redondo Beach pier, the District Attorney’s office announced.
May 19, 2009
Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced in 2007 Death of College Co-Ed
LOS ANGELES – The man who admitted giving college co-ed Donna Jou drugs at a party and later dumping her body after she accidentally overdosed was sentenced to five years in state prison today.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Darrell Mavis imposed the maximum sentence on John Steven Burgess, 36, who admitted meeting Jou through a Craigslist ad on the Internet.
May 18, 2009
Middleman Convicted in UCLA Body Parts Case
LOS ANGELES – The middleman in the unauthorized sale of body parts-for-profit scheme from UCLA’s Willed Body program was convicted today of conspiracy, grand theft and filing false tax returns.
May 15, 2009
FEDERAL INDICTMENT UNSEALED WITH SECOND-DEGREE MURDER CHARGE FOR THE DEATH OF U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION BORDER PATROL AGENT LUIS AGUILAR
San Diego, CA - United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced today the unsealing of a three-count superseding indictment charging Jesus Navarro-Montes with federal narcotics violations and second-degree murder in connection with the death of United States Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol Agent Luis Aguilar on January 19, 2008.
May 14, 2009
Man Arrested in 30-Year-Old Murder Case
TORRANCE – An Orange County engineer who once dated a Torrance nurse found murdered inside her Torrance apartment in 1979 was arrested today on a murder warrant filed by the District Attorney’s office.
May 13, 2009
Man Pleads to Arson in Griffith Park Fires
LOS ANGELES – A 44-year-old Glendale man on probation for arson pleaded no contest today to arson in connection with a series of fires in Griffith Park last year, the District Attorney’s office announced.
May 12, 2009
Felon Convicted of Capital Murders
LOS ANGELES – Jurors today convicted a 56-year-old man charged with the 1999 murder of an armored car courier and the killing of a restaurant owner about a year and half later.
May 11, 2009
EL DORADO HILLS MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO SEX TRAFFICKING OF A MINOR
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that RISHI SANWAL, 24, of El Dorado Hills, Calif., pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Edward J. Garcia to sex trafficking of children.
May 08, 2009
Former Deputy Charged with Attempted Drug Smuggling
LOS ANGELES – A former Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy and a female co-conspirator pleaded not guilty today to charges they attempted to smuggle drugs into a county jail facility guarded by the deputy.
May 07, 2009
ORANGE COUNTY MEN INDICTED ON FEDERAL CHARGES OF SMUGGLING BIRDS FROM VIETNAM INTO U.S.
A federal grand jury in Los Angeles today indicted two Garden Grove men on charges related to the smuggling of songbirds – including one injurious species – into the United States. The birds were allegedly concealed on one man’s body during at least one trip on a commercial flight from Vietnam.
May 06, 2009
RANCHO CORDOVA MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO BANK FRAUD AND STRUCTURING
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that HUYEN T. LE, 35, of Rancho Cordova, Calif. pleaded guilty today to charges of bank fraud and structuring.
May 05, 2009
RANCHO CORDOVA MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO BANK FRAUD AND STRUCTURING
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that HUYEN T. LE, 35, of Rancho Cordova, Calif. pleaded guilty today to charges of bank fraud and structuring.
May 04, 2009
Son of Vernon Mayor Pleads In Public Corruption Case
LOS ANGELES – The 40-year-old son of Vernon Mayor Leonis Malburg pleaded no contest today to charges he was not a Vernon resident when he voted in Vernon city elections. His parents are still awaiting trial in the long-running public corruption case.
May 01, 2009
SHASTA COUNTY TAX-RETURN PREPARERS ARRESTED FOR CASHING REFUND CHECKS OF VICTIM TAXPAYERS
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Acting U.S. Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today
that SHANNON ELAINE FORD, 32, and MICHAEL JOSEPH FORD, 31, of Redding, Calif,
were arrested this morning for felony criminal offenses related to the filing of false tax returns.
April 30, 2009
WEED CHIROPRACTOR SENTENCED TO MORE THAN 11 YEARS PRISON FOR BANKRUPTCY FRAUD
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that THOMAS M. KLASSY, 55, of Weed, Calif., was sentenced today by United States District Judge Morrison C. England Jr., to serve 135 months in federal prison. On June 5, 2008, a jury found the defendant guilty of making false declarations under penalty of perjury in a bankruptcy case, fraudulently concealing property in a bankruptcy case, and 26 counts of money laundering.
April 29, 2009
One of Two Men Sentenced in Santa Monica Moose Lodge Murders
LOS ANGELES – One of two gang members convicted last month of the 2005 murders of two men
at the Santa Monica Moose Lodge was sentenced to prison today.
April 28, 2009
Antelope Valley Mother Charged with Toddler’s Death
LANCASTER – Charges were filed today against a Quartz Hill woman accused of killing her 18-month old daughter, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
April 27, 2009
Gang Member Sentenced to Death for Murders of Compton Girl, Man
LOS ANGELES – A South Los Angeles gang member who in 2001 killed a 14-year-old girl with a bullet to the back of the head and in 1998 fatally shot an unarmed man in the face was sentenced to death today.
April 24, 2009
Two Sheriff's Deputies Plead to Off-Duty Beating
LOS ANGELES – Two Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies pleaded today to the off-duty beating of a firefighter, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
April 23, 2009
Two Facing Arraignment in Murder of Suspected Black Widow
TORRANCE – Two men, including the grand-nephew of a Lomita woman suspected of masterminding the deaths of two husbands, are facing arraignment this afternoon for her murder two years ago.
April 22, 2009
LIFE SENTENCES IN SEXUAL ABUSE CASE
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that United States District Judge William B. Shubb sentenced ALLEN HARROD, 61, of Sacramento, and MICHAEL LaBRECQUE, 50, of Fort Worth, Texas, today to life in prison. A federal jury returned a guilty verdict in February 2008 of six counts of the interstate travel of four minors for the purpose of engaging in unlawful sexual conduct, and one count each for the transfer of HARROD’s seven-year-old son to Michael LaBRECQUEs for the purpose of producing sexually explicit images of the boy.
April 21, 2009
Boy Convicted of Cousin’s Murder
COMPTON – A 14-year-old boy who last year was charged with the murder of his 8-year-old cousin was convicted Friday of her shooting death and other charges, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
April 20, 2009
Woman, Mother Charged in Connection with Fatal Stabbing of Teenager
LOS ANGELES – A wheelchair-bound woman accused of fatally stabbing a teenage girl earlier this week was charged with murder today, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
April 17, 2009
Los Angeles Woman Sentenced to Prison for Welfare Fraud
LOS ANGELES – One of two defendants accused of defrauding tax payers out of more than $300,000 in public assistance funds was sentenced to prison today, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
April 16, 2009
Security Company Owner Arrested in Workers Comp Fraud Investigation
LOS ANGELES – The owner of a security company that employes 1,500 workers statewide was arrested today on charges he and two company officials defrauded the state out of more than $9 million in an elaborate workers comp fraud scheme, the District Attorney’s office announced.
April 15, 2009
FORMER STOCKTON POLICE OFFICER INDICTED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced
today that a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment yesterday charging JOHN
KRIVOKAPICH, 41, of Stockton, Calif., with coercion and enticement, transfer of obscene
material to a minor, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
April 14, 2009
Record Producer Convicted of Murdering Actress in 2003
LOS ANGELES – A Superior Court jury convicted record producer Phillip Spector today of murdering actress Lana Clarkson at the defendant’s Alhambra mansion six years ago.
April 13, 2009
Vernon Mayor’s Son Sentenced to Prison
LOS ANGELES – The 40-year-old son of Vernon Mayor Leonis Malburg was sentenced today to eight years in prison following his earlier guilty plea to continuous sexual abuse of a child and using a minor for a commercial sex act, the District Attorney’s office announced.
April 10, 2009
Man Sentenced To Serve 63 Months For Bringing In Illegal Aliens Resulting in Death....
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that Odilon Cira-Ramirez was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in San Diego by the Honorable William Q. Hayes to serve 63 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release after Cira-Ramirez’ conviction for his role in the smuggling of undocumented aliens, which resulted in two deaths. Cira-Ramirez pled guilty in November 2008, to two counts of Bringing in Illegal Aliens Resulting in Death and one count of Bringing in Illegal Aliens for Financial Gain.
April 09, 2009
Woman Accused of Murder in Death of Newborn, Attempted Murder of Mother
COMPTON – A woman motorist accused of striking a pregnant woman with her SUV during an argument was charged today with murdering the baby, born after the alleged attack, and trying to kill the newborn’s mother, the District Attorney’s office announced.
April 08, 2009
Man Sentenced to More than 400 Years in Prison
POMONA – A 27-year-old man convicted last month of 33 felony counts was sentenced to more than 400 years in prison today, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
April 07, 2009
Woman Sentenced to Prison for Police Pursuit, Traffic Collision Death of Young Boy
PASADENA – A 30-year-old La Puente woman who while evading police caused a collision that killed a 3-year-old boy, was sentenced to prison today, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
April 06, 2009
South Los Angeles Man Convicted of Murder of Navy Sailor, Another Man
LOS ANGELES – A 21-year-old gang member was convicted of murder today for his participation in the 2006 shooting deaths of a U.S. Navy sailor and one other.
Deputy District Attorney Victor Avila said jurors deliberated for less than a day before convicting Aaron Robinson of two counts of first-degree murder and finding true the special circumstance allegation that the defendant was an active participant in a criminal street gang and the murder was carried out to further the activities of the gang. Jurors additionally found true principal armed and gang allegations.
April 03, 2009
Former Police Officer Charged with Insurance Fraud, Other Crimes
LOS ANGELES – A former Los Angeles police officer accused of torching his 2005 BMW 745 Li, then reporting it stolen and filing insurance claim for the loss, was charged by the District Attorney’s office today with fraud and other crimes.
April 02, 2009
Long Beach Freeway Rapist Sent to Prison for Life
COMPTON – A Compton Superior Court judge today sentenced a man dubbed the Long Beach Freeway rapist to spend the rest of his life in prison for raping and brutalizing three girls and five women over a nearly two-year period, the District Attorney’s office announced.
April 01, 2009
TEHAMA COUNTY MAN ARRESTED FOR TRANSPORTING CHILDREN ACROSS STATE LINES SINCE 1988 FOR PURPOSE OF CHILD MOLESTATION
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that THOMAS SHERMAN ENDICOTT, 71, of Tehama County, Calif., was arrested. A federal grand jury returned an indictment on March 26, 2009, charging ENDICOTT with six counts of transporting a minor across state lines with intent to engage in sexual activity.
March 31, 2009
Pair Pleads Guilty to Laundering Money in Last Mayoral Election
LOS ANGELES – Two Florida businessmen trying to obtain LAX concession contracts pleaded guilty today to laundering campaign contributions to Antonio Villaraigosa’s 2005 mayoral campaign and agreed to pay more than $200,000 in fines and penalties. Deputy Dist. Atty. Gary Nielsen with the Public Integrity Division said Sean Anderson and Richard Manhire, who own the Florida company Travel Traders, each pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of improperly identifying a campaign contributor. In return for their plea, one felony count of conspiracy to commit a crime was dismissed against each man.
March 30, 2009
FRESNO SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED TO 15-YEAR PRISON TERM FOR POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
FRESNO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that KEITH ALAN BRECKENRIDGE, 21, of Fresno, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill for his conviction of one count of possession of images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. He was sentenced to a prison term of 180 months and a lifetime term of supervised release during which his access to minors, computers, and the internet will be restricted.
March 27, 2009
Pair Pleads Guilty to Laundering Money in Last Mayoral Election
LOS ANGELES – Two Florida businessmen trying to obtain LAX concession contracts pleaded guilty today to laundering campaign contributions to Antonio Villaraigosa’s 2005 mayoral campaign and agreed to pay more than $200,000 in fines and penalties.
March 26, 2009
Alleged Gunman in Shooting of Young Girl Arraigned
LOS ANGELES – One of two alleged gang members accused of shooting a young girl while exchanging gunfire with undercover narcotics officers was arraigned today, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
March 25, 2009
FAILURE TO PAY CHILD SUPPORT RESULTS IN 18 MONTHS IN PRISON AND $80,000 RESTITUTION
Former Auburn, Calif. Resident Avoided Obligation for 10 Years
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that United States District Judge Lawrence K. Karlton sentenced MICHAEL EUGENE LAMB, 49, of Great Falls, Mont., today to 18 months in federal prison for willfully failing to pay over $80,000 in court ordered child support, in violation of the Deadbeat Parents Punishment Act. Judge Karlton also ordered the defendant to pay $80,281.39 in restitution.
March 24, 2009
THREE INVOLVED IN STEALING GOLD FROM EAST BAY MANUFACTURER SENTENCED
OAKLAND, Calif. – Three East Bay men were sentenced in United States District Court in Oakland today for their roles in a gold stealing conspiracy, United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced.
March 23, 2009
SUSANVILLE MAN CHARGED WITH PRODUCTION AND POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CRIMES INVOLVING AUSTRALIAN MINOR
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that a federal grand jury brought an indictment against TROY WILLIAM NELSON, 30, of Susanville, Calif., charging him with sexual exploitation of a child in connection with his use of an Australian minor female to produce images of child pornography and possession of child pornography.
March 21, 2009
Former Neighbor Charged with 2003 Korea Town Triple Murders
LOS ANGELES – A neighbor of a woman who was shot to death in her Korea town apartment along with her 2-year-old son and nanny was charged by the District Attorney’s office today with capital murder.
March 20, 2009
Two Former Border Patrol Agents Extradited From Mexico To Face Smuggling Charges
San Diego, CA - United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced today that two former United States Border Patrol (BP) agents, Raul Villarreal and Fidel Villarreal, as well as Claudia Gonzalez and Armando Garcia, were arraigned today in federal court in San Diego before Magistrate Judge Leo S. Papas on an 18-count indictment.
March 19, 2009
‘GUITAR HERO’ BANDIT SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS IN PRISON
A man who committed an armed robbery of a Wells Fargo bank inside a Santa Ana supermarket while wearing a Guitar Hero T-shirt has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison.
March 17, 2009
HATE CRIME CHARGED FOR ASSAULT IN CHICO
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown and Acting Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division Loretta King announced today that a federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment charging ERIC LOREN CLAWSON, 26, San Francisco, formerly of Chico, Calif., and JOE GRIVETTE, 27, of Paradise, Calif., with a federal civil rights violation in connection with a 2008 assault on an African-American in a bar in Chico.
March 16, 2009
Two Doctors, Lawyer Charged with Conspiracy to Furnish Drugs to Anna Nicole Smith
LOS ANGELES – Two doctors and a lawyer were charged with conspiring to furnish drugs to Anna Nichole Smith prior to her death in 2007, the District Attorney’s office announced today.
March 13, 2009
Man Charged with Murder after Girlfriend’s Body Found in Car Trunk
VAN NUYS – A 24-year-old Santa Monica man is scheduled to be arraigned today on one count of murder after his girlfriend’s body was found in the trunk of a car in Valley Village.
March 12, 2009
ORANGE COUNTY LUXURY CAR DEALER AGREES TO PLEAD GUILTY TO FEDERAL FRAUD CHARGES FOR BILKING COMPANY THAT LOANED HIM MONEY TO PURCHASE LAMBORGHINIS
SANTA ANA, Calif. – An Orange County man who owned two Lamborghini dealerships that sold up to 5 percent of all Lamborghinis sold in the world has agreed to plead guilty in a scheme to bilk the financing company that gave him millions of dollars to purchase the luxury sports cars and put them on his lot.
March 11, 2009
PORTUGUESE MAN WORKING ON CRUISE SHIP CHARGED WITH SEXUALLY ASSAULTING FEMALE PASSENGER
A Portuguese crew member on a Princess Cruise Lines ship was charged today with sexually assaulting a female passenger in a dining room while the ship was at sea off the coast of Mexico.
March 10, 2009
STOCKTON MAN CONVICTED OF STEALING CHECKS FROM CHRISTMAS CARDS AND POSSESSION OF FALSE IDENTIFICATION
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that DANIEL JAMES MEDINA, 19, of Stockton, Calif., pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Morrison C. England to theft of United States mail and to possession of counterfeit identification.
March 09, 2009
FORMER CEO OF KB HOME CHARGED WITH SECURITIES FRAUD IN CONNECTION WITH STOCK-OPTION BACKDATING SCHEME
LOS ANGELES – A former CEO and chairman of the board of KB Home was named today in a 20-count indictment that charges him in a scheme to defraud KB and its shareholders by awarding himself and other KB executives millions of dollars in undisclosed stock-based compensation in connection with the backdating of stock options over a seven-year period.
March 06, 2009
PRIOR CHILD MOLESTATION CONVICTION BRINGS 10-YEAR TERM TO VENTURA COUNTY MAN IN CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CASE
An Oxnard man who was arrested last year as part of a widespread investigation into the exchange of child
March 05, 2009
THREE PLEAD GUILTY TO $76,300 ARMED ROBBERY OF PACIFIC POSTAL CREDIT UNION
Sefo Sagote Agrees to 133-month Prison Sentence
SAN FRANCISCO - Sefo Sagote, 27, and his niece Angelica Sagote, 20, pleaded guilty last week to the armed bank robbery of the Pacific Postal Credit Union in San Francisco, United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced. Elisara Taito, 26, pleaded guilty on December 15, 2008.
March 04, 2009
SACRAMENTO MAN SENTENCED TO 30 YEARS FOR PRODUCING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that DANIEL ARAM ZABLOCKI, 34, of Sacramento, was sentenced today by United States District Judge John A. Mendez to 30 years in federal prison for producing and possessing child pornography. ZABLOCKI pleaded guilty on September 9, 2009.
March 03, 2009
GUILTY PLEA IN FRESNO STATE GRADE-CHANGING SCHEME
FRESNO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that LARRY DONNELL JONES, 32, of Anchorage, Alaska pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill to three counts of honest services mail fraud for his involvement in a grade-changing scheme involving California State University, Fresno.
March 02, 2009
BAKERSFIELD VETERAN CONVICTED OF DEFRAUDING DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
FRESNO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that a federal jury returned a guilty verdict today, convicting ROGER KEITH REMY, 55, of Bakersfield, Calif., of three counts of submitting false documents and three counts of submitting false claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The jury returned the guilty verdict after a three-day trial in Fresno before United States District Judge Oliver Wanger.
February 27, 2009
Catholic School Teacher Pleads to Sexual Molestation
VAN NUYS – A 33-year-old math and science teacher at Our Lady of Holy Rosary in Sun Valley pleaded no contest today to two counts of sexually molesting two young female students.
February 26, 2009
CALIFORNIA OFF-ROAD RACER SENTENCED TO 8 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR DISTRIBUTION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
A Corona man who owned an off-road-racing manufacturing firm has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for distributing child pornography.
February 25, 2009
TWO PLEAD GUILTY TO DEFRAUDING TRUCKING COMPANIES IN MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR SCHEME THAT USED INTERNET SITE
Two Southern California men have pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges for fraudulently using a federal Internet site to defraud trucking companies out of at least $2.4 million.
February 24, 2009
THREE CHARGED IN MOVIE PIRACY CASES INVOLVING ILLEGAL POSTING OF THEATRICAL FILMS ON INTERNET
Screeners of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and ‘Benjamin Button’ Were Made Available
Three Southern California men have been charged in separate cases with distributing pirated copies of Hollywood movies such as “Slumdog Millionaire” and "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" in violation of federal copyright law.
February 23, 2009
Jury Convicts Man For Sale of Unapproved Medical Device
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that James Folsom was found guilty by a federal jury earlier today in United States District Court in San Diego of twenty-six felony counts relating to his sale of an unapproved medical device. The verdict follows a two-week trial before the Honorable John A. Houston, United States District Judge.
February 20, 2009
LODI COUNTERFEITERS INDICTED AND ARRESTED
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that on Thursday, February 5, 2009, a federal grand jury returned a 10-count indictment charging JOSEPH DEANDA, 48, TAMI KISHI DEANDA, 41, CLINTON EARL IRONS, 32, HOLLY ARMADA HAWORTH, 29, and SHELIE LOUISE RADOTIC, 30, all of Lodi, Calif., with conspiracy to counterfeit United States currency, and possession of counterfeit United States currency.
February 19, 2009
Man Sentenced to Death for Kidnapping, Killing Ex-Girlfriend
LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles Superior Court judge sentenced a 45-year-old man to death today for kidnapping and killing a former girlfriend.
February 18, 2009
GOLD RIVER MAN SENTENCED TO 6.5 YEARS IN PRISON FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that TIMOTHY STOLESE, 48, of Gold River, Calif., was sentenced today by United States District Judge Edward J. Garcia to six-and-a-half years in prison to be followed by eight years of supervised release for receiving and distributing child pornography. In addition, he will be required to register as a sex offender. STOLESE pleaded guilty to receiving and distributing material involving the sexual exploitation of minors on September 26, 2008.
February 17, 2009
SACRAMENTO MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO IDENTITY THEFT AND BANK FRAUD
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that MICHAEL LAMB, 31, of Sacramento pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Morrison C. England to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
February 16, 2009
Two Whittier Men Charged with Capital Murder
LONG BEACH – Charges were filed today against two Whittier men allegedly involved in the fatal shooting of a woman whose body was discovered late last month in San Pedro.
February 13, 2009
Woman Charged with Attempted Murder in Arson of Dancer
VAN NUYS – A 27-year-old Tarzana woman was charged today with attempted, premeditated murder, mayhem and torture after she allegedly threw an accelerant on a female dancer and set her ablaze last week.
February 12, 2009
WALNUT CREEK WOMAN CHARGED WITH FORCED LABOR OF DOMESTIC SERVANT
Five-Count Indictment Also Alleges Visa Fraud and Immigration Violations
OAKLAND, Calif., – A federal grand jury on February 4 returned a five-count superseding indictment charging Mabelle de la Rosa Dann, 45, of Walnut Creek, Calif., with criminal violations of forced labor, unlawful conduct regarding documents in furtherance of servitude, visa fraud, conspiracy to commit visa fraud, and harboring an illegal alien for private financial gain, announced United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello.
February 11, 2009
FALL RIVER VALLEY MAN SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS IN PRISON FOR RECEIPT OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that CHAD HUTCHISON, 35, of Fall River Mills, Calif. was sentenced on Friday, February 6, 2009, by United States District Judge Garland E. Burrell Jr. to six years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release. The defendant pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography on May 16, 2008.
February 10, 2009
FEDERAL GRAND JURIES CHARGE SIX WITH DRUG AND GUN CRIMES
SAN FRANCISCO – Federal grand juries in San Francisco have charged six individuals with drug trafficking and firearms offenses, announced United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello.
February 09, 2009
MISSOURI MAN CHARGED WITH TRAVELING TO CALIFORNIA TO ENGAGE IN SEXUAL ACTIVITY WITH MINOR HE MET THROUGH XBOX LIVE
FRESNO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that a grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against EDWARD PRESTON STOUT, 27, of Richmond Heights, Mo., charging him with use of interstate commerce to entice or coerce a minor to engage in sexual activity as well as travel in interstate commerce to engage in illicit sexual activity.
February 06, 2009
Man Convicted of Burglarizing Santa Clarita Homes, Sexually Assaulting Victims
SAN FERNANDO – A man who broke into four Santa Clarita homes in 2007 and raped at least three of the women victims was convicted by a jury today of forcible rape and other charges that are expected to send him to prison for the remainder of his life.
February 05, 2009
LODI WOMAN CONCEALS RESIDENCE IN SYRIA WHILE COLLECTING SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that MAHA JAMIL BAROODY, 64, of Lodi, Calif., pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge John A. Mendez to theft of U.S. Social Security Administration funds.
February 04, 2009
WOMAN SENTENCED TO 33 MONTHS FOR BRINGING $400,000 IN “SUPERNOTES” TO THE UNITED STATES
SAN FRANCISCO – Mei Ling Chen was sentenced yesterday to 33 months in prison and ordered to pay a $4,300 fine and $3,200 in restitution for bringing counterfeit United States currency into the United States and spending some of it at local businesses, announced United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello.
February 03, 2009
LAS VEGAS MAN SENTENCED FOR DEFRAUDING GRANITE BAY VICTIM
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced that yesterday United States District Court Judge Morrison C. England, Jr. sentenced AMIER SADEGHPOUR, 54, of Las Vegas, to six years in prison for defrauding a victim for more than $345,000. In addition the prison sentence, he is required to pay $345,000 to the victim and a fine of $150,000 to the government.
February 02, 2009
PLACER COUNTY MAN INDICTED ON CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging BRIAN RAYMOND WOODIN, 41, of Lincoln, Calf., with producing, transporting, and possessing child pornography.
January 30, 2009
Woman Accused of Stealing More than $89,000 from Filipino Boxer
LOS ANGELES – A woman charged by the District Attorney’s office with stealing more than $89,000 from Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao was arraigned today and ordered held on $90,000 bail.
January 29, 2009
Man Charged with Capital Murder in Arson Death of Homeless Man
LOS ANGELES – A capital murder case was filed today against a 30-year-old man accused of dousing a homeless man with an accelerant and setting him on fire.
January 28, 2009
AFFILIATED CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES AND THEIR OWNER ACCUSED OF FRAUD PAY $1.3 MILLION TO SETTLE CIVIL CLAIMS
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that the United States has entered into a settlement agreement with Mercer-Fraser Company, Contri Construction Company, and the owner of the two affiliated companies, Ted Contri.
January 27, 2009
Three Plead Guilty to Sex Trafficking of Children
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that today the Honorable Larry A. Burns, U.S. District Court Judge, accepted the guilty pleas of Jordan Arnold, Christopher Black, and Jessica King to one count of Conspiracy to Engage in Sex Trafficking of Children, and one count of Coercion and Enticement of a Juvenile into Prostitution. The latter count carries a minimum mandatory sentence of ten years in custody.
January 26, 2009
TWO FRESNO DRUG TRAFFICKERS INDICTED
Drug Agent Injured During Arrest
FRESNO, Calif—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that a federal grand jury sitting in Fresno returned an indictment against AMADO MALDONADO, aka MARCOS CHAVEZ, 27, and RICHARD CAMPOS GUIZAR, 21, both of San Jose, Calif., charging them with participating in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine and possessing with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine. MALDONADO was also charged with being an illegal alien previously deported or removed from the United States after his conviction in Santa Clara County in 2005 for a felony drug trafficking offense.
January 23, 2009
VENTURA COUNTY MAN CHARGED WITH SALE OF ‘MAGIC MUSHROOMS’ CONSUMED BY TEEN LATER KILLED ON FREEWAY
A Westlake Village man was taken into federal custody this afternoon after being charged with distribution of narcotics for allegedly selling psilocybin hallucinogenic mushrooms that were used by a group of young people, including a 17-year-old girl who took the “magic mushrooms” and was later fatally struck by a vehicle on the Ventura Freeway.
January 22, 2009
Mexican Mafia Murder Plot Member Sentenced to 85 Years to Life
POMONA – One of four men accused in a Mexican Mafia plot to execute a man in Pomona was sentenced today to 85 years to life in state prison for his conviction of conspiracy to commit murder.
January 21, 2009
REPEAT DRUG DEALER SENTENCED TO SIGNIFICANT TIME
Revolving Door to Be Closed to Defendant for 10 Years
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that United States District Judge Morrison C. England sentenced DAVID BROWN Jr., 28, of Sacramento, to 10 years in prison to be followed by eight years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute at least five grams of cocaine base (crack cocaine) after a prior felony drug conviction.
January 20, 2009
Man Sentenced to 80 Years to Life in Prison for Murdering Girlfriend; Abducting Her Daughter
LOS ANGELES – A man convicted of murdering his live-in girlfriend and abducting the woman’s 5-year-old daughter was sentenced today to 80 years to life in state prison.
January 19, 2009
CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY AND FORMER OWNER AND OPERATOR OF COMPUTER EQUIPMENT RESELLER INDICTED FOR MONEY LAUNDERING
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The former part owner and operator of Silicon Valley Resale, Christian Pantages of San Jose, and Jamie Harmon, a criminal defense attorney in San Jose, made their initial appearance in federal court yesterday before United States Magistrate Judge Patricia V. Trumbull, announced United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello.
January 16, 2009
TAX PREPARER SENTENCED TO 11 YEARS IN PRISON FOR RUNNING SCHEME THAT LED TO MILLIONS IN LOSSES
A Chino Hills man who operated several tax preparation businesses and admitted operating a wide-ranging scheme in which he defrauded clients and the Internal Revenue Service, was sentenced today to 11 years in federal prison.
January 15, 2009
Actor Pleads Guilty to Felony Drug Possession
MALIBU – Actor Ryan O’Neal pleaded guilty today to one felony count of drug possession of methamphetamine and was sentenced to an 18-month drug diversion program.
January 14, 2009
RITE AID CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES AGREE TO PAY $5 MILLION IN CIVIL PENALTIES
Will Implement Nationwide Pseudoephedrine Tracking System to Resolve Violations of the
Controlled Substances Act in Eight States
January 13, 2009
FORMER FRESNO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER PLEADS GUILTY TO POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
Plea Agreement Includes 6.5 Years in Prison
FRESNO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced that TERRY LYNN ZANE, 58, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Anthony W. Ishii to one count of possession of images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. As part of his plea agreement, ZANE agreed to a prison term of 6.5 years and a 10-year term of supervised release.
January 12, 2009
LOCAL PHYSICIAN CHARGED WITH INJECTING PATIENTS WITH FAKE BOTOX
(LOS ANGELES) - A Federal Grand Jury has indicted Dr. David Cary Hansen, a dermatologist in West Hollywood, with participating in a scheme to substitute a cheaper, unapproved drug for the brand name Botox®.
January 09, 2009
DEFENSE CONTRACTOR AGREES TO PAY $825,000 TO RESOLVE ALLEGATIONS IT BILLED THE AIR FORCE FOR UNALLOWABLE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Teledyne Reynolds, Inc. (TRI), a Los Angeles-based manufacturer of high-voltage connectors and cable products, has agreed to pay the government $825,000 to settle civil allegations that it fraudulently overbilled the Air Force.
January 08, 2009
Man Charged With Murder of New Year’s Eve Reveler
VAN NUYS – A 34-year-old Los Angeles man was charged with murder today for the fatal shooting of a New Year’s Eve reveler at a Studio City party, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
January 07, 2009
FRESNO MAN SENTENCED TO MORE THAN 11 YEARS IN PRISON FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES
FRESNO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that Senior United States District Judge Oliver W. Wanger sentenced THEODORE MEEKER, 66, of Fresno, today for possession of child pornography to 11 years and three months in prison, followed by a 10-year term of supervised release, during which his access to children and the Internet will be restricted.
January 06, 2009
Man Pleads Guilty Possession of Child Pornography
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that WADE ROWLAND SANDERS pled guilty today in federal court in San Diego to an Information charging him with one count of possession of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4)(B). SANDERS entered his guilty plea before United States District Court Judge Thomas J. Whelan.
January 05, 2009
Man Sentenced To Serve 235 Months In Federal Prison For Conspiracy To Distribute Methamphetamine
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that Armando Ramirez was sentenced today in federal court in San Diego to serve 235 months in prison, after his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Marilyn L. Huff also ordered Ramirez to forfeit his interest in a residence, several vehicles (including a Hummer H2 and a BMW 330i), two firearms, and currency seized as proceeds or implements of the conspiracy.
January 02, 2009
Two Suspected Gang Members Charged with Murder of Sheriff’s Deputy
LOS ANGELES – Two alleged Avenues gang members were charged today with capital murder in the Aug. 2 fatal shooting of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Juan Abel Escalante outside his parents’ home.
January 01, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO MAN SENTENCED TO 78 MONTHS FOR ATTEMPTING TO PERSUADE MINOR TO ENGAGE IN SEXUAL ACTIVITY
Court Also Found Defendant Had Obstructed Justice
OAKLAND, Calif. – A citizen of Canada was sentenced Monday to serve 78 months in prison for attempting to solicit a minor online, announced United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello
December 31, 2008
Saugus Man Charged with Raping Two Women in Pasadena
PASADENA – A 29-year-old Saugus resident was charged today with raping two women and threatening them with a box cutter, the District Attorney’s office announced.
December 30, 2008
Graffiti Artist Pleads Guilty
LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles graffiti artist whose illegal exploits were featured on You Tube pleaded guilty today to felony vandalism, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced.
December 29, 2008
Teacher Charged with Sexually Molesting Students Pleads Guilty
LOS ANGELES -- A Santa Monica middle school teacher charged in May with multiple counts of sexually molesting female students pleaded guilty today, the District Attorney’s office announced.
December 26, 2008
Woman Charged in Alleged Lotto, Travel Scams
EL MONTE – A 52-year-old woman accused of defrauding victims in the El Monte area through financial scams – including lottery and travel scams – was arraigned today on multiple felony counts, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
December 25, 2008
OWNER OF LOS ALTOS PILATES STUDIO SENTENCED TO 70 MONTHS PRISON, ORDERED TO PAY $10,000 FINE FOR POSSESSING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
Defendant Remanded Into Custody After Sentencing
SAN JOSE, Calif. – Kenneth Van Aalsburg last week was sentenced to 70 months in prison and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine for possessing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello.
December 24, 2008
AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHER INDICTED FOR PRODUCING, TRAFFICKING, AND POSSESSING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
FRESNO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that a grand jury in Fresno returned an indictment against JAMES VINCENT THORSON, 45, of Fresno, charging him with one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, one count of trafficking child pornography, and two counts of possessing material involving the sexual exploitation of minors. The indictment also seeks to forfeit items used in connection with the commission of the offenses.
December 23, 2008
Woman who Stalked Lakers Player Pleads Today
TORRANCE – A woman charged with stalking Lakers forward Luke Walton pleaded no contest today and was ordered to stay away from him for three years.
December 22, 2008
Mother Charged with Manslaughter in Fatal Glendale Accident
GLENDALE – A 37-year-old Glendale mother who fatally struck and killed an 11-year-old girl after dropping her own daughter off at school in October was charged today with vehicular manslaughter.
December 19, 2008
GREAT FALLS, MONT. MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO OWING MORE THAN $78,000 IN CHILD SUPPORT
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that MICHAEL EUGENE LAMB, 49, of Great Falls, Mont. pleaded guilty this afternoon before United States District Judge Lawrence K. Karlton to willfully failing to pay more than $78,000 in court-ordered child support, in violation of the Deadbeat Parents Punishment Act.
December 18, 2008
TWO SENTENCED IN NATIONWIDE MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT SCAM
San Diego, CA - United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that today United States District Court Judge Thomas J. Whelan sentenced Randall T. Treadwell to serve 300 months in federal prison and ordered him to pay $44 million in restitution. A federal jury found Treadwell, and co-defendants Ricky D. Sluder and Larry C. Saturday, guilty on June 7, 2008, of conspiracy and wire fraud.
December 17, 2008
FORMER HOSPITAL C.E.O. PLEADS GUILTY TO PAYING KICKBACKS IN ‘SKID ROW’ HEALTHCARE FRAUD SCHEME
The former Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of City of Angels Medical Center pleaded guilty to paying illegal kickbacks for patient referrals in United States District Court in Los Angeles today. Rudra Sabaratnam, 64, a physician from Brentwood, admitted to paying illegal kickbacks as part of a scheme to defraud Medicare and Medi-Cal by recruiting homeless persons from the Skid Row area of downtown Los Angeles.
December 16, 2008
Cryptic Ledger Key to Uncovering Insurance Fraud Ring; Suspects Arrested, Charged
LOS ANGELES – A Sherman Oaks attorney suspected of running an approximately $1 million auto insurance fraud ring was arrested this morning by California Department of Insurance detectives in a case that began more than four years ago with a ledger containing cryptic notes.
December 15, 2008
FORMER FRESNO TEACHER INDICTED ON FOUR COUNTS OF TRAFFICKING AND POSSESSING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
FRESNO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that a grand jury in Fresno returned an indictment against EPHRAIM JOE AGUIRRE II, 28, of Fresno, charging him with two counts each of trafficking and possessing child pornography.
December 12, 2008
IDAHO MAN INDICTED ON CHARGE HE FAILED TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a one-count indictment charging NEDDE MAX MURPHY, 41, formerly of Burley, Idaho, of failing to register in California as a sex offender.
December 11, 2008
Man Sentenced in Ax Killing of Dog
LOS ANGELES – A 37-year-old Los Angeles man who pleaded no contest last month to killing his brother’s basset hound with an ax was sentenced today, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
December 10, 2008
CITRUS HEIGHTS MAN INDICTED FOR RECEIPT AND POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that on Wednesday a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging RICHARD PAUL GODLEY, 61, Citrus Heights, Calif., with receipt and possession of child pornography.
December 09, 2008
LAUSD Administrator Pleads Guilty to Misappropriation of Funds
LOS ANGELES – A former LAUSD principal pleaded guilty today to a felony count of misappropriation of funds by a public officer, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
December 08, 2008
EUREKA DRUG DEALER SENTENCED TO 97 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR POSSESSING A FIREARM AND FOR ILLEGALLY REENTERING THE UNITED STATES AFTER HE WAS DEPORTED
SAN FRANCISCO – United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced that Jose Leopoldo Villegas-Villanueva, a/k/a Juan Lopez Ontiveros was sentenced Wednesday to 97 months in prison for possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and for having illegally reentered the United States after he was deported to Mexico.
December 05, 2008
BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP OFFICER AT UNITED COMMERCIAL BANK INDICTED FOR BANK EMBEZZLEMENT
SAN FRANCISCO – United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced that Alex Cheuck Kin Yan of Oakland, Calif., made his initial appearance in federal court in San Francisco today before United States Magistrate Judge Edward M. Chen. A federal grand jury in San Francisco had previously indicted Mr. Yan on a charge of bank embezzlement. Mr. Yan is scheduled for his next appearance in federal court on Monday at 10 a.m. before United States District Court Judge Marilyn Hall Patel.
December 04, 2008
FUGITIVE SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED TO ADDITIONAL 18 MONTHS OF IMPRISONMENT FOR FALSE PASSPORT
SAN FRANCISCO - United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello and Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agent In-Charge Patrick Durkin announced that Bryan Mitchell Jones was sentenced recently to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
December 03, 2008
Alleged Carjacker Charged with Murder, Other Counts
LOS ANGELES – Charges were filed today against an alleged robber and carjacker accused of colliding with another vehicle, killing the driver, on Thanksgiving day.
December 02, 2008
Job Placement Firm, Owner and Chief Financial Officer Charged with Insurance Fraud
LOS ANGELES – The owner of a professional job placement firm, his chief financial officer and the company itself were charged today with defrauding the state out of millions of dollars in workers compensation premiums, the District Attorney’s office announced.
December 01, 2008
Fashion Designer Convicted of Rape, Sexual Assault of Multiple Victims
LOS ANGELES – Fashion designer Anand Jon Alexander was convicted today of rape and multiple counts of sexual assault involving seven female victims ranging in age from 14 to 21.
November 28, 2008
SACRAMENTO GANG MEMBER SENTENCED TO MORE THAN 15 YEARS
“G MOBB” Gang Member Nicholas Rapier Sentenced for Dealing Crack Cocaine
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that NICHOLAS RAPIER, 33, of Sacramento, Calif., was sentenced today by United States District Judge Morrison C. England to 188 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. RAPIER pleaded guilty to distributing cocaine base, known as “crack” cocaine, on May 15, 2008.
November 27, 2008
ISLETON WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO EMBEZZLEMENT OF $466,000 FROM WALNUT GROVE ORCHARDS
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that JUDITH KAYE POWER, 52, of Isleton, Calif. pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge John A. Mendez to a single count of making and uttering a forged instrument pertaining to her embezzlement of $466,000 from her Walnut Grove Employer.
November 26, 2008
Attorney General Brown Announces Settlement with Wal-Mart to Give Customers $3 Back for Price Discrepancies at Cash Register
SAN DIEGO—California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. and San Diego District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis today announced a settlement with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. that will “help consumers as the holiday season approaches” by giving customers $3 back at the cash register for price-scanning errors.
November 25, 2008
Fugitive Gang Member Scheduled to be Arraigned in Fatal Shooting of Baby
LOS ANGELES – A 41-year-old alleged gang member arrested over the weekend after evading authorities for more than a year is expected to be arraigned later this week in connection with the 2007 fatal shooting of a 23-day-old baby, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
November 24, 2008
MODESTO WOMAN ARRESTED AND INDICTED FOR MAIL FRAUD AND MONEY LAUNDERING
Former Controller Charged with Embezzling $1.6 Million
FRESNO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that LISA SHAE ALLEN, 37, of Modesto, Calif., was arrested on a 47-count indictment charging her with mail fraud, money laundering, and criminal forfeiture stemming from her embezzlement of over $1.6 million from her former employer.
November 21, 2008
TULARE WESTERN HIGH SCHOOL BAND INSTRUCTOR INDICTED FOR RECEIPT AND POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
FRESNO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that a grand jury returned an indictment against RAYMOND FERENCI, of Tulare, Calif., charging him with one count each of receipt or distribution and possession of child pornography.
November 20, 2008
TWO MEN SENTENCED TO LENGTHY PRISON TERMS IN $32 MILLION SCAM THAT BILKED MORE THAN 500 VICTIMS
An Inland Empire pastor has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for his role in an investment scam that led more than 500 victims to lose over $28 million after being told they could make money in coal mines and a gold transaction.
November 19, 2008
FIVE YEARS AND 10 MONTHS SENTENCE FOR POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
Former Dept. of Forestry Captain Pleaded Guilty in August
FRESNO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that Senior United States District Judge Oliver W. Wanger sentenced EDWARD WRIGHT JONES, 47, of Exeter, Calif., to five years and 10 months followed by 10 years of supervised release for possession of child pornography. During the period of supervised release, the defendant’s access to minors, computers, and the Internet will be restricted. He is also required to register as a sex offender.
November 18, 2008
SERIAL BANK ROBBER DUBBED “STRAW HAT BANDIT” GETS A 3-YEAR AND 10-MONTH FEDERAL PRISON SENTENCE
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that United States District Court Judge Lawrence K. Karlton this afternoon, sentenced MICHAEL EDWARD OSGOOD, 47, of Sacramento, to three years and 10 months in prison and three years of supervised release for a series of bank robberies.
November 17, 2008
BENEFIT COSMETICS PLEADS GUILTY TO ILLEGALLY TRANSPORTING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS BY AIR
Company to pay $350,000 fine and issue public apology
SAN FRANCISCO – United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello today announced that Benefit Cosmetics, a San Francisco based company, was convicted of one count of violating the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act. Benefit Cosmetics pleaded guilty today in front of the Honorable Susan Illston of illegally causing the transportation of hazardous materials by air. As part of the plea agreement, Judge Illston sentenced the company to a $350,000 fine and ordered the company to issue a public apology.
November 14, 2008
SACRAMENTO MAN CHARGED WITH SENDING ANTHRAX-HOAX LETTERS
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced that a grand jury returned a 13-count indictment today charging MARC M. KEYSER, 66, of Sacramento, with sending anthrax-hoax letters and mailing threatening communications.
November 13, 2008
Former Hawthorne School Board Member Pleads to Filing False Tax Return
LOS ANGELES – Former Hawthorne School Board member Frank Desimone pleaded guilty today to evading state taxes by not reporting $400,000 in income from a DJ business between 2003 and 2006, the District Attorney’s office announced.
November 12, 2008
Man Charged with Beating Girlfriend’s Baby to Death
LANCASTER -- A 23-year-old Lancaster man was charged today with murder for allegedly beating his girlfriend's 18-month-old daughter to death on Monday, the District Attorney’s office announced.
November 11, 2008
Man Charged with Attempted Murder of Los Angeles Police Officer, Other Counts
LOS ANGELES – A 28-year-old man accused of shooting a Los Angeles police officer and then barricading himself in a Watts home was charged with nine felony counts today, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
November 10, 2008
Van Nuys Coach Pleads No Contest to Sexual Molestation of Female Students
VAN NUYS – A former basketball coach at Birmingham High School in Van Nuys pleaded no contest today to sexually abusing three female students, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
November 07, 2008
LAPD Officer Indicted for Alleged Sexual Assault While on Duty
LOS ANGELES – A 40-year-old LAPD officer has been indicted on charges of allegedly sexually assaulting one young woman and soliciting sex from another while he was on duty, the District Attorney’s office announced today.
November 06, 2008
Two City Engineers Plead Guilty to Hacking into City's Traffic Computer
LOS ANGELES – Two city employees pleaded guilty today to one felony count of illegally accessing a city computer after they hacked into the city’s traffic center that controls traffic lights prior to a job action in August 2006, the District Attorney’s office announced.
November 05, 2008
CANADIAN DRUG TRAFFICKER PLEADS GUILTY TO MULTIPLE FELONIES
Supplied Large Quantities of Ecstasy to Sacramento Area Drug Dealers
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that VICTOR FARUQ, 32, of Vancouver, British Columbia, entered multiple guilty pleas to federal drug trafficking and money laundering charges before United States District Judge John A. Mendez.
November 04, 2008
RANCHO CORDOVA MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES
Defendant’s Computer Contained over 30,000 Images of Child Pornography
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that GEORGE STOLBERG III, 58, of Rancho Cordova, Calif., pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge William B. Shubb to transporting child pornography and possession of material that contained child pornography.
November 03, 2008
Convicted Murderer, Rapist Formally Sentenced to Death
TORRANCE – The grandmother of an 8-year-old rape victim and the victim herself were among the half-dozen loved ones of victims of convicted murderer Barry Wendell Mosley who spoke in Torrance today before the defendant was formally sentenced to death.
October 31, 2008
FIVE INDICTED FOR OPERATING ILLEGAL GAMBLING BUSINESS
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced that five persons were indicted today in connection with a large illegal gambling ring that had been operating in several counties in the Central Valley of California and the Los Angeles area. The defendants SARET NOSAR, 57, of San Gabriel, SOMACHY KEO, 48, of Modesto, KANARY KHIN, 54, and her husband SEAN EANG, 62 of Long Beach, and PANG YEAN, 66, of Modesto, are charged with conducting an illegal gambling business between September 2006 and October 2008, in the Counties of San Joaquin and Stanislaus and in the Los Angeles area.
October 30, 2008
Teenager Sentenced to Prison for Slaying of 13-Year-Old Victim
LONG BEACH – A 17-year-old youth convicted of murder earlier this month for fatally stabbing a 13-year-old boy was sentenced today, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
October 29, 2008
NINE ARRESTED ON CHARGES OF TRAFFICKING IN COUNTERFEITED MERCHANDISE
Searches and Seizures Made at Multiple locations in Northern California
SACRAMENTO -United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott, Placer County Sheriff Edward Bonner, and Resident Agent-in-Charge, Scott Gillingham, United States Secret Service, announced today that nine people were arrested in a coordinated takedown of loosely affiliated dealers of allegedly counterfeited products in Northern California.
October 28, 2008
FAKE DEA AGENT SENTENCED TO 2 YEAR PRISON TERM
FRESNO—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott and Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) Special Agent in Charge Javier F. Peña announced today that BRETT MICHAEL PETERSEN, 20, of Selma, California, was sentenced to 2 years in prison for transmitting threatening communications.
October 27, 2008
MAN GUILTY IN $64 MILLION SCAM WHERE VICTIMS WERE TOLD MONEY WOULD BUY INSURANCE FOR SOUTH L.A. CHURCHES
A Los Angeles County man has pleaded guilty to charges related to a $64 million Ponzi scheme that bilked more than 70 investors in California and Texas with false promises of huge returns from investments in a life insurance pool that would be marketed to members of African-American churches in South Los Angeles.
October 24, 2008
CHINESE BUFFET OWNERS PLEAD GUILTY TO EMPLOYING ILLEGAL ALIENS
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that RUI YANG LIN, 48; BI XIA NI, 46; FA YONG NI,48; and RU ZHU REN, 26, all of Vacaville, Calif., pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. to unlawful employment of illegal aliens. In addition, RUI YANG LIN and BI XIA NI pleaded guilty to concealment of a felony.
October 23, 2008
FRESNO CAREER CRIMINAL SENTENCED TO 11 YEARS IN PRISON
Prison Term Ends Crime Spree Involving Credit Card Fraud and Identity Theft
FRESNO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that late yesterday evening, KEITH DAVID GOODWIN, 31, of Fresno, Calif., was sentenced by United States District Judge Anthony W. Ishii to 11 years in prison. A jury had previously convicted the defendant of conspiracy, nine counts of credit card fraud, four counts of identity theft, and four counts of aggravated identity theft.
October 22, 2008
Petition Circulator Charged With Voter Registration Fraud
LOS ANGELES – A 25-year-old owner of a voter registration company has been charged with voter fraud and perjury following an investigation by the Secretary of State’s Office, the District Attorney’s office announced today.
October 21, 2008
CONCERT VIOLINIST SENTENCED TO 37 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR FRAUD SCHEME INVOLVING THE SALE AND CONSIGNMENT OF FINE INSTRUMENTS
Defendant Was Remanded to Custody at Sentencing
SAN FRANCISCO – United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced that Joseph Hokai Tang was sentenced today to 37 months in prison, and ordered to pay $436,800 in restitution, for committing mail and wire fraud in connection with the consignment and sale of fine violins, violas, and bows.
October 20, 2008
NEW JERSEY MAN CHARGED WITH ATTACKING CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY WEBSITES IN THE NAME OF ‘ANONYMOUS’
LOS ANGELES – A New Jersey man was charged today for his role in an attack on Church of Scientology websites in January 2008 that rendered the websites unavailable.
October 17, 2008
Mother Sentenced in Murder of Infant Girl
SAN FERNANDO – A mother convicted of killing her newborn girl and dumping her body in a trash bin was sentenced today to 25 years to life in prison, the District Attorney’s office announced.
October 16, 2008
Actor, Son Charged with Felony Drug Possession
MALIBU – Actor Ryan O’Neal and his son, Redmond, were charged today with felony drug possession and other counts, the District Attorney’s office said.
October 15, 2008
TWO INDICTED IN “CASH BACK” MORTGAGE FRAUD SCHEME
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging DEREK DAVIS aka Terry McCullough, 62, of Sacramento, and DINO ROSETTI, 39, of Roseville, with mail fraud and making false statements in loan documents. DAVIS was separately charged with attempting to cause a financial institution to fail to file a currency transaction report, and ROSETTI was separately charged with engaging in a monetary transaction in criminally derived property in an amount greater than $10,000.
October 14, 2008
Charges Filed, Arrests Made in Welfare Fraud Cases Costing Taxpayers Nearly $1 Million
LOS ANGELES – District Attorney Investigators arrested 10 people today on a felony warrant charging them in a nearly half-million-dollar welfare fraud scheme involving child care assistance programs. Three more are being sought.
October 13, 2008
BAKERSFIELD LASER TAGGER SENTENCED TO TWO YEARS
FRESNO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent- in-Charge Drew S. Parenti, and Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood announced today that JARED JAMES DOOLEY, 28, of Bakersfield, California, was sentenced to two years for attempting to interfere with the safe operation of a Kern County Sheriff’s Department helicopter by shining a powerful handheld laser into the cockpit.
October 10, 2008
HOUSTON MAN SENTENCED FOR ROLE IN COUNTERFEITING SCHEME
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that OSCAR VILLAREAL, 31, of Houston, Texas was sentenced today by United States District Judge Morrison C. England, Jr. to 33 months in prison for counterfeiting and conspiracy to counterfeit United States currency and passing counterfeit currency. He pleaded guilty on September 7, 2007.
October 09, 2008
Man Charged with Torture, Elder Abuse in Calabasas Case
VAN NUYS – A former employee of an upscale Calabasas assisted-living facility was charged today with torture and multiple counts of elder abuse stemming from the death of an 80-year-old resident last year and the alleged abuse of other residents.
October 08, 2008
FORMER TEACHER AT PASADENA SCHOOL PLEADS GUILTY TO POSSESSING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY ON HOME COMPUTER
A former teacher at Mayfield High School in Pasadena pleaded guilty today to a federal charge of possession of child pornography for having hundreds of images on his home computer.
October 07, 2008
FORMER “ESCORT” CHARGED WITH TAX EVASION
Law School Graduate Took Up Career as High-End Prostitute
SAN FRANCISCO – United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello and and IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Scott O’Briant announced that Cristina L. Warthen, formerly known as Cristina L. Schultz, was charged yesterday with one count of tax evasion.
October 06, 2008
FILM EXECUTIVE AND SPOUSE INDICTED FOR PAYING BRIBES TO A THAI TOURISM OFFICIAL TO OBTAIN LUCRATIVE CONTRACTS
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matt Friedrich of the Criminal Division and United States Attorney Thomas P. O’Brien announced today that a Los Angeles-area film executive and his spouse who were previously charged with bribing a Thai government official have been charged in a superseding indictment that adds allegations of bribery in relation to a series of contracts that brought the couple at least $14 million in revenue.
October 03, 2008
INLAND EMPIRE MAN SENTENCED TO 3½ YEARS FOR ROLE IN CONTRABAND CIGARETTE TRAFFICKING RING
RIVERSIDE, Calif. — An Inland Empire man has been sentenced to 42 months in prison and ordered to pay nearly $1 million in restitution to the State of California for his role in a ring that trafficked counterfeit cigarettes and cigarettes bearing counterfeit California tax stamps into the United States. According to court documents, the ring’s activities deprived the State of California of more than $3 million in tax revenues.
October 02, 2008
72-Year-Old Man Charged with Murdering 69-Year-Old Wife
LOS ANGELES – A 72-year-old man was charged by the District Attorney’s office today with murdering his wife of 19 years at their home in the Westlake District of Los Angeles.
October 01, 2008
Downey Man Pleads Guilty to Wife’s Stabbing Death
NORWALK – A 36-year-old man pleaded guilty today to fatally stabbing his wife at their Downey apartment, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
September 30, 2008
Los Angeles Man Charged with Murder of USC Student
LOS ANGELES – A 24-year-old man was charged with murder today in connection with the fatal stabbing of a USC student, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
September 29, 2008
HUSBAND AND WIFE PLEAD GUILTY TO CONSPIRACY, FRAUD, AND MONEY LAUNDERING IN $18 MILLION INVESTMENT SCHEME
Couple Defrauded Investors, Used Money To Pay For Vacations, Cars, and Jewelry
SAN JOSE-- United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced that Rebecca Solomon and Terry Solomon pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. This guilty plea is the result of a two-year investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation.
September 26, 2008
FIVE CHARGED FOR MARIJUANA-GROW HOUSES IN PLACER AND EL DORADO COUNTIES
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging TONY LE of Lincoln, TIEN LE of Sacramento, HUNG LE of Elk Grove, CUONG LE of Sacramento and MINH LE of Sacramento, with conspiracy to manufacture at least 1000 marijuana plants and manufacturing at least 1000 marijuana plants.
September 25, 2008
One-Time College Football Recruit, Codefendant Sentenced
COMPTON – A Compton Superior Court judge sentenced a one-time USC football recruit and a second man to state prison today, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
September 24, 2008
FORMER PACIFICA HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER SENTENCED TO 60 MONTHS IN PRISON ON CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES
OAKLAND – United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced that Carlos D. Araiza, of Pacifica, California, was sentenced in United States District Court yesterday to 60 months imprisonment for receiving child pornography. Until his April 3, 2008, arrest on federal child pornography charges, Mr. Araiza had been a teacher at Terra Nova High School in Pacifica since 2000.
September 23, 2008
REDDING MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGE
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott and Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division Matthew Friedrich announced today that RON SEAN ARTER Jr., 29, of Redding, Calif., pleaded guilty today to one count of possession of child pornography and to three violations of his supervised release conditions.
September 22, 2008
Hate Crime Perpetrators Sentenced
POMONA – Two El Monte gang members convicted in August of a racially motivated attack were sentenced to state prison today, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
September 19, 2008
Convicted Carson Gas Station Murderers Sentenced
COMPTON – A Los Angeles man and his teenage co-defendant were sentenced to state prison today for the 2006 murders of two gas station employees, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
September 18, 2008
Man Pleads Guilty To Possession of Child Pornography and Possession of a Prohibited Firearm
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that Jimmy Warren Miller pled guilty today in federal court in San Diego to an Information charging him with one count of possession of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4)(B), and one count of possession of a prohibited firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 5822, 5845, 5861(c) and 5871. Miller tendered his guilty plea before Magistrate Judge Louisa S. Porter, subject to final acceptance of the plea by United States District Court Judge John A. Houston, at the time of sentencing.
September 17, 2008
Two Charged With Alien Smuggling Violations
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that a federal grand jury sitting in San Diego yesterday handed up an indictment charging Jorge Alberto Camacho-Oliverria and Jose Luis Torres-Barajas with alien smuggling violations stemming from a vehicle rollover fatality that took place on August 29, 2008.
September 16, 2008
Husband, Employee Charged with Capital Murder in Fatal Stabbing of Woman
LOS ANGELES – Capital murder charges were filed today against a 45-year-old businessman and one of his employees in connection with the murder of Pamela Fayed, who was stabbed to death in a Century City parking garage on July 28.
September 15, 2008
ORANGEVALE MAN INDICTED FOR SECOND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSE
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging RICHARD DUANE SILVA, 37, of Orangevale, Calif. with receiving child pornography.
September 12, 2008
OROVILLE CHIROPRACTOR ACCUSED OF BILLING FRAUD SETTLES CASE FOR $321,726
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that the Federal Government and the State of California have entered into a settlement agreement with chiropractor STEVEN HORN, of Oroville, Calif., and his related businesses, Community Chiropractic Health Clinics of California, Inc. (dba Community Comprehensive Care), and Comprehensive Management, Inc.
September 11, 2008
KERN COUNTY PAIR PLEAD GUILTY TO CONSPIRACY TO COUNTERFEIT U.S. CURRENCY
FRESNO – United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that THOMAS GILBERT WILSON, 34, and ALMA LORENA CABRERA, 26, of Delano, California, pleaded guilty on September 8, 2008 to one felony count of conspiring to manufacture and possess counterfeit currency and to possess images for counterfeiting. The guilty plea was entered before Chief United States District Judge Anthony W. Ishii.
September 10, 2008
STAMPEDE RESERVOIR “TREE MURDERER” PLEADS GUILTY
SACRAMENTO--United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that JOHN W. CLIFTON, 20, of Truckee and Sierraville, California, pled guilty today to a single count of Depredation of Government Property, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1361. The guilty plea was entered before United States District Judge John A. Mendez.
September 09, 2008
YOUTH FOOTBALL COACH SENTENCED TO 7 ½ YEARS IN PRISON
Defendant Kept Crack Cocaine for Sale Inside Team’s Equipment Bag
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that NAKIA LATEEF “KEITH” OWENS, 33, of Elk Grove, Calif., was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge William B. Shubb to 90 months, 7 ½ years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. OWENS pleaded guilty on January 7, 2008 to possession with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of cocaine base.
September 08, 2008
YORBA LINDA MAN SENTENCED TO 84 MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON IN $19 MILLION PONZI SCHEME
A Yorba Linda man who ran a fraudulent investment scheme that cost dozens of primarily Korean-American victims millions of dollars was sentenced late today to seven years in federal prison.
September 05, 2008
LOS ANGELES MAN WHO RECRUITED HOMELESS FROM ‘SKID ROW’ IN HEALTHCARE FRAUD SCHEME AGREES TO PLEAD GUILTY
A Los Angeles man who acted as a recruiter in a scheme to defraud Medicare and Medi-Cal by providing unnecessary health services to homeless people who were recruited from “Skid Row” has agreed to plead guilty to federal charges related to the scheme.
September 04, 2008
MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO EMAILING EXTORTION THREATS DEMANDING $500,000 FROM VENTURA COUNTY HOSPITAL
A Lompoc man pleaded guilty today to making extortionate threats to the parent company of Saint John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard.
September 03, 2008
ORINDA MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO PRODUCING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
Mortgage Finance Expert to Be Sentenced November 14, 2008
OAKLAND – United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced that Leonard B. Auerbach, 61, of Orinda, California, pleaded guilty today in federal court to producing child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2251(c). Mr. Auerbach is presently in federal custody awaiting sentencing, which is set for November 14, 2008 before U.S. District Court Judge D. Lowell Jensen.
September 02, 2008
SACRAMENTO MAN SENTENCED FOR USING THE INTERNET TO SEND THREATENING EMAILS
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that ADRIAN J. C. McCOY, 23, of Sacramento, Calif., was sentenced today for sending threatening emails on September 20, 2007 to the FBI’s Web site in Washington, D.C., threatening to kill members of the heavy metal rock band KORN, as well as law enforcement officers and federal agents.
September 01, 2008
EAST BAY BUSINESSMAN SENTENCED TO TEN MONTHS IMPRISONMENT FOR VIOLATING THE CLEAN AIR ACT
SAN FRANCISCO – United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced that Wassim Mohammad Azizi was sentenced yesterday to 10 months in prison for illegally demolishing a building that contained significant amounts of asbestos.
August 29, 2008
OAK PARK DRUG DEALER PLEADS GUILTY TO FIFTH DRUG CRIME
Defendant Faces a Significant Federal Prison Term
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that DAVID BROWN, JR., 28, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to a single charge of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. The guilty plea was entered before United States District Judge Morrison C. England, Jr.
August 28, 2008
Former High School Teacher Pleads Guilty to Sex with Student
COMPTON – A former Bell High School health teacher pleaded guilty and was sentenced today for having sex with a female student starting when she was 16 years old.
August 27, 2008
Suspected Serial Robber Charged
LOS ANGELES – A 26-year-old Los Angeles man was charged today with 15 felony counts in connection with a string of armed robberies, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
August 26, 2008
Child Stealing Charges Filed Against Palmdale Woman
LOS ANGELES – A Palmdale woman accused of abducting her son and daughter and taking them to Sacramento was charged today with child stealing.
August 25, 2008
FORMER TEACHER SENTENCED FOR POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
San Diego, CA - United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that Eric Don Standefer was sentenced today in federal court in San Diego by United States District Court Judge Marilyn L. Huff to serve 70 months in custody based on Standefer’s conviction for possession of child pornography. Judge Huff also ordered that Standefer serve a five-year term of supervised release following his release from prison and required Standefer to register as a sex offender. Standefer, a former music teacher as Jean Farb Middle School in San Diego, pled guilty on November 27, 2007.
August 22, 2008
Man Sent to Prison for Life for Murdering Mother, Companion
POMONA – A Glendora man was ordered today to spend the rest of his life in prison for murdering his mother and her companion at the couple’s home.
August 21, 2008
Former Gang Member in Rampart Scandal Charged with Evading Police
GLENDALE – Javier Ovando, a former gang member who was paralyzed in a LAPD shooting that became part of the Rampart scandal, was charged today with evading police and battery of an officer.
August 20, 2008
MULTI-AGENCY INVESTIGATION TARGETS USE OF PEER-TO-PEER NETWORKS TO EXCHANGE CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
52 Defendants Charged in Eight-Month Investigation
Federal and local authorities this morning arrested seven men on federal charges of possessing child pornography as part of an investigation that has led to charges against a total of 52 defendants who allegedly used peer-to-peer networks to exchange graphic images and videos.
August 19, 2008
FEDERAL INMATES INDICTED FOR THE MURDER OF FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL OFFICER
FRESNO -- United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that a federal grand jury returned a three count indictment charging JOSE CABRERA SABLAN, 43, of Guam, and JAMES NINETE LEON GUERRERO, 40, from Saipan, and now a resident of Guam, with first degree murder, first degree murder of a federal Correctional Officer and murder by a federal prisoner serving a life sentence.
August 18, 2008
BAKERSFIELD MAN CONVICTED FOLLOWING JURY TRIAL FOR STEALING ALMOST $70,000 IN FEDERAL DISABILITY BENEFITS
FRESNO--United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that TERRY L. HAYES, 54, of Bakersfield, was convicted following a jury trial of nine counts of mail fraud and one count of theft of government property. The jury trial was held before United States District Judge Oliver W. Wanger, in Fresno, California.
August 15, 2008
MERCED COUNTY WOMAN GETS 32 MONTHS JAIL FOR HER AGGRAVATED IDENTITY THEFT SCHEMES
SACRAMENTO—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that IDALINA MARIA TOSTE, 39, of Gustine, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Morrison C. England, Jr. to 32 months in federal custody and 60 months of supervised release for felony bank fraud and identity theft offenses. TOSTE was ordered to pay full restitution to the victims.
August 14, 2008
Woodland Hills Man Charged with More than 100 Counts of Tax Fraud
VAN NUYS – A 64-year-old tax preparer accused of filing nearly 1,300 false tax returns and defrauding the State of California of more than half a million dollars is due to be arraigned Tuesday morning.
August 13, 2008
Koreatown Pool Hall Owner Convicted of Double Murders
LOS ANGELES – A Koreatown pool hall owner who believed he had been “cheated and deceived” by the men who sold him the business was convicted today of murdering them four years ago.
August 12, 2008
BEVERLY HILLS MAN SENTENCED TO OVER 7 YEARS IN PRISON IN ‘BUST-OUT’ SCHEMES THAT CAUSED OVER $8 MILLION IN LOSSES
A Beverly Hills man who orchestrated a series of “bust-out” schemes in which several companies were taken over and their credit lines were exhausted was sentenced today to 87 months in federal prison.
August 11, 2008
LAS VEGAS MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO DEFRAUDING GRANITE BAY VICTIM IN ALLEGED KIDNAPPING SCHEME
The Defendant Admits to Obtaining More than $350,000 in Fraudulent Scheme
SACRAMENTO- United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott and Placer County Sheriff Edward Bonner announced today that AMIER SADEGHPOUR, 54, of Las Vegas pleaded guilty to two counts of mail fraud before United States District Judge Morrison C. England, Jr. in Sacramento. The defendant admitted in court to obtaining more than $350,000 in an elaborate scheme in which he falsely told a Granite Bay victim that the funds were needed to secure the release of the defendant’s daughter, whom he falsely claimed was being held in Mexico against her will. Judgment and sentencing will take place on October 16, 2008.
August 08, 2008
THREE CHARGED IN FEDERAL COURTHOUSE BOMBING
San Diego - United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced today that a federal grand jury sitting in San Diego yesterday handed up a Superseding Indictment charging Rachelle Lynette Carlock, Ella Louise Sanders, and Eric Reginald Robinson with the use of a weapon of mass destruction and other charges, arising from the bombing of the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Courthouse in San Diego on May 4, 2008, and a related bombing of a Federal Express distribution center on 47th Street in San Diego on April 25, 2008.
August 07, 2008
Brown Sues To Topple Online Pyramid Scheme
LOS ANGELES--California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced a lawsuit against YourTravelBiz.com for operating a "gigantic pyramid scheme" that recruited tens of thousands of members with deceptive claims that members could earn huge sums of money through its online travel agencies.
August 06, 2008
SACRAMENTO MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO THEFT OF $144,000 IN WORKER’S
COMPENSATION BENEFITS
Defendant misled Department of Labor into paying benefits to deceased father.
SACRAMENTO --United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that DIRULISLAM BILAL ABDULLAH, 53, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Lawrence K. Karlton to theft of government property and making a false statement to obtain employees’ compensation.
August 05, 2008
IRS EMPLOYEE INDICTED ON TAX FRAUD SCHEME
FRESNO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today the arrest of JESSE PEDRO HERNANDEZ, JR., 30, of Fresno, Calif. On July 31, 2008, a federal grand jury returned an 11-count indictment charging HERNANDEZ with tax fraud charges.
August 04, 2008
Former Fugitive Convicted of Killing 12-Year-Old Boy
LOS ANGELES – A man who fled to Mexico for nearly a decade and was extradited last year to stand trial was convicted today of murder for the 1998 drive-by shooting of 12-year-old Steven Morales.
August 01, 2008
GRAND JURY INDICTS MAN FOR SELLING PROTECTED SHARKS
A federal grand jury today indicted a La Crescenta man in a case involving the alleged trafficking of juvenile leopard sharks, the sale of which is prohibited in California unless the animal is more than three feet in length.
July 31, 2008
Off-Duty LAPD Police Officer Involved in Long Beach Police Shooting
An officer involved shooting occurred in the 200 block of Mira Mar Avenue in the City of Long Beach on July 30, 2008 at 12:30 a.m.
July 30, 2008
Teenage Boy Pleads to Sexual Assault at Chatsworth Park
Sylmar – One of two teenage boys accused of sexually assaulting an unconscious girl at a Chatsworth park pleaded today to two counts, the District Attorney’s Office announced.
July 29, 2008
RECYCLER OF USED WATER METERS PLEADS GUILTY TO BRIBERY
Novato Man Paid over $200,000 in Bribes to Municipal Employees in Sacramento, Sonoma and San Francisco
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent-in-Charge Drew Parenti announced today that SHELDON MORRIS, 76, of Novato, pleaded guilty this morning before United States District Court Judge Garland E. Burrell, Jr. to making unlawful bribes to municipal employees of both Sacramento and Sonoma and admitted to making additional bribes to municipal employees of San Francisco within the Eastern and Northern Districts of California.
July 28, 2008
Former Los Angeles City Commissioner Convicted of Bribery, Other Felony Crimes
LOS ANGELES – Former Los Angeles city commissioner Leland Wong was convicted today of bribery, conflict of interest, embezzlement and other crimes charged after a joint state-federal probe into allegations of “pay-to-play” by some officials in the administration of ex-Mayor James Hahn.
July 25, 2008
Man Sentenced For Credit Card Fraud Directed Against the San Diego Padres
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that Jonick Franz “Nick” Larsen was sentenced today in federal court in San Diego by the Honorable Larry A. Burns, United States District Judge,..
July 24, 2008
COMPANY THAT MANAGED COSCO BUSAN INDICTED ON NEW CHARGES
Fleet Management Ltd. Charged for Pollution and Cover-Up in San Francisco Bay Oil Discharge Case
San Francisco —Joseph P. Russoniello announced this morning that a federal grand jury in San Francisco, returned a second superseding indictment late yesterday afternoon charging Fleet Management Limited, a Hong Kong ship management company, with negligently causing the discharge of 50,000 gallons of oil from the Cosco Busan, and falsifying documents after the crash to cover-up the company’s negligence.
July 23, 2008
Westside Attorney Charged in Internet Sex Task Force Sting
LOS ANGELES – A Westside attorney charged with attempted lewd acts on a child and other crimes after he allegedly exchanged Internet messages with someone he believed was a 13-year-old girl was arrested by the FBI today in connection with a case filed last week by the District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division.
July 22, 2008
Physician Charged with Sexually Assaulting More Patients
LOS ANGELES – A physician charged with sexually molesting a female patient and an undercover officer was arrested today on a felony warrant charging him with molesting six additional patients, the District Attorney’s office announced.
July 21, 2008
BAKERSFIELD MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO USING LASER TO INTERFERE WITH SHERIFF HELICOPTER
FRESNO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent- in-Charge Drew S. Parenti, and Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood announced today that JARED JAMES DOOLEY, 28, of Bakersfield, California, entered a guilty plea in federal court today to attempting to interfere with the safe operation of a Kern County Sheriff’s Department helicopter by shining a handheld laser into the cockpit.
July 18, 2008
Pair Charged with Long Beach Arson Spree
LONG BEACH – Two Long Beach men were charged today with multiple counts of arson after more than two dozen fires were set in June and July, the District Attorney’s office announced today.
July 17, 2008
Jury Recommends Life Without Parole for Convicted Metrolink Killer
LOS ANGELES – A jury that convicted Juan Manuel Alvarez of the first-degree murders of 11 people who perished in a fiery Metrolink crash in January 2005 recommended today that he be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
July 16, 2008
Women Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Insurance Murders
LOS ANGELES – Two women convicted of befriending homeless men, then murdering them to collect $2.8 million in life insurance, were sent to prison today for the remainder of their lives by a judge who told the defendants they sacrificed the victims on “altars of greed.”
July 15, 2008
SAN FRANCISCO POLITICAL POWER BROKER FOUND GUILTY OF FIVE FELONY COUNTS
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that a federal jury convicted JULIE LEE, 61, of San Francisco, of two counts of mail fraud and three counts of attempted witness tampering. The jury acquitted on the remaining two counts of mail fraud.
July 14, 2008
Doctor Charged in Fourth of July Crash with Cyclists
LOS ANGELES – A former ER physician who allegedly stopped his car in front of two cyclists, causing one rider to crash through the rear window, was charged today with felony reckless driving, the District Attorney’s office announced.
July 11, 2008
Former Pro-Football Kicker Charged with Rape
LOS ANGELES – A former pro-football kicker with the L.A. Rams was arrested today on a felony warrant charging him with drugging a female patron at his popular Pomona sports bar and raping her, the District Attorney’s office announced.
July 10, 2008
FORMER CUSTOMS/BORDER PROTECTION OFFICER SENTENCED FOR LYING TO FBI
United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced today that Jason Alan O’Neal, a former Bureau of Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBP), was sentenced today in federal court in San Diego by Chief Judge Irma E. Gonzalez to a term of three years’ probation and a $100 penalty assessment for the felony conviction of making false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). As part of his plea agreement executed on February 19, 2008, O’Neal resigned from federal employment and agreed not to seek any federal, state or local law enforcement position in the future.
July 09, 2008
NEW YORK MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO USING INTERNET TO ENTICE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ‘GIRL’ TO HAVE SEX
A man who traveled from New York to Southern California after spending several weeks chatting via e-mail with what he thought was a 13-year old Southern California girl pleaded guilty today to federal charges of using the Internet to attempt to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.
July 08, 2008
FORMER NASA ENGINEER SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS PRISON AND A $25,000 FINE FOR POSSESSING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY ON A GOVERNMENT COMPUTER
SAN JOSE – United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced that United States District Court Judge Jeremy Fogel this morning sentenced defendant Christopher Burt Wiltsee to five years in prison for possessing child pornography on a government computer.
July 07, 2008
MARYSVILLE MAN SENTENCED TO 17 ½ YEARS IN PRISON FOR DISTRIBUTING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that JEFFREY SCOTT CLOWARD, 29, of Marysville, California was sentenced today by United States District Judge Morrison C. England, Jr., to 17 ½ years in federal prison, to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. The defendant entered a guilty plea on April 10, 2008, to charges of distribution of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and possession of one or more matters containing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
July 04, 2008
FORMER BOEING ENGINEER PLEADS GUILTY TO TAKING CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS FROM WORK TO HIS HOME
A former Boeing engineer man pleaded guilty late this afternoon to a federal charge of unauthorized possession of defense information for taking documents classified as “secret” and “top secret” from his office to his Valley Village home.
July 03, 2008
FORMER NAPA COUNTY COUPLE SENTENCED IN LARGE-SCALE MARIJUANA CONSPIRACY CASE
Grow-houses Found in Napa County and the Cities of Fairfield and Elk Grove
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that DAREN WALLACE GLOSSER, 33, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, and his wife, SHANNON LEA SELLE, 30, was sentenced to 46 months in prison by United States District Judge Garland E. Burrell, Jr. for conspiracy to manufacture at least 1,000 marijuana plants and distribute marijuana.
July 02, 2008
Pair Charged with Capital Murder in Death of NASA Engineer, Three Relatives
LOS ANGELES – Capital murder charges were filed today against two men suspected of killing a NASA engineer, his wife’s cousin and her two children last month and then setting their Quartz Hill home on fire, the District Attorney’s office announced.
July 01, 2008
PHYSICIAN SENTENCED IN MEDICARE FRAUD SCHEME AT MILPITAS MEDICAL CENTER
Defendant Sentenced to 30 Months For Billing Medicare Over $1 Million For Tests Based On His Falsified Physician’s Orders
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