New Santa Ana | Category Archives: OCDA

Three convicted of human trafficking, kidnapping and torture

Posted on July 30, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OCDA, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: July 30, 2014

Case # 14WF2844

THREE DEFENDANTS SCHEDULED TO BE ARRAIGNED FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING, KIDNAPPING, AND TORTURING WOMAN

SANTA ANA – Three defendants are scheduled to be arraigned today for human trafficking, kidnapping, and torturing a woman. Renice Stevenson Flores-Davis, 26, Costa Mesa, is charged with two felony counts each of torture, kidnapping, mayhem, and one felony count each of human trafficking, aggravated assault, pimping, and pandering, with sentencing enhancement and allegations for personal infliction of great bodily injury and great bodily injury. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 56 years to life in state prison.

Oscar Gonzalez-Salinas, 33, Costa Mesa, and Cierra Rose Thompson, 27, Silverton, OR, are both charged with two felony counts of kidnapping, one felony count each of torture, human trafficking, mayhem, aggravated assault, pimping, and pandering, with sentencing enhancement and allegations for personal infliction of great bodily injury and great bodily injury. If convicted, Gonzalez-Salinas and Thompson each face a maximum sentence of 39 years to life in state prison. The People will be requesting the three defendants be held on $1 million bail at their arraignment this afternoon in Department CJ-1, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana. The time is to be determined. Continue reading→

Man convicted of killing CSUF student Maribel Ramos who was from Santa Ana

Posted on July 30, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Fullerton, OCDA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: July 29, 2014

Case # 13CF1632

MAN CONVICTED OF MURDERING ARMY VETERAN ROOMMATE AND DISPOSING HER BODY IN CANYON

SANTA ANA – A man was convicted today of murdering his roommate and disposing of her body in a canyon. Kwang Chol Joy, 55, Orange, was found guilty by a jury of one felony count of second degree murder. He faces a maximum sentence of 15 years to life in state prison at his sentencing Sept. 12, 2014, at 9:00 a.m. in Department C-40, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

At the time of the crime, Joy lived at a home in Orange with 36-year-old roommate Maribel Ramos. The victim was an Army veteran who had served two combat tours in Iraq and was also a student at California State University, Fullerton. Continue reading→

Women accused in death of Kim Pham found guilty of voluntary manslaughter

Posted on July 24, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OCDA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Candace Brito and Vanesa Zavala have been found not guilty of the second-degree murder of Kim Pham, who died outside a nightclub in Santa Ana earlier this year. The two defendants, however, were both found guilty of voluntary manslaughter and assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury, according to the OC Weekly.

Pham’s family weighed in on the verdict with this comment on their Facebook Page: “Verdict: Both defendants are GUILTY of voluntary manslaughter.” Continue reading→

Man gets 10 years in prison for pimping female minors in Santa Ana

Posted on July 24, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OCDA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: July 23, 2014

Case # 13CF2470

MAN SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON FOR SEX TRAFFICKING TWO FEMALE MINORS, AGES 16 AND 17

SANTA ANA – A man was sentenced today to 10 years in state prison for sex trafficking two female minors who were 16 and 17 years old. Jaylin Juwan Marshall, 21, Sacramento, pleaded guilty June 3, 2014, to one felony count each of human trafficking of a minor and pandering a minor over 16 years old by procuring. Marshall has a prior strike conviction for a 2011 residential burglary in Sacramento County.

Co-defendant Michael Wayne Greer, 25, Sacramento, pleaded guilty June 3, 2014, to one felony count each of human trafficking of a minor and pandering a minor over 16 years old by procuring. He was sentenced to six years and four months in state prison. Both defendants must also register as lifetime sex offenders. Continue reading→

Santa Ana man charged with human trafficking, pimping and selling pot

Posted on July 21, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Drugs, Marijuana, OCDA, Santa Ana 10 Comments

Ronald Preston Spurlock, 36, of Santa Ana was charged today and is expected to be arraigned this afternoon on one felony count of human trafficking, five felony counts of pimping, five felony counts of pandering a victim over 18, two felony counts of sale or transportation of marijuana, one felony count of possession of marijuana for sale, and one felony count of possession of a firearm by a felon for a 2008 prior conviction in San Bernardino, according to the Orange County District Attorney. Continue reading→

Man who sexually assaulted a boy at the Tustin Library is sentenced

Posted on July 19, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Crime, OCDA, Santa Ana, Tustin Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: July 18, 2014

Case # 12CF0738

MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS TO LIFE FOR SEXUALLY ASSAULTING 13-YEAR-OLD BOY AFTER LURING HIM INSIDE LIBRARY BATHROOM

SANTA ANA – A man was sentenced today to 15 years to life in state prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old boy after he lured him inside a library bathroom. Robert Howard Claudio, 25, Anaheim Hills, was found guilty by a jury Sept. 5, 2013, of one felony count of kidnapping for child molesting, four felony counts of lewd acts with a minor under 14, and sentencing enhancement allegations for substantial sexual conduct with a child and increasing the risk of harm by kidnapping.

On the afternoon of March 9, 2012, Claudio approached 13-year-old John Doe in the Teen Room of the public library in Tustin while the victim was waiting for his mother to pick him up. Claudio convinced the victim that he was studying to be a social worker and was used to talking to younger boys. Claudio lured John Doe into a library bathroom and molested the victim by engaging in substantial sexual conduct. Continue reading→

Three Anaheim men charged facing gang-related felony charges

Posted on July 16, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Crime, Gangs, OCDA, Orange County Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Media Advisory

For Immediate Release: July 15, 2014

MEDIA ADVISORY: Case # 14NF2935

WHO: Jose Luis Segura, 20, Bryan Alexander Segura, 18, Eriberto Lua, 21, all from Anaheim

WHAT: Were each charged today with one felony count of carrying a loaded unregistered firearm in public, being an active gang member having a concealed firearm, causing a concealed firearm to be in vehicle, street terrorism, and a sentencing enhancement for criminal street gang activity. Jose Segura is also charged with one felony count of resisting and deterring an executive officer and Lua is also charged with a sentencing enhancement for crime-bail-crime. If convicted, Jose Segura and Bryan Segura each face a maximum sentence of seven years in state prison. Lua faces a maximum sentence of nine years in state prison. Continue reading→

Newport Beach man charged with firing a gun at a police officer

Posted on July 16, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Courts, Crime, Newport Beach, OCDA Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Media Advisory

For Immediate Release: July 15, 2014

Media Advisory: Case # 14HF1963

WHO: Scott Jay Abraham, 43, Newport Beach

WHAT: Was charged today with two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm on a peace officer and one felony count of discharging a firearm with gross negligence. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 12 years in state prison. Continue reading→

Man charged with negotiating bail bonds without a bail bonds license

Posted on July 16, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OCDA, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: July 16, 2014

Case # 14CF2042

MAN TO BE ARRAIGNED FOR NEGOTIATING BAIL BONDS WITHOUT HAVING BAIL BONDS LICENSE

SANTA ANA – A 30-year-old man will be arraigned tomorrow for negotiating bail bonds without being licensed. Derek Leslie O’Lear, San Bernardino, is charged with four felony counts of undertaking bail without a license. If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum sentence of five years in Orange County jail. The defendant received an arraignment letter and is scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow, July 17, 2014, at 8:30 a.m. in Department C-55, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

In 2011, O’Lear is accused of working at Bail Hotline Bail Bonds in Santa Ana without having a bail bonds license. California Law prohibits any person from negotiating the execution or delivery of bail unless they are a bail bonds licensee. While employed at Bail Hotline Bail Bonds, the defendant is accused of being tasked with answering the phones when individuals called about bail. Continue reading→

Santa Ana man who teaches in Newport Beach convicted of hoarding snakes

Posted on July 14, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Education, OCDA, Santa Ana 1 Comment

William Frederick Buchman

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: July 10, 2014

Case # 14CF0670

SCHOOL TEACHER SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL ABUSE AFTER HOARDING AND IMPROPERLY HOUSING OVER 400 SNAKES

SANTA ANA – A Newport Beach elementary school teacher was convicted and sentenced today for animal abuse after hoarding and improperly housing over 400 snakes. William Frederick Buchman, 53, Santa Ana, pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of animal abuse by a caretaker. The defendant was sentenced to three years of formal probation, 100 hours of volunteer community service, is required to undergo a 16-week animal neglect prevention program, and is barred from owning, possessing, caring for, or living with any animal for five years. Buchman has also paid $17,000 in restitution for veterinary treatment and animal care and donated $25,000 worth of reptile cages from his collection to a snake rescue organization.

At approximately 6:45 a.m. on Jan. 29, 2014, Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) Animal Services Section responded to complaints made by several of Buchman’s neighbors concerning a foul smell coming from the house. Continue reading→

Female high school teacher charged with illegal sex with underaged female student

Posted on July 9, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Education, OCDA, Orange County 1 Comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: July 9, 2014

Case # 14NF2716

FEMALE HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER TO BE ARRAIGNED FOR ENGAGING IN ILLEGAL SEX ACTS WITH UNDERAGE FEMALE STUDENT

FULLERTON – A female high school teacher is scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow for engaging in illegal sex acts with an underage female student. Rebecca Eileen Diebolt, 35, Brea, is charged with two felony counts of oral copulation with a minor under 16, one felony count of oral copulation with a minor, two felony counts of sexual penetration by foreign object of minor under 16, and one felony count of sexual penetration by foreign object of minor. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of six years and four months in state prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. She is scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow, Thursday, July 10, 2014, at 8:30 a.m. in Department N-12, North Justice Center, Fullerton. Continue reading→

Man sentenced for raping women under guise of spiritual cleansing

Posted on July 7, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OCDA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Alberto Flores Ramirez

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: July 3, 2014

Case # 12CF1076

MAN SENTENCED TO 45 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR FORCIBLE RAPE OF TWO WOMEN HE MET ONLINE UNDER PRETENSE OF PERFORMING SPIRITUAL CLEANSING

*Second victim came forward after seeing media coverage on the original case

SANTA ANA – A man was sentenced today to 45 years to life in state prison for forcibly raping two women after luring them under the pretense of performing a spiritual cleansing. Alberto Flores Ramirez, 39, San Clemente, was found guilty by a jury April 22, 2014, of two felony counts each of forcible rape, forcible oral copulation, one felony count each of sexual penetration by foreign object by force, attempted forcible oral copulation, and a sentencing enhancement for sex crimes against multiple victims. Continue reading→

Tustin lawyer/former cop convicted of embezzling over $469K due to gambling

Posted on July 2, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, irvine, Lawyers, OCDA, Tustin Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: July 2, 2014

Case # 12CF3427

DISBARRED ATTORNEY/FORMER NYPD OFFICER CONVICTED OF EMBEZZLING OVER $469,000 FOR GAMBLING

SANTA ANA – A former vice president of a title insurance company pleaded guilty today to stealing over $469,000 from his company to spend on gambling. Wayne Martin Fong, 51, Tustin, pleaded guilty to a court offer, over the objection by the People who requested a state prison sentence, of seven felony counts of grand theft, five felony counts of money laundering, sentencing enhancements and allegations for causing over $100,000 in loss, aggravated white collar crime over $100,000, property loss over $200,000, and transactions exceeding $50,000. Fong was sentenced by the Honorable Robert R. Fitzgerald to six months in jail, five years formal probation, and must pay $309,000 in restitution.

Fong was hired in 1999 by Fidelity National Title Group (Fidelity) as the Associate Counsel and Vice President. He was responsible for working with and overseeing contracts with vendors who searched for and obtained missing assets for the company. Continue reading→

Eleven men convicted on prostitution-related charges

Posted on July 2, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OCDA, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: July 1, 2014

11 MEN CONVICTED OF LOITERING WITH THE INTENT TO COMMIT PROSTITUTION OR AGREEING TO ENGAGE IN PROSTITUTION

SANTA ANA – The Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA) convicted 11 men in June 2014 of loitering with the intent to commit prostitution or agreeing to engage in prostitution. The defendants in these cases approached a woman, whom they believed to be a prostitute, in areas known for prostitution and human trafficking in Orange County or loitered in areas known for prostitution and human trafficking in Orange County. Some agreed to engage in commercial sex with a woman and were subsequently arrested by law enforcement.

The Santa Ana Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigated these cases. Deputy District Attorneys Eric Eastman and Tina Patel of the HEAT Unit prosecuted these cases. Continue reading→

Garden Grove man charged with defrauding over 40 victims in loan mod scheme

Posted on July 2, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Garden Grove, OCDA Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: July 1, 2014

Case # 14CF0585

MAN TO BE ARRAIGNED FOR DEFRAUDING OVER 40 VICTIMS IN $92,000 LOAN MODIFICATION SCHEME

SANTA ANA – A man is scheduled to be arraigned today for defrauding 42 victims of over $92,000 by operating a fraudulent loan modification company. Duy Khac Nguyen, 34, Garden Grove, is charged with 37 felony counts of grand theft, five felony counts of theft from elder, with a sentencing enhancement for property loss over $65,000. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 33 years and eight months in state prison. He is being held on $90,000 and must prove the money is from a legal and legitimate source before posting bond. Nguyen is scheduled to be arraigned this morning in Department C-57, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

Between February and July 2010, Nguyen is accused of owning and operating a fraudulent loan modification company called HAMP Resources in Garden Grove. He is accused of falsely claiming to be affiliated with the federal government’s Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) and obtaining a business license from the City of Garden Grove. The defendant’s business and the federal government’s HAMP are not affiliated in any way. Continue reading→