New Santa Ana | Tag Archives: Crime

OC DUI arrests down during this year’s Independence Day Weekend

Posted on July 9, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Alcohol, Crime, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lt. Jeff Hallock (714) 647-7042, JHallock@ocsd.org; Emily Osterberg (714) 647-1840, EOsterberg@ocsd.org

INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY WEEKEND AVOID DUI CAMPAIGN –FINAL REPORT

DUI Arrests & Fatalities Down

SANTA ANA, Calif (July 8, 2014) – The Independence Day Weekend Anti-DUI crackdown is reporting DUI arrests from local routine traffic enforcement and special ‘Avoid the 38’ DUI deployments in Orange County.

From 12:01 AM, Thursday July 3, 2014 through Midnight, Sunday July 6, 2014, officers representing Orange County law enforcement agencies arrested 214 individuals for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. There were no DUI related deaths reported during the four-day campaign. Last year, the holiday was a five-day campaign period which resulted in 247 arrests and 2 DUI deaths. (NOTE: These numbers are only provisional with some agencies yet to report) Continue reading→

The SAUSD reacts to the killing of a student, Rubi Rubio, by a robber

Posted on July 8, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Santa Ana, SAUSD 2 Comments

The SAUSD reacts to the killing of a student, Rubi Rubio, by a robber

“We are saddened by the tragic passing of one of our own, 15-year old Rubi Rubio, who died from the result of her injuries after being robbed while walking in Santa Ana. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family, friends, teachers, classmates, and to all those who knew her well. We are here for them during this difficult time, and we have extended our services in the area of grief counseling. Continue reading→

Police seek help in identifying an IPhone robber whose 15-year-old victim died

Posted on July 8, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: SAPD Detectives request Public assistance in identifying suspect of Robbery. Victim 15 dies from her injuries

On July 3, 2014, during the mid-day, a 15 year old female victim, Rubi Rubio, was walking with her 7 year old sister in the area of 1000 W. Warner. The victim was confronted by the suspect who stole her iPhone. The suspect fled to the suspect vehicle which was waiting nearby. The suspect vehicle was being driven by a 2nd unknown suspect.

As the suspect vehicle started to drive away the victim jumped onto the trunk area and held on for a short period of time. Subsequently, the victim fell from the vehicle and was critically injured. On July, 05, 2014, she died from her injuries. The iPhone has been recovered. 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→

Kim Pham murder trial to start with jury selection on Monday

Posted on July 6, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Courts, Crime, Santa Ana 2 Comments

The Kim Pham murder trail is finally set to begin next week. You may recall that Kim Pham was the young lady who was literally kicked to death by female patrons, including Marie Brito and Vanesa Zavala, of the now-defunct Crosby bar, a hipster joint in Downtown Santa Ana that is now called the North Left.

Here is the message that Kim Pham’s family posted on their Facebook page about the upcoming murder trial: Continue reading→

SAPD arrests burglar who targeted homes in North Santa Ana

Posted on July 3, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: Santa Ana Police Burglary Detectives arrest suspect for multiple residential burglaries

Arrested: Alberto Angel Perez Jr. (20), Santa Ana

Charges: Burglary

Starting in the later part of March, 2014 through the end of June, 2014 the West Floral Park, Floral Park and Santiago Park neighborhoods of Santa Ana have experienced a spike in reported residential burglaries.

On 7/3/14 a suspect was identified in one of the burglaries and arrested by SAPD Burglary Detectives. The suspect Alberto Angel Perez Jr. (20), Santa Ana while being interviewed by Detectives admitted to committing 6 additional residential burglaries where the estimated loss was in excess of $150,00.00 in cash, jewelry and electronics. To date some of the property has been located and returned to the 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→

Lou Correa’s wife got mugged while walking on the Santa Ana River Trail

Posted on July 2, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Orange County, Parks and Recreation, Public Safety, Santa Ana 4 Comments

State Senator Lou Correa, who is terming out this November, apparently showed up at the Santa Ana City Council meeting last night. And what he had to say was chilling.

Correa said that his wife, Esther, was recently mugged while walking along the Santa Ana River Trail. This is a Class 1 bicycle path that parallels the Santa Ana River channel. This section of trail is operated and maintained by OC Parks. Continue reading→

Westminster man sentenced for soliciting the murder of his wife

Posted on June 30, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OCDA, Westminster Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: June 30, 2014
Case # 13CF0340 & 13CF1025

HUSBAND SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON WITHOUT PAROLE FOR 2004 SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES CONSPIRACY-MURDER BY SOLICITING MURDER OF WIFE

SANTA ANA – A husband was sentenced Friday to life in state prison without the possibility of parole for the 2004 solicitation-murder of his wife. Magdi Faiz Girgis, 62, Westminster, was found guilty by a jury April 17, 2014, of one felony count of special circumstances murder, one felony count of conspiracy to commit murder, and sentencing enhancements for murder for financial gain and murder to prevent testimony were found true.

Co-defendant Anthony Edward Bridget, 40, is charged with one felony count of special circumstances murder, one felony count of conspiracy to commit murder, one felony count of aggravated assault, one felony count of false imprisonment by violence, and sentencing enhancements for murder for financial gain, murder by lying in wait, and murder during the commission of a burglary. If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of life in state prison without the possibility of parole. Bridget is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing July 18, 2014, at 8:30 a.m. in Department C-57, Central Justice Center. Continue reading→

Investigators seeking help identifying human remains found near Casper’s Park

Posted on June 27, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Orange County Leave a comment

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Investigators Seeking Public’s Assistance Identifying Human Remains Found Near Casper’s Park

SANTA ANA, Calif. – (June 27, 2014) – On January 6, 2014, unidentified female remains were found in Casper’s Wilderness Park (Rural South East area of Orange County). Based on the preliminary investigation it is estimated that the remains may have been exposed to the elements for a period of at least six months. After preliminary testing, it has been determined that the remains are of a petite female, at least thirty years of age, shoulder length wavy dark brown hair with light colored highlights. Using these characteristics, the below sketches are an artist’s rendition of what she may have resembled. The decedent had a very distinct gold colored dental bridge on her left lower jaw and possibly had a broken nose at some point in her life.

The attached photographs are of clothing recovered with the remains and consisted of the following: Continue reading→

SAPD DUI Checkpoint set for 6/28 at 500 W. Warner

Posted on June 27, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Alcohol, Crime, Santa Ana 1 Comment

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: Police Department conducting DUI/Drivers Lic checkpoint on Sat, June 28th, 2014 9:00 PM to 3:00 AM at 500 W. Warner Ave.

The Santa Ana Police Department will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on Saturday, June 28th, 2014. It will begin at 9:00PM and is scheduled to conclude at 3:00AM. It will be conducted in the area of 500 W. Warner Avenue, in the City of Santa Ana.

The primary purpose of a DUI Checkpoint is to deter impaired driving, not to increase arrests. All too often, members of our community are senselessly injured or killed on local roadways by impaired drivers. This DUI/Drivers License checkpoint is an effort to reduce those tragedies, as well as ensuring drivers have a valid driver’s license. The DMV reports that unlicensed drivers are 4.9 times more likely to cause a fatal crash than a licensed driver. Continue reading→

Bank robbers sentenced for robbing five Orange County banks

Posted on June 27, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Orange County Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release, Case # 12CF0107: June 26, 2014

TWO THIRD STRIKERS DUBBED “MARKET DUO” BANK ROBBERS SENTENCED FOR COMMITTING ROBBERIES IN FIVE ORANGE COUNTY BANKS

SANTA ANA – Two career criminals, dubbed the “Market Duo” Bank Robbers by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), were sentenced today for committing robberies in five Orange County banks and leading police on a high speed pursuit. A third defendant has already been sentenced in this case.

Andres Soto Jr., 52, Whittier, was sentenced to 140 years to life in state prison. He was found guilty by a jury March 11, 2014, of eight felony counts of second degree robbery and four felony counts of second degree commercial burglary. Soto was also convicted of sentencing enhancements for prior strike violations committed in Los Angeles County for a residential burglary in 1983 and two bank robbery convictions in 1993. Continue reading→

Former teacher who molested 17 kids could be released soon

Posted on June 26, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OCDA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release, Case # M-10354 & M-11042: June 26, 2014

CHILD MOLESTER/FORMER TEACHER WITH 17 KNOWN VICTIMS TO BE RELEASED INTO COMMUNITY WITHIN 72 HOURS OVER VIGOROUS OBJECTION OF OCDA

*The People have argued to have the respondent civilly committed as a Sexually Violent Predator

SANTA ANA – Over the vigorous objection and arguments of the Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA), a child molester with 17 known victims will be released into the community within the next 72 hours. Alan Thomas Rigby, 66, of Irvine, has been in a state mental hospital for 16 years, where he was committed after serving 50 percent of a 19-year prison sentence.

At a Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) probable cause hearing today, Judge Kimberly Menninger found that probable cause did not exist that Rigby is likely to engage in sexually violent predatory criminal behavior upon his release. The standard of proof for probable cause is whether a reasonable person could entertain a strong suspicion that the offender is an SVP. The OCDA argued to keep Rigby civilly committed as an SVP and believes Rigby still poses a danger to the community based on his past crimes and propensity for sexual assaults against children. Continue reading→