New Santa Ana | Tag Archives: ocda

LAPD officer charged with lewd acts with a girl and exposing himself in Huntington Beach

Posted on November 5, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Huntington Beach 1 Comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

November 5, 2014

Case # 14WF4144

LAW ENFORCEMENT SEEKS POTENTIAL ADDITIONAL VICTIMS OF LAPD OFFICER ARRESTED ON CHARGES FOR ATTEMPTED LEWD ACT WITH 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL AND INDECENT EXPOSURE TO FIVE FEMALE VICTIMS

SANTA ANA – The Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA) and the Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD) are seeking potential additional victims of a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer arrested on charges for attempting to commit a lewd act with a 12-year-old girl and indecent exposure to five female victims in Huntington Beach. Ryan Eric Galliher, 33, Huntington Beach, is charged with one felony count of attempted lewd act upon a child under 14 years old, one felony count of contacting a minor with the intent to commit a lewd act, five misdemeanor counts of indecent exposure, and one misdemeanor count of engaging in lewd conduct. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of four years in state prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Galliher is out of custody on $100,000 bail and is scheduled to be arraigned Jan. 5, 2015, at 8:30 a.m. in Department W-2, West Justice Center, Westminster.

At the time of the crimes, Galliher was employed as an officer with the LAPD. Continue reading→

Halloween hit and run driver is facing only 17 years in prison

Posted on November 4, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OCDA, Santa Ana 1 Comment

Jaquinn Bell, 31, Orange, was charged today with three felony counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, one felony count of hit and run with permanent injury or death, one misdemeanor count of driving on a suspended license, with sentencing enhancements for personally inflicting great bodily injury, and fleeing the scene of a crime after committing a vehicular manslaughter.

If convicted Bell faces a maximum sentence of only 17 years in prison. The People will request today that he be held on $1 million dollars bail at his arraignment today. Continue reading→

Children’s book author facing trial for sexually assaulting two little girls

Posted on October 30, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Orange County Leave a comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 11HF0852

Date: October 29, 2014

CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR TO FACE TRIAL FOR SEXUALLY ASSAULTING 12-YEAR-OLD RELATIVE AND 9-YEAR-OLD CHILD OF FAMILY FRIEND

SANTA ANA – A children’s book author will face trial tomorrow for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old relative and a 9-year-old child of a family friend. Michael William Snyder, 47, San Clemente, is charged with five felony counts of committing lewd acts upon a child under 14 years old and one felony count of oral copulation or sexual penetration with a child 10 years old or younger with a sentencing enhancement for committing lewd acts against more than one victim. If convicted, Snyder faces a maximum sentence of 90 years to life in state prison. Opening statements are scheduled to begin tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014, at 9:15 a.m. in Department C-44, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

Between Jan. 1, 2008, and Sept. 7, 2010, Snyder is accused of having then 9-year-old Jane Doe #2 in his San Clemente home before taking her to San Diego Zoo and orally copulating her. Continue reading→

Luis Antonio Garcia Morales charged with stabbing murder of ex girlfriend in Santa Ana

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

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 12CF3351

Date: October 29, 2014

MAN TO FACE TRIAL FOR SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES STABBING-MURDER OF FORMER GIRLFRIEND IN SANTA ANA ALLEYWAY

SANTA ANA – A man is scheduled to face trial tomorrow for stabbing and murdering his former girlfriend in a Santa Ana alleyway. Luis Antonio Garcia Morales, 26, Santa Ana, is charged with one felony count of special circumstance murder by lying in wait with a sentencing enhancement for the personal use of a deadly weapon. If convicted, Morales faces a sentence of life in state prison without the possibility of parole. Opening statements are scheduled to begin tomorrow, Oct. 30, 2014, at 9:00 a.m. in Department C-35, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

On the evening of Nov. 13, 2012, Morales is accused of arranging to meet with 21-year-old Maria Isabel Cerrillo, with whom he had a previous romantic relationship, by pretending to be someone else. The defendant is accused of meeting his ex-girlfriend in an alleyway in Santa Ana, murdering her by stabbing her repeatedly, and fleeing the scene. The victim died from multiple stab wounds. Continue reading→

Free anti-prostitution concert set for 10/24 at Chapman University

Posted on October 22, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, music, Orange, Orange County Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: October 21, 2014

“THE BOW STREET RUNNERS” BAND FORMED BY MULTI-PLATINUM ARTISTS IN ORANGE COUNTY TO END MODERN-DAY SLAVERY

*DONATING ARTISTS INCLUDE STAN FRAZIER AND MURPHY KARGES OF SUGAR RAY, RYAN SHUCK AND AMIR DERAKH OF JULIEN-K (FORMERLY ORGY), AND LEWIS RICHARDS (PRODUCER OF DIRTY HEADS AND SLIGHTLY STOOPID)

SANTA ANA – “The Bow Street Runners” featuring Stan Frazier and Murphy Karges of Sugar Ray, Ryan Shuck and Amir Derakh of Julien-K (formerly Orgy), Lewis Richards (producer of Dirty Heads and Slightly Stoopid), Quinn Archer and the Outriders, Griffith Clawson, Foster, Sabrina Hong, Tony Howell (Parkaimoon), and Damon Tucker (Parkaimoon) will perform live on Friday, Oct. 24, 2014, at Chapman University at 5:30 p.m. The concert is free for everyone to attend at Chapman University’s Attallah Piazza. Free concert shirts will be handed out to the first 700 guests.

The name for the band is derived from the first police force established in Bow Street, London in the early eighteenth century. In 1753, upon the recommendation of the magistrate and novelist Henry Fielding, more forces were created in London. The Bow Street Runners served writs and arrested offenders on the authority of the magistrates, traveling nationwide to apprehend criminals. Continue reading→

Judith Ware to sponsor anti-prostitution OCDA rally at Chapman University

Posted on October 22, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OCDA, Orange, Orange County, Politics Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: October 20, 2014

JUDITH WARE, OF WARE DISPOSAL, TO SPONSOR “BE-WARE OF H.E.A.T.” LUNCHEON AT 2ND ANNUAL “KEEP CALM AND BEAT H.E.A.T. ROCKING & RALLY”

SANTA ANA – The Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA) and the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force (OCHTTF) are pleased to announce that Judith Ware and Ware Disposal Company, Inc. (Ware Disposal) will sponsor the “Be-Ware of H.E.A.T.” luncheon at the 2nd annual “Keep Calm and Beat H.E.A.T. Rocking and Rally” at Chapman University. The luncheon will feature elected officials, dignitaries, VIP guests, and a question and answer session with three brave human trafficking survivors.

Ware Disposal

Ware Disposal’s operations in Orange County provide vital services to homes, schools, businesses, and government facilities. Ware Disposal is committed to lessening their carbon footprint, running a fleet of 100 compressed natural gas trash hauling trucks. The central focus at Ware Disposal is making communities cleaner, safer, and stronger. The family-owned company embraces the opportunity to be a good corporate citizen and is involved in local community and business organizations in addition to making donations and offering support services to a variety of local events. Continue reading→

Man to join three family members in prison over $16M in real estate fraud

Posted on October 22, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Newport Beach, OCDA, Orange County, Santa Ana, Tustin Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: October 20, 2014

Case # 10CF0477/11ZF0120

MAN SENTENCED TO SEVEN YEARS IN PRISON FOR CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT OVER $16 MILLION IN REAL ESTATE FRAUD

*Three additional co-defendants were previously convicted and sentenced

SANTA ANA – A man was sentenced Friday to seven years in state prison for conspiring with three other family members to commit over $16 million in real estate fraud by forging documents and purchasing homes using “straw buyers.” A straw buyer is a person who knowingly and willingly allows their credit to be used for the purchase of a property they never intend to control.

Dinesh Valjeebhai Shah, 65, pleaded guilty to the court Friday, Oct. 17, 2014, to five felony counts of conspiracy to commit a crime, 13 felony counts of forgery, four felony counts of identity theft, four felony counts of recording false and forged instrument, five felony counts of grand theft, and sentencing enhancement allegations for loss over $100,000, property damage over $1.3 million, and aggravated white collar crime over $500,000. Dinesh Shah is also sentenced to pay $12,800 in restitution. Dinesh Shah was also sentenced to two years in state prison after being found guilty by a jury on June 25, 2014, of one felony count of filing a false tax return and two felony counts of failure to file any return or supply any information with intent to evade any tax (Case #11ZF0120). Continue reading→

Santa Ana scumbag who molested little girls he met at church is going to prison

Posted on October 18, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Churches and Religion, Crime, Santa Ana, Tustin Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release

Case# 14NF1995

October 17, 2014

MAN SENTENCED TO 30 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR SEXUALLY ASSAULTING TWO GIRLS BETWEEN AGES 9 AND 12 AFTER MEETING THEM AT CHURCH AND BEFRIENDING THEIR FAMILIES

SANTA ANA – A man was sentenced today to 30 years to life in state prison for sexually assaulting two girls between ages 9 and 12 after meeting them through church and befriending their families. David Elifar Verduzco, 35, Santa Ana, was found guilty by a jury Oct. 1, 2014, of three felony counts of lewd acts upon a child under 14, one felony count of sexual penetration with a child 10 years or younger, one misdemeanor count each of child annoyance and disorderly conduct. The sentencing enhancement allegations for substantial sexual conduct with a child and lewd acts on multiple children were found true.

At the time of the crime, Verduzco was a parishioner of Agape House of Prayer in Anaheim, where he was a worship team leader and gave electronic keyboard lessons. The defendant met both of the victims and their families at the church and befriended them. Continue reading→

Orange County anti-gang curfew sweep results in arrest of 31 juveniles

Posted on October 17, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Gangs, OCDA, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: October 17, 2014

LAW ENFORCEMENT NET 31 JUVENILES IN 6TH ANNUAL OC GRIP CURFEW SWEEP

ORANGE COUNTY – Over 180 law enforcement officers from 19 agencies netted 31 juveniles in violation of city curfew laws last night in the 6th annual curfew sweeps by the Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership (OC GRIP). OC GRIP aims to prevent juveniles from being victims of or participants in gang crimes by identifying at-risk youth, increasing school attendance, and decreasing gang activity.

Last night and early this morning, officers patrolled Orange County cities and unincorporated areas for children ages 17 and under out in public past curfew, in violation of city laws. Curfews in Orange County begin at 10:00 p.m. or 11:00 p.m., depending on the city, and last until 5:00 a.m. the following day. Minors are prohibited from being in public during these hours unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian or are subject to circumstantial exceptions made for minors participating in employment, educational, or emergency activities. Continue reading→

Tinajero decries leaked release of the Miguel Pulido City Investigation Report

Posted on October 14, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Civic Affairs, Miguel Pulido, OCDA, Sal Tinajero, Santa Ana 7 Comments

Santa Ana Mayor Pro Tem Sal Tinajero Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 14, 2014

Contact: Santa Ana Mayor Pro Tem Sal Tinajero, 714-913-3515

Sal Tinajero Distances Himself From The Release Of The Miguel Pulido City Investigation Report

Santa Ana Mayor ProTem Sal Tinajero was surprised and disappointed when he found that the investigation report on Mayor Miguel Pulido had been leaked to the media. Tinajero stated, “I have always respected the opinion of the Orange County District Attorney’s office. From the very beginning I informed the public that I would not release the report if I found that doing so could potentially damage the ongoing investigation.”

It was made public that the office of the Orange County District Attorney urged the city of Santa Ana not to release the report. Continue reading→

Anaheim man charged with killing Zoraida Reyes, a transgendered Santa Ana resident

Posted on October 11, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Crime, LGBT, OCDA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: October 9, 2014

Case # 14NF4270

MAN CHARGED FOR MURDERING VICTIM AND DUMPING BODY BEHIND RESTAURANT

SANTA ANA – A man was charged today for murdering a victim and dumping the body behind an Anaheim restaurant. Randy Lee Parkerson, 38, Anaheim, was charged today with one felony count of murder. If convicted, Parkerson faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in state prison. Parkerson is being held on $1 million bail. The scheduled arraignment for today was continued to Oct. 31, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. in Department CJ-1, Central Jail, Santa Ana.

On June 10, 2014, Parkerson is accused of meeting with 28-year-old Cesar Reyes (Zoraida Reyes) and murdering him (her) by choking him (her). Parkerson is accused of placing the victim’s body in the trunk of his car for one day and dumping the body behind a fast food restaurant in Anaheim. Continue reading→

Man sentenced for shooting and killing a man at Panaderia La Chapina

Posted on October 11, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OCDA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: October 10, 2014

MAN SENTENCED TO 80 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR SHOOTING-MURDER OF VICTIM PREPARING COFFEE IN BAKERY

SANTA ANA – A man was sentenced today to 80 years to life in state prison for the shooting-murder of a victim in a Santa Ana bakery while the victim was preparing a cup of coffee. Israel Pena Lopez, 38, Santa Ana, was found guilty by a jury Sept. 17, 2014, of one felony count of murder, possession of a firearm by a felon, and a sentencing enhancement for the personal discharge of a firearm causing death. Lopez also pleaded guilty today in an unrelated case to one felony count each of shooting at an occupied vehicle with a sentencing enhancement for committing the crime for the benefit of a criminal street gang. He was sentenced 15 years in state prison to be served concurrent to the 80 years to life in state prison sentence.

Co-defendant Frankie Esteban Giraldo, 32, Santa Ana, was charged with murder but was found not guilty in this case. Continue reading→

Santa Ana man arrested for cold case murder of his suegra

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

OCDA Seal

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release : October 8, 2014

Case # 14HF2750

MAN ARRESTED TODAY FOR 1998 COLD-CASE MURDER OF MOTHER-IN-LAW

SANTA ANA – A man was arrested today for the 1998 cold case murder of his mother-in-law. John Edward Moll Gutierrez, 47, Santa Ana, is charged with one felony count of murder. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in state prison. He is being held on $1 million bail and is scheduled to be arraigned in Department CJ-1, Central Jail, Santa Ana. The time and date are to be determined.

At the time of the crime, Gutierrez is accused of living in a Laguna Beach condominium with his wife and the defendant’s 55-year-old mother-in-law Lillian DeVilla. Continue reading→

ODCA fundraising online to end modern day slavery

Posted on October 6, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OCDA, Santa Ana, Women 2 Comments

Beat the Heat

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: October 3, 2014

THE ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE, ORANGE COUNTY HUMAN TRAFFICKING TASK FORCE, AND CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY LAUNCH ONLINE FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN TO END MODERN DAY SLAVERY

*Please consider contributing on Indiegogo

SANTA ANA – The Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA), the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force (OCHTTF), and Chapman University are pleased to announce the launch of their online fundraising campaign with the world’s most established crowdfunding platform, Indiegogo, for the 2nd Annual “Keep Calm and Beat H.E.A.T. Rocking & Rally” on Friday, Oct. 24, 2014, at Chapman University.

The event will increase community awareness of human exploitation and trafficking, the second largest criminal enterprise in the nation, behind narcotics trafficking, that nets approximately $32 billion a year. A free rock concert will immediately follow with Stan Frazier and Murphy Karges of Sugar Ray. Elected officials, law enforcement, non-profits, private law firms, businesses, and private citizens have all donated to this cause and support is growing. To make a donation of any amount and to join the cause, please visit http://igg.me/at/beatheat. Continue reading→

School bus driver sentenced for molesting a minor girl in his apartment

Posted on October 2, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Orange County Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: October 2, 2014

SCHOOL BUS DRIVER SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS IN PRISON FOR MOLESTING MINOR GIRL UNDER THE AGE OF 14 IN HIS APARTMENT

SANTA ANA – A school bus driver was sentenced Tuesday to eight years in state prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration for molesting a minor girl under the age of 14 in his Laguna Hills home. Shane Norman Crawford, 39, Laguna Hills, pleaded guilty Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014, to two felony counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14.

Crawford gained access to the children by befriending their parents. Continue reading→