New Santa Ana | Tag Archives: Sex Crimes

Volunteer Sunday School teacher charged with molesting 7 boys and distributing kiddie porn

Posted on June 9, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Churches and Religion, Costa Mesa, Crime, Newport Beach, OCDA, Orange County Leave a comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 12HF3538

Date: June 9, 2015

FORMER VOLUNTEER SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER TO FACE TRIAL FOR MOLESTING SEVEN MINOR BOYS AND POSSESSING AND DISTRIBUTING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

SANTA ANA – A former volunteer Sunday school teacher is scheduled to face trial tomorrow for molesting seven minor boys and possessing and distributing child pornography. Christopher Bryan McKenzie Sr., 51, Costa Mesa, is charged with 15 felony counts of lewd acts upon a child under 14 years old, one felony count of attempted lewd acts upon a child under 14 years old, four felony counts of using a minor for sex acts, one felony count of attempting to use a minor for sex acts, two felony counts of distributing pornography to a minor, and one felony count of possession of child pornography with sentencing enhancement allegations for substantial sexual conduct with a child and committing lewd acts upon a child under 14 years old against more than one victim. If convicted, McKenzie faces a maximum sentence of 234 years to life in state prison. Opening statements are scheduled to begin tomorrow, June 10, 2015, at 9:00 a.m. in Department C-40, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

At the time of the crimes McKenzie worked as a swimming pool cleaner. The defendant was a volunteer Sunday school teacher at Christ Church by the Sea in Newport Beach between 2004 and 2006 and at Rock Harbor Church in Costa Mesa. Continue reading→

Santa Ana pest control company employee gets huge sentence for distributing kiddie porn

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, FBI, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Billie Joe Harris, Jr., a 53-year-old Santa Ana pest control company employee, was sentenced on Tuesday to a prison term of 210 months for distributing child pornography on the Internet, according to the OC Weekly, which also reported that the sentence was extra harsh because the felon had already been convicted in a 1987 case of lewd and lascivious contact with a minor.

According to court documents, during an online conversation with an undercover FBI agent, Harris provided a password for locked folders containing child pornography in his online Gigatribe account. Federal authorities described Gigatribe as an online platform that is considered a “haven” for traders of child pornography. Among the images and videos the agent accessed in Harris’ account was one involving a “prepubescent minor,” according to the O.C. Register. Continue reading→

Teachers convicted of having sex and drinks with students on an O.C. beach

Posted on June 7, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OCDA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 15HF0219

Date: June 5, 2015

TWO FORMER FEMALE TEACHERS SENTENCED FOR UNLAWFUL SEXUAL INTERCOURSE WITH AN UNDERAGE MALE STUDENT DURING BEACH CAMPING TRIP

*Ghirelli was also convicted of furnishing a controlled substance

NEWPORT BEACH – Two former female high school teachers were convicted and sentenced today for unlawful sexual intercourse with an underage male student during an alcohol and drug fueled camping trip at San Clemente State Beach. Melody Suzanne Lippert, 38, Covina, pleaded guilty to one felony count of unlawful sexual intercourse. She was sentenced to three years formal probation and three months in jail stayed pending completion of 15 days of CalTrans.

Co-defendant Michelle Louise Ghirelli, 30, West Covina, pleaded guilty to one felony count of unlawful sexual intercourse and one felony count of furnishing a controlled substance. She was sentenced to three years formal probation and 180 days in jail stayed pending completion of 180 days in a lock-down rehabilitation facility. The defendants’ conviction in this case qualifies them, under the California Education Code, to have their teaching credentials revoked for life in the State of California. Continue reading→

Garden Grove convicted of pimping a relative at a Santa Ana hair salon

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Garden Grove, Santa Ana Leave a comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 13CF1682

Date: May 26, 2015

MAN SENTENCED FOR PIMPING AND PANDERING FEMALE RELATIVE TO UNDERCOVER OFFICER

SANTA ANA – A man was sentenced on Friday, May 22, 2015, to four years in state prison for pimping and pandering a female relative to an undercover officer. An Ngoc Dai Dang, 33, Garden Grove, was found guilty by a jury on March 26, 2015, of one felony count of pimping and one felony count of pandering.

Circumstances of the Case

Dang is a pimp who exploits women for financial gain. Continue reading→

Babysitter who repeatedly molested a little girl sentenced to 16 years in prison

Posted on May 16, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OCDA, Santa Ana, Tustin Leave a comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 95CF1089

Date: May 15, 2015

BABYSITTER RESENTENCED TO 16 YEARS IN PRISON FOR REPEATEDLY MOLESTING A GIRL UNDER THE AGE OF 10

SANTA ANA – A babysitter was resentenced today to 16 years in state prison for repeatedly molesting a girl under the age of 10. Leticia Garcia, 44, Tustin, was found guilty by a jury on Feb. 18, 2015, of one felony count continued sexual abuse of a child. Garcia was previously convicted by a jury Nov. 16, 2012, of the same charge and sentenced to 16 years in state prison on Jan. 25, 2013. On Sept. 20, 2014, the Court of Appeal vacated Garcia’s sentence and overturned her conviction.

At the time of the crime the defendant was working as a babysitter for Jane Doe’s family. The defendant violated her position of trust as a caretaker of the child. Continue reading→

Three Santa Ana men convicted of trying to hook up with prostitutes

Posted on May 7, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OCDA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Date: May 4, 2015

FOUR MEN CONVICTED OF AGREEING TO ENGAGE IN PROSTITUTION

SANTA ANA – The Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA) convicted four men in April 2015 of 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. Each of the defendants below agreed to engage in commercial sex with a woman and were subsequently arrested by law enforcement.

Defendant/Conviction/Sentence: Continue reading→

Former Santa Ana High School teacher arrested for child molestation and pornography

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Education, Orange County, Santa Ana 9 Comments

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Dana Hills High School Teacher Arrested for Child Molestation and Pornography

DANA POINT, Calif. – (May 4, 2015) – On Monday, May 04, 2015, Ezequiel Barragan, 48, Aliso Viejo, was arrested following allegations of child molestation and possession of child pornography. (Editor’s Note – Barragan reportedly was a teacher at Santa Ana High School where he also was a varsity baseball coach).

On Monday, May 04, 2015, the Orange County Child Exploitation Task Force (OCCETF) was notified by a United States Postal Service (USPS) agent regarding an ongoing child pornography investigation. Barragan has been the target of a USPS investigation resulting in discovery of information that he also engaged in sexual relations with a male juvenile over the last two years. Today’s investigation has included interviews, search warrants and review of evidence obtained by investigators. Continue reading→

Pedophile extradited from Mexico to be sentenced on May 8

Posted on April 22, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Crime, mexico, OCDA 1 Comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # C-78106

Date: April 22, 2015

MAN ON OCDA’S MOST WANTED LIST ARRESTED AND EXTRADITED FROM MEXICO AFTER FLEEING DURING TRIAL IN 1991 ON CHARGES OF COMMITTING LEWD ACTS UPON CHILD

*FBI located defendant in Mexico

SANTA ANA – A man on the Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA) Most Wanted List was arrested and extradited from Mexico after he fled during the middle of a jury trial for committing lewd acts with a child in 1991. Henry Arthur Quinones, 75, was convicted by a jury on Sept. 9, 1991, of 26 felony counts of committing lewd acts upon a child under the age of 14, in his absence. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 8, 2015, at 9:00 a.m. in Department C-5, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

“This defendant is a pedophile who has escaped punishment for too long. He committed one of the worst violations against a young innocent child,” stated District Attorney Rackauckas. “We will never give up on seeking out fugitives until they’re brought to justice.” Continue reading→

The OCDA has filed an appeal of the light sentence given to a Santa Ana child molester

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OCDA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Kevin Jonas Rojano-Nieto

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 14CF1874

Date: April 16, 2015

OCDA FILES NOTICE OF APPEAL OF SENTENCE IN SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE OF TODDLER

*Mandatory minimum sentence if convicted requires 25 years to life in prison

SANTA ANA – The Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA) filed a notice of appeal today in the Orange County Superior Court to overturn a sentence of 10 years determinate in state prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration for a sexual assault case of a toddler with a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years to life in state prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration.

Circumstances of the Case

On June 4, 2014, Kevin Jonas Rojano-Nieto was in a garage detached from the Santa Ana house playing video games when 3-year-old Jane Doe walked in. Rojano-Nieto became sexually aroused upon seeing her, locked the garage door, and then sexually assaulted Jane Doe by sodomizing her. When Jane Doe’s mother went to look for the victim and approached the garage door, the defendant covered Jane Doe’s mouth. When the victim’s mother left to continue looking for Jane Doe, Rojano-Nieto continued the sexual assault by using his hand to force Jane Doe to touch his penis. Continue reading→

Santa Ana pastor charged with molesting girls under the age of 14

Posted on March 26, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Churches and Religion, Crime, Santa Ana 3 Comments

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: SAPD SEEKS ASSISTANCE IDENTIFYING ADDITIONAL VICTIMS OF FORMER CHURCH PASTOR CHARGED WITH MOLESTING TWO GIRLS UNDER AGE 14

SANTA ANA – The Orange County District Attorney’s Office and Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) are seeking the public’s help in identifying potential additional victims of a former church pastor charged with molesting two girls under the age of 14. Ahmad Henry Osman, 52, Tustin, is charged with two felony counts of performing lewd acts upon a child under the age of 14 with a sentencing enhancement allegation for multiple victims. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 50 years to life in state prison as well as mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. He is being held on $1 million bail and is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing tomorrow, March 27, 2015, at 8:30 a.m. in Department C-55, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

Osman is accused of violating his position of trust as a pastor at The Indo Chinese Islamic Center (IIC) in Santa Ana. The defendant is accused of teaching bible classes at IIC and befriending the victims and their family members. Continue reading→

Teachers now accused of sex, booze and drugs on the beach with students

Posted on March 3, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Beaches, Crime, Education, OCDA, Orange County Leave a comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 15HF0219

Date: March 2, 2015

ADDITIONAL CHARGES FILED AGAINST TWO TEACHERS FOR UNLAWFUL SEXUAL INTERCOURSE AND ILLEGALLY PROVIDING ALCOHOL AND COCAINE TO UNDERAGE STUDENTS DURING CAMPING TRIP AT SAN CLEMENTE BEACH

NEWPORT BEACH – Additional charges were filed today against two high school teachers for unlawful sexual intercourse and illegally providing alcohol and cocaine to a group of underage students after organizing a camping trip at San Clemente Beach. Melody Suzanne Lippert, 38, Covina, is facing additional charges of one felony count of unlawful sexual intercourse, one felony count of furnishing a controlled substance to a minor, and a sentencing enhancement for being four years or older than the minor, in addition to the original previous charge of one misdemeanor count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Co-defendant Michelle Louise Ghirelli, 30, West Covina, is facing additional charges of one felony count of unlawful sexual intercourse, one felony count of furnishing a controlled substance to a minor, one felony count of oral copulation of a minor, and a sentencing enhancement for being four years or older than the minor, in addition to the original previous charge of one misdemeanor count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Continue reading→

Santa Ana foster father headed for prison after molesting six little girls

Posted on February 27, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Santa Ana Leave a comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 13CF0322

Date: February 27, 2015

FOSTER PARENT SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS AND EIGHT MONTHS TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR RAPING, MOLESTING, AND ABUSING SIX GIRLS AGES 9 TO 15

SANTA ANA – A foster parent was sentenced today to 18 years and eight months to life in state prison for raping, molesting, and sexually abusing six girls when they were between 9 and 15 years old. Felipe Hernandez, 68, Santa Ana, pleaded guilty on Feb. 13, 2015, to one felony count of forcible lewd act on a child under 14 years old, three felony counts of lewd acts upon a child under 15 years old, four felony counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a minor, one felony count of unlawful sexual intercourse, two felony counts of oral copulation of a minor, one felony count of sexual penetration by a foreign object of a minor, and one felony count of possession and control of child pornography.

The defendant’s wife, Maria Esther Hernandez, 61, Santa Ana, pleaded guilty to one felony count of being an accessory after the fact or having knowledge of a crime. She was sentenced on May 31, 2013, to three months in jail, three years of formal probation, and was ordered to pay restitution (Case # 13CF0803). Continue reading→

High school coach arrested for sexual misconduct with students

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Fullerton, Villa Park 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

Villa Park High School Coach Arrested for Sexual Misconduct with Students

SANTA ANA, Calif. – (February 26, 2015) – On Wednesday, February 25, 2015, Orange County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Unit (SVU) investigators arrested Dwayne Jordan Richardson, 19, Fullerton, following allegations he engaged in sexual misconduct with two female minor high school students. Richardson is a “walk-on” girls’ basketball coach at Villa Park High School and does not teach at the school.

On Thursday, February 25, 2015, the Villa Park High School Resource Officer obtained information about the alleged sexual misconduct. The Sheriff’s Department’s SVU responded and assumed responsibility for the investigation. Following the preliminary investigation, it is believed Richardson engaged in sexual misconduct with a female minor student who attends Villa Park High School and a student at El Dorado High School in the city of Placentia. Based on information obtained during the investigation, investigators suspect Richardson has engaged in sexual misconduct with at least one of the minor students since June 2014. Continue reading→

Serial groper sentenced to three years in prison

Posted on January 22, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OCDA, Orange County Leave a comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 13WF2913

Date: January 22, 2015

MAN SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS IN PRISON FOR FALSE IMPRISONMENT BY VIOLENCE AND GROPING FOUR WOMEN WITH SEXUAL INTENT

SANTA ANA – A man was sentenced todayto three years in state prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration for false imprisonment by violence and groping four women by grabbing them on the buttocks with sexual intent in public. Matthew Andrew Linville, 20, Westminster, pleaded guilty today to one felony count of false imprisonment by violence and four misdemeanor counts of sexual battery.

At approximately 6:45 a.m., on Aug. 28, 2013, Linville approached 34-year-old Jane Doe #1 as she was jogging through a neighborhood in Huntington Beach. Linville grabbed the victim on the buttocks, pushed her to the ground, and groped her. He then fled the scene. Continue reading→

Teachers arrested following allegation of sexual relationship with students

Posted on January 18, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Beaches, Crime, Orange County 1 Comment

Michelle Ghirelli

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Teachers Arrested Following Allegation of Sexual Relationship with Students

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. – (January 18, 2014) – On Saturday, January 17, 2015, Orange County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Unit investigators arrested South Hills High School teacher, Melody Lippert, 38, Covina and district teacher Michelle Ghirelli, 30, Covina; following allegations they engaged in sexual relations with students who attend the school. On the evening of Friday, January 16, 2015, the West Covina Police Department contacted the Orange County Sheriff’s Department after obtaining information about the inappropriate relationships and the alleged sexual relations that occurred in our jurisdiction.

In November 2014, Lippert is alleged to have met a group of male South Hills High School students at San Clemente State Beach. During the meeting at San Clemente State Beach, Lippert provided alcohol to the students and engaged in a sexual relationship with one of them. Several weeks later, Lippert orchestrated an overnight camping trip to the same location with Ghirelli and several of the same high school students. During the camping trip Lippert and Ghirelli are suspected of engaging in sexual relations with two students. The camping trip was not a school or district sponsored event. Continue reading→