Attorney Blog

Ventura Tax Fraud Lawyer: IRS' OVDP May Save You from Prosecution

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Transferring your money to undisclosed offshore bank accounts or tax shelters is a criminal offense for which the penalties are severe. Contact a Ventura tax fraud lawyer at the Law Offices of Bamieh & Erickson, PLC, if you are being investigated for this white-collar crime in California, as you could be facing significant fines and imprisonment. The IRS has become aggressive in its investigation of individuals and a conviction of tax fraud will impact your life and your future.

On January 9, 2012, the IRS reinstated the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program (OVDP), which provides an opportunity for individuals with unreported offshore accounts to disclose this information, decreasing the risk of criminal prosecution. This is the third time the IRS has instituted OVDP; contact a tax fraud attorney in Ventura County for additional details on this important program.

The current OVDP is similar to the programs the IRS had in place in the past with a few notable exceptions:

There are no specific deadlines for submitting the application and information to OVDP.

Penalties are subject to increase; currently the highest penalty rate is 27.5% of the total aggregate value of unreported assets.

The IRS may end the program at will.

If you wish to participate in the OVDP, call an experienced California tax fraud lawyer for assistance in preparing the paperwork and documents, which include:

Filing all original and/or amended income tax returns for up to eight years.

Paying delinquent income taxes and related interest for up to eight years.

Paying accuracy-related penalties and/or failure to file penalties.

Individuals with less than $75,000 in the yearly aggregate may be eligible for a reduced penalty of 12.5%.

Call the Law Offices of Bamieh & Erickson, PLC, to speak with a Ventura tax fraud attorney if you are considering participation in the OVDP. We will speak with you confidentially and determine whether you are eligible to participate in the program. Call our office at (805) 643-5555; we are here to work with you and to protect your rights.

Penalties for Traffic Fraud Crimes in California

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Most people will understand that driving under the influence and driving without a license are considered traffic offenses in California. But there are also specific crimes under California misdemeanor law that are not only considered traffic offenses, but also carry a charge of fraud.

Here are a few traffic fraud misdemeanors (and what you could face if convicted):

Using a false handicapped placard (fines up to $1000 and 6 months in county jail)
Manufacturing fraudulent driving licenses or DMV identification cards (fines between $250 and $1000 up to 1 year in county jail and mandatory sentence of 24 hours community service)
Purchase or sale of vehicles with altered VIN numbers (up to 1 year in county jail and fines up to $1000)
Tampering with a vehicle (1 year in county jail, with fines between $250 and $2000)
Interfering with traffic control devices (fines up to $5000 unless the offense caused injury or death, in which case higher fines and jail time may be considered)
Giving false insurance information to a police officer (fines up to $750, 30 days in county jail and a restricted driver’s license for 1 year)
Filing a false car theft report (first offense carries fines to $1000, repeated offenses increase fine to $10,000 and incarceration in state prison)

If you are facing any of these charges, you can get FREE get advice from an experienced Ventura criminal defense lawyer at Bamieh & Erickson. Call (805) 643-5555 to start your free consultation today.

California Accountant Steals Half a Million Dollars from Oxnard Farm

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The Camarillo business world is reeling today after the owner of an accounting firm has been arrested on multiple felony counts of embezzlement in California.

According to the Ventura County district attorney’s office, Paige Jones Hibbits allegedly redirected $470,000 from Oxnard-based Scarborough Farms Inc. to her own personal accounts during the years of 2007 to 2011.

Hibbits, 69, is an active member of the Camarillo community. Until recently, she has held leadership positions with various nonprofits and local businesses, including treasurer of the Ventura County Brain Injury Center and member of the Ventura County Taxpayers Association. She was also voted Camarillo Woman of the Year in 2010 and Ventura County Woman of Distinction for 2011.

Hibbits stepped down from two of her positions last August, Chair of the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce and treasurer of the Camarillo Rotary Club, citing health reasons.

The alleged fraud was discovered after Scarborough did an internal audit and found several discrepancies in the company accounts. Hibbits was arrested on December 7 and is charged with 21 counts of forgery, money laundering, grand theft, computer fraud, and aggravated white-collar crime.

Authorities are unsure how much of the money remains.

Hibbits is being held on $1 million bail at the Main Jail in Ventura. She could face as many as of 20 years in prison if convicted.

If you are facing fraud charges in California, get advice from a Ventura criminal defense lawyer at Bamieh & Erickson today. Call (805) 643-5555 for a free consultation.

California Supreme Court Says Breathalyzer Tests are Often Unreliable

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Good news for those facing a DUI charge in California: you may be able to challenge roadside sobriety tests, including breathalyzer results, administered by police at your arrest.

In 2009, The California Supreme Court ruled that defendants could challenge a breathalyzer’s readings as evidence, since a number of factors can affect the readings

Here are just a few physical factors that can throw off a breathalyzer’s readings:

Gender
Body temperature
Atmospheric pressure
The calibration of the device itself
An outstanding medical condition
Recent vomiting or cigarette smoking
Lack of officer training to ensure accuracy

In addition to physical factors, there are other ways the results of a breathalyzer can be inaccurate. Courts have found that there are too many variables on the roadside that can contribute to breathalyzer error. For example, police officers are required to observe a suspect for at least fifteen minutes before administering a breathalyzer. During this time, a suspect cannot drink any fluids or eat anything prior to the test.

If you need help fighting a DWI conviction in California, our experienced Ventura criminal defense lawyers can give you time-tested legal advice in your case. Call Bamieh & Erickson today at (805) 643-5555 for a free consultation.

Parolee Caught and Tasered after Prowling in California

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

It seems unthinkable that a suspect could be tasered for a California misdemeanor offense. Unfortunately, authorities are able to use extreme force at their discretion-and that's what recently happened to a prowling suspect.

In May, a man called Placer County Sheriff's 911 dispatch center in the early hours of the morning. The caller said that there was a man outside of his bedroom window peering into the room.

When police arrived, they found 43-year-old Steven Allen Shade, an Auburn parolee, creeping behind the caller's north Auburn apartment building. Upon investigation, officers discovered that Shade had entered the secured area behind the apartments through a hole in the fencing.

Although Shade had nowhere to run, he did not surrender to police. He forced a deputy to chase him from the Terracina Oaks Apartments complex and ignored the officer's requests to stop. It was when Shade reached into his pocket that the deputy used his Taser to bring Shade down.

Shade received treatment at a local hospital for removal of the Taser prongs before being brought to the Placer County Jail. He is being held without bail pending charges of resisting arrest, prowling, and violation of his parole.

If you are facing a third strike in California, our experienced Ventura criminal defense lawyers can help fight for your rights. Call Bamieh & Erickson today at (805) 643-5555 for a free consultation.

Special Considerations for your California Vandalism Charge

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

When you're facing vandalism charges in Santa Barbara, you may think that you're facing a misdemeanor. After all, it's just some spray paint on a wall-how much trouble could you really be in?

Unfortunately, there is no hard-and-fast rule. Depending on your situation, you could be charged with anything from an infraction to a felony. For example:

If you cost of the vandalism damage is under $250 and you have never faced these charges before, you may only be convicted of an infraction.
If this is your second vandalism conviction, you will then be charged with at least a misdemeanor offense, resulting in hefty fines and community service.
If you committed the act as part of a street gang, there is a special California enhancement for your crime. Also known as "tagging," this behavior is used to promote gang status, and prosecutors can file a gang enhancement to your charge.
If the intent of the vandalism was to frighten or intimidate another person or group (such as slurs against another person's race, religion, or sexual preference) the person responsible may also be charged with a hate crime - turning the act into an automatic felony.

Whether this is an isolated offense or a third strike, our experienced Ventura criminal defense lawyers can help you get the charges against you dropped. If someone you love has been charged with vandalism in Ventura, call Bamieh & Erickson today at (805) 643-5555 for a free consultation.

Does California's three strikes law affect my child's shoplifting case?

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A simple charge of Santa Barbara petty theft, can have serious consequences if it's not your child's first time before a judge.

California penal code section 666 states that any person convicted of theft for a third time can be charged with felony petty theft. Even if all previous offenses are considered petty theft (such as shoplifting), a felony conviction on the third offense can mean up to one year in state prison.

Many Californians believe that this section of law is unfair because it involves sending people to prison for misdemeanor offenses. The law was originally put in place to discourage repeat offenders: A study done on Orange County underage offenders found that between 8 and 12 percent of juveniles account for 60 percent of the crimes committed.

Fair or not, the law is still on the books and can be applied to your case if you are facing a third conviction of petty theft. Our experienced Ventura criminal defense lawyers can help you fight your petty theft charge, reducing the sentencing and working to get underage offenders' criminal records cleared.

If someone in your family has been charged with shoplifting in Santa Barbara, call Bamieh & Erickson today at (805) 643-5555 for a free consultation.

What is the difference between "disturbing the peace" and "disorderly conduct" in California?

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you're facing charges of disorderly conduct in Ventura, you're facing the most ambiguous charge in California law. Since the charge covers a wide range of activities, police officers are free to arrest anyone that they believe is causing a problem-and depending on the circumstances, they can even up the charge to one of disturbing the peace.

The biggest difference between the two charges is that disturbing the peace requires an intentional action on your part that could be perceived as violent or disruptive. In order to disturb the peace in California, a person must have:

Engaged in public fighting or other violent conduct
Provoked others with the intent of a violent reaction
Made a loud or disturbing noise, and did not stop after being asked
Disrupted the lawful activity of a person or group

Whether you have been charged with disorderly conduct or disturbing the peace, you will be facing a misdemeanor offense. If you are convicted, you will face up to 90 days in jail and possible fines up to $400.

Our trusted Ventura criminal defense lawyers have experience fighting against bogus charges and saving you the embarrassment of an entry on your criminal record. If you or someone in your family has been charged with disturbing the peace in Santa Barbara, call Bamieh & Erickson today at (805) 643-5555 for a free consultation.

Can I Be Charged for Ransom in My California Kidnapping Case?

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Countless mothers have taken their children away from an abusive home only to find themselves charged with kidnapping and "making a ransom demand." While they may not be guilty of kidnapping in Ventura, they can at least understand the charge-but how can they be facing a ransom charge when they never made any requests for money in return for the child?

Under California law, a "ransom" doesn't necessarily refer to a large sum of money. Consider these things that a jury may see as a "ransom":

Property. Cars, houses, even family pets may be considered ransom demands if the alleged kidnapper requests that they be returned to him in exchange for the victim.
Failure to act. A woman protecting her child from an abusive father may demand that he leave the family home or leave the state before she will return with their child.
Ultimatums. Sometimes the alleged kidnapper wants something to change on behalf of the victim. The kidnapper may call relatives to demand that the child be placed in their care, or not be returned to a facility where they have experienced abuse.

As experienced Ventura criminal defense lawyers, we know that many kidnapping charges arise from misunderstandings, such as mothers only wanting the best for their children. However, many of these accused kidnappers will receive prison sentences, leaving those they love without proper care.

If you or someone you love is facing kidnapping charges in Santa Barbara, call Bamieh & Erickson today at (805) 643-5555.

Are California Trespassing Cases Civil or Criminal Offenses?

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

The answer to this depends on a few things. Generally speaking, trespassing cases in California are tried as civil unless the defendant performed another action other than merely setting foot on the property, such as stealing or inciting violence.

However, there are exceptions, depending on who owns the land and what it is used for.

A few factors that can turn your California trespassing case from civil to criminal:

Unlawful entry. In some cases, merely entering restricted areas (such as farmland) may be deemed a criminal offense. Actions such as building a fire or shooting a firearm on private property may also be charged as criminal.
Property theft or damage. If you removed or willfully damaged timber, plants, crops, livestock or structures on private property, you have committed criminal trespassing.
Sign tampering. Since signs denoting private property boundaries must be posted at regular intervals by law, removing, defacing or otherwise tampering with signs count as criminal trespass.

As experienced Ventura criminal defense lawyers, we know that the facts in these cases must be presented clearly. A hiker wandering onto restricted farmland may mean no harm, yet he could still be charged with a misdemeanor or even a felony offense.

Don't take your chances in court. If you or someone you love is facing criminal trespassing charges in Santa Barbara, call Bamieh & Erickson today at (805) 643-5555.

Can I Fight a License Suspension After an Underage DUI?

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Under the Zero Tolerance Law, a minor under the influence in California is required to have his license suspended if he has been found drinking any amount of alcohol before getting behind the wheel.

The usual length of suspension is one year, but if he refuses to take a blood-alcohol test, a minor could face up to three years without a license.

However, there may be a way to retain your child's California driving privileges. Unlike criminal charges, the Zero Tolerance rule is enforced by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Any appeal you make must be brought before the DMV.

A step-by step-guide to fighting your child's license suspension:

Within ten days of arrest, your child must formally request a California DMV hearing.
Gather as much evidence as you can in your child's case, including any prior convictions for underage drinking and any mitigating circumstances of the current offense.
If your child must drive because of the particular needs of your household (such as a disabled parent or single-parent home), you can apply for a critical needs restriction on your child's license, enabling him to drive short distances during the year of suspension.
Your child has a right to an attorney at his DMV hearing. An experienced Ventura juvenile defense lawyer can get your child's license reinstated and the offense stricken from his permanent record.

If your child is facing underage drinking charges in Santa Barbara, call Bamieh & Erickson today at (805) 643-5555.

How Illegal Evidence Can Get Your Ventura Drug Possession Case Dismissed

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

In the case of a criminal charge, the prosecution has the burden of proof. Since there is already evidence against them before the trial, a person accused of drug possession may be resigned to the fact that there is nothing he or she can do in their defense.

But what they should know is that the evidence might not be as concrete as the prosecution thinks.

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Police and federal investigators must follow the letter of the law when collecting evidence. If any portion of the evidence was obtained through suspect means, such as illegal search and seizure, that evidence can be suppressed in court and cannot be used against you when the jury decides the case.

At Bamieh & Erickson, we know that a Ventura drug possession case hangs on the evidence. How was it collected? Did the authorities have a right to enter your home? Was the evidence tampered with after collection? The answers to any one of these questions could get the evidence thrown out-and your case dismissed.

Not all defense lawyers will know which questions to ask during a drug trial, but an effective Ventura criminal defense lawyer must make it clear that the defendant's rights were compromised. To find out if evidence was illegally obtained in your case, call the criminal law team at Bamieh & Erickson today at (805) 643-5555.

Drug Treatment for DUI Offenders: More Effective than Jail?

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

There has been much speculation in the media about whether drug addicts charged with DUI will be less likely to repeat offenses if they go into treatment rather than jail.

But the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs reports an overwhelming success rate among first-time DUI offenders-a misdemeanor offense in California.

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Defendants sentenced to court-ordered rehab for DUI can face treatment durations anywhere between three and eighteen months. The time required in treatment for a first-time offender in California depends on the circumstances of the DUI. For example:

All first-time DUI offenders must be in the program for a minimum of three months.

First offenders with a blood alcohol level (BAC) over .02 percent must attend the six-month program.

First offenders between the ages of 18-20 are automatically required to complete the six-month program.

The ADP offers a chance to avoid any future drug-related offenses by allowing offenders to catch their substance issues early. An overwhelming 87% of first-time DUI participants completed the 3-month DUI program, resulting in the reinstatement of their driving privileges.

If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Ventura County, consider calling Bamieh & Erickson today at (805) 643-5555.

Juvenile Arrested In Santa Paula On Sex Crime Charges

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Santa Paula Police say that they will attempt to try the 17-year-old male suspected in recent gang rapes as an adult.

Two weeks ago, police in Ventura County arrested eight people in connection to a series of gang rapes that allegedly took place at house parties in Santa Paula. According to authorities, the men, who have alleged gang ties, used social networking sites on the internet to lure teen girls to house parties, where they were given alcohol and drugs. When the girls were incapacitated, they were raped by multiple men. Six of the men have been charged with rape, conspiracy, child abuse, sexual battery by restraint, and parole violations. While police have spoken with two rape victims during their six-week investigation of the crimes, they say that more victims may exist that have not yet come forward.

In California, prosecutors can charge juveniles as adults in a number of different circumstances – such as if the juvenile is associated with a street gang or if the juvenile has been charged with certain sex crimes. However, juveniles can challenge attempts by prosecutors to treat a minor as an adult in court.

If you or your child has been charged with rape, or if your juvenile child has been charged as an adult, speak to a Ventura County criminal defense attorney today about your case.

Celebrate The Forth Of July, But Remember Local Fireworks Laws

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

This Independence Day, it is important to remember that fireworks laws vary from city to city – and that illegally selling, buying, setting off, or even possessing certain types of fireworks can have serious legal consequences. In fact, the illegal use of fireworks in California and Ventura County can result in misdemeanor criminal charges, large fines, jail time, and a mark on your permanent record. In addition, your fireworks are confiscated.

Fireworks are illegal in all cities in Ventura County with the exception of Fillmore, which allows “safe and sane” fireworks between noon on Monday, July 3, and Tuesday, July 4. “Safe and sane” fireworks are defined as fireworks that do not explode and that do not fly through the air.

Why are fireworks illegal in large parts of California? There are two major reasons. First and foremost, fireworks that are not classified as “safe and sane” can result in a number of serious injuries and even fatalities, especially in children. Secondly, fireworks can result in brush fires and forest fires, especially during dry, droughty summers. Both of these issues present a health risk to California residents that led to the fireworks laws.

What can you do to avoid fireworks fines and charges this weekend? Go to one of your local, legal fireworks displays and enjoy the show with your family. If the Fourth of July just isn’t the same without some sparklers and a little fireworks fun, head to Fillmore for a safe and sane celebration.

Understanding Your Ventura County Grand Theft Auto Charge

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Ventura County grand theft auto charge can result in you being charged with either a misdemeanor or felony charge. There are some things that you should know about this serious accusation.

Different names of grand theft auto
Grand theft auto (GTA) may also be referred to as:

• Auto theft
• Vehicle theft
• Joyriding

There are two California laws that deal with the theft of automobiles
They include:

• Grand Theft Auto, which is considered the more serious offense (California Penal Code 487(d)(1) PC)
• The Unlawful Taking or Driving of a Vehicle, also referred to as joyriding (California Vehicle Code 10851 VC)

A GTA charge
Generally, a GTA charge requires that your intentions were to permanently deprive the owner of their automobile.

A Joyriding charge
A Joyriding charge typically requires that your intentions were to temporarily deprive the owner of their vehicle.

Potential penalties associated with grand theft auto and joyriding
If you are found guilty of a GTA or joyriding charge, you could face:

• Prison time
• Fines

No matter the type of charge you are being accused of, you should speak to an experienced Ventura County criminal defense attorney immediately. They can best advise you on how to beat these charges.

If you or someone you know has been accused of a grand theft auto charge, contact one of our experienced Ventura County criminal defense lawyers at the law office of Bamieh & Erickson, PLC at (805) 585-3638.

Understanding Ventura County Employee Theft and Embezzlement Charges

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Have you been accused of a Ventura County employee theft or embezzlement charge? If so, there are things you should know about developing your defense.

Common employee theft and embezzlement charges
Employee theft and embezzlement charges generally occur between an employee and an employer and can include accusations such as:

• Funneling company money into your personal checking account
• Stealing money out of a cash register
• Stealing inventory, such as clothes and food, from the company
• Stealing office supplies

Developing your defense
In most cases, the investigation is initiated by the employer. Having a solid defense is paramount because the consequences can result in the termination of your employment, fines, and possible prison time. Whatever you do, do not attempt to defend yourself. A criminal defense attorney can:

• Review any documents you sign or create
• Advise you on how to answer questions about the alleged crime
• Deal with your employer and the prosecutor
• Negotiate a civil compromise between you and your employer

An employee theft and embezzlement charge can also affect your future job opportunities and have dire ramifications on your financial situation. Do not go about it alone.

If you or someone you know has been accused of a white collar crime, contact one of our experienced Ventura criminal defense lawyers at the law office of Bamieh & Erickson, PLC at (805) 585-3638.

Man Wanted on Manslaughter Warrant in Ventura Caught on U.S. Border

Sat, 21 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

On May 2, a 20-year-old male, American citizen tried to enter the U.S. through the San Luis Port pedestrian processing area in Arizona and was referred by Border Patrol officers for a "secondary inspection," according to a local newspaper report.

The article was entitled, People with arrest warrants keep trying to enter the U.S., and was published in the Tucson Citizen newspaper's online edition.

A mandatory records check revealed an outstanding warrant for involuntary manslaughter in Ventura, California. The young man was taken into custody and turned over to the Yuma County Sheriff's Office, and is being remanded to Ventura for arraignment, according to the original news release from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service, an operating unit of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Involuntary manslaughter is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought.

If you are charged with manslaughter, or another serious offense in Ventura, we can help. Contact us today at 1-805-643-5555. Call now. The attorneys of Bamieh & Erickson PLC have years of experience defending clients charged with crimes in California. Dealing with the California criminal justice system can be difficult. We're here to help you resolve your brush with the law and get your life back on track as soon as possible.

Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor offense?

Fri, 20 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Movie star Lindsay Lohan has had a troubled criminal history, and most recently, during the week ending May 13, she was expected to enter a "no contest" plea to misdemeanor charges related to charges of jewelry theft.

Do you, like Miss Lohan, need a lawyer for a misdemeanor offense in court in California? Yes, you do.

Lohan purportedly stole a $2,500 necklace from Venice, California jeweler Kamofie & Co. Normally, that's considered a big-ticket item and would be prosecuted as a felony. Luckily for Lohan, the court reduced the crime to a misdemeanor, not a felony, which is considered a more serious offense under California law.

Most likely skilled legal work on the part of Lohan's defense team led to the reduction in the charges. Sources close to Lohan told the Los Angeles Times that she wanted to get the matter "behind her" quickly. Pleading no contest - not contesting the charge, but not pleading guilty, either - accomplishes that goal. If Lohan did not have a lawyer, it's not likely should would be getting as good of a deal has she has gotten from the court.

If you are charged with a misdemeanor, or another, more serious offense in Ventura, we can help. Contact us today at 1-805-643-5555. Call now. At Bamieh & Erickson PLC we have years of experience defending clients charged with crimes in California. Dealing with the California criminal justice system can be difficult. We're here to help you resolve your brush with the law and get your life back on track as soon as possible.

Two Executives Sentenced for White-Collar Crime, Securities Fraud

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

On April 7, 2001, a U.S. district judge in Los Angeles sentenced two former executives of a publicly traded firm, Gateway Distributors, Inc., to nearly three years in prison for selling unregistered stock.
Gateway is a distributor of nutritional supplements and was traded on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board.

Richard A. Bailey, 55, and Florian R. Ternes, 62, who were the CEO and the COO of Gateway were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Otis D. Wright II.

Bailey and Ternes were convicted in October of two charges of issuing and selling unregistered stock. Prosecutors presented evidence the executives issued more than $600,000 worth of Gateway stock in an effort to evade federal securities registration laws.

Bailey and Ternes claimed that the stock issuance represented payment of fees to a consultant, and they filed false stock registration statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The stock, however, was issued to a friend of Bailey and Ternes who provided no real services for Gateway. The friend sold the illegally issued shares, and the proceeds of the transaction were then secretly returned to Gateway. Bailey and Ternes used the proceeds of the stock sales to buy a fishing lodge in Utah and a commercial building in Las Vegas.

If you have been accused of a white-collar crime, like securities fraud, in Ventura County, or elsewhere in Southern California, we can help. Contact us today at 1-805-643-5555. Call now. Bamieh & Erickson PLC.

States Repeal Laws That Send 250,000 Kids to Jail Every Year

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

A new report by the Campaign for Youth Justice indicates that states across the U.S. are repealing legislation that sends 250,000 kids a year into the adult criminal justice system.

Following an increase in juvenile crime in the 1980s and 1990s, states began lowering the age at which children could be prosecuted as adults.

According to the report, incarcerating youth in adult prisons, "puts them at higher risk of abuse, injury, and death while they are in the system, and makes it more likely that they will reoffend once they get out."

Fifteen states have already completed the changes necessary to put fewer kids in adult prisons, according to the report.

If your child has been accused of a crime in Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, or elsewhere in Southern California, Bamieh & Erickson PLC can help. Contact us today at 1-805-643-5555.

The Elements of a Successful Criminal Defense

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

When you or a loved one is charged with a crime in California, whether it be a felony, such as homicide, or a misdemeanor like trespassing, you are at the mercy of the system. To prove your innocence and reduce the chances of facing strict penalties, you need an experienced Ventura criminal defense attorney on your side.

An aggressive Ventura criminal defense lawyer can help you construct the best possible case against the accusations of the prosecution. The elements of this defense may include:

Private investigation

Private investigators hired by your lawyer can uncover key pieces of evidence or testimony that falls in your favor, providing points in trial that will shed doubt on whether you actually committed the crime or not.

Expert testimony

Experts in certain fields, from medicine to ballistics, can testify on your behalf, giving your case credibility and weight with the jury. Your attorney can source and hire these experts.

Persuasive argument

Nothing brings together the facts, evidence and testimony of your defense like a persuasive argument from your attorney. Lawyers with experience in criminal trials, who have represented clients in your position many times before, are best prepared to put together these arguments.

For more information about criminal trials, or what to look for in a lawyer for your case, you can read our free book, How to Hire a Lawyer: A Common Man's Guide to Hiring a Legal Professional.

You can also call our conveniently located Ventura County office anytime at (805) 643-5555 to speak with a lawyer. If you are facing serious charges or an intimidating investigation, now is the time to find the legal help you need.

The Punishment for a California Child Abuse/Endangerment Conviction Can Be Severe

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Child abuse, inflicting unjustifiable physical or mental pain on a minor, and child endangerment, gross negligence that puts a minor into a dangerous situation, are serious crimes. They also come with serious punishments under California law.

The punishment you can face if convicted of California child abuse or child endangerment may include:

Loss of custody
Extensive probation
Prison terms up to six (6) years
Fines up to $10,000
A potential "strike" on the California 3-strikes law

If you have been charged with California child abuse or child endangerment or are a person of interest in a related investigation, it is important that you take immediate action to protect your legal rights. Your first step should be to contact an experienced Ventura criminal defense attorney who can guide you through the process.

Some examples of child abuse or child endangerment that you may be charged with include:

Repeatedly striking or hitting a child
Denying light, food or water to a child
Leaving a child in a hot car or in a bad neighborhood
Taking a child into a dangerous situation such as a domestic dispute

However, just because you have been accused of one of these offenses does not mean you are guilty. Many people are wrongly accused of child abuse or endangerment every day, or have extenuating circumstances that can reduce the charges against them.

For more information about your legal rights, and to learn how to protect yourself against these severe charges and possible punishments, call the Ventura criminal defense lawyers of Bamieh & Erickson today at (805) 643-5555.

'Enhancement' Charges Make Punishment for California Homicides Much Worse

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

It is already very serious to be charged with homicide in California. These California homicide charges, which vary from first degree murder to vehicular manslaughter, carry with them severe punishments that include prison terms, hefty fines and much more.

If convicted on California homicide charges, not only will you face strict punishment but your life will also be changed forever. It is crucial that you take immediate action if you or a loved one is under investigation. Calling a Ventura criminal defense attorney sooner rather than later can make all the difference.

While the punishments for the different types of homicide in California can be very severe, there are also enhancement charges that can be added in some cases. These additional charges can increase the effect of a conviction and land you behind bars even longer.

These California enhancement charges can include:

Possessing or using a gun
Having armor-piercing or dangerous ammunition
Using assault weapons or machine guns
Giving a gun to someone else that commits a crime

Each of these California enhancement charges can add years to a potential prison term and must be taken very seriously by those being investigated. This is nothing to dismiss in building the defense of your case.

To learn more about these enhancement charges or how the use of a firearm can increase the severity of a crime, or if you are being investigated for a serious crime in California, call the Ventura criminal defense attorneys of Bamieh & Erickson today at (805) 643-5555.

We have years of experience defending people similar to your, protecting the solemn principle that someone is innocent until proven guilty. Call us as soon as possible at (805) 643-5555 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation about your individual circumstances.

Legal Defenses Against Misdemeanor Negligent Discharge of a Gun in California

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

There are many possible charges you can incur as the result of carrying or firing a gun. Some of these can be quite serious, such as committing a California homicide with a firearm, while others are more minor.

A common California misdemeanor is the negligent discharge of a gun. This law, which was originally intended to stop people from firing their guns in the air during celebrations, now covers a wider range of careless or dangerous actions.

Discharging a firearm in a grossly negligent manner, which is defined under California penal code 246.3, requires three stipulations in order to be considered a California misdemeanor:

You willfully fired the gun.
You fired it in a negligent manner.
You could have harmed or killed someone else as a result.

Any legal defense against these charges is focused on proving that one of these stipulations was not true. As a result, the defense would go on to say this means that the charges should be thrown out or reduced to a lesser violation.

For example, if you did not know the gun was loaded or did not mean to pull the trigger, you would not meet the first stipulation. If you fired the gun in a safe manner, and it only looked negligent after the fact, then you would not meet the second stipulation. If you fired the gun in an isolated area without people around, you would not meet the third stipulation.

If you have been charged with discharging a firearm in a grossly negligent manner but believe that you are innocent, please call us as soon as possible at (805) 643-5555 and speak to an experienced Ventura criminal defense attorney.

The penalties and future implications of a gun charge conviction can be severe. Do not leave the future of your family in someone else's hands. Call the Ventura criminal defense lawyers of Bamieh & Erickson today to discuss your legal defense. (805) 643-5555.

The Time to Contact a California Homicide Lawyer is Now

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Homicide is one of the most serious crimes with which you can be charged. Not only do California homicide charges carry with them heavy fines and a likely prison term, but they will also haunt you for the rest of your life.

There are five main types of California homicide charges. Charges can be grouped together, or made more serious by certain factors, such as race motivation and the use of explosives. The types of charges include:

First-degree murder
Second-degree murder
Voluntary manslaughter
Involuntary manslaughter
Vehicular manslaughter

If you believe you may be charged with any of these types of homicide, it is absolutely crucial that you hire a lawyer. Finding a California homicide lawyer is the first and perhaps most important step in defending yourself against these severe accusations.

The time to contact a Ventura criminal defense attorney for your homicide case is before you are charged. This will give your lawyer the proper amount of time to investigate the killing, line up witnesses, and start to build your case against the prosecution.

If you wait to hire a Ventura criminal defense attorney until after you are charged, it may already be too late. You put yourself and your future at a vast disadvantage by waiting.

Call the experienced California homicide lawyers of Bamieh & Erickson today to learn more. You can reach us at (805) 643-5555 or read our FREE book: How to Hire a Lawyer: A Common Man's Guide to Hiring a Legal Professional.

Types of California Identity Theft

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

11 million identity theft crimes are reported each year in the United States, and nearly a million of these happen in California. In our state and across the country, identity theft is the fastest growing crime.

Identity theft is defined in California Penal Code section 530.5 as the taking and use of personal identifying information without a person's permission, for things such as money or medical information. Information stolen in California identity theft can include name, date of birth, social security number and more.

The different types of California identity theft include, but are not limited to:

Computer identity theft
Credit card identity theft
Bank account identity theft
Social security identity theft

If you are a person of interest in a California identity theft investigation, you should act before any charges are brought. The time to act is now, in order to give yourself the best chance of proving your innocence or arguing for a reduced sentence.

Call a Ventura criminal defense attorney today to learn more about your legal rights. An experienced lawyer will give you the information you need to know to avoid the mistakes that so many other people make.

Call the Ventura criminal defense attorneys of Bamieh & Erickson today at (805) 643-5555 to speak with a lawyer.

What an Experienced Lawyer Can Bring to your Child's California Juvenile Case

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Perhaps no one needs the help of an experienced Ventura criminal defense attorney more than a juvenile offender. These young teenagers, whether they fell prey to bad influences or just made one bad decision, are at the mercy of the justice system.

However, with the help of a Santa Barbara criminal defense attorney, your child accused of a California juvenile crime may be able to skirt severe punishment and reduce the impact these charges have on the rest of their life.

An experienced California juvenile defense lawyer can bring the necessary knowledge and expertise to your case:

Experience with the rules of juvenile cases
How to prepare young defendants to appear in court
Arguing for house arrest or electronic monitoring instead of jail
How to seal criminal records after the age of 18

Having an experienced lawyer on your side after your child has been charged with a California juvenile crime can make all the difference in the outcome of the case. An experienced lawyer can also help to minimize your exposure and help your entire family recover from the episode.

The Ventura criminal defense attorneys at Bamieh & Erickson take a holistic approach to defending juveniles accused of a serious crime in California, ensuring your child has numerous options and opportunities to prove their innocence or argue for a minimal sentence.

Call the Santa Barbara criminal defense attorneys of Bamieh & Erickson today to request a free consultation about your case. (805) 643-5555. If you have questions about how to find the right lawyer for your family, order our free book: How To Hire a Lawyer in Santa Barbara.

How to Fight Domestic Violence Charges in Ventura County

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

All criminal charges need to be taken seriously. However, one type of crime that merits special attention is California domestic violence. This type of criminal offense carries heavy punishments, and such charges need to be strongly fought against.

California domestic violence is defined as "intentionally or recklessly causing or attempting to cause bodily injury, or placing another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent, serious bodily injury to himself, herself or another."

California domestic violence charges can be levied for abuse toward:

Husbands or wives
Girlfriends or boyfriends
Exes
Children

California domestic violence charges often carry with them heavy punishments. For even minor offenses, you may be sentenced to a year in county jail and an expensive, 52-week anger management course. If you are convicted for a felony offense, you may be facing up to three years in state prison.

In order to prove your innocence in these cases, it is crucial that you find an experienced Ventura criminal defense attorney to represent you. A lawyer will be able to collect evidence, build your side of the story, show the holes in accusations, and convince a jury you do not deserve to be heavily punished.

With the help of a Ventura criminal defense attorney, you can earn an acquittal, reduce your sentence, minimize your public exposure, put your family back together again, and clean up your criminal record. Call us today for more information or a free consultation. (805) 643-5555.

A Primer: Defendants' Rights in CA Criminal Cases

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Defendants in California criminal cases have rights. These rights, which start with remaining innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, also extend to seven lesser-known rights guaranteed by the US Constitution.

Given the stakes in many California criminal cases, you need to know your rights. Though your Ventura criminal defense attorney can provide more information, you may find it helpful to print out this list:

Right to remain silent
Right to a public trial
Right to a jury trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to a speedy trial
Right to adequate representation
Right to avoid double jeopardy

For more information on each of these rights, you can read the US Constitution itself, or read our synopsis of Defendant's Rights in California Criminal Cases.

If you have any questions about your constitutional rights in a California criminal trial, then call the Ventura criminal defense attorneys at Bamieh & Erickson today at (805) 643-5555. We have years of experience defending people in criminal cases, working to earn acquittals, reduce sentencing, limit public exposure, and consult on cleaning your criminal record.

The Prison Sentences in California Homicide Cases Can Be Very Severe

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Homicide, the designation for when one person kills another, is treated very seriously under California law. A guilty verdict on any count of homicide almost always carries with it a prison term and serious implications for your professional and family life.

There are varying degrees of homicide in California. Each type of homicide, from first-degree murder to involuntary manslaughter, carries with it a unique range of punishments. The punishments for homicide in California include:

First-degree Murder: 25 years to life
Second-degree Murder: 15 years to life
Voluntary Manslaughter: 3 to 11 years
Involuntary Manslaughter: 2 to 4 years
Vehicular Manslaughter: Jail time, probation, suspended license, etc.

While these punishments are general guidelines, some other factors (such as previous offenses) can also play a role in sentencing. For example, a count of racially motivated first-degree murder can bring with it the possibility of the death penalty.

Because those convicted on California homicide charges face severe punishments, not to mention the impact a conviction has on all other facets of their life, it is crucial that you do everything in your power to have charges dropped or be found not guilty.

The California legal system can be incredibly complex. Having an experienced and aggressive Ventura criminal defense attorney on your side can make the difference between winning and losing. Do not take your chances being represented by just any lawyer off the street.

Contact the Ventura criminal defense attorneys at Bamieh & Erickson today to be in touch with lawyers who get results. Our attorneys know how the system works, and will fight tooth-and-nail to protect your solemn right to be deemed innocent until proven guilty. Call us today at (805) 643-5555.

Embezzlement can be Treated as a Misdemeanor or Felony in California

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

The basic action that leads to embezzlement charges is relatively clear. When someone trusted with access to financial accounts that do not belong to them funnels some or all of that money into their own account, it is considered a California white-collar crime.

However, the specifics of how embezzlement cases are charged and prosecuted are easily misunderstood. How embezzlement accusations are charged can vary according to the severity of the crime, the original source of the funds, and any prior criminal record you may have.

Given that all embezzlement cases involve taking funds that are not yours, California embezzlement charges are treated as one of two kinds of theft:

Petty theft (under $400) comes with fines and possible jail time
Grand theft (over $400) can be treated as misdemeanor or felony and comes with possible prison terms and significant fines.

Due to the nature of the crime and who is affected, embezzlement charges in California dealing with funds taken from government, social service, or "public interest" accounts are almost always prosecuted as felonies.

Naturally, the punishments for embezzlement in California are stricter if the case is treated as a felony than if it is treated as a misdemeanor. However, all embezzlement cases should be treated seriously by those arrested, as a conviction can haunt you for the rest of your life.

Sometimes, just understanding the severity of charges is not enough, though. If you have been arrested for embezzlement or another California white-collar crime it is imperative that you contact a Ventura criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

An experienced lawyer can protect you from overzealous prosecutors, protecting your legal rights while devising a winning defense strategy. The goals of the Ventura criminal defense attorneys at Bamieh & Erickson include minimizing your criminal exposure, reducing or eliminating the charges against you, and advising you on how to clean up your criminal record.

Call us today for a free consultation about the specifics of your case today at (805) 643-5555.

The 5 Consecutive Stages of the California Criminal Process

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Although every criminal case in California is different based on the individual elements involved, there is a basic form that these cases follow. The California criminal process usually progresses through five main stages:

1. Arrest

All cases must start with an arrest, where the defendant is brought in on charges. These can range from homicide, a felony, to petty theft, a misdemeanor.

2. Arraignment

Within 24 hours of your arrest, you must attend an arraignment. This is your opportunity to hear more about the charges against you, your legal rights, and in some cases, to plead guilty or not-guilty.

3. Preliminary Trial

Your preliminary trial, which precedes your lawyer's opportunity to file pre-trial motions, is the chance for the prosecution to prove they have a case, and for the presiding judge to allow or disallow certain witnesses and evidence.

4. Trial

The trial, where it is decided if the defendant is guilty or not-guilty, can be drawn-out and complicated. However, they usually progress from opening arguments, to evidence and witnesses, to closing arguments, then to a jury verdict.

5. Sentencing & Appeals

If the defendant is found guilty of the charges, the judge sentences them at the end of the trial. Once this is completed, the defense has opportunities to appeal the decision, which may lead to another trial in a different court.

If you or someone close to you has been arrested for criminal charges in California, it is very important that you take this entire process seriously. It is also very important that you hire an experienced Ventura criminal defense attorney, who can guide you and fight on your behalf throughout.

Contact the Ventura criminal defense attorneys at Bamieh & Erickson today for a free consultation about your case. We will discuss the details of your case with you, and may be able to help you decide how to proceed.

Those Accused of Sexual Assault Cases in California Are Usually Treated as Guilty

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Sexual assault is broadly defined as any crime in which someone subjects another person to sexual touching that is unwanted and offensive. The instances of sexual assault can range from an unwanted physical advance to rape with a deadly weapon.

However, sexual assault cases are rarely black-and-white. Questions may remain about what actually happened, if the victim is just playing out a personal vendetta, if consent was or was not given, if the accused actually committed the crime, and much more.

Even with these questions still unanswered, many people are still willing to proclaim those accused of California sexual assault guilty. This is due to the stigma that sex-related crimes have in our society now, as well as heightened media attention and sympathy for victims.

As is always the case with serious charges (sexual assault is usually treated as a felony case in California), there are serious consequences to a conviction. If found guilty of a form of sexual assault, such as rape, you can expect:

Significant jail time, up to life-in-prison
Restitution payments to victims
Court-mandated counseling
Mandatory registration as a sex offender
Public & media humiliation

With such stiff penalties, not to mention the personal toll a conviction will take on your personal life and family, being accused of sexual assault is a very significant occurrence. As such, it needs to be treated very seriously.

If you believe you are innocent after being charged with a form of sexual assault, or believe there are mitigating factors in your case that may reduce punishment, it is crucial that you contact a Ventura criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

An experienced and aggressive lawyer will act as a counsel and fight on your side in a court of law. They may be able to produce an acquittal on charges, minimize your criminal exposure, and help you clean your criminal record.

If you or a loved one has been accused of sexual assault in Vertura or Santa Barbara County, call the Ventura criminal defense attorney at Bamieh & Erickson for a free consultation about your case. You can reach our offices at (805) 585-5558.

Types Of Serious DUI Cases In California

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

There are nearly 200,000 DUI arrests each year in California. While many of these are first-time offenders, some are also charged with more severe types of California DUI. These types come with more severe penalties.

There are three main types of serious DUI charges:

Second, third or fourth-time offense. Charged for cases of multiple convictions within a ten-year period, this type of DUI comes with jail sentences up to 1-year, 2-year license suspension, and more.
Felony DUI with injury. Charged when a drunk driver causes an accident that injures another person, whether they are a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian. Penalties may include years in prison.
Vehicular manslaughter. Charged in cases when a drunk driver is responsible for an accident that kills another person. The most severe possible charge, vehicular manslaughter (a type of homicide) carries a significant prison term as punishment.

No matter the type of DUI you or a loved one has been charged with, it is important that you contact a Ventura criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An experienced DUI lawyer can help you investigate the arrest, enter a plea, and avoid conviction in your case.

However, if you have been charged with a serious DUI, such as felony or manslaughter charge, it is that much more important that you retain a lawyer. The higher stakes, given the prison term punishments that you face if convicted, make an experienced attorney on your side a must.

If you or someone you know fears being convicted of one of these types of serious DUI, whether it is a multiple-offense DUI, felony DUI with injury, or vehicular manslaughter related to a drunk driving accident, call the Ventura criminal defense attorneys at Bamieh & Erickson today.

Ron Bamieh is well known and well respected in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, having appeared on shows like Dateline, Cold Case Unit, TMZ, Fox News, Bill O'Reilly, ABC, and a variety of local stations to discuss his work. Call us today at (805) 585-3638 to learn more.

The Different Types of California Weapons Charges

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Weapons charges are treated as very serious crimes in California, punishable with substantial jail sentences and heavy fines. Most weapons violations are treated as felonies, especially if violence is involved.

There are numerous types of weapons charges in California. The most well-known of these involve guns, such as:

Unlawful possession of a firearm
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Possession of an assault weapon
Negligent discharge of a firearm
Unlawful sale of a firearm
Use of a gun in committing a crime or assault

There are, however, other weapons that are illegal to possess under certain circumstances. These include everything from a box cutter to a samurai sword. Some common weapons that can lead to weapons charges are knives, brass knuckles, and baseball bats or clubs.

With rare exceptions, most weapons charges are considered a felony in California. Sentencing in these cases takes into account:

The type of weapon used
How it was carried or concealed
The individual's past criminal record

If you or a loved one have been charged with a weapons-related crime in Ventura County, California, it is important that you contact a Ventura criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. We will fight for you and help you to avoid conviction, clean up your criminal record, and minimize your criminal exposure.

Call the Ventura criminal defense lawyers at Bamieh & Erickson (805) 585-3638 today for a free consultation on your case.

Ten Types of White Collar Crime in California

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

White collar crime is a large problem. One out of every three households is a victim of white collar crime, though many do not even know it. White collar crime costs the government billions of dollars each year.

A "white collar" crime is a non-violent crime based in deception, usually carried out by a business person or public official. White collar crimes are serious offenses, punished in California with jail time and heavy fines.

There are many different types of California white collar crime. The ten most common are:

1. Embezzlement
2. Extortion (also known as blackmail)
3. Obstruction of Justice (interfering with an investigation)
4. Perjury (lying under oath)
5. Fraud (deliberate deception for material gain)
6. Racketeering (extortion of money for criminal purposes)
7. Environmental law violations
8. Larceny
9. Bribery
10. Computer Fraud

We understand that those who get involved in white collar crime do not always do so deliberately, and we know that situations can quickly escalate beyond their control. If you find yourself being investigated for white collar crime, it is important that you contact a Ventura County criminal defense lawyer today.

An experienced Ventura County criminal defense lawyer can pick through the incredibly complex aspects of all white-collar crime cases, protecting your legal rights while fighting to get your life and reputation back in order. Call the law firm of Bamieh & Erickson today at (805) 585-3638.

Six Classes of People NOT Capable of Committing a Crime in California

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Anybody in California can break the law. But there are some exceptions as to who will face prosecution in California.

According to the California Penal Code, all persons are capable of committing crimes except those
belonging to the following classes:"

1. "Children under the age of 14, in the absence of clear proof that at the time of committing the act charged against them, they knew its wrongfulness."

2. People who are mentally incapacitated.

3. People who commit an illegal act out of ignorance or mistake of fact.

4. People who commit an illegal act without being conscious or aware of what they are doing.

5. People who commit an unlawful act by accident.

6. People who are forced to commit an illegal act under threats that reasonably lead them to believe that their lives are in danger, as long as the crime is not a capital offense.

Other people who commit an illegal act in the state, bring criminal property into the state, or aid, advise, or encourage a criminal act, can be prosecuted and punished to the full extent of California law.

It is important to understand that this area of law is complex and it would be wise to consult with a lawyer. A knowledgeable Ventura criminal defense lawyer can distinguish between these classes, decide whether an insanity plea is warranted, and argue on their client's behalf.

If you or a loved one have been accused of a crime in California, it is crucial that you contact an attorney immediately. Proceeding without the help of a criminal defense lawyer can be fatal to your case.

Call the Ventura criminal defense lawyers at the law firm of Bamieh & Erickson today for a free consultation on your case. We can advise you how to proceed. Call us today in Ventura, CA at (805) 585-3638.

Five Types of Homicide in California

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

A homicide is defined as any instance in which one human being kills another. There are, however, five different types of homicide under California law, and the severity of punishment varies according to the gravity of the crime.

The five different types of homicide in California are:

1. First degree murder. Committed with planning and forethought, first degree murder carries a sentence of twenty-five years to life. More can be added to this sentence if the perpetrator used a firearm in the commission of the crime. In special circumstances-for example, if the murder is designated as a hate crime-the death penalty can be applied.

2. Second degree murder. Non-premeditated but still intentional, second degree murder can be punished with a prison term of fifteen years to life. There are also some situations in which second degree murder carries a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, such as when an on-duty peace officer is the victim.

3. Voluntary manslaughter. The result of reasonable provocation or an unreasonable attempt at self-defense, such as stabbing someone after they initiate a fist-fight, voluntary manslaughter carries a term of three to eleven years in prison.

4. Involuntary manslaughter. An unintended death that happens as a result of gross negligence or in the commission of a misdemeanor-such as a killing that occurs in the course of a botched robbery-involuntary manslaughter carries a prison term of two to four years.

5. Vehicular manslaughter. A death that occurs as the result of an illegal act while driving-for example, killing a pedestrian in a crosswalk-vehicular manslaughter can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony, so the severity of punishment varies.

Because the punishment varies according to the type of California homicide committed, it is important for a defendant's lawyer to argue for the best possible designation. A Ventura criminal defense lawyer should have experience defending clients from each of these types of homicide.

An aggressive and experienced Ventura criminal defense lawyer can help minimize your criminal exposure, eliminate or reduce the charges against you, fight on your behalf for a fair and short sentence, and advise you on clearing your criminal record.

If you are being charged with any type of homicide, it is important that you contact an attorney immediately. Call the law firm of Bamieh & Erickson in Ventura, CA at 805-585-3638.

Homicde rates are up in Ventura county

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Homicide rates are up. Click to read more about the homicde rates in California and Ventura County.

Police Arrest Boyfriend in Gruesome Simi Valley Homicide

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

At approximately 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 25, 2012, police responded to a call regarding a disturbance in the 2100 block of Lupin Street in Simi Valley, California. According to police, the neighbors heard commotion and saw a 16-year-old girl running from the house screaming. The neighbor, Frank Real, then entered the house and saw the horrific scene and called 911.

When the police arrived at the address they found the body of Claudia Menjivar, 33. The house where Menjivar was found dead belonged to both Menjivar and her boyfriend, Jose Escobar Monteroso, 35.

Police identified Monteroso as a possible suspect and a negotiator contacted him by phone in an attempt to get him to surrender to the police. At approximately 7:00 p.m., police spotted Monteroso’s blue Honda at a location close to the scene of the crime. According to reports, neighbors applauded when police surrounded Monteroso’s car. He was taken into custody without incident and was later arrested.

Menjivar and Monteroso lived together with their young child and Menjivar’s 16-year old daughter from a previous relationship. They had lived on Lupin Street for several years. The children are being cared for by family members.

At this time police are not providing further details as to how Menjivar died. While her death is being investigated as a homicide, police do not have a motive in this case.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family impacted by this tragic event. Our thoughts are with Claudia Menjivar’s family during this difficult time.

Ventura Teenager Arrested on Series of Charges, Including Arson

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

On Saturday, January 14, 2012, police arrested Robert Harrison, 19, of Ventura, for setting two fires in the same condominium complex. Firefighters responded to a call regarding a vehicle fire at approximately 3:55 a.m. at the intersection of Johnson Drive and Ralston Street in Ventura.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire and contain it to one vehicle, but then received a call approximately one hour later regarding a fire in the 1500 block of Towhee Court. When firefighters arrived, they found a fire had been started in a trashcan near electrical meters, which ignited a gas line and spread to a garage. Firefighters were able to contain this fire before it spread to nearby condominiums.

While firefighters were working on the second fire, police noticed a speeding car with the headlights off in the condominium complex and pulled the car over. The driver of that car was Harrison, and police found stolen property from at least two cars belonging to residents of the condominium complex in Harrison’s vehicle. Police also found methamphetamine in his possession. Officers then determined that Harrison had an outstanding felony warrant for a probation violation and arrested him on the spot.

Arson investigators determined that Harrison had set the two fires intentionally.

Harrison was taken to the county jail for two counts of arson, possession of stolen property and possession of methamphetamine.

If you have been arrested in Ventura County, call the Law Offices of Bamieh & Erickson, PLC, at (805) 643-5555. We accept collect calls and we are here to help. Call us right away so we can get started on your case.

Two Men Charged with Child Sex Crimes in Santa Barbara

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Two Mammoth Lakes residents were arraigned Friday on charges of sex crimes against a teenager in Santa Barbara.

Dr. Andrew Bourne is head of vascular surgery at Mammoth Hospital and a board member of the Mammoth Unified School District. The 46-year-old surgeon is facing eight counts of contacting a child with intent to commit a sexual crime.

Mammoth Lakes businessman Joseph Walker, 48, has been charged in connection with Bourne. He will face one count of committing a lewd act on a child and six felony counts of contacting a child with intent to commit a sexual crime.

Both men have been charged specifically in crimes against a 14-year-old girl from Santa Barbara.

Sgt. Lorenzo Duarte of the Santa Barbara Police Department said the arrest was a culmination of the investigation which started last September. A source close to the girl discovered the emails and online communication and informed the police.

Over the course of the next few months, over 1,000 emails were obtained condemning the suspects, which will be used in evidence in the case and served as enough proof to obtain search warrants against the suspects.

The charges have been amended to include a special allegation that the offenders will not be able to serve their sentences in county jail. Due to the heinous nature of the crime, the two men will face incarceration at a state prison if convicted.

Bourne and Walker were arrested Wednesday and both pleaded not guilty to all charges. They are expected to be back in court Tuesday to ask for a reduction in bail, which is currently set at $1 million.

Ventura Man Charged with Second-Degree Murder for Fatal DUI

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A California man will stand trial for murder after a fatal Ventura DUI, since he was driving with five times the legal limit of alcohol in his system, a judge said this week.

Satnam Singh, a 49-year-old liquor store owner from Ventura, was driving with an extreme amount of alcohol in his system when he struck and killed Ventura College student Nick Haverland on May 11, 2011.

Prosecutors defended the second-degree murder charge with evidence that Haverland was not the only person struck by Singh’s Hummer that night. Ventura Police stated that Singh also struck and injured a woman and her daughter riding bicycles before hitting a pickup truck at an intersection, and then finally hitting 20-year-old bicyclist Haverland on Telegraph Road.

In a typical drunken driving case, the BAC is around 0.11 percent. DUI toxicology experts testified that Singh would have had to drink about 23 shots of hard liquor to get his blood-alcohol level to 0.39 percent.

Prosecutors say the amount of alcohol he consumed and the speed at which he was driving shows that Singh acted with a conscious disregard for life, and that is reason to charge him with second-degree murder instead of the usual charge of vehicular manslaughter.

Singh's defense attorney attempted to argue against the murder charge, stating that his client was too intoxicated to have had malicious intentions. However, Superior Court Judge Charles Campbell upheld the charge, ordering Singh to stand trial on felony charges of murder, drunken driving causing injury, and leaving the scene of an accident, as well as misdemeanor hit-and-run.

Singh has pleaded not guilty and remains on $500,000 bail. If convicted of the murder charge, he could be sentenced to a minimum of 15 years in state prison.

Santa Barbara Kidnapping Thwarted by Police

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A deputy may have saved the life of a teenage girl when he pulled over her kidnapper in Santa Barbara last week.

The teenager was waiting for a friend, a 15-year-old boy she had met online, at her home in Vandenberg Village on January 8. When his car pulled up, the girl went out to his car to meet him.

But instead of a 15-year-old boy, the victim found 47-year-old Saul Padilla of Corona, California.

According to the victim’s statement, Padilla grabbed her and forced her into the car. Luckily, a deputy from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department became suspicious of the driver after a traffic violation around 3 a.m. The victim was returned home, but information on her condition has not been released to the public.

Drew Sugars, a spokesman for the sheriff’s office, believes the incident should act as a wake-up call to local teens who are increasingly meeting friends online.

“When you're on the internet and you're meeting somebody, they're really shielded, and you have to go into this cautiously and not only assume that people are telling the truth," Sugars said.

After Padilla had been arrested, police discovered that he had been communicating with the victim for over two years, all while under the guise of a boy her own age. He was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail and will face charges of kidnapping and lewd acts with a child. Padilla’s bail was originally set $1 million, but was later reduced to $100,000.

Ventura Man Will Stand Trial for Suspected Gang Shooting

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A Ventura resident who has been accused of a gang-related shooting in Santa Paula last year will have to go to court, a judge recently announced.

According to several witnesses, 42-year-old Lucas Macias drove to a Santa Paula home and went to the back patio, where about 20 people were attending a party on September 12, 2010. Witnesses describe Macias as firing two or three times at two victims: 19-year-old Luis Hernandez and Damian Magana.

Magana was shot in the leg; Hernandez, who was shot in the stomach, later died of his wounds.

Macias was arrested two weeks after the crime and was charged with two counts of assault with a firearm and street terrorism. Police believe the crime was committed on behalf of Macias’s Santa Paula street gang.

Ventura County Superior Court Judge Kevin DeNoce ordered that Macias' bail be set at $2.8 million.

Macias' lawyer tried to get charges dismissed, saying there was no evidence against his client because the witness’ descriptions of the shooter were inconsistent, and that police testimony showed Macias hadn’t participated in gang activity for six years.

Macias pled not guilty to two counts of attempted murder and will stand trial in 2012.

8 Joyriding Teens Charged with Burglaries in Ventura

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Ventura police have arrested seven teenagers in the recent burglaries in the Thousand Oaks area, and are on the lookout for an eighth.

Authorities arrested the suspects after they were pulled over for joyriding in a stolen vehicle. One of the teenagers, 19-year-old Rusty Sellner, fled the scene on foot. The rest of the suspects, girls and boys ranging from 15 to 17 years old, were charged with auto theft in Ventura—but police have reason to believe they were involved in a string of recent burglaries as well.

Additional charges, including commercial burglary, possession of stolen property, grand theft, and violation of probation were added after detectives uncovered evidence linking the teens to break-ins around Thousand Oaks.

Sellner is facing similar felony charges, including evading deputies during a vehicle pursuit.

Detectives believe that Sellner is hiding somewhere in the Newbury Park area of Thousand Oaks. He has been described as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes, about 5’10” tall and weighing 150 pounds.

Authorities are offering a $1,000 reward for any information leading to an "arrest and conviction criminal complaint against the persons responsible for these crimes." Anyone wishing to leave an anonymous tip can contact Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

12/5/2011 Santa Barbara Identity Theft on the Rise at Christmas, Study Shows

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Bad news for victims of identity theft in Santa Barbara: the trend seems to be increasing—especially at Christmas.

According to new report by the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, identity theft rose by 33 percent in the last 5 years. Last year, identity thefts led to roughly $13.3 billion in direct financial losses across households nationwide.

Jerry Lulejian, Santa Barbara County Senior Deputy District Attorney, recommends this tip for protecting yourself against identity theft: never use your debit card online. While banks may not refund money lost due to a stolen debit card, credit cards companies will often protect you from fraudulent purchases.

There is extra safety in shopping centers, too. Amber Lease, PR Marketing Director at Santa Maria Town Center Mall, assures shoppers that extra security guards have been added for the holiday season.

"We beefed up our security now through the end of the year," Lease said. "We about doubled the staffing so you should at all times see at least three security members."

Bank Robber on the Loose in Santa Barbara

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Santa Barbara police are on the lookout for a bank robber who got away with an undisclosed amount of money on December 1.

At about 11:15 a.m., a man entered the Santa Barbara Bank & Trust at 695 Front St. in Soledad. Police say the man walked to the counter, pulled out a handgun, and ordered the teller to give him money. The man left after the tellers handed over the cash and has not yet been apprehended.

Witnesses described the gunman as being 5 or 5-and-a-half feet tall and weighing about 150 pounds. He was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt under a black jacket, a navy blue scarf, and black Converse shoes.

Police are asking anyone with information on this Santa Barbara crime to come forward.

Veterans Who Commit Crimes in Santa Barbara Get Treatment Instead of Jail

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Veterans accused of crimes in Santa Barbara County will soon have an alternative to jail time, thanks to a new initiative by lawyers and public health services.

The District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender, Superior Court, county Probation and Alcohol and Drug and Mental Health Services have combined to form Veterans Treatment Court, a treatment-based trial system for veterans who commit non-violent, non-serious crimes as a result of trauma or substance abuse.

California attorneys and mental health offices created the court to address the increase in crime, such as drug abuse or domestic violence, from veterans returning from deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq. The court will hear cases of non-violent crimes committed by veterans with mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or sexual trauma while in military service.

The court was made possible following a state law passed in 2010 that allows veterans suffering from mental instability to enter into a diversion program rather than prison. While veterans’ treatment courts have become available throughout the state, the Santa Barbara chapter will offer the treatment to all veterans, not just those who saw active combat.

Amy Lopez, who works with county ADMHS, says that the court’s progress will be evaluated after the first year. If the court shows progress, it may be possible to apply for grant funding to in addition to the various departments now pooling their resources to pay for the project.

The first treatment court session took place Wednesday, November 23 in Department 3 at Santa Maria Superior Court.

Santa Barbara Woman Bites Security after Theft at Ralph's

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A woman arrested for theft in Santa Barbara County tried to escape the charge by biting, authorities say.

On November 21, a security agent in a Santa Barbara Ralph’s allegedly saw a woman take a bottle of alcohol off the shelf and attempt to leave the store without paying. The woman was detained at the door around 4:10 p.m.

The 21-year-old tried to flee, then fought with two security agents when they blocked her way. The woman punched one agent in the chest, bit her finger, and scratched her hand before she was finally subdued

When police arrived, they searched the woman’s handbag. In addition to the stolen alcohol, they found cosmetics and food from the store shelves worth nearly $200. She was arrested on charges of burglary and battery, and was booked into county jail on $20,000 bail.

Two People Arrested for Prowling, Burglary Suspected

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The calls of numerous concerned citizens led to two arrests for prowling in Ventura.

On November 12, Ventura police received several phone calls reporting suspicious activity in the 1100 block of Bangor Lane around 11 a.m. Callers reported unknown people in the neighborhood walking in and around backyards and looking into windows of houses.

According to police, citizens believe the strangers were casing a house for a burglary.

The suspects fled the scene when officers responded to the call, but after a search of the area, they were able to make two arrests. 21-year-old Lauren Ritenour and 23-year-old Nathan Golianis of Ventura were charged with suspicion of prowling and conspiracy to commit a burglary.

Ventura Police warn residents to remain vigilant against potential burglaries by locking all windows and doors when no one is at home. Many entry points are unlocked, making it easy for burglars to commit a crime.

Prisoner Defends Own Case, Gets 21 Years for Beating Inmate

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A prisoner represented himself in his own self-defense case in Ventura for beating a fellow inmate at the jail unit on Todd Road near Santa Paula.

On January 13, David Sinsun allegedly kicked inmate Gerardo Mendoza in the head, rendering him unconscious for two days. Sinsun was also found guilty of slashing Mendoza's face with a razor, leading to charges of assault with a deadly weapon and causing serious bodily injury.

Prosecutors attested that 27-year-old Sinsun was a Colonia Chiques gang member. The judge agreed that the crime seemed to be gang-motivated and that Sinsun also bragged about the beating afterward to instill fear in other inmates.

Sinsun fired his lawyer during the trial and began representing himself. He denied being a gang member, saying the beating resulted from an act of self-defense.

Although the judge commended Sinsun for the intelligence he displayed while examining witnesses, he made clear the Sinsun's had a criminal record stretching back to age 11. Prior counts included burglary, assault, vandalism, and involvement in a stabbing at Pacific View mall in 2005.

A jury found Sinsun guilty on all counts and sentenced him to a further 21 years in jail.

Oxnard Truck Driver Gets 6 Months in Jail for Killing Family of 3

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A truck driver received a light sentence of 6 months in county jail after causing an accident that killed a family of three last year.

62-year-old Joaquin Garcia Morales reported having brake problems just after loading gravel into his truck at Bee Rock Quarry near Lake Cachuma. Witnesses reported smoke coming from Morales' truck while he was driving on Highway 154 around 6 a.m. on August 24.

Morales lost control of the vehicle near the intersection of Highway 154 and State Street. Unable to slow down, he avoided hitting the Palapa restaurant and the Hope Ranch Inn by turning down a long driveway in the 4000 block of State Street State. When the road ended at an embankment, the truck rear-ended two parked cars and went over the embankment at 45 mph, falling 15 feet onto a house.

Morales's truck crushed the 1,000-square-foot Santa Barbara home, killing Leon Leonel, 22, Lorena Tellez Pacheco, 26, and Jaciel Tellez, 8.

When the California Highway Patrol investigated the incident, they found that Morales had been cited for traffic violations 17 times in the last ten years, including speeding and operating an unsafe vehicle. The charges were raised to felony counts, punishable by up to three years in state prison.

Morales entered an agreement with the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office, pleading no contest to three counts of California vehicular manslaughter at the misdemeanor level.

In addition to 6 month is jail, Superior Court Judge Clifford Anderson ordered 200 hours of community service, a period of probation and ordered Morales to pay restitution to the victims' families.

Relatives of the victims have filed a civil suit against Morales, but a trial date has not been set.

Having your Car Stolen May Lead to Identity Theft in Ventura

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to recent findings, the thieves who took your wallet or car may be after even more.

Statistics released by the Ventura Police Department reveal some surprising patterns in criminal activity-and some alarming trends among car property theft victims in Ventura:

50% of burglary victims become victims of identity theft shortly after
75% of identity theft crimes take place before the victim files a police report

Car theft trends are even more frightening since a large number of victims are indirectly helping the criminals achieve their goals:

Half of all car theft victims in Ventura left their cars unlocked
Nearly 40% of all stolen vehicles had the keys left in them
Roughly 80% of burglaries of cars happened because valuables were left in plain sight

Vehicle thefts are often crimes of opportunity-meaning the criminal had not planned to rob you, but saw your valuables while walking by. In these cases, a robber or burglar will exploit an easy target, such as a woman in a grocery store with an open purse not paying attention or a man talking on his cell phone while walking into a building.

In order to lessen your risk of becoming a victim, Ventura Police recommend the following safety measures:

Make sure your purse, wallet, and cell phone are zipped up and close to you.
Never leave your purse, bag, or backpack unattended in public.
Check your purse and pockets after someone bumps into you.
Never leave valuables in plain sight.
Always set your car alarm after parking.
Never leave your car running; most vehicles are stolen at gas stations, ATMs, and places the victim was just "running in," leaving the keys behind.
Roll up all car windows before leaving your vehicle.
Never keep a second set of keys in your car, as criminals will find them easily.

Camarillo Resident Sets Car on Fire to Commit Insurance Fraud

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A car fire in Camarillo has led to an arrest for insurance fraud in Ventura.

Police have arrested 35-year-old Juan Rivera Suarez on suspicion of setting fire to a vehicle in order for the owner to collect on the insurance policy.

According to the Ventura County Fire Department, the fire on the night of August 17 was intentionally set. Investigators found evidence of explosives in the vehicle that shot flames up to 30 feet high in the 400 block of Calle San Pablo.

The police report indicates that Suarez, who owns JR Customs in Camarillo, was paid by the vehicle's owner to set the car on fire in a remote location in order to file a fraudulent insurance claim.

Suarez is facing charges of arson and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Ventura Man in Critical Condition after Gang Shooting

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Police are searching for a suspect after an incident of gang violence in Ventura left one victim in critical condition.

According to Ventura Police, the victim was walking home with friends at about 6:30 pm on October 23. The man and his two friends were approached by a group of men in the100 block of Mission Avenue, and an altercation soon erupted.

Moments later, one of the men pulled out a handgun and shot the victim in the stomach. The group then fled the area on foot.

When officers arrived, the victim was still lying in the road, bleeding from the abdomen. He was taken to Ventura County Medical Center, received immediate surgery, and was later admitted to the hospital in critical condition.

Police believe the crime was motivated by gang violence. Anyone with information can help the investigation by calling Crime Stoppers or contacting the Ventura Police Department.

Ventura Hate Crime Results in 5-Year Prison Sentence

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Piru man will serve 5 years in prison for committing a hate crime in Ventura just days before from completing his probation.

Nicholas Klopp was arrested after he attacked a gay man at a birthday party at O-Sabi Japanese Restaurant last December. According to prosecutors, Klopp was drunk when he approached the group of approximately 18 partygoers, many of whom were gay, and threw a glass at Brian Schumacher that caused a deep cut and required several stitches above the eye. Klopp then punched another party participant, Aaron Argueta, in the jaw and yelled racial slurs and derogatory comments at the group.

At the time of the incident, Klopp was mere days from completing his 5-year probation for commercial theft. He had previously been convicted of stealing $50,000 worth of video store merchandise with the aid of two store employees.

The jury in the case found Klopp guilty of a hate crime. In addition, he was found guilty of felony assault with a deadly weapon, simple assault, and violating probation.

Klopp's attorney moved for a new trial, but the judge denied the request. Klopp was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison, along with an additional amount of jail time for violating his probation.

Local DJ Accused of Sex with Minor Surrenders to Police

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 20-year-old man confessed to repeated sexual acts with a minor when he turned himself in at the Buellton sheriff's substation earlier this week.

Christopher Ty Ash-Lasaca, also known in Santa Barbara dance clubs as "DJ Bonez," was being investigated for potential sex crimes since police received a complaint naming him on August 29.

According to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department, Ash-Lasaca had a continuing sexual relationship with a teenage girl over several months this summer. The Buellton resident allegedly met the teen through friends and continued to seek her out on Facebook and with repeated phone calls.

Ash-Lasaca was arrested and faces felony charges of unlawful sex with a minor and rape by force. Further investigation prompted additional charges of possession of child pornography, communication with a minor with intent to commit a sex offense, arranging a meeting with minor for purpose of lewd conduct, and sending harmful material to seduce a minor.

Ash-Lasaca is being held in the County Jail on $100,000 bail.

Detectives ask that any other females who have been victimized to come forward.

Two Victims Report Armed Robbery in Ventura Parking Lot

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Police are searching for two suspects after an armed robbery in Ventura on October 2.

According to the Ventura Police report, 21-year-old Cody Cassidy and 22-year-old Andall Kamrat were walking through a parking lot in the 2500 block of Main Street when they were approached by two men. The first man, described as Hispanic, in his mid-twenties, and wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, told the two victims that he had a gun and demanded their money.

After Cassidy and Kamrat handed over their cell phones, wallets, and other personal items to the two men, the robbers then headed north on Katherine Street in a dark-colored 4-door sedan.

Cassidy and Kamrat were not injured in the incident and were able to phone 911 from a nearby business. They informed the police that the second man was also Hispanic and dressed in a black hat, gray shirt, and black shorts.

The officers conducted a search of the area, but the suspects were not found.

Any person with information on the two men should call Crime Stoppers at 385-TALK or contact the Ventura Police Department at 339-4343.

Ventura Woman Escapes Attempted Kidnapping

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 22-year-old woman managed to escape a kidnapping attempt in Ventura on September 3.

At around 1:30 a.m., 48-year-old Marlow Hartson of Oxnard drove to a home in the 5400 Block of Lafayette Street. Ventura Police believe that Hartson, who knew the woman, removed a screen from the bedroom window and pulled her into his car.

After Hartson secured the victim in his vehicle, he began to drive away. But when he stopped the car a few blocks down the street, the woman jumped out and ran from the vehicle, according to a police report.

The woman suffered minor injuries, but returned home safely, police say.

The police were able to locate Hartson's vehicle after the victim's family described it to them in a 911 call. When police found him, Hartson was in the same neighborhood as the victim's residence and had methamphetamine in his possession.

Hartson was arrested and charged with suspicion of kidnapping, drug possession, and transporting with intent to sell an illicit substance, and was booked at Ventura County jail.

The attempted kidnapping remains under investigation.

Best Buy Employee Reports Sexual Assault at Ventura Conference

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Best Buy, Incorporated, may have to change its policies about teenage employees after a case of sexual assault in Ventura at a training conference last month.

A 16-year-old Best Buy employee from Phoenix did not want to attend an out-of state conference, but was told it was mandatory by her employer.

"They said that everyone goes. I even went in and talked to the assistant store manager and he goes, ‘I went when I was 16 and it was fine. We all have to do it,'" said the victim's mother.

On the second night of the training program, a 28-year-old best buy employee from San Diego allegedly forced the teenager into his hotel room and sexually assaulted her.

While the crime was inexcusable, the response from her employer was even worse.

When the teenager's supervisors were notified the next day, California Best Buy representatives simply dropped her at the airport-no one called the police, and she was not taken to a hospital. As a result, the victim was unavailable for the investigation by the time the Ventura County Sheriff's Office was informed.

Best Buy sent out a statement in response to the media attention:

"The Ventura County Sherriff's office has been explicit in asking us not to proceed with our internal investigation as it could have an adverse impact on the Sheriff's office criminal investigation. Aside from the request by the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, please understand that there are laws that dictate that the protection and security of alleged victims are paramount in such situations... Best Buy does not and will not tolerate any behavior that is inappropriate, illegal or criminal."

The victim's family still believes that Best Buy has a duty to protect their employees, and that the company failed in supervising, controlling, and correctly responding to the events that took place.

"She's a minor. She should have been taken to the hospital. She should have been taken to the police department. I should have gotten a call as soon as anybody knew," the victim's mother stated.

Crime Stoppers Offer Reward for Arson Suspect in Ventura

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Police are still searching for a man suspected of arson in Ventura County.

According to investigators from the Ventura County Sheriff's Department, a man and a woman were seen driving along Casitas Pass Road on September 7. Their brown Toyota sedan came to a stop near Wiggy Ranch around 9 p.m. where the man got out. The woman left him at the roadside, continuing on toward Carpinteria.

As the man walked toward the Santa Barbara County line, witnesses observed him setting small fires in the 5900 block of Casitas Pass Road.

Firefighters responded to the 911 call and successfully put out each of the fires. The Sheriff's Department tried to locate the man using a search helicopter, but called off the search when it was believed the man had fled.

Authorities believe the man was last seen in the 7000 block of Gobernador Road. Witnesses described the man as being in his 30s, approximately 6 feet tall with red or blonde hair.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for anyone with information leading to the man's arrest. Callers may leave a confidential tip by calling 646-1414.

Hate Crimes Against Hispanics on the Rise in California

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

While hate crimes in Ventura County may have gone down, crimes against Hispanics are unfortunately on the rise in California.

A recent report from the attorney general's office entitled "Hate Crime in California 2010" reveals that there were 27 hate crimes reported in Ventura County in 2009 and 26 this past year. While this is a small downward trend, it reflects the diminishing number of hate crimes across the state.

According to the report's statistics, anti-Jewish hate crimes decreased by 20 percent from 2009, crimes against African Americans decreased by 14 percent and anti-gay crimes were down 11 percent

The only demographic on the rise were Hispanic victims, which increased nearly 47 percent.

The data revealed that nine of the hate crimes in Ventura County took place in Oxnard, six in Ventura, and four each in Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley. Camarillo and CSU Channel Islands reported only one incident each.

Deputy District Attorney John Barrick assures Californians that the "hate crime" designation is not assigned lightly. Cases are thoroughly evaluated for motivation, and a racial slur spoken in anger does not necessarily mean the offense will be labeled a "hate crime."

Attorney General Kamala D. Harris spoke in response to the report:

"A crime that is motivated by hate is a crime against all people. We will monitor and prosecute these cases to the fullest extent of the law."

Assault, Hate Crime Prevented at Ventura County Fair

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Police arrived in the nick of time to avoid another hate crime in Ventura County on August 3.

Around 6:30 p.m., police responded to a call from security at the Ventura County Fair. Security reported that a man was yelling on the midway, attempting to fight with passers-by.

When police arrived, they found Patrick Fitzgerald under the Ferris wheel, screaming racial epithets and throwing punches. Many people in the crowd tried to placate him but to no avail.

Ventura-resident Fitzgerald caused several injuries before the authorities were able to apprehend him. A woman attempting to calm him down suffered a punch to the face, and he bit a security guard who was trying to restrain him.

The 24-year-old was arrested for assault, suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and a potential hate crime; he was taken to Ventura County jail.

Twelve-Year-Old's Mother Accuses Simi Valley Man of Sex with Daughter

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Simi Valley man is spending the night in jail after engaging in sexual acts with a minor in California.

According to the Simi Valley Police report, the 12-year-old female victim met Spencer Neminski through some neighborhood friends on August 10. They made plans to meet that night in his car, which would be parked on Arroyo Lane.

The girl, accompanied by her mother at the Simi Valley Police Department, reported that she performed sexual acts with 22-year-old Neminski in his vehicle.

The victim told a neighbor about her experience, and the adult quickly reported it to the girl's mother.

Spencer Neminski was arrested the next day while walking in the 5000 block of Arroyo Lane. He was booked at the Ventura County Jail on charges of lewd and lascivious acts and unlawful sex with a minor.

Man Caught on Video in El Rio Gas Station Assault

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Ventura County Sheriff's Department has released a photo of a man accused of attacking a gas station attendant in El Rio last week.

The attack took place late Wednesday night at a Shell Station at 2778 Vineyard Avenue in El Rio. According to the victim, the man entered the store and began punching and kicking him, eventually throwing a metal object in his direction. The man's actions were unprovoked, the employee says.

The man was caught on tape by the gas station's security camera as he was leaving, allowing police to widely distribute the photo.

Detectives at the Sheriff's Department are asking members of the public who can identify the man to
call 805-662-6770 to make a report.

Citizens may also call Crime Stoppers at 805-222-8477 to leave an anonymous tip. Crime Stoppers will pay informers up to $1,000 for any information leading to the perpetrator's arrest.

Ventura Radio Hosts Arrested for Real Estate Fraud, Embezzlement

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Three people have been accused of felony real estate fraud in Ventura, a scam which cost its many victims over $3 million in cash and assets.

Two of the accused, 58-year-old Kenneth A. Powell and 62-year-old Kathryn "Katie" Rose are better known as "Ken and Katie," former hosts of a radio investment programs. Their infomercials, "Academy of Real Estate," "The Ken & Katie Show" and "Money Intelligence" aired on KVTA 1520 AM and encouraged listeners to invest in properties owned by the pair. The third man, 68-year-old Paul Charles Lascola, also faces charges as part of the fraudulent investment operation.

In the years between 2005 and 2008, victims in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles counties bought into the scheme, many of whom were seniors or retired homeowners investing their life savings.

The terms of the scam were simple: the victims invested money in a number of vacant lots in Taft. The money would go toward construction and development, at which point investors were promised a return rate of "between 12 percent and 14 percent" when the houses were sold.

Despite the considerable amount of money collected from the investors, no construction was done on the lots. According to the Ventura County District Attorney's Office, all of the land in question was either under lien or had already been sold to previous investors.

Powell, Rose, and Lascola face a combined total of 95 felony charges, including grand theft and theft from an elder. All three were additionally charged with an enhancement for aggravated white-collar crime; they collected over $500,000 in money or property, establishing "a pattern of felony conduct involving fraud or embezzlement," according to authorities.

Powell, Rose, and Lascola were arrested on August 31 on $1 million bail each. According to prosecutors in the case, the three would face prison terms between 31 to 48 years if convicted.

Authorities have not been able to recover any of the victims' money.

Assault, Hate Crime Thwarted at Ventura County Fair

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Police arrived in the nick of time to avoid another hate crime in Ventura County on August 3.

Around 6:30 p.m., police responded to a call from security at the Ventura County Fair. Security reported that a man was yelling on the midway, attempting to fight with passers-by.

When police arrived, they found Patrick Fitzgerald under the Ferris wheel, screaming racial epithets and throwing punches. Many people in the crowd tried to placate him, but to no avail.

Ventura-resident Fitzgerald caused several injuries before the authorities were able to apprehend him. A woman attempting to calm him down suffered a punch to the face and he bit a security guard who was trying to restrain him.

The 24-year-old was arrested for assault, suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and a potential hate crime, and was taken to Ventura County jail.

Teen Faces Charges After Executing Gay Classmate in Ventura County

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A conflict between a gay teen and a 14-year-old white supremacist has ended in a fatal hate crime in Ventura County.

There was reported tension between Brandon McInerney and 15-year-old Larry King. As a gay teenager, King suffered teasing and taunts daily at the Oxnard middle school that he and McInerney both attended. In one instance, a fight broke out between the boys and McInerney allegedly tried to enlist more students to beat King up.

In February of 2008, King, reportedly standing up for himself, whispered "I love you" while passing McInerney in a school hallway.

The next day, McInerney sat down behind King in a computer lab, pulled out a concealed .22-caliber gun and shot Larry once in the head. He then stood up, made eye contact with several students in the room, and shot King once more in the back of the head before leaving the lab.

There was no doubt that the crime was premeditated. According to testimony given by one of McInerney's friends, McInerney had said that he was "going to get a gun and shoot (King)." McInerney had also told one of Larry's friends to "Say goodbye to your friend Larry, because you're never going to see him again."

According to court records, authorities discovered drawings of swastikas, books, and other white supremacist materials in McInerney's bedroom. He had also refused to attend a school trip to the Museum of Tolerance at the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

McInerney, now seventeen, faces charges of first-degree murder, a hate crime, and lying in wait. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges; if convicted, he could be sentenced to life in prison.

Man Storing Child Pornography at Work Must Register as Sex Offender

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A man who pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography will not only serve jail time, but must also register as a sex offender in Ventura County.

50-year-old Keith Hunt was working at a company in Simi Valley at the time of the offense. Internet technicians on the staff discovered that Hunt, a co-owner of the company, was accessing child porn while at work.

After a full investigation, it became clear that Hunt was also storing illicit video and picture files on the workplace servers.

Hunt, of Camarillo, was sentenced to 270 days in prison for his crime.

According to the sentencing report, Hunt will also be placed on probation for five years after his time is served. In addition to being added to the sex offender registry, he is also required to attend sex offender counseling sessions.

Hate Crime Suspects Arrested After Harassing Teens in Ojai

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two young people in Ventura County have been arrested on several counts after they harassed two teenage boys in Ojai.

22-year-old Daniel Dockery and 19-year-old Shauna Criner were in a car traveling on Woodland Avenue near Silverspur Street when they saw two teenagers standing near the intersection. Dockery began taunting the boys, shouting racial slurs and sexual innuendos at them. Dockery also told the teens that he was "a skinhead" and that he "hated Mexicans."

According to the police report, Dockery then exited the car and slapped one of the boys in the face. Before leaving, he told them that he had a gun, and that if they were still there when he returned he would shoot them in the head.

Dockery then returned to the car, swerving his car dangerously near one of the boys before driving off.

The victims immediately called 911 to report the incident, and detectives found the assailants sitting in their car at a local convenience store. A search of their vehicle revealed prescription drugs, including Klonopin and Xanax, that did not belong to either of them.

Dockery and Criner, both residents of Meiners Oaks, were arrested by the Ventura County Sheriff's Department. The charges included criminal threats, battery, hate crime enhancement, and possession of a controlled substance.

Authorities have established that the victims had never met their assailants before the event.

Ventura County Man Arrested For Alleged Ponzi Scheme

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A man has been arrested in connection to a Ponzi scheme that was run out of the Church of God in Simi Valley until 2007.

According to local news sources, 43-year-old Fidel Bermudez was extradited to Ventura County from Miami, Florida, this week where he was arrested multiple counts of grand theft, security fraud and the aggravated white-collar crime enhancement.

Bermudez ran the Ponzi scheme by convincing members of the congregation of the Church of God in Simi Valley as well as others to invest their money in his business venture – and guaranteeing significant returns and zero risk. The man allegedly collected $1.75 million from his fellow church-goes between 2004 and 2007, some of which he used to pay off early investors. In 2007, he fled the state after some investors reported his scheme to police.

"Early investors trusted Bermudez because of their common faith," prosecutors said, according to the Ventura County Star. "He told multiple stories about where he was investing the money.”

A preliminary hearing will be held this week in Ventura County. If convicted, Bermudez could spend up to 17 years in jail. He is currently in Ventura County Jail and his bail is set at $500,000.

Two Arrested For Alleged Hate Crime In Ojai

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two people have been arrested in Ojai in connection to an alleged hate crime incident that took place on Thursday evening. According to police, 22-year-old Daniel Dockery was charged with criminal threats, possession of a controlled substance, and battery, while 29-year-old Shauna Criner was charged with criminal threats and possession of a controlled substance.

During the incident, the two suspends approached two 17-year-old male teen strangers at the intersection of Woodland Avenue and Silverspur Street. Dockery called himself a Skinhead and used several sexual and racial slurs against the teens. He asked the teens if they were members of a Hispanic gang (they are not). He then slapped one of the teens and threatened to steal their wallets and bikes. Before leaving the area, he told the teens he had a gun and would shoot them if they did not leave the area. Finally, Dockery and Criner returned a short time later and tried to hit the teens with their car.

After the hate crime victims reported the incident to police, authorities found Dockery and Criner and found them to be in possession of the prescription drugs Xanax and Klonopin.

In California, a hate crime is defined as any crime that is motivated by a victim’s race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability or mental disability. Depending on the severity of the crime, a hate crime can either be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony. If you or a loved one has been charged with a hate crime, talk to a Ventura County criminal defense attorney today for information and help.

Ventura Defense Attorney: Murder Defendant Was Terrorized By Gang

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Ventura resident Frank Michael Sotelo III has been charged with murder, but his California defense attorney says that the man was acting in self-defense after almost a year of harassments and threats. The Sotelo family, the defense lawyer says, had been living in fear ever since Frank’s 15-year-old sister saw a fatal gang-related stabbing and cooperated with police.

The 24-year-old murder defendant shot 21-year-old William David Speer outside of Sotelo’s home in January. Sotelo told police that he thought Speer had a gun and feared for his life. An investigation found that Speer had three drugs in his system but no weapon.

Sotelo has stated that the incident was far from the first time his family had been threatened. After his sister became a witness to a serious gang-related crime, the family’s home was vandalized, they were run off of the road, and several threats of violence were made. The family alerted police that they felt they were in danger, called 911 several times, and installed security cameras at their home. Police have records of the threats.

Sotelo has a short criminal record – he was convicted of a stolen property felony but has never been involved in a violent crime and has not been involved in gang activity. Speer was associated with a street gang.

Ventura Police Arrest Six Suspects In Residential Burglaries

Sat, 02 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

After months of investigation by Ventura Police Department's Street Crimes Unit (SCU), authorities have arrested six men in connection with a string of daytime residential burglaries that have taken place since 2008.

Arrested for residential burglary, conspiracy and possession of stolen property were 18-year-old Luis Manuel Galvan, 18-year-old John Michael Gutierrez, 21-year-old Antonio Espino, 18-year-old Edwyn Hernandez, 18-year-old Santiago Hernandez, and a 17-year-old male juvenile – all from Ventura.

The group was arrested after between 300 and 500 residents in the Poli, Sunset, Hillcrest, Ondulando, Mid-Town Ventura, Clearview and Bayshore areas reported burglary and theft at their homes during the workday over the past few years. In many of the cases, the robbers would enter homes through open windows, side doors, and dog doors, stealing anything valuable and accessible, including televisions, guns, jewelry, computers, and video game systems. Before the burglaries, a man often knocked on the front door of the home to see if anyone was home. If someone answered, the man would ask after a friend.

During the SCU investigation, police worked with area residents to create awareness of the issue and collect tips. Three men were arrested when an in-progress burglary in Ventura was called in. Following those arrests, some stolen property was recovered and three more men were arrested.

Oxnard Man Arrested For An Alleged Carjacking Incident, Robberies

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 20-year-old Oxnard man has been arrested for a number of alleged robberies as well as an attempted carjacking over a three-week period beginning in March 2011. He has been charged with robbery, kidnapping, assault, attempted carjacking, and gang activity.

According to local news sources, including the Ventura County Star, and the Oxnard Police, city resident Manuel Martinez had been released from Folsom Prison just a few months ago and began a series of robberies in South Oxnard soon after. The man, who is also suspected of being a gang member, allegedly robbed a college student at gunpoint in March after forcing him to a second location, physically assaulting him with a deadly weapon, and stealing his possessions. Also in March, Martinez is accused of attempting a carjacking in which the driver was seriously injured during the incident. Finally, the man is suspected in a third robbery incident.

Police became suspicious of Martinez’s activities after police found a victim’s wallet during a patrol search of his apartment. He was released from prison in April.

Authorities believe that another person is wanted in connection with these three robberies and ask that anyone with information call Ventura County Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.

Ventura County Armed Robbery Suspect Arrested

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A suspect in an alleged Ventura County armed robbery case has been arrested by police. The suspect, Max Ledezma, 22, of Ventura, was apprehended during a traffic stop on Monday, June 20, 2011.

According to authorities, Mr. Ledezma robbed two men at gunpoint on May 27, 2011, in the 600 block of Brakey Road. The victims have been identified as Ricky Garcia, 21, of Ventura, and Chase Christensen, 19, of Oxnard.

Mr. Ledezma was taken to Ventura County Jail where he was charged with armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, and street gang terrorism.

Mr. Ledezma has also been accused of striking Mr. Christensen over the head with his handgun after he refused to hand over his personal property to the suspect. Mr. Ledezma then allegedly fired his handgun at the ground near Mr. Christensen's feet and fled the crime scene.

Though no one was injured by the gunshot, Mr. Christensen reportedly suffered a laceration to his head after he was struck by the gun.

Reports say a female suspect was the driver of the vehicle that Mr. Ledezma fled in. She is still at large and has been described as a female Hispanic in her mid-twenties with multiple tattoos on her arms.

The Ventura County armed robbery incident remains under investigation by local authority.

Identities Released in Ventura County Armed Robbery Case

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two suspects' identities were released in connection to a Ventura County armed robbery incident. The robbery took place on April 14, 2011, in the 2000 block of Hill Street in Ventura.

According to reports, the three suspects allegedly held up three male victims along Hill Street as the men left a 7/11 convenience store. One of the suspects reportedly exited a dark colored Honda sedan and pointed a shotgun at the victims, ordering them to get on their knees.

They were then ordered to remove all of the personal items from their pockets. That is when a second suspect supposedly collected the property. All three suspects were last seen in their vehicle heading northbound on Hill Street, near Moon Drive.

Two of the suspects have been identified as Edwyn Hernandez, 18, of Ventura, and Santiago Hernandez, 19, also of Ventura.

They were eventually apprehended and booked respectively into Ventura County Juvenile Hall and Ventura County Jail. They were charged with armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.

The identity of the third suspect was not made available. The third suspect was interviewed and later released.

Fortunately, there were no injuries reported as a result of the armed robbery incident.

Alleged Ventura County Drug Lab Results in an Explosion, Burns Two

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

An alleged Ventura County drug lab accident results in a fire and sends two to the hospital with burn injuries. The incident took place at approximately 1:30 on Thursday morning, June 9, 2011, in the Moorpark area.

According to reports, the Ventura County Fire Department and deputies from the Moorpark Police Station were dispatched to a home in the 4200 block of Cedarpine Lane after an alleged drug lab accident resulted in an explosion.

Arson investigators determined that the residents were in the process of manufacturing concentrated marijuana (honey oil) when the explosion and ensuing fire occurred. The majority of the house was damaged in the fire.

There were four people, including a 3-year-old child, in the house at the time of the explosion. Rescue crews transported two people to a local hospital where they were treated for serious burn injuries. Their conditions were not immediately made available.

The two burn victims have been identified as 34-year-old Travis Seymour and 34-year-old Matthew Anderson. The fourth occupant in the house has been identified as 32-year-old Lindsey Seymour. They are all from the Moorpark area.

The Ventura County drug lab and fire is still under investigation by local authorities. However, investigators have suggested that the suspects were manufacturing the honey oil with the intent of selling it.

Eight Accused in Series of Ventura County Rapes of Young Girls

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Eight people have been accused in connection with a series of Ventura County rapes involving young girls. The alleged rapes occurred during March and April 2011. The eight suspects, seven adults and one juvenile, were arrested on Friday, June 3, 2011, by Santa Paula police.

According to officials, the suspects used social media websites to lure young girls to Ventura County house parties. The suspects then allegedly kidnapped, gave alcohol to, and possibly drugged the young girls. The victims were then reportedly gang raped by multiple men. One of the victims may have been raped while she was sleeping.

"Its pretty clear right now that alcohol was involved," said Santa Paula Police Chief Stephan MacKinnon. "The bottom line is they can really become incapacitated and abused anyway, and they just didn't know this was going to happen."

Authorities have indicated that the alleged rapes had gang ties. The eight suspects were arrested following a six-week investigation. All eights suspects are believed to be from Santa Paula.

Six of the eight suspects were arraigned on Tuesday, June 7, 2011, and charged with rape, conspiracy, parole violations, child abuse, and sexual battery by restraint.

Police have reported that the juvenile suspect is 17-years-old. They intend to try him as an adult.

Ventura County Shooting in Oxnard Claims Life of One

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

An argument in Oxnard leads to a Ventura County shooting, claiming the life of a man. The incident took place at approximately 10:00 on Friday night, May 27, 2011, in the 300 block of Cuesta Del Mar in Oxnard.

According to police, an argument along Cuesta Del Mar turned deadly after a man got out of a black truck and began to argue with a group of people. That is when the suspect pulled out a gun and shot one of the people.

When police arrived at the scene, they found the victim lying on the sidewalk. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at the scene due to a gunshot wound to his upper body. The victim's identity was not immediately made known.

Witnesses told police that the suspect and driver got back into the truck and fled the scene. There did not appear to be any more injuries resulting from the shooting.

There was no indication as to what the argument was about or what type of gun was used in the shooting.

This is the first homicide in Oxnard in 2011.

The fatal Ventura County shooting is still under investigation by local authorities. Police have asked anyone who may have information regarding the shooting to contact Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.

Judge Delays Manslaughter Case Against Michael Jackson's Doctor

Sat, 28 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

A California judge has decided to delay the involuntary manslaughter trial of Michael Jackson's personal doctor, Conrad Murray. Judge Michael Pastor said Murray's trial won't start until September, according to news reports. This news sets a new precedent, and is relevant for any other defendant charged with manslaughter in California.

The delay comes at the request of the defense team, after the prosecutors added two new experts to their witness list. The attorneys initially asked for two weeks to prepare new medical experts to rebut their planned testimony, but the judge gave them even more than they asked for, in the interest of justice.
News reports indicate the witnesses will testify that it would have been "impossible" for the superstar singer Jackson to have orally taken enough of the drug that killed him.

A total of 171 potential jurors had been partially qualified. Jury selection was expected to conclude this month.

According to news reports, Judge Pastor asked Dr. Murray if he assented to the delay, because he had earlier invoked his right to a speedy trial after his arraignment. The doctor agreed to the delay.

"I believe it is in the best interest of all parties involved," Murray said in open court.

Judge Pastor said the interest in justice was the most important factor in his decision. "We have to pause for a moment and take a breath," said Pastor. "All of us should be ready before we go into further proceedings."

Dr. Murray's trial is now scheduled to begin September 8, with opening statements by counsel set for September 20.

If you are charged with manslaughter, or another serious offense in Ventura, we can help. Contact us today at 1-805-643-5555. Call now. At Bamieh & Erickson PLC we have years of experience defending clients charged with crimes in California.

U.S. Secret Service Probing Ventura County Counterfeiting, ID Theft Ring

Tue, 24 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

The U.S. Secret Service and other government authorities are now probing a currency counterfeiting and ID theft ring uncovered by Ventura County Sheriff's police investigators, according to local news reports. Cops earlier this month discovered the operation in a Camarillo hotel room, the Quality Inn, 984 W. Ventura Blvd.

Investigators arrested Sara Lynn Gregory, 33, of Ventura, as well as Dan Lee Hulsey, 29, of Ventura, and Duane Darrell Hope Jr., 36, of Santa Rosa, California.

Suspect Hulsey was already on probation and had two felony warrants out for his arrest. Police said Hulsey had recently used counterfeit currency in a trio of retail stores in Thousand Oaks, California.
Police found evidence of a counterfeiting operation at the hotel room occupied by Gregory, Hulsey and Hope. There was also equipment used for identity theft and forgery of personal checks among other suspicious items.

The trio has been arrested, but thus far, only Gregory has been released, according to local police records.

If you or a friend or family member has been arrested or charged with a serious crime like forgery and identify theft, you need legal representation now. We can help. Contact us today at 1-805-643-5555. At Bamieh & Erickson PLC and we have years of experience defending clients charged with crimes in California. Dealing with the California criminal justice system can be difficult. We're here to help you resolve your troubles with the law and get your life back on track as soon as possible.

Jury Mulls Case of Ventura County Gold Trader and Murder Suspect

Mon, 23 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

The case of a Ventura County gold trader charged with plotting his wife's murder is now before a Los Angeles jury.

James Fayed faces the death penalty if convicted of murder and conspiracy in the homicide of Pamela Fayed, according to a news report.

Mrs. Fayed was stabbed and slashed 13 times in a Century City parking facility three years ago.

Mr. Fayed is said by police to have paid $25,000 to have his wife murdered. The couple was going through a divorce, and Mrs. Fayed is said to have been cooperating with federal authorities in a separate investigation of Mr. Fayed.

Three others, all men, are facing trial in connection with the killing. Mr. Fayed has pled not guilty, as have the other suspects.

If you or a friend or family member have been arrested or charged with a serious crime like murder, you need legal representation right now. We can help. Contact us today at 1-805-643-5555. Call now. At Bamieh & Erickson PLC we have years of experience defending clients charged with crimes in Ventura County and Santa Barbara County. Dealing with the California criminal justice system can be difficult. We're here to help you resolve your troubles with the law and get your life back on track as soon as possible.

Santa Barbara Sheriff Nabs Murder Suspect

Sun, 22 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Detectives working for the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office collared a young Latino male in connection to a murder in Isla Vista on May 15, 2011.

Police are requesting that any citizen with tips regarding this crime should ring the Sheriff's Criminal Investigations Division at (805) 681-4150. They can also dial the Sheriff's Anonymous Tip Line at (805) 681-4171. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at http://www.sbsheriff.org/anonymoustips.

Police booked the suspect, twenty-year-old Benjamin Vargas of Santa Barbara County, on an arrest warrant at 8:27 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, 2011. No bail is possible for the suspect, due to the particular kind of warrant upon which he was arrested.

Vargas is suspected of stabbing 26-year old Vincent Velasquez several times during a fight at 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 15, according to the police report.

The Sheriff is still probing the case, looking for additional witnesses. No new details will be released in order to protect the ongoing investigation and prosecution of the prime suspect.

If you or a friend or family member has been arrested or charged with a serious crime like murder, you need legal representation right now. We can help. Contact us today at 1-805-643-5555. Call now. The attorneys of Bamieh & Erickson PLC have years of experience defending clients charged with crimes in Ventura County and Santa Barbara County. Dealing with the California criminal justice system can be difficult. We're here to help you resolve your troubles with the law and get your life back on track as soon as possible.

Santa Barbara Police Seek to Corral Alleged Gang Members

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

An injunction is being served on 30 individual alleged gang members by the Santa Barbara Police Department as part of a plan to reduce gang crime throughout the city.

The order will prohibit the listed individuals from Santa Barbara's Eastside and Westside gangs from entering new "safety zones" - designated areas subject to a high level of gang activity including the Santa Barbara City College campus and a wide swath of downtown Santa Barbara, including the beach area.
The writ will also prohibit the gangsters from associating with other alleged gang members.

Santa Barbara City Councilman Frank Hotchkiss said this action may be very effective in reducing criminal activity in the area.

"Anything we can do to reduce gangs and gang violence is a good thing," said Hotchkiss. "This will be one strong measure."

If you need a criminal defense lawyer in Southern California, contact the experienced Ventura County attorneys of Bamieh & Erickson, PLC at 1-805-643-5555. We can help. Call now.

Gangsters Repeatedly Stab Rival in Santa Barbara

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Four suspects have been arrested - and police are seeking a fifth - in connection with a recent stabbing on Santa Barbara's Cacique Street.

Police found an 18-year-old male after 9:30 p.m. March 30 bleeding from numerous stab wounds to his torso and limbs, Santa Barbara Police Department spokesman Paul McCaffrey told the local media.

The victim, a purported gang member himself, was transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in serious but stable condition.

Police searched the area and learned from witnesses that the suspects were rival gang members driving a dark, sedan-style vehicle

If you need a criminal defense lawyer in Santa Barbara or elsewhere in Southern California, we can help. Call the Ventura County criminal defense lawyers of Bamieh & Erickson PLC today at 1-805-643-5555.

Robber Wearing Ski Mask Preys on Santa Barbara Liquor Store

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Around 10:25 p.m. Wednesday night a man wielding a gun robbed the Las Positas Liquor Store near Hope Ranch.  

According to police investigators, the suspect entered the store wearing a ski mask, pointed a handgun at the clerk and demanded cash.  

The owner of the store told KEY News the criminal escaped with several thousand dollars.  

Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department K-9 teams conducted an extensive search of the area, looking for a black male, between 5'6'' and 5'8'' tall, with a slight build.

If you need a criminal lawyer in Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, or elsewhere in Southern California, we can help. Contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys of Bamieh & Erickson PLC today at 1-805-643-5555.

Cross Burning Prompts Santa Barbara Area Hate Crime Forum

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

At 6 p.m. on April 4, members of the Santa Barbara area community gathered at St. John's Lutheran Church in Arroyo Grande to discuss the effect of hate crimes on this community. The discussion came in response to a cross burning at the home of a 19-year-old African American woman and her family.

Entitled "Preventing and Responding to Hate and Bias in the Community," the forum included presentations on preventing and responding to hate crimes and incidents as well as how the community can recover from this trauma. The forum was co-presented by the NAACP and the Anti-Defamation league in cooperation with local leaders.

Local, state and federal investigators are searching for the criminals who stole an 11-foot wooden cross from St. John's, then burned it outside the Arroyo Grande home.

More than $3,500 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for burning the cross, an act of racial hatred.

The Ventura County criminal defense attorneys of Bamieh & Erickson PLC would like to extend our sympathies to the victims of this crime and hope that this forum will help the community heal from this act of hatred.

Ponzi Scam Artist in LA Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Los Angeles area resident was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison last month for operating two fraud schemes-a Ponzi scheme that took in $30 million from more than 500 victims, and a mortgage fraud scheme that preyed on working-class homeowners by stealing the equity from their homes and taking the titles to their properties.

Juan Rangel, 47, who has been in federal custody since August 2008, pled guilty on October 27 to one count of mail fraud and one count of money laundering. Federal prosecutors and Rangel agreed to a 15-year prison sentence, but U.S. District Judge S. James Otero said a 22-year sentence was based on the "devastating impact" Rangel's actions had on his victims.

Rangel and his company, the Commerce, California based Financial Plus Investments, recruited investors through advertisements in Spanish-language media, as well as infomercials broadcast on television. The fraudsters promised to pay investors annual returns as high as 60 percent, claiming Financial Plus's real estate investments and lending business generated substantial profits. Rangel used victims' money to make payments to previous investors and for his own personal use, including the monthly mortgage payments on his $2.5 million mansion.

If you have been accused of a white-collar crime in Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, or elsewhere in Southern California, we can help. Contact us today at 1-805-643-5555. Call now. Bamieh & Erickson PLC.

Ventura Police Arrest Suspect Linked to Robbery at Mission Park

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Police in Ventura have arrested a male suspect on the afternoon of March 11 as part of an investigation into a robbery at Mission Park, near East Main Street.

Officers indicated that a robber approached one of his victims in a rest room at the park; he demanded money and the victim said he was broke.

Then, police said, the robber reached for the victim's waistband, pretended that he had a weapon, and once again demanded cash.

The victim yelled for help and ran away. Unfazed, and outside of the rest room, the robber demanded money from a second person, according to police.

Fearing for his safety, the victim gave the alleged robber money, police said.

Police collared Leopoldo Lopez, 44, about a block away from the park and transported him to the Ventura County Jail, where he was booked on suspicion of strong-arm robbery.

If you have been charged with a crime or accused of fraud in Ventura, please contact us at 1-805-643-5555. We're Bamieh & Erickson, PC. Call now.

Jurors Hear Final Arguments in Winslow Case

Sat, 26 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Jurors in the case of former Ventura College basketball coach Greg Winslow, who is accused of embezzling funds from the school into a personal account, heard closing arguments from lawyers on both sides of the case.

Winslow has been charged with committing a crime as a public official, failure to pay public money, grand theft, identification theft, embezzlement, forgery and dissuading a witness from testifying.

Ventura County prosecutor Karen Wold told jurors that Winslow stole from taxpayers and used public money at his own "whim and discretion." She continued, "It's public money. It doesn't belong to him."

Winslow's attorney, Ron Bamieh, countered the accusations saying that Winslow was a hardworking and dedicated public servant, described by many as an honest man of integrity. "There are things in [the prosecutor's] case that are disturbing, and you should be troubled by them," he told jurors.

Ventura County Superior Court Judge James Cloninger told jurors after hearing the arguments that they should treat each other with courtesy and focus on finding the right conclusion, not arguing one side or the other in this contentious case.

The trial, which has gone on for 6 weeks, was marred by tragedy when a boyhood friend of Winslow's, Kevin Wise, committed suicide just hours before he was to deliver testimony for the case's prosecution.

Two Ventura Shootings Injure None

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two separate shootings in Ventura over the weekend of March 12-13 resulted in no injuries, as police try to find the people responsible.

The Ventura Police Department is currently investigating two shootings:

The first shooting occurred at around 7:45 p.m. on the 12th, when a car carrying a few people fired several shots into the 1500 block of S. Saticoy Avenue. No one was injured.
The second shooting happened at around 10 p.m. on the 13th when witnesses heard several shots being fired near the railroad tracks of Saticoy Avenue. No one was injured.

Police have not yet found the source of the shots, nor do they understand the motivation behind them. It is uncertain if the two incidents are connected.

Four Found Guilty in Santa Barbara Murder Case

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

A long and high profile murder case has finally come to a conclusion in Santa Barbara after one mistrial, with four men found guilty of a 2007 murder.

The case centered on the killing of 16-year-old Lorenzo Carachure in July of 2007. Carachure was attacked while walking with his cousin and friend in the lower Westside.

Ruben Mize, 19, and Bryan Medinilla, 19, both admitted members of the Eastside gang, were convicted of first-degree murder in the case. Ricardo Nava, 20, and Raul Diaz, 20, were found guilty of second-degree murder.

Mize and Medinilla face sentences of 25 years to life. Nava and Diaz, convicted of lesser charges, face 15 years to life. The month-long trial went similarly to the first, which was declared a mistrial after jurors were not able to reach a decision in July.

Many members of the Santa Barbara Police Department were present for the verdict, signifying a victory against gang violence. "It's been a long case," said prosecutor Hans Almgren. "Detective [Gary] Siegel and the entire police department put in an incredible amount of work."

Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison For Ventura County Stabbing

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Port Hueneme man was sentenced in Ventura County Superior Court this week for the 2008 stabbing death of an 18-year-old California man.

Jose Alcarz Guerrero, 21, was sentenced by Ventura County Superior Court Judge Bruce Young to 12 years in prison, the maximum sentence for the crime. Guerrero pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter earlier.

Guerrero was charged with homicide after a street fight between "tagging" gangs escalated in June 2008, and Kyle Swartz died after being stabbed numerous times near the naval base in Port Hueneme.

Swartz's family told Judge Young about losing a loved one, saying "you never really know the pain until you experience it." The victim's mother said that everything in her life changed in "a split second."

"He was on his way to becoming a good man, and he was gone," his grandmother Betty Spykerman said. "I miss him."

Attorney Ron Bamieh Starts Trial for Former Ventura Basketball Coach

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

The trial for the former Ventura College athletic director and men's basketball coach Greg Winslow started early last week. Attorney Ron Bamieh is representing Winslow.

Winslow is charged with numerous felonies in the case, including misappropriation of public funds, failure to pay public money, embezzlement, grand theft, identity theft, filing a false financial statement, forgery and dissuading a witness.

Prosecution in the case is claiming that Winslow siphoned money from the public college to a secret bank account he opened in 2003. The stolen funds, which reportedly totaled up to $60,000, were said to have been used for a $2,300 boat repair and $1,100 in rent for a beachfront house in Ventura.

Winslow's attorney, Ron Bamieh, said that the bank account had nothing to do with official college funds, and was established in the open to raise money for Pirate teams. Bamieh says that Winslow spent money from his own pocket to help the programs, ending up $13,000 in the red.

"There was nothing secret," said Bamieh. "This account existed for five years." Countering accusations that Winslow put school money into the account for personal use, Bamieh said that, "even though he had access to all this money, he never spent a dime of it."

Ex-UFC Fighter Gets 25 Years to Life for Ventura County Rape

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Ex-UFC Welterweight and reality-TV show participant Jeremy Jackson was sentenced this week to 25 years to life in prison for sexual assault.

28-year-old Jackson, a former mixed martial artist and The Ultimate Fighter 4 cast member, pleaded guilty in 2010 to raping his ex-girlfriend during an attempted burglary.

Jackson was arrested in June 2008 and charged with seven felony offenses, including two counts of forcible rape against his ex-girlfriend. Jackson has been in a Ventura County jail since that time.

Jackson would have faced a sentence of 60 years to life if he had not pleaded guilty. Prosecutor Thomas Dunlevy said there was more than enough hard evidence to convict him, including surveillance footage and a recorded call of Jackson admitting to planning the burglary.

Jackson, who was kicked off the UFC reality show, The Ultimate Fighter 4 for leaving the fighter house to meet with a woman, has fought only once since November 2006.

Ventura County Hate Crime Trial Delayed

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

The murder trial for a teenager charged with the killing of a 15-year-old homosexual student was delayed this week by a Ventura County judge.

The trial for 16-year-old Brandon McInerney was originally scheduled to start on March 15th. Superior Court Judge Charles Campbell pushed it back to early May to accommodate the requests of defense attorneys to gather more information, including McInerney's juvenile records.

McInerney, who is being tried as an adult, is charged with the shooting of student Larry King at E.O. Green School in Oxnard on February 12, 2008. The shooting is being treated as a hate crime because King professed to be gay and McInerney had adopted white supremacist views that regard homosexuality as an enemy.

"I'm really shocked that the judge has allowed it to drag on for so long. It frustrates us. It tears on us emotionally. We'd like to see things finally get resolved so we can get some closure and justice for our son," said the victim's father, Greg King.

Ventura Man Pleads Not Guilty in White Collar Crime Case

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Ventura man, 51-year-old Richard Jon Christensen, pleaded not guilty to white collar crime charges last week. His trial has been set for May.

According to Mason City Police Sgt. Greg Scott, Christensen allegedly wrote bad checks totaling in excess of $5,000. Police say the checks belonged to a family member of Christensen.

The crimes happened in a timeframe between Nov. 11, 2010 and Dec. 9, 2010. Christensen will face seven counts of forgery when his trial begins at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10 in Cerro Gordo County District Court in Mason City.

Christensen pleaded not guilty to all seven counts. We hope this trial reaches a speedy and just conclusion.

Attorney Ron Bamieh Gets Client Sentencing Delayed Until March

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Sentencing for Cherie Duval, the former CEO of the nonprofit group Coalition to End Family Violence in Ventura County, has been delayed until March on the request of her lawyer, Ron Bamieh.

Duval was convicted of grand theft late last year for stealing more than $100,000 from the coalition that helps survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Duval also raised her own salary from $75,000 to $122,000 over her three year period as CEO.

At her first sentencing hearing last month, Duval fired her previous attorney and hired Bamieh. Bamieh then argued that she did not have adequate representation in the case and that he still had not received boxes of documents regarding the case.

Prosecutor Karen Wold opposed the delay, saying the defense had had enough time to prepare for the sentencing. But Ventura Superior Court Judge Nancy Ayers granted Bamieh the additional time.

Bamieh said that not only was there evidence not presented at trial and key witnesses that didn't testify, but also Duval's previous attorney didn't hire an independent investigator to review the evidence, question witnesses and help prepare for criminal trial. "I realize there is a desire for a public hanging but before we do that we should check all our facts," Bamieh told the press.

The new sentencing date is set for March 15, with a status conference on March 11. Bamieh can still file a motion for a new trial before that time.

Ventura Police Help Catch Santa Barbara Bank Robber

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

A man who robbed a bank in Santa Barbara last week was arrested within 24 hours of the crime, a joint effort between Santa Barbara and Ventura police.

The man, 33-year-old Robert Haig Royal, robbed a Santa Barbara Bank of America branch located at 3790 State Street just after 9 a.m. on January 7^th. Royal made away with nearly $9,000.

Santa Barbara police distributed a picture captured by security cameras during the robbery, and an anonymous tip revealed Royal to be the man in them. A parolee, Royal was found near a relative's house in Ventura.

Royal was stopped driving a white Saturn on January 8^th just before 10 a.m. by Ventura police, who arrested him for violating his parole. They found more than $7,000 in cash in the vehicle as well as clothes used in the robbery.

Royal was booked into Ventura County jail that day, and later moved to Santa Barbara County to be held without bail.

Two Men to Stand Trial for California Homicide

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two Lompac men will stand trial for the killing of a 14-year-old boy that occurred two years ago, with added firearm and gang-related charges.

The two men, 21-year-old Roberto Galindo Barrera and 20-year-old Richard Reyes, appeared in front of Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Edward Bullard this week to answer for the charges.

A third man allegedly involved in the killing, 21-year-old Keith Sullivan Jr. of Lompoc, entered a plea to lesser charges in the case after agreeing to testify against Barrera and Reyes.

The homicide, which happened in the 700 block of North E Street in Lompoc on Jan. 14, 2009, left the 14-year-old with gunshot wounds in his back. He died from his injuries later that day.

The shooting happened in the area of the "south-side" gang, and the boy had ties to members. The shooters, known as "west-side" gang members, allegedly shouted their gang affiliation before shooting the kid.

The men made a getaway in a car, but were arrested by police for their involvement in the shooting later.

Mistrial in Santa Barbara Homicide Case Creates 'Do-over'

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Santa Barbara Superior Court Judge Brian Hill ruled a mistrial in a double-homicide case late last month, sending the case back to square one.

The trial was centered around defendant 51-year-old Corey Lyons, charged with killing his brother Dan Lyons and his partner Barbara Scharton in 2009. The two were killed with a shotgun while sleeping in their beds on May 4th of that year.

The prosecution evidence hinged on testimony from Lyons' living brother, who was called to the stand to testify about a phone call in which Lyons knew about the deaths before police discovered them.

The testimony he gave, however, was ruled as “out of bounds as prejudicial hearsay” by Judge Hill, who feared the answers he gave would influence the jury in an inappropriate way.

Lyons’ attorney, Robert Sanger, argued for the mistrial ruling, and wanted the testimony stricken from the trial records. “All we’re asking for here is a fair trial,” he said to the media afterward.

A new date for the double-homicide trial has not been set. However, representation for both sides seemed to think that it would come soon.

Ventura DUI Crackdown Nets 228 Arrests

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Ventura's 17-day drunk driving crackdown, which ended this week, led to the arrests of 228 people on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI).

The crackdown, part of an “Avoid the 14” campaign, ran from December 17th to January 3rd. It included sobriety checkpoints, DUI warrant arrests and increased DUI enforcement on all area roadways.

The number of arrests this year was down 35 percent from the same period in 2009-2010. Last year, police arrested 352 drivers in the same 17-day stretch.

While one person died in a fatal drunk driving accident during the crackdown last year, there were none this year. It is not yet known how many of the 228 arrests were mistaken or later thrown out.

The next Ventura DUI crackdown is scheduled for Super Bowl Sunday, falling on February 3rd this year.

California Man Steals Identity, Tries to Give it Back

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

A California man, identified as 38-year-old Ryan Matthews, stole an identity in order to buy a car. After defaulting on payments, he tried to give the identity back.

Matthews, using the name Terrance, bought a BMW with an identity stolen from a felon in Nevada. After not being able to pay for the car over time, Matthews reported the identity stolen to the Sheriff's Department.

Not long after the investigation into the reported identity theft, police found out that Matthews had bought the car originally with a stolen identity. It was his report that brought attention back to the original crime.

On Thursday, Matthews pleaded guilty to identity theft, grand theft and numerous other felonies. He was immediately sentenced to nine months in jail, and will be deported to his homeland of Jamaica at the end of his term.

Bamieh & Erickson, a Ventura criminal defense firm, represents those charged with identity theft and other types of crimes. Call us at (805) 643-5555 for more information.

Ventura County Employee Charged with Embezzlement

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

The new year has started with yet another California white-collar crime exposed in city government.

Last week, Oxnard police arrested a city employee suspected of embezzling funds from a city-issued gas card.

The employee, 47-year-old Edmundo Rosas of Ventura, was trusted with a gas card for work purposes. Rosas then used this card for personal use, compiling over $1,000 in charges.

Rosas was arrested in the 1000 block of Pacific Avenue and taken to the Ventura County jail. He was held there on $10,000 bail.

Rosas has been charged with grand theft by embezzlement. He now awaits the next step in the legal process.

The Ventura white-collar crime attorneys at Bamieh & Erickson represent those charged in serious theft, fraud or embezzlement cases. For more information, call us at (805) 643-5555.

Two Oxnard Brothers Sentenced to Life in 2006 Killing

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Two Oxnard brothers, who were convicted for their role in a gang-related shooting in an apartment complex in 2006, were sentenced in court this week.

Oxnard resident Lino Hernandez, 28, and his brother, Alvino Hernandez, 30, were sentenced to life in prison without parole for shooting and killing Octavio Lopez in 2006. They were earlier found guilty of first-degree murder and attempted murder of three others.

The shooting, which was gang-related in nature even though Lopez was not a gang member, happened in the 2000 block of North Ventura Road in Oxnard. Three other people, Abraham Lopez, Michelle White and Richard Gonzalez were also injured in the shooting.

Superior Court Judge James Cloninger, who sentenced the brothers, said the shooting was well planned and executed, as well as involved a “high degree of viciousness.” This accounted for the harsh punishment handed down.

“This was highly prejudicial,” defense attorney Robert Schwartz told the judge during the sentencing. Schwartz contended that his client did not receive a fair and impartial trial.

SWAT Standoff in Santa Barbara Ends Peacefully

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

A tense situation that prompted the Santa Barbara SWAT Team to spring into action Saturday night ended peacefully a few hours later.

At around 8 p.m. numerous people reported seeing a crazed man waving a gun and shouting on the balcony of a room at Ala Mar Motel on Cabrillo Boulevard in Santa Barbara.

Police officers, worried about the safety of everyone in the area, moved in on the man and closed down a section of Cabrillo Boulevard around the motel. The SWAT Team was called in, and watched with guns drawn.

Later, the man started to throw things off the balcony, still yelling and going on. After three hours of the "standoff," the situation was diffused, and the SWAT Team was able to leave.

Police determined that the man had actually committed no crime, and the gun they believed he possessed was actually a legal air soft gun. Thus he posed no risk to himself or others.

Authorities called off the investigation around midnight, and to date, no criminal charges have been filed in the case. We will continue to monitor the situation. If anything changes, or charges are filed, we will do our best to keep this blog updated.

Courteous Bank Robber Makes off With Money From Ventura Bank

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

A bank robber, who waited in line behind several other customers, robbed a bank in Ventura on Saturday afternoon.

The robbery occurred just after 2:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon at The Bank of America branch at 2698 E. Main St. in Ventura.

When the man reached the teller, after waiting in line behind numerous other customers, he said he was there to rob the bank. He then revealed a handgun tucked into his waistband.

The teller complied with his demands, giving him an undisclosed amount of cash. The man then left the rear of the bank and headed in an unknown direction.

The man has been described as being 37 to 40 years old, about 5 feet 10 inches tall and 160 pounds. He had dark hair and a goatee, and was wearing a dark baseball cap.

Anyone with any information about the robbery or the robber should contact the Ventura Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Police Seek Suspect in Ventura Bank Robbery Crime

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Ventura Police are still seeking a man suspected in a bank robbery case that occurred around 2 p.m. last Monday.

The man entered a Chase branch at 2075 S. Victoria Ave. in Ventura and demanded money from a teller. He did not brandish a weapon, but was given an undisclosed amount of cash.

The suspect is described as a Caucasian male in his 30s. He has a goatee and short dark hair, was wearing blue jeans and a black T-shirt, and had on a black baseball cap and sunglasses.

Ventura Police have released security camera footage of the man in hopes that someone can help identify him. Anyone with knowledge about the crime should call the Ventura Police Department at (805) 339-4416 or the FBI at (805) 642-3995.

The Law Offices of Bamieh & Erickson, PLC is a Ventura criminal defense firm dedicated to defending those accused of serious crimes in Ventura County. Call us at (805) 643-5555 for more information.

Juvenile Given 480 Days in California Drunken Accident Case

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

A 17-year-old Vista teenager was sentenced to 480 days in a disciplinary and rehabilitation program for his connection to a crash resulting in injuries to an area toddler.

The teenager, whose identity is being protected, crashed into child Izaiah Wallis and his grandmother on the sidewalk on October 18th. Wallis's skull was detached from the spine in the accident, resulting in blindness, paralysis, and brain damage.

The juvenile driver was drunk and high on marijuana at the time of the crash, which occurred around 9 a.m. on a school day. The 17-year-old also was driving without a license.

Choking back tears in court, the teenager said "I know what I did was wrong. From the bottom of my heart, I am really sorry." Speaking to the family of the injured child, "I'm already changing my ways," he said. "I'm going to keep praying for you no matter what."

Probation officers first recommended he be sentenced to a year in custody at Camp Barrett, a county-run juvenile correctional facility in Alpine. However, prosecutors later argued for the longer sentence at a correctional facility, given the severity of the crime and its impact.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by the original accident, as well as the resulting legal case.

Marijuana Clinic Owner Arrested on Kidnapping Charges

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

A well-known medical marijuana dispensary owner has been arrested on charges of kidnapping, according to the Fresno County Sheriff's Department, which stem from a bizarre incident that occurred earlier this year.

In May of this year, Richard Morse attempted to conduct a citizen's arrest on Fresno City attorney Michael Flores, who was responsible for filing an injunction that led to the closing of Morse's business, Medmar, in the Tower District.

Morse was cited for battery at the time. However, more investigation revealed a plot between Morse and his son, Brandon, to take Flores directly to the Sacramento Attorney General's office. Both were charged with attempted kidnapping.

Last week, Morse turned himself in to the Santa Barbara County Jail, and was taken to the Fresno County Jail to be booked. Morse's arraignment was scheduled for November 15^th.

Santa Barbara Driver Arrested for Manslaughter, Felony DUI

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Pricilla A. Susman, the Santa Barbara woman who caused a fatal five-car pileup on SR-154 in September, has been arrested on manslaughter and felony DUI charges this month.

Susman was driving westbound on SR-15 after 8 p.m. on September 15^th when she collided with a Pontiac going the same direction, spinning both vehicles out of control and into three oncoming cars traveling eastbound.

The accident killed Miesel Ryden, of Solvang, and injured Linda Gaytan, of Santa Ynez, and Jay Fortman, of Santa Barbara. Susman sustained minor injuries in the major wreck.

Susman was found to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident, and Santa Barbara CHP officers had an arrest warrant to take her into custody when she was discharged from the hospital.

Our sympathies go out to all of those involved in this accident. We hope the legal trial goes quickly and fairly.

Homicide Victim Found in Buellton Apartment

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Buellton man has been found dead in an area apartment, the victim of an apparent homicide. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department is now looking for the man's two roommates in connection with the crime.

The victim of the apparent homicide, Hector Vicente Monzon, 29, was found dead by Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Deputies responding to a call from Monzon's friend, who had been unable to contact him. Deputies found the body around 6:10 p.m. in the 400 block of Avenue of Flags.

Detectives discovered that Monzon, a landscaper, was living in the apartment with Jesus Chulin Cerecedo, 27, and Miguel Gomez Gomez, 28. The Sheriff's Department is seeking to talk to both men, who they consider persons of interest in the case. They suspect Monzon was killed sometime on Saturday, but his cause of death has not yet been released.

Investigators in the case have released a picture of Jesus Chulin Cerecedo, and are searching for a 1995 GMC black Jimmy with a California license plate number of 6JNE557.

Anyone with information about this apparent homicide should contact the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department at 934-6170. You also can call the anonymous tip line at 681-4171.

Suspect in Oxnard Murder Reveals Himself

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

A few months ago, we wrote here that police were still searching for a suspect in an Oxnard homicide. This week, that suspect turned himself in to the Oxnard Police Department.

Rene Ramos, a 24-year-old resident of Oxnard, has been arrested on suspicion of homicide in connection with the shooting of Adrian Lerma, 21, who died of multiple gunshot wounds after a fight escalated near Lerma's home in the 2000 block of San Jose Street.

Ramos turned himself in when he learned that detectives were looking for him. He phoned police to say he was at a gas station at Pleasant Valley and Saviers Roads, and was arrested there without incident. Police say that Ramos turned himself in to avoid further problems with his family.

Police say that the two men knew each other before their fatal fight. Details have not been released yet about the official charges Ramos will face, or how the criminal case against him will proceed.

Ventura Man Killed by Gunshot Wounds

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Ventura man, 21-year-old Juan Miguel Reyes, was killed this past weekend in a shooting. The shooting occurred in the Montalvo neighborhood.

Reyes's death, which occurred as the result of multiple gunshot wounds, has been ruled a homicide, Deputy Medical Examiner Shasta Gainer said.

Reyes was discovered by police responding to a call about a shooting around 9 p.m. Saturday night, October 23^rd, on the 2300 block of Peacock Avenue. Reyes was pronounced dead by fire crews on the scene.

No one has yet been arrested in connection with this Ventura homicide, but the investigation is still ongoing. Police are looking into whether gang violence was involved.

Reyes does appear to have gang ties. Reyes also has a previous criminal history, and was due to appear in court next month.

Our sympathies go out to all of those involved in this case. If you know anything about the shooting, contact the Ventura Police Department at 339-4400.

24 Vehicles Affected in Ventura Theft Spree

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

24 vehicles were broken into on Monday in one area of Ventura, CA. The suspects in the crimes have not yet been found or arrested.

Ventura police arrived on the scene of the crimes around 2 am, responding to numerous car alarms on Sandberg Lane. Police found four vehicles broken into there, and nine others on nearby Tennyson and Murdock Lanes.

While a witness saw two men running from one of the vehicles, police were not able to find them. Around 7 am that same day, police responded to another report of a stolen vehicle in the same area, only to find 14 additional unlocked cars that had been broken into.

Four of the vehicles at the second location, the Lemonwood Mobile Home Park, had property taken from them. The content in all 24 of the broken-in cars was ransacked.

Police are continuing their search for the perpetrators of these crimes. Call the Ventura Police Department at 339-4400 if you have any information.

Four Arrested in Santa Barbara Beating Murder

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Last week, 37-year-old George Ied was beaten by four alleged gang members while walking home from his job at Mi Fiesta Liquor in Santa Barbara.

Ied, who was born in Syria, was attacked by four members of the "Eastside" gang. He was beaten within an inch of his life, and died Saturday while in critical condition at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.

Police arrested three suspects, among them two brothers, soon after the beating, and arrested another a day later after a manhunt. Ismael Parra, Miguel Parra, Steven Santana and Michael Cardenas are in jail and will face murder and gang enhancement charges.

Ied had no previous criminal record, and no known ties to the gang. Police are still unsure of what prompted the attack, and it seems to be a random act of extreme violence. The Parra brothers and others involved in the beating have past criminal records and extensive gang ties.

Oxnard Man Sentenced to Prison For Raping Child

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

An Oxnard man who was convicted of child rape was sentenced today to 50 years to life in prison for his crimes.

Carlos Garcia Morales, 24, was sentenced by Ventura County Superior Court Judge David Long, after he was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 20-month-old girl in California.

Morales was convicted of committing a lewd act upon a child, plus additional kidnapping and child rape allegations. According to the prosecution in the case, Morales entered a home last year, grabbed the child from the family's floor, and ran out.

The original crimes occurred in May 2009. According to people in the courtroom, Morales showed no emotion upon hearing the sentence, and declined to address the court.

Judge Long told Morales that the length of the prison term was warranted because of the horror of the crime. Morales was also ordered to have an AIDS test taken.

Homicide Victim Identified as Santa Barbara Teen

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

The victim of an apparent homicide, whose body was found near San Louis Obispo by firemen responding to a grass fire, has been identified as a Santa Barbara teen whose name is still being withheld.

The 15-year-old teen's charred body was found by a Cal Fire crew responding to a report of a grass fire on the 5300 block of Park Hill Road off Highway 58 in Santa Margarita. The call came in at around 5am.

The suspects in the apparent homicide include Jason Greenwell, 20, Frank York, 19, Rhonda Wisto, 47, Ty Hill, 28, and Cody Miller, 20. Police are not saying what the exact cause of death for the girl was.

Police also will not release the 15-year-old's name, as she is a minor and the victim of a violent crime. The investigation is still ongoing, but police do not yet know why the girl was targeted.

"[I] can't talk about the details in the case. It's still going," Rob Bryn, spokesman for the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department, told the Santa Maria Times.

Our sympathies go out to all of those involved in this case. We hope it comes to a speedy conclusion, and provides answers for those connected to the events of that night.

Mother Charged in Ventura Drowning Homicide

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

A mother has been charged with murder and child abuse after the drowning of her daughter, 8, in a Ventura apartment.

Police found the body of a girl, 8-year-old Alaina Stockdill, in a bathtub earlier this week. Evidence and witnesses suggest that she had been dead for at least two days.

Police found the body while responding to a knife fight between Alaina's mother, 25-year-old Blair Stockdill, and her ex-boyfriend. Police found the man with stab wounds on his arm and holding a knife.

The girl's mother, Blair Stockdill, was charged with murder and child abuse, and faces 25 years to life in prison. Her arraignment has been set for October 22^nd, and bail has been set at $530,000.

According to Stockdill's father, she has been diagnosed as bipolar, and her doctor had recently prescribed new medication. She has a long record of criminal and child custody problems dating back to 2001.

Our sympathies go out to all of those affected by this tragic incident.

Santa Barbara Woman Charged With Felony DUI After Fatal Crash

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Santa Barbara woman is fighting for her life after she caused a five-car pileup this week. Yet police have already charged her with felony DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated in connection with the accident.

The driver, 54-year-old Priscilla A. Susman, was first spotted driving erratically headed westbound on Highway 154 before making an illegal U-Turn east toward Santa Barbara. Susman, driving a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder, then sideswiped a vehicle being driven by 24-year-old Syrena M. Hernandez of Oxnard.

Spinning out of control after the contact, both cars crossed onto the westbound side of the highway, directly into the path of three other vehicles. One of these vehicles, driven by a Santa Barbara man, struck Hernandez's car. The other two hit Susman.

One person, a 73-year-old woman whose name has not yet been released, was killed upon impact. Susman's car was forced off the road and into a nearby tree, and she remains in critical condition after the accident. The other three people involved in the crash suffered injuries, but should be alright.

The California Highway Patrol obviously believes alcohol played a role in the accident, and has already charged Susman in connection with the death and other injuries.
Our sympathies go out to all of those involved in this accident.

Santa Paula Man Killed in Shooting Homicide

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

A California man was killed last week after being shot several times in a Santa Paula alleyway. He died from gunshot wounds to his torso.

Isidro Alaniz, 28, was shot multiple times after an argument between him and local residents escalated. The shooting occurred near the 700 block of East Main Street.

Witnesses of the homicide said that Alaniz and a friend had gone to a neighborhood home to visit a resident there. Alaniz's friend went in while he waited outside, talking to a few people near the rear of the house.

It was unclear what the ensuing argument was about, but police do not think that the shooting was gang-related. Residents found Alaniz in an alley after hearing the shots, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Area residents were seen fleeing the scene after the shooting on foot and in a white truck. The main suspect in the case was last seen wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans at Eighth and Yale streets.

Santa Barbara Woman Charged With Felony DUI After Fatal Crash

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

The driver, 54-year-old Priscilla A. Susman, was first spotted driving erratically headed westbound on Highway 154 before making an illegal U-Turn east toward Santa Barbara. Susman, driving a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder, then sideswiped a vehicle being driven by 24-year-old Syrena M. Hernandez of Oxnard.

Spinning out of control after the contact, both cars crossed onto the westbound side of the highway, directly into the path of three other vehicles. One of these vehicles, driven by a Santa Barbara man, struck Hernandez's car. The other two hit Susman.

One person, a 73-year-old woman whose name has not yet been released, was killed upon impact. Susman's car was forced off the road and into a nearby tree, and she remains in critical condition after the accident. The other three people involved in the crash suffered injuries, but should be alright.

The California Highway Patrol obviously believes alcohol played a role in the accident, and has already charged Susman in connection with the death and other injuries.

Our sympathies go out to all of those involved in this accident.

Orange County Man Arrested for Wife's Murder

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Santa Margarita man has been charged with one felony count of murder in connection with the death of his wife, 61-year-old Marcia Ann Forsberg.

Richard Forsberg, 61, allegedly killed his wife by striking her multiple times in the back of the head with a small statue after an argument escalated in February of this year.

Forsberg kept her body in their Rancho Santa Margarita home for a few days before renting a motor home and dumping it at the Lake Piru Recreation Area. Police have been searching the campground for her body, but suspect it was burned.

The couple was married for 39 years, due to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary near the end of this month. They were described by friends as the perfect couple.

After Marcia's death, Forsberg told people they were having marital problems and that she was visiting friends in Arizona. After becoming suspicious, neighbors filed a missing persons report.

Forsberg left town after being questioned by police about his wife's disappearance, and was found in a Palm Springs hospital after being admitted for attempting suicide. If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of life in prison without parole.

Body Found in Torched Car Under Ventura Freeway (101)

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

The body of an unidentified man was removed from from a burned out 1989 Toyota Camry in Studio City earlier this week. The burned car is now part of a homicide investigation.

At about 3am on Tuesday, firefighters were called to a burning vehicle on Radford Avenue under the Ventura (101) Freeway. After putting the blaze out, they discovered a body in the trunk.

Extraction of the man proved more difficult than expected, as suspicious wires were found under the body. Fearing an explosion, police closed a stretch of the freeway and evacuated nearby homes.

The bomb squad was called in, but deemed there was no threat. "It was just something that looked a little suspicious," said Detective Steve Castro. "There was no bomb."

The body found in the car has not yet been identified, but an autopsy this week should determine if he was dead before the blaze was set. Police have also not yet disclosed who the Toyota Camry is registered to.

Our sympathies go out to all of those affected by this apparent homicide. Our thoughts are also with those who had to quickly evacuate their homes under scary circumstances.

Two Arrested on Felony Gun Charges In Santa Barbara

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Two men have been arrested after the burglary of a Goleta area home, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department.

41-year-old Joe Luis Lopez was arrested for felony residential burglary, felony possession of a controlled substance, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. The charges stem from a series of robberies committed by Lopez, one of a gun safe belonging to his recently deceased neighbor.

The original robbery was reported on August 3^rd, at a house on the 4600 block of Atasco Drive. Detectives found that the safe had been moved from the house to Lopez's home next door, then to another location. On August 18^th, a warrant was served at a home on the 5000 block of Ella Lane, which turned up nearly three dozen firearms, at least 30 of them linked to the original burglary.

The owner of the Ella Lane house, 36 year-old James Dunning, was also arrested in the case. He has been charged for being under the influence of a controlled substance, felony possession of stolen property, felony possession and/or sale of assault weapons, and felony possession of a deadly weapon.

Bail for both of the men has been set at $50,000. Our thoughts are with all of those affected by this robbery and subsequent arrests, and we are glad that a speedy investigation kept the guns off our streets.

Police Still Searching For Suspect In Oxnard Homicide

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Police are still searching for a twenty-three-year-old Oxnard resident suspected of killing another man during a fight. The incident occurred at around 10:00 Tuesday night in the 2000 block of San Jose Street.

Rene Ramos, the suspect in the fatal shooting of twenty-one-year-old Adrian Lerma, was seen by witnesses shooting Lerma multiple times after a fight between the two men escalated. Lerma tried to run to a nearby house for help, but collapsed on a driveway.

Lerma was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel, killed by multiple gunshot wounds. Ramos, the suspected killer, fled the scene on foot and has still not been found by police.

Heavily-armed police from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Team surrounded Ramos' house for about five hours on Wednesday before entering with the help of a bomb squad, but Ramos was not inside.

Police believe Ramos left the house earlier in a tan 2001 Chevy Impala, license plate 6KRJ476. Tuesday's fatal shooting was the eleventh homicide in Ventura County this year, seven of which happened in Oxnard.

Two Arrested in Oxnard Robbery, Carjacking

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Two Oxnard men were arrested Monday for robbery and carjacking, and police are still looking for a third suspect thought to be involved. The incident occurred at about 1:55 am on August 16.

The three attackers reportedly approached a thirty-five-year-old Oxnard resident near Channel Islands Boulevard and Saviers Road. One of the attackers put a gun to his head, while the others threatened him with beer bottles, demanding money. After taking the man's cash, the attackers stole his car.

About thirty minutes after the man reported the crime, police officers spotted the stolen vehicle driving near Saviers Road and Hill Street. Officers tried to stop the car, but it would not pull over, starting a slow-speed pursuit.

Two of the men jumped from the car during the pursuit and were pursued on foot. After another thirty minutes the driver, a sixteen-year-old Oxnard resident, surrendered. A search of the car uncovered a .45-caliber pistol hidden under the seat.

The driver was booked into Juvenile Hall on suspicion of robbery, carjacking, and evading arrest. Vidal Magana, 20, of Oxnard, was also booked into county jail on suspicion of robbery and carjacking. Police are still looking for a third suspect.

LA Man Identified in Charred Body Homicide

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Police have identified a body found last week in a fire as that of a popular LA restaurant worker. The circumstances surrounding the death are suspicious, but still mostly unknown.

Police responded to reports of a brush fire at about 4:00 a.m. on July 15, only to find a charred body in the flames. The fire was off the northbound side of Route 101 on the Nojoqui Grade, outside of Santa Barbara.

The body was revealed today in a press conference to be forty-eight-year-old Bernardo Alvarez, a popular restaurant worker from LA. The body was identified through independent DNA testing.

Alvarez was last seen leaving his job at the Greystoke Restaurant on Ventura Boulevard on the night of July 14^th. Alvarez was regarded as a reliable employee, having never missed a day of work in ten years.

Investigators believe Alvarez was killed in Los Angeles County and his body was dumped and burned in Santa Barbara, though the details and possible motives are still unknown.

The LAPD and Santa Barbara County investigators are asking anyone with information about the case to call them at (818) 374-7725.

Our sympathies go out to Mr. Alvarez's loved ones, and we hope the details of the case become clearer in the coming days.

California Woman Killed in Santa Cruz Stabbing

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Santa Cruz woman has been killed in an apparent domestic-violence-related homicide. The stabbing occurred at around 4:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 31.

The woman, a forty-one-year-old Santa Cruz resident, was found in the living room of her apartment by police officers responding to a 911 call. The woman's throat had been slashed, and medics on the scene were unable to revive her.

The woman's live-in boyfriend, thirty-nine-year-old Wensy Sanchez, was seated a few feet away when the police arrived. Sanchez was arrested without incident, and is expected to be charged with homicide.

The crime occurred at the couple's studio apartment on the 300 block of Morrissey Boulevard in Santa Cruz. Police are not releasing the woman's name until family members have been notified.

"This is a heartbreaking example of domestic violence in our community and is a reminder that we should all be vigilant," Deputy Police Chief Rick Martinez said. Martinez wouldn't comment on what had prompted the fight, what type of weapon was used, or if there was a history of violence at the home.

This is the sixth homicide in Santa Cruz this year and the second related to domestic violence.

Our sympathies go out to all those who have been affected by this homicide.

Santa Barbara Man Indicted in Murder For Hire Plot

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Santa Barbara man has been indicted on murder-for-hire charges after his arrest on July 14th. The man's murder plot involved his former business partner along with two others.

Fifty-year-old Eugene Temkin of Goleta was arrested after he tried to hire someone to murder his former business partner, the man's wife and another business partner.

According to investigators, undercover agents posing as professional killers met with Temkin, who said he wanted them to abduct his business partner when he was abroad on vacation.

Temkin also wanted the killers to torture the man to get him to give Temkin some of the $15 million he said they owed him after a failed joint business venture.

During one of the undercover meetings Temkin paid the undercover agents the first installment of a $30,000 fee for the murders. He also talked in depth about forms of murder and torture to be used on the victims.

Temkin has been charged with one count of soliciting a crime of violence, one count of attempting to interfere with interstate commerce by threats and violence, and one count of using interstate facilities in the commission of a murder for hire.

Temkin faces up to fifty years in prison if convicted.

Teen Driver Given Probation for Vehicular Manslaughter

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Simi Valley teen has been sentenced to probation and community service on vehicular manslaughter charges stemming from an incident that occurred on March 17.

On that day, the seventeen-year-old ran a red light and hit another car, killing two people. Jessica Zarate, 24, and her passenger, Oliver Stokes, 22, were the victims. Distracted driving was confirmed to have been involved in the accident.

The driver, whose identity has been withheld, is now on formal probation, which could last until she is twenty-one. She was also sentenced to 500 hours of community service, and will have her license revoked for at least three years.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Pam Grossman said in an e-mail that "This case is tragic for everyone, including the young driver." Our sympathies go out to all those affected by this accident.

We often warn teens and their parents about the dangers of distracted driving. Though unfortunate, we hope this accident and the stern punishment handed down will serve as another reminder that teens should always remain focused on the road, and that they should never text and drive.

Fatal Malibu Crash Thought to be Suicide

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

New evidence has led authorities to suspect that a recent Malibu car accident, which killed two people, was a suicide. Alcohol is also thought to have been involved.

The still-unnamed driver who caused the crash is reported to have been driving at nearly 100 mph on the Pacific Coast Highway outside of Malibu, CA, when he crossed the centerline and collided with a car carrying two sailors returning home from the airport.

Twenty-three-year-old Petty Officer Oscar Avila Mendoza, who was about to become a father, was killed in the head-on crash. A second sailor, Petty Officer Jesus Saenz, 24, remains in stable condition with a broken arm and concussion at a Los Angeles hospital.

The driver who caused the accident, a man from Minnesota living in a trailer in Latigo Canyon and trying to get into the entertainment business, was known to be a heavy drinker. He was also grieving for his brother, who had died ten days earlier, and authorities suspect that the accident that claimed his life was a deliberate suicide.

Mendoza, the sailor killed in the accident, had just picked up Saenz at Los Angeles International Airport and they were heading home to Port Hueneme, near Oxnard. Both had already served a tour in Iraq, and were expecting to be deployed again within a month.

Our sympathies go out to all those affected by this tragic accident, and we send our best to the families of the fallen sailor as they try to put their lives back together.

Fillmore Shooting Classified as Homicide

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

A fatal shooting in Fillmore has now been classified as a homicide, according to the Ventura County Sherrif's Department. The shooting occurred around 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, in the 300 block of Bard Street in Fillmore.

Police responded to a report that a man had been shot on Saturday, finding twenty-four-year-old Christian Giusti of Fillmore dead at the scene. The cause of death was a shotgun wound to the chest.

Giusti had known gang affiliations, and had most recently been arrested in September 2009 for possession of a handgun. He pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon, in violation of his probation. He was due back in court last week, but failed to appear.

It is unknown whether the shooting was related to recent gang activity, but given Giusti's past, it is likely. Police have conducted a thorough search for suspects, but no one has yet been found.

Our sympathies go out to all those affected in this shooting. We wish Ventura police luck as they continue to search for suspects.

Man Arrested After Ventura Garage Shooting

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Santa Paula man was arrested in downtown Ventura Sunday night after a shooting occurred at the conclusion of a rap concert by a group called The Game at The Majestic Ventura Theater.

Gilbert Hernandez, 27, of Santa Paula, has been arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon after he fired a gun into a group of people in a parking garage after the show..

Four people were allegedly fighting with two other concert-goers on the second floor of a parking garage on Santa Clara Street. As the fight was breaking up, Hernandez went back to his car, got a gun, and fired two shots in the direction of others involved in the fight, who had already begun to flee the scene.

It is still unknown whether anyone was injured by the shots, but no one has yet shown up in area hospitals. Additional injuries could add to the charges facing Hernandez.

The parking structure was closed for forty minutes after the shooting for safety and for a police investigation before concert-goers were allowed to return to their vehicles.

Our thoughts are with all those affected by this incident, and we hope no one was injured.

Man Accused in Ventura Murders Pleads Not-Guilty

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

A man accused of murdering a married couple and their unborn child in a Southern California beach house has pleaded not guilty. The plea was entered Monday in Ventura County Superior Court.

Joshua Graham Packer, the twenty-year-old man accused in the high-profile Ventura murder case, was arrested in April on three counts of murder. He has been ordered held without bail.

Packer is accused in the fatal stabbings of Brock Husted and his wife, Davina, who was pregnant with their third child. Their young son and daughter fled the Faria Beach home where the murders were committed, running to a neighbor's house for safety.

Packer was thought to have targeted Brock and Devina Husted, though it is not known whether he knew them personally. It is also not known whether Packer recognized that Davina was pregnant. The murder was linked with other crimes committed by Packer.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Michael Frawley says prosecutors have not decided whether to seek the death penalty if Packer is convicted. Packer is being represented by a public defender.

Our sympathies go out to all those involved or affected by this case.