When many Orange Countians hear the words “human trafficking,” they assume it’s a travesty occurring thousands of miles away in third-world countries. It is, but unfortunately, it’s also happening right here in Orange County.

This will be the topic at the Rossmoor-Los Alamitos Republican Women Federated’s Saturday, May 16 meeting where the iSanctuary guest speaker will focus on human trafficking in Southern California. The event begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Cypress Courtyard Marriott (5865 Katella Avenue by Valley View). The cost is $20 per person and includes a delicious breakfast buffet, short meeting followed by the presentation.

iSanctuary provides holistic care and restoration that empowers survivors of modern-day slavery to obtain true freedom, and build a bright future.

“One of the skills taught to the women is jewelry creation and design,” said Vice President Programs Susan Short. “We will be selling their uniquely created jewelry at the meeting to help support iSanctuary and the women they help.”

In a recent interview about human trafficking in Orange County, Orange County Deputy District Attorney Brad Schoenleben said, “You can’t throw the word ‘slavery’ around carelessly. But we are dealing with modern-day slavery here.”

Precious Life Shelter Director Theresa Murphy and her dedicated staff have witnessed first-hand the horrors of human trafficking.

“Human trafficking in Orange County has increased. Those women who find themselves pregnant are disposed of with no place to go, which is where Precious Life Shelter offers them hope. Those women who are not pregnant are exploited. They often walk among us, not knowing how to get out of their situation. It is very important that we watch with our “eyes” open to offer them a way out by just being there to listen first, and then find a support system for their safety. Show these women they are loved, valued and have a purpose.”

Teenagers, especially young girls, should be updated about human trafficking in Southern California. (Some might think how easy it is to sell their body to earn enough money for a smartphone. Then they can’t leave the horrors of prostitution.) Invite family and friends to attend what is sure to be a uniquely passionate presentation about a headline issue.

To hear the iSanctuary presentation, contact Chris Barnes at 562-865-3258 or Chris.Barnes4727@gmail.com. Reservations are required and must be made by May 14.

This article was released by Rossmoor-Los Alamitos Republican Women Federated.

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Three businessmen have been charged for defrauding employees by taking their wages on a public works project.

Saeed Kenari, 54, Tujunga, is charged with four felony counts of conspiring to take a portion of workers’ wages on a public works project, 34 felony counts of taking workers’ wages on a public works project, 20 felony counts of failure to pay taxes, four felony counts of conspiracy to commit a crime, and 10 felony counts of conspiring to file a false or forged document with a sentencing enhancement allegation for property loss over $200,000. If convicted, Kenari faces a maximum sentence of 56 years and three months in state prison. Kenari is being held on $340,000 bail and was arraigned today. He is scheduled for pre-trial on May 15, 2015, at 8:30 a.m. in Department C-55, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

Co-defendant Rina Arakelian, 62, Glendale, is charged with four felony counts of conspiring to take a portion of workers’ wages on a public works project, 34 felony counts of taking workers’ wages on a public works project, four felony counts of conspiracy to commit a crime, and 10 felony counts of conspiring to file a false or forged document with a sentencing enhancement allegation for property loss over $200,000. If convicted, Arakelian faces a maximum sentence of 27 years in state prison. Arakelian is being held on $340,000 bail and is scheduled for continued arraignment on May 15, 2015, at 8:30 a.m. in Department C-55, Central Justice Center.

Co-defendant Shahan Haider Zaidi, 44, Long Beach, is charged with four felony counts of conspiracy to commit fraud. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of five years and six months in state prison. Zaidi remains a fugitive.

Between October 2006 and December 2012, Kenari is accused of operating Sunland Fire Protection (SFP) in Glendale. Kenari is accused of conspiring to take a portion of his workers’ wages on SFP’s public works projects from newly immigrated workers who were not familiar with the law. Kenari is accused of hiring Arakelian as a bookkeeper and Zaidi as an office worker and an estimator with SFP. Kenari is accused of accepting public works projects for SFP in both Los Angeles and Orange County.

Kenari, Arakelian, and Zaidi are each accused of falsifying SFP payroll records in order to conceal the hours worked by workers who were not paid their full wage. Kenari is accused of failing to report over $1 million in payroll to the Employment Development Department resulting in a loss of over $100,000.

This case was referred to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office by the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) after investigating the wage theft and issuing a Civil Wage and Penalty.

“These types of crimes have an incredibly negative impact on both workers and on our state economy,” said Christine Baker, director of DIR. “We will continue to hold employers like these accountable for failing to follow laws that protect workers as well as businesses that play by the rules.” The Labor Commissioner’s Office is a division of the DIR.

“Our office is committed to seeking the harshest penalties for contractors who intentionally steal wages from their workers and cheat their competitors by gaining public works projects unlawfully,” stated Labor Commissioner Julie A. Su. “I also want to commend the criminal enforcement at the Orange County District Attorney’s Office,” said Su.

Deputy District Attorney Donde McCament of the Workman’s Compensation Fraud Unit is prosecuting this case.

This article was released by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

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An Arizona man was charged on Friday for attempting to pimp a teenager and forcibly sexually assaulting her after she refused to prostitute herself.

Muhammed Taha El Anfassi, 21, is charged with one felony count each of human trafficking, attempted pimping, pandering, and two felony counts of sexual penetration by a foreign object and force. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 24 years in state prison.

He is in custody on $1 million bail and is scheduled for a continued arraignment on May 22, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. in Department CJ-1, Central Jail, Santa Ana.

Circumstances of the Case

Anfassiis accused of being a human trafficker who exploits women for financial gain. Anfassi is accused of meeting 19-year-old Jane Doe in Los Angeles County.

On May 20, 2014, Anfassi is accused of offering Jane Doe cocaine and then driving her to Anaheim and checking her into a motel. He is accused of taking sexually suggestive photos of the victim and attempting to post the photos on Internet websites known exclusively for soliciting prostitution. Anfassi is accused of attempting to persuade Jane Doe to perform unlawful commercial sex acts against her will and setting a $10,000 goal, but the victim refused. He is accused of forcing her onto the motel bed, strangling her, attempting to simulate sexual intercourse on her, and then forcibly digitally penetrating the victim twice.

The victim contacted the police and the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force (OCHTTF) investigated the case. Once Anfassi was identified and located, he was arrested on April 30, 2015, and charged Friday, May 1, 2015.

Members of OCHTTF and the Orange County District Attorney’s (OCDA) Office work proactively to protect women and minors from falling victim to commercial sexual exploitation. OCHTTF is a partnership between the Anaheim Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Huntington Beach Police Department, OCDA, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and community and non-profit partners.

Deputy District Attorney Daniel Varon of the HEAT Unit is prosecuting this case.

This article was released by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

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A federal grand jury today indicted the chief of police for the Port of Los Angeles on corruption and tax charges. The corruption charges in the indictment relate to a scheme in which the chief stood to financially benefit from the development of a social networking program that would become the official smartphone app for the Port and would then be marketed to other law enforcement agencies.

Ronald Jerome Boyd, 57, of Torrance, who in January was named as chief of public safety and emergency management at the port, was charged in a 16-count indictment returned by a grand jury. The indictment accuses Boyd of corruption, lying to FBI agents, failing to file federal corporate tax returns for a private security company he created, and tax evasion.

At the center of the case are four “honest services” wire fraud charges that accuse Boyd of executing “a scheme to defraud the citizens of the City of Los Angeles and the Harbor Department for the City of Los Angeles of their right to the honest services of defendant Boyd by means of bribery and kickbacks, materially false and fraudulent pretenses and representations, and the concealment of material facts.” The corruption scheme centers on a program called Portwatch, which was developed to provide information to the public and to allow citizens to report criminal activity at the port.

In 2011, Boyd and two business partners formed BDB Digital Communications, a company that entered into a revenue-sharing agreement with the unnamed company developing Portwatch. The parties involved with BDB intended to generate revenues by marketing and selling a similar app – called Metrowatch – to other government agencies. “Under the terms of this agreement, defendant Boyd would receive approximately 13.33 percent of all gross revenues generated by the sale of the Metrowatch application throughout the United States,” according to the indictment.

The revenue-sharing agreement was contingent upon Boyd’s assistance in securing the Portwatch contract for the unnamed company. Over the course of a year beginning in October 2011, Boyd took steps to benefit the unnamed company with respect to the Portwatch contract. The indictment alleges that his actions included hosting a private meeting with the unnamed company for the purpose of disclosing confidential information, meeting with Los Angeles officials that included the city attorney and the mayor, editing the scope of work for the Portwatch contract so that he could personally monitor the Portwatch app’s development, and urging the Port to expedite a press release to announce the implementation of the Portwatch app.

The indictment goes on to allege that Boyd, who was interviewed by special agents with the FBI last October, lied to the investigators when he denied having any financial interest in Metrowatch. The indictment alleges that Boyd falsely stated that BDB was created to sell body armor, and that he was unaware of the revenue-sharing agreement between the unnamed company and BDB. In relation to these alleged misrepresentations, Boyd faces three counts of making false statements.

Counts 8 through 16 of the indictment allege tax violations. Boyd is specifically charged with four counts of failing to file tax returns for the years 2008 through 2011 for his security business, At Close Range. He is also charged with five counts of tax evasion for the tax years 2007 through 2011 for failing to report income that was “substantially greater than the amount stated on the return,” according to the indictment.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

If he is convicted of all 16 counts in the indictment, Boyd would face a statutory maximum sentence of 124 years in federal prison.

Boyd is expected to surrender to federal authorities next week on a date to be determined.

The case against Boyd is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS – Criminal Investigation.

This article was released by the United States Department of Justice.

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A contract truck driver was sentenced today to three years and four months in state prison for illegally selling Oakley eyewear intended for soldiers in the U.S. Military on eBay after repeatedly stealing shipments from DHL processing centers.

Luis Albert Quintanilla, 48, Buena Park, pleaded guilty on Feb. 2, 2015, to 10 felony counts of grand theft with sentencing enhancements for aggravated white collar crime over $100,000 and property loss over $200,000. Quintanilla was also required to pay $299,000 restitution and pay a $580,000 fine.

At the time of the crimes, Quintanilla worked as an independent contract truck driver for DHL. Between October 2012 and May 2013, Quintanilla stole 10 shipments of Oakley eyewear from DHL processing centers intended for delivery to appropriate United States Postal Service facilities. He auctioned the eyewear on eBay from his home under the name “havetime2sell” by posting photos of the merchandise with the packaging box to emphasize their authenticity.

The total value of the stolen merchandise was $290,000.

The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) investigated this case after Oakley Inc. alerted USPIS about large shipments of Oakley eyewear that were mailed and stolen before it reached USPIS for distribution to soldiers in the U.S. Military.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Marc Labreche of the Major Fraud Unit prosecuted this case.

This article was released by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

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Buena Park man convicted of murdering girlfriend’s toddler

A man was convicted today of murdering his girlfriend’s 18-month-old baby boy by wrapping him up in a bedsheet to suffocate him and physically abusing him four days before his death. Cheyenne Mateo Fuimaono, 23, Buena Park, was found guilty by a jury of one felony count each of second degree murder, assault on a child resulting in death, and child abuse. He faces a maximum sentence of 31 years to life in state prison at his sentencing July 17, 2015, at 9:00 a.m. in Department C-40, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

During the evening on Nov. 26, 2012, Fuimaono was sleeping with his girlfriend and her 18-month-old son, Malik Perez, at the home they shared with the defendant’s parents in Buena Park. While they were sleeping, the toddler began scratching his ear and the defendant bit the victim’s arm, leaving visible marks on him.

At approximately 1:15 p.m. on Nov. 30, 2012, Fuimaono was babysitting the infant and was unable to stop him from crying. He murdered the victim by wrapping him up in a bed sheet, completely covering the infant’s face, and left him unattended in a bedroom.

At approximately 1:23 p.m., the defendant called 911 to report that the baby was not breathing. Paramedics arrived at the scene and found Perez lying unconscious and performed CPR on him. The baby remained unresponsive and he was immediately taken to Western Medical Center. Physicians at Western Medical Center could not revive the baby and transported him to Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC).

Doctors at CHOC noticed unusual marks and discolorations on the baby, including bite marks on the arm and bruising on his body. Doctors contacted the Buena Park Police Department, who investigated this case.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Steve McGreevy of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.

The article above was released by the Orange County District Attorney.

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The items shown below are selected from the logs of the Cypress Police Department. No inference of guilt is implied in showing any item in the Cypress police blotter.

April 27, 2015

Counseling – 9:47 a.m. – 5100 block of Orange Ave. - The caller requested counseling regarding a parent who had been harassing teachers and staff, creating a disruption on campus. The caller was also concerned for the subject’s daughter, who was showing signs of depression and becoming disruptive in class. The reporting party would call back if the problem continued.
Citizen Assist – 7:56 p.m. – 5900 block of Orange Ave. - The caller reportedly located a live cockroach inside her meal and she requested an officer to talk to the manager. The caller gave contact information for the Health Department. Assisted.

April 28, 2015

Medical Aid – 9:29 p.m. – Denni St. - The caller’s wife was passing out in her own vomit due to alcohol poisoning after drinking a bottle of whiskey. The female was breathing shallowly and was non-responsive. Medical aid handled by OCFA.
Assist Outside Agency – 11:04 p.m. – 5300 block of Bishop - A subject was continuously calling the Orange County Sheriff’s Department regarding his ex-wife in their jurisdiction. OCSD requested that the Cypress Police Department advise the subject to stop calling and that everything was alright at the ex-wife’s residence.

April 29, 2015

Municipal Code Violation – 12:27 a.m. – 6000 block of Lawrence - The caller reported an ongoing nightly problem with contractors working on the house across from the caller. Advised.
Defraud Innkeep – 9:21 a.m. – 5600 block of Cerritos Ave. - The caller gave a subject a ride from Los Angeles to the location and he did not pay his fare. The caller needed it documented for the cab company. The loss was $140.25.

April 30, 2015

Extra Patrol Check – 12:48 p.m. – 10200 block of Whirlaway - The caller requested extra patrol checks between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. because an unknown subject had been throwing trash in the caller’s yard.
Suspicious Person – 3:07 p.m. – 6000 block of Lincoln Ave. - A female subject had reportedly been in the restroom for over 90 minutes and was refusing to come out. Police contacted a local transient, who left the area and was advised by management regarding trespassing. She refused information resources.

May 1, 2015

Extra Patrol Check – 9:04 a.m. – 5800 block of Lincoln Ave. - Patrol checks were requested regarding a disruptive male subject seen driving every morning and harassing school children at the bus stop. Another parent also advised the caller that the subject may have been taking pictures of the children.
Disturbance (Juveniles) – 7:22 p.m. – 4200 block of Ball Rd. - Two teenagers in the park reportedly had sticks and were smashing down plants. The subjects were gone on the arrival of the police.

May 2, 2015

Injured Animal – 6:56 a.m. – Marion/Moody - The caller reported that an egret was stuck in the center median and appeared to be tangled in fishing line. The incident was referred to Animal Control.
Broken Vehicle – 8:51 a.m. – Ball/Walker - Police assisted a driver with pushing a vehicle off the busy roadway. The subject ran out of gas and had someone responding with gas.

May 3, 2015

Animal Information – 12:31 a.m. – 9883 Milton Cir. - The caller reported that a coyote attacked the caller’s dog in the backyard. The dog was not injured. The incident was referred to Animal Control.
Disturbance (Subject) – 12:50 p.m. – 6000 block of Lincoln Ave. - A male subject was inside the location and refusing to leave. He was outside earlier, harassing customers and touching himself. The subject was gone on the arrival of the police.

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The items shown below are selected from the logs of the Los Alamitos Police Department. No inference of guilt is implied in showing any item in the Los Alamitos police blotter.

April 23, 2015

Fraud Report – 9:39 a.m. – 10800 block of Bloomfield St. - The caller wanted to report fraud regarding several “washed” checks received. The mail theft occurred from the mail box. The incident was referred to the United States Postal Service Postal Investigation Bureau.
Suspicious Person – 12:42 p.m. – 10800 block of Bloomfield St. - A subject approached a parent at the middle school and asked what time school let out before walking over to elementary school. The subject was doing the same thing the other day and acting suspiciously. Party advised and will comply.

April 24, 2015

Grand Theft Report – 10:58 a.m. – 10000 block of Los Alamitos Blvd. - A former employee was terminated and reportedly had not returned work equipment, including a computer, chain wrench, and couplings. The reporting party requested a phone call to the subject and a verbal warning to return the equipment to the business. Counseled.
Welfare Check – 10:37 p.m. – 4300 block of Howard Ave. - A female subject was reportedly just sitting in her car, and the caller was concerned that something may be wrong with her. The police contacted the subject and determined that she was tired and listening to the music before going inside her residence. Party advised and will comply.

April 25, 2015

Auto Theft Report – 8:34 a.m. – 10000 block of Lassen St. - A 2007 Lincoln Navigator was reportedly taken two weeks before. Police determined that the reporting party was doing a divorce. They contacted the other party, who admitted to taking her vehicle back without the reporting party’s knowledge. No crime.
Disturbance (Juvenile) – 10:24 p.m. – 3700 block of Green Ave. - Two juveniles were reportedly ringing doorbells and then running off. The subjects were gone on the arrival of the police.

April 26, 2015

Traffic Hazard – 8:55 a.m. – Katella/Wallingsford - The caller reported a piece of furniture or a cushion from furniture in the westbound lanes of Katella, and vehicles were swerving around it. The responding unit removed a dog bed from the road.
Welfare Check – 4:34 p.m. – 11300 block of Los Alamitos Blvd. - The reporting party requested that the police check on a female subject who had reportedly been in the store every day that week and staying for four or so hours. Police contacted the female, who was using the restroom. She was advised regarding trespassing and sent on her way.

April 27, 2015

Suspicious Person – 3:07 p.m. – Katella/Walnut - A female who was bothering children had returned to the location. The caller advised that she was approaching them and talking to them about Jesus and scaring them. Party advised and will comply.
Vandalism Report – 8:29 p.m. – 3500 block of Cerritos Ave. - Juveniles in a motorized cart reportedly collided into the glass trophy case in the main lobby. All the juveniles scattered after the collision. Report taken.

April 28, 2015

Counseling – 5:02 p.m. – Katella/Wallingsford - The reporting party was in a traffic accident earlier that day at the location and was requesting advice on how to proceed since the other party only had an international driver’s license. The reporting party was advised to settle the vehicle costs without going through insurance and was advised in the future to contact the police after having struck an unlicensed and uninsured driver.
Assist Outside Agency – 10:49 p.m. – 11000 block of Pine St. - The OCFA was en route to a drunk subject who had reportedly fallen out of an SUV parked in the area. The subject, a possible suspect of a hit and run, was treated by OCFA. A responding unit located possible traffic collision damage on Los Alamitos Blvd. in the center median. Report taken.

April 29, 2015

Keep the Peace – 8:48 a.m. – 11000 block of Kelly Ln. - The caller advised that Golden State Water Company was at the location and changing the water meter. The caller was upset due to not asking for a meter. The reporting party asked them to leave and they refused. Police assisted, and the water meter was replaced.
Citizen Assist – 10:41 a.m. – 3700 block of Katella Ave. - A subject stated that he was in a vehicle collision in the parking lot of the location at 9:50 a.m. the previous Thursday. As he was attempting to get the other driver’s information, he was told to move his vehicle in order for traffic to proceed through. As the subject returned to the scene, the other driver had left. The subject was only able to obtain a driver’s license number and a vehicle description. The phone number that he obtained did not work. The subject was counseled.

April 30, 2015

Criminal Threats Report – 8:30 a.m. – 4300 block of Farquhar Ave. - A suspect reportedly posted threats on Facebook to kill the reporting party and her family. After reading the Facebook private message sent to the reporting party, it was determined that the subject was accusing the reporting party of making death threats against him and asking the reporting party to stop. The reporting party did not know the subject and would block him. The subject may have confused her for her sister. Counseled.
Traffic Hazard – 2:59 p.m. – 605 Fwy/Katella - A flatbed carrying a box truck was possibly wedged under the 605 Freeway on westbound Katella. The caller was unsure if he was stuck or the driver was just out of the truck checking the load. The vehicle was gone on the arrival of the police.

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Long Beach PD arrest four men in gang-related murder last month. The men were from Downey, Apple Valley, Palmdale, and Victorville.

Long Beach Police arrested four suspects in connection with a murder that occurred on April 4, 2015, in North Long Beach.

On Saturday, April 4, 2015, at approximately 10:53 p.m., Long Beach Police responded to the 2700 block of East South St. and discovered a male adult, later identified as 47-year-old Lawrence Lee Casados, down on the street with a gunshot wound. Long Beach Fire Department paramedics responded and pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.

On April 23, 2015, detectives arrested 29-year old Derrick Kujuan Murphy of Palmdale, in Palmdale. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office charged Murphy with murder, gang allegation, and personal use of a firearm.

On April 28, 2015, detectives arrested 26-year-old Murray Terry McCrea of Victorville, in Victorville. Donte Dumount Lee, 28-years-old of Apple Valley, was arrested in Apple Valley. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office charged McCrea with murder, gang allegation, and ex-felon with a gun. Lee was charged as an accessory after the fact.

On April 30, 2015, detectives arrested 28-year-old Dominic Jermaine Dixon of Downey, in Compton. On May 4, 2015, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office charged Dixon with murder, gang allegation, and personal use of a firearm.

All four are being held at the Los Angeles County Jail. Lee is being held on $500,000 bail; the other three are being held on $2,000,000 bail.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Long Beach Police Homicide Detectives Michael Hubbard, Scott Lasch, and Teryl Hubert at 562-570-7244. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or text TIPLA plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or visit www.LACrimeStoppers.org.

The article above was released by the Long Beach Police Department.

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Buena Park PD asks public for help in identifying Wal-Mart computer thief.

On March 25, 2015, a man entered the Wal-Mart store in Buena Park, removed “spider wrap” security cables from a Hewlett-Packard laptop computer, placed the still-boxed computer in a shopping cart, and walked out of the store without paying.

The man is described as in his twenties, about 5’10” tall with a “Rockstar” energy drink logo tattooed on his right arm. A surveillance photo shows him leaving the store with the laptop.

Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect, or on similar incidents, should call Buena Park Police Detective VonGries at 714-562-3969 or email the detective at jvongries@bppd.com. Refer to case number 15-13192.

The Wal-Mart store, part of the Buena Park Downtown shopping mall, is located at 8450 La Palma Ave. in Buena Park.

This article is based on information released by the Buena Park Police Department.

Featured photo

A surveillance photo shows the suspect leaving the Buena Park Wal-Mart. Photo courtesy of the Buena Park Police Department.

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On Tuesday, May 05, 2015, Orange County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of an attempt child abduction of an 11 year-old female in the area of Salt Air Dr. and Simon Ranch Rd., near Utt Middle School.

On Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at approximately 4:30 p.m., the 11 year-old female victim was alone walking her dog near Salt Air Drive and Simon Ranch Road. A white van with a male, Hispanic driver pulled alongside the female victim and attempted to lure her into the vehicle. The driver initially asked the victim if she needed help with her dog; after she refused, the suspect demanded she get into the vehicle by stating, “Hey, get in the car.” The female victim refused and ran home from the area. The vehicle was last seen southbound on Browning Ave. from Salt Air Dr. towards Irvine Blvd.

The vehicle was described as a white box van, possibly an early 2000 Chevy Astro van with the logo “Quick Clean” and a recyclable water symbol with a blue rain drop on both sides of the van. The “Quick Clean” logo/lettering is peeling away from the van. No vehicle license plate information is available.

Suspect in attempted child abduction.

The suspect driver is described as a male, Hispanic, approximately 30 years old with a shaved head, wearing a blue windbreaker with a zipper and sunglasses.

Anyone with additional information regarding additional victims is asked to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s 714-647-7060 or 714-647-7000. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227) or at occrimestoppers.org.

The article above was released by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

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Accomplices sought after Riverside man charged with multiple convenience store robberies in Orange, Santa Ana, and Newport Beach.

A man has been charged with being the getaway car driver in multiple convenience store robberies in Orange County. Richard Gomez-Quiroz, 20, Riverside, is charged with four felony counts of second degree robbery. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of eight years in state prison. Gomez-Quiroz is out of custody on $50,000 bail and his arraignment is scheduled for June 3, 2015, at 8:30 a.m. in Department C55, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

At approximately 11:00 p.m. on April 7, 2015, Gomez-Quiroz is accused of being a getaway driver during the commission of a robbery at a Chevron in Orange. Approximately 30 minutes later, Gomez-Quiroz is accused of being the getaway driver during the commission of a robbery at a Mobile gas station in Santa Ana, and 30 minutes after that, he is accused of being the getaway driver during the commission of a robbery of a 7-Eleven in Newport Beach.

On May 1, 2015, Gomez-Quiroz is accused of returning to the Chevron gas station in Orange where the first robbery occurred and being a getaway driver during the commission of a second robbery of that store.

A co-conspirator in all of the above robberies was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, dark gray jacket, blue latex gloves, a bandana to cover his face, and appeared to be holding a black semi-automatic handgun.

The investigation in this case is ongoing. Anyone with additional information or who believes they have been a victim is encouraged to contact OCDA Supervising Investigator Mark Gutierrez at 714-347-8864.

The San Bernardino’s Sheriff’s Department, Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD), Orange Police Department, and Newport Beach Police Department conducted a joint investigation of this case. SAPD arrested the defendant on May 5, 2015.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Brock Zimmon of the Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting this case.

The article above was released by the Orange County District Attorney.

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Leading criminal justice and mental health organizations are joining together in supporting The Stepping Up Initiative, an unprecedented national collaboration designed to generate action in communities across the country toward a common goal: reducing the number of people with mental illnesses in U.S. jails.

Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Sandra Hutchens, who represents the Major County Sheriffs’ Association and the California State Sheriffs’ Association, and other elected officials from throughout the state, held a press conference today on the north steps of the State Capitol to discuss the initiative.

“Major County Sheriffs’ Association and the California State Sheriffs’ Association are proud to be key partners in supporting Stepping Up. Creating an initiative that addresses the critical issue of mental illness in jails supports our mission to end the revolving door of mentally ill individuals coming in and out of our facilities by finding better alternatives for treatment.” said Sheriff Hutchens, Vice-President of the Major County Sheriffs’ Association and Board Member of the California State Sheriffs’ Association.

The Stepping Up Initiative gives counties tools to develop an actionable plan that makes more effective use of budgets, facilitates access to treatment and promotes appropriate alternatives to jail. The initiative offers a variety of support to counties, including expert guidance and exercises on collaborative planning and evidence-based practices.

Stepping Up is being lead through a joint effort of the National Association of Counties (NACO), the Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center and the American Psychiatric Foundation (APF), with support from the U. S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance.

A National Public Health and Safety Crisis

The number of people with mental illnesses in U.S. jails has reached a crisis level. Approximately 2 million adults with serious diseases such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression are admitted to jails each year, many who also have drug and alcohol use problems.

Once incarcerated, they tend to stay longer in jail and are at higher risk of recidivism than individuals without these illnesses. In addition, jails spend two to three times more on people with mental illnesses than they do on others. The additional time and resources devoted to these individuals do little to reduce re-incarceration or advance recovery.

Leaders in criminal justice and behavioral health agree something must be done on a national scale.

People with mental illnesses, their family members and advocates will play an important role in The Stepping Up Initiative, encouraging partners in government to embrace the call to action.

A series of local events are scheduled to demonstrate support for the initiative and to highlight current efforts to address the high prevalence of mental illness in jails.

For more information on The Stepping Up Initiative, visit www.stepuptogether.org.

This article was released by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

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Contra Costa County man convicted of exploiting Northern California woman in Anaheim for financial gain.

A Contra Costa County man was convicted yesterday of sex trafficking, pimping and pandering charges after he trafficked a northern California woman to Orange County. Laton Lateef Belle, 29, El Sobrante, pleaded guilty today to one felony count each of human trafficking, attempted pimping, and pandering. He is expected to be sentenced to five years and eight months in state prison at his sentencing on June 3, 2015, at 9:00 a.m. in Department C-5, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

Circumstances of the case

Belle is a pimp/modern-day slave owner who exploits women for financial gain. Pimps often establish rigid rules that their victims are expected to follow including requiring victims to not speak to other African-American males and setting daily quotas that the victims are expected to fulfill. The victims are required to turn over all payments received from sex purchasers to their pimp. Failure to follow these rules can result in physical and/or emotional abuse.

Between Aug. 4, 2013, and Aug. 7, 2013, Belle met 25-year-old Jane Doe through an Internet website known for prostitution and escort services. He sent Jane Doe a text message suggesting she go with him from northern California to Orange County and promised to help her make a lot of money. Belle drove the victim to Anaheim while he explained the rules and how much to charge for various sex acts. He then told Jane Doe he would keep all her money in exchange for providing everything she needed.

Over the course of three days, Belle instructed Jane Doe to perform lewd sex acts on sex purchasers and collected all the payments she received. He refused to give any money to the victim. Belle instilled fear in the victim by telling Jane Doe that he is associated with people who have killed people and knows where she lives. He further intimidated the victim by speaking to her aggressively over the phone and making her not feel free to leave.

On Aug. 8, 2013, the victim was contacted by an undercover Anaheim Police Department (APD) Officer, who arrested the defendant that day.

Members of the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force and the Orange County District Attorney’s (OCDA) Office work proactively to protect women and minors from falling victim to commercial sexual exploitation. This case was investigated by OCHTTF, a partnership between APD, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Huntington Beach Police Department, OCDA, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and community and non-profit partners.

Deputy District Attorney Daniel Varon of the HEAT Unit prosecuted this case.

The article above was released by the Orange County District Attorney.

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Santa Ana man indicted on charges related to high-speed pursuit and fatal collision in Westminster.

A man indicted by the Orange County Grand Jury for murdering a 12-year-old girl and seriously injuring her brother and mother in a high-speed crash while fleeing from police was in court today for arraignment on the indictment. Aleksandar Apostolovic, 32, Santa Ana, was indicted May 6, 2015, on one felony count each of murder, aggravated assault on a peace officer, hit and run causing death or permanent injury, and evading causing death, with sentencing enhancements for a prior strike conviction for first degree burglary in 2008 and multiple prison priors. If convicted on all counts, Apostolovic faces a maximum sentence of more than 30 years to life in state prison with an additional eight years in state prison. He is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing Aug. 13, 2015, at 9:00 a.m. in Department C-5, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office and the Westminster Police Department (WPD) released a press release April 7, 2014, with the following information about the case:

Circumstances of the case

At approximately 4:00 p.m. on April 3, 2014, detectives from WPD were working to locate Apostolovic to arrest him on an outstanding warrant.

Detectives located Apostolovic driving a Suburban in Westminster and attempted to initiate a traffic stop in marked patrol vehicles with lights activated. Apostolovic is accused of driving directly toward a marked police car, crashing into the front of the unit. He is accused of failing to stop for the police, fleeing at a high rate of speed, and failing to stop at a red signal and two stop signs.

Apostolovic is accused of crashing into two vehicles, which were not involved in the pursuit, in the intersection of Trask Avenue and Olive Street. The defendant is accused of murdering 12-year-old Vivian Nguyen and seriously injuring two of her family members, including her brother and mother, all of whom were passengers in one of the vehicles involved in Apostolovic’s crash. The defendant is accused of acting with malice by driving with conscious disregard for the lives of others.

The defendant is accused of fleeing on foot from officers into a nearby neighborhood. He is accused of entering an occupied residence and hiding in a bathroom. When the resident located Apostolovic, the defendant is accused of fleeing the home and was subsequently located by WPD officers with the assistance of an airborne Anaheim Police helicopter Forward Looking Infrared Radar, hiding in bushes in a nearby backyard.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Jim Mendelson of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.

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The Long Beach Police Department has arrested a suspect in connection with two robberies in the Cities of Long Beach and Arcadia

On April 20, 2015, a male suspect armed with a handgun entered a hotel lobby in the 4100 block of East Willow Ave. in Long Beach and demanded money from the hotel clerk. Approximately an hour and a half later, a male suspect entered a hotel in the 100 block of North Second Ave., in the City of Arcadia, and also demanded money from the hotel clerk. The suspect, in both incidents, was seen fleeing the location in a silver-colored passenger vehicle. Cash was taken in both instances, but fortunately no employees were injured in either incident.

When Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) Robbery detectives investigating the Long Beach incident learned of the similarities of the Arcadia robbery, they made contact with the Arcadia Police Department. Based on the suspect’s physical description, the vehicle description, and the manner in which the crimes were carried out, it was believed the same person was responsible for both robberies. During the course of the investigation, LBPD detectives, with the assistance of Arcadia Police detectives, identified 22-year-old Joseph Casey of Los Angeles, as the suspect wanted in connection with the robberies.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed one count of robbery against Joseph Casey for the Arcadia incident, and issued a warrant for his arrest.

On May 4, 2015, LBPD Robbery detectives served a search warrant at Casey’s Los Angeles residence and arrested him. A vehicle and additional evidence believed to be connected to both robberies was located at his home. Suspect Casey was booked for the robbery warrant and for a parole violation. He is currently being held at Los Angeles County’s Men’s Central Jail without bail, and pending his next court date.

LBPD detectives will be presenting the Long Beach robbery case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for formal filing next week.

Anyone who may have information regarding these incidents is asked to contact Long Beach Police Robbery Detective Fermin Gonzalez at 562-570-7068. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), texting TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.

The article above was released by the City of Long Beach.

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On Tuesday, May 5, 2015, at approximately 7:46 p.m., while conducting an investigation into an alleged inappropriate relationship with a female minor, detectives from the Cypress Police Department arrested Danny Aguilar (7-2-1954) for contacting a minor with the intent to commit a felony, arranging a meeting with a child for lewd purposes, child annoyance, and an enhancement for a child who is 14-15 years old with a suspect that is greater than 10 years older than the victim.

The suspect was taken into custody in the area of Walker Street and Newman Street in the City of Cypress after trying to meet with the victim to engage in lewd conduct. Aguilar was arrested without incident. He was later released from Orange County Jail after he posted bail on a $100,000 bond.

At this time, there is no indication of any additional victims.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Detective Hartman at 714-229-6738.

This article was released by the Cypress Police Department.

Featured Photo:

Danny Aguilar was arrested for child annoyance and other charges by Cypress Police Department. Photo courtesy of Cypress Police Department.

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Anaheim man charged with assault and human trafficking for pimping three women in Orange County.

A man was arraigned yesterday on charges of human trafficking, pimping, and pandering three women, and assaulting two of those women with his belt. Theram Clark, 32, Anaheim, is charged with two felony counts of human trafficking, three felony counts of pimping, three felony counts of pandering, and two felony counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon or force likely to produce great bodily injury. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in state prison. Clark is currently being held on $1 million bail and is scheduled for pre-trial on May 19, 2015, at 8:30 a.m. in Department N-12, North Justice Center, Fullerton.

Circumstances of the case

Clark is accused of being a human trafficker/pimp who exploits women and/or children for financial gain. The victims are required to turn over all payment they receive for sex acts from sex purchasers to their pimp. Failure to follow these rules can result physical and/or emotional abuse.

Between May 1, 2015, and May 7, 2015, the defendant is accused of pimping and pandering Jane Doe 1, Jane Doe 2, and Jane Doe 3 by encouraging and persuading the victims to engage in performing commercial sex acts. Clark is accused of pimping the victims by dropping the victims off in various cities in Orange County to solicit commercial sex and keeping some or all of the money that they received from performing commercial sex acts.

Around May 1, 2015, Clark is accused of meeting Jane Doe 1 in a hotel in Las Vegas, Nev. The defendant is accused of trafficking the victim by depriving her of her liberty and driving her from Las Vegas to areas known for human trafficking and prostitution in Orange County.

Around May 1, 2015, Clark is accused of meeting Jane Doe 3 in Texas and trafficking her by driving her to California to solicit commercial sex in areas known for prostitution and human trafficking in Orange County. The defendant is accused of depriving Jane Doe 3 of her liberty by keeping some or all of the money that received from performing commercial sex acts and keeping her from leaving by intimidating her.

On May 7, 2015, Clark is accused of assaulting Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 3 by repeatedly hitting each of them with his belt in a motel room in Stanton.

Members of the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force (OCHTTF) and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA) work proactively to protect women and minors from falling victim to commercial sexual exploitation. This case was investigated by OCHTTF, a partnership between Anaheim Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Huntington Beach Police Department, OCDA, Orange County Sheriff’s Depertment, and community and non-profit partners.

Deputy District Attorney Brad Schoenleben of the HEAT Unit is prosecuting this case.

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The items shown below are selected from the logs of the La Palma Police Department. No inference of guilt is implied in showing any item in the La Palma police blotter.

April 20, 2015

Petty Theft Report – 7:40 a.m. – 7900 block of Barbi Ln. – A radio, navigation system, driver’s license and credit cards were found stolen from a Toyota Camry, presumably some time between 2:00 and 7:30 a.m.

Health and Safety Violation – 1:27 p.m. – La Palma Ave. / Knott Ave., Buena Park – Following a vehicle search, a 38-year-old Anaheim resident was arrested on charges of violating the California health and safety code regarding possession of controlled substances and drug-related paraphernalia. The subject was released on citation.

Petty Theft Report – 7:04 p.m. – 5300 block of Orangethorpe Ave. – A security bicycle was reported stolen from the front area of the ADP building, presumably around 6:45 p.m.

April 22, 2015

Stray Animals – 5:28 a.m. – Moody St. / Crescent Ave. – A caller reported two large, but non-threatening, unattended pit bull dogs. A second caller reported that the dogs were bothering 7-Eleven customers by standing outside the entrance. While waiting for the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA) to respond, the police escorted the “friendly” dogs to the station and caged them.

Petty Theft Report – 7:16 a.m. – 5100 block of Decatur Dr. – An emergency bag containing money was reported stolen from a Toyota Corolla, with the theft presumably occurring through an unlocked door after 10:00 p.m. the night prior.

April 23, 2015

Petty Theft Report – 4:53 a.m. – 5600 block of Orangethorpe Ave. – The registration paperwork was reported stolen from an older-model Honda Civic.

April 24, 2015

Grand Theft Report – 6:04 a.m. – 7400 block of Dallas Dr. – Tools were reported stolen from a vehicle belonging to the City of Corona, presumably some time after 7:00 p.m. the day prior.
Burglary Report – 7:35 a.m. – 4800 block of Elben Dr. – “Equipment” was reported stolen from a BMW, presumably some time after 7:00 p.m. the day prior.

Grand Theft Report – 12:22 p.m. – 7400 block of Susan Cir. – A catalytic converter, an exhaust system component that contains precious metals, was reported stolen from a Toyota Tundra.

April 25, 2015

Bench Warrant Arrest – 9:06 a.m. – 7792 Walker St. (La Palma Police Department) – A 55-year-old La Palma resident turned himself in because of an outstanding bench warrant, and was brought into custody.

Animal Call – 7:06 p.m. – 7792 Walker St. (La Palma Police Department) – A woman brought two small stray dogs to the station, and they were kept there in a cage until SEAACA arrived to take them.

Animal Call – 8:52 p.m. – 7100 block of Rampart Ln. – A resident found a medium-sized dog with a paw injury in front of a house. The police brought it to the station and held it there until SEAACA arrived. The resident had initially called SEAACA, but reported being told “to let the dog go” before choosing to call the police.

April 26, 2015

Hit-And-Run – 12:18 a.m. – 5500 block of Orangethorpe Ave. – A 25-year-old Cerritos resident was arrested on hit-and-run and DUI charges. Police had a possible plate number and found the subject on the residential street listed on his vehicle registration, a couple miles away in Cerritos. After blood testing the subject was released on citation.

Petty Theft Report – 7:13 a.m. – 5400 block of Orangethorpe Ave. – A 7-Eleven clerk reported their iPhone stolen from the counter, but police were unable to locate the subjects the clerk described. The theft was reported approximately 10 minutes after it occurred.

Petty Theft Report – 7:56 a.m. – 3 Centerpointe Dr. (La Quinta Inn and Suites) – The back-row seat was reported stolen from a Chevrolet Suburban.
Patrol Check – 8:26 a.m. – Sharon Dr. / Willow Ln. – A caller reported a home and vehicle toilet-papered, and requested a patrol check. The officer on patrol found that more than one residence had been toilet-papered, but nothing was damaged.

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The items shown below are selected from the logs of the Los Alamitos Police Department. No inference of guilt is implied in showing any item in the Los Alamitos police blotter.

May 1, 2015

Traffic Hazard – 10:19 a.m. – 10500 block of Humbolt St. – Five trucks were reportedly parked on Humbolt, blocking access to the business. The police contacted employees and all six semitrucks were moved off of southbound Humbolt. Party advised and will comply. Extra patrol checks throughout the day were requested by nearby businesses for illegally parked vehicles blocking Humbolt.
Disturbance (Subjects) – 7:58 p.m. – 4400 block of Green Ave. – A male adult was reportedly accusing a male juveniles of dealing drugs. The teenager arrived in a brown sedan, and another teenager was in the driver’s seat. The teenager possibly had been drinking. A log item was issued and one party left the area.

May 2, 2015

Keep the Peace – 2:33 p.m. – 4300 block of Howard Ave. – The caller’s neighbor was arguing with the caller for trimming an overhanging tree in his yard. The caller began chopping down the tree without permission to avoid possibly damage to his cable lines. Both parties were counseled and would work together to keep it trimmed.
Disturbance (Subjects) – 6:44 p.m. – 11400 block of Los Alamitos Blvd. – A male, female and child were standing at the entrance. The caller stated that there was an ongoing problem with these subjects loitering in front of the building. The caller wanted them advised regarding trespassing. The subjects were gone on the arrival of the police and the caller was counseled.

May 3, 2015

Extra Patrol Check – 12:03 a.m. – 3900 block of Cerritos Ave. – The caller requested extra patrol checks in the evening, especially on Fridays and Saturdays when there are group events going on. There were ongoing issues with subjects going through the trash, as well as vehicle burglaries.
Vehicle Burglary – 11:03 a.m. – 5100 block of Carlsbad Cir. – AN unknown suspect broke into a 2007 Toyota Prius via a broken driver’s side rear window. The loss was a black wine cooler bag. The total loss from the stolen item and the broken window was valued at $1050. Report taken.

May 4, 2015

Counseling – 10:32 a.m. – 4000 block of Katella Ave. – The reporting party’s business partner changed the mail address again and had mail forwarded. The police counseled the reporting party, explaining that she should report this incident to the Postal Inspector and that the police would contact the Postmaster about this matter to see if there was anything that can be done to resolve the issue.
Patrol Check – 10:40 a.m. – 10000 block of Los Alamitos Blvd. – The caller said that a worker was using a pressure walker and all the debris was going into the street for cars to run over. Police contacted the subjects, who stated they had finished powerwashing the parking lot. There was no debris upon the arrival of the police. Advised.

May 5, 2015

Broken Vehicle – 5:56 a.m. – Cerritos/Los Alamitos – A driver was passed out in the driver’s seat of a vehicle. One subject was detained. Paramedics and a tow truck were requested to the scene. Male subject arrested for possession of stolen property and other drug charges later.
Counseling – 1:47 p.m. – 11000 block of Maple St. – The caller requested counseling regarding a vehicle that belonged to the caller’s sister, who was now deceased. The caller was trying to get the vehicle registered in her name, but the property owner on Maple had put a lien on the vehicle since it was parked on his property.

May 6, 2015

Counseling – 3:43 p.m. – 3200 block of Katella Ave. – The reporting party believed that he was being followed by a brown Buick Enclave for the past week. He believed that other vehicles were following him and that these subjects were also calling his cell phone.
Traffic Hazard – 5:39 p.m. – Katella/Civic Center – Police contacted a disabled vehicle in the eastbound lanes at Katella and Wallingsford. After pushing the vehicle out of the road, two subjects were arrested on drug charges.

May 7, 2015

Counseling – 6:01 p.m. – 4200 block of Howard Ave. – The caller’s neighbor was reportedly recording the caller’s children as they were playing soccer out front. Police determined that there was an ongoing disagreement between the neighbors about the kids playing in the front yard. One neighbor counseled regarding using the iPad as surveillance.
Suspicious Circumstances – 8:05 p.m. – 11200 block of Lexington Dr. – A female drove up to the main gates, crying, and stated that she though her life was in danger and that she was being followed. According to Station 47, they had contact with the female earlier that day regarding the same circumstances, that she thought her father was following her and that she saw his vehicle in the parking lot of the courthouse. The subject provided information for her parents, who responded to the location to pick her up. The keys to the vehicle were left with security personnel.

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