Over the past 10 days Detectives from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department S.T.E.P. Unit completed several months of investigations by conducting marijuana grow site raid/eradication operations on public and private lands throughout the mountainous areas of Tulare County. These operations were conducted with the assistance of Federal Officers from the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s C.E.R.T. program (Cannabis Eradication & Reclamation Teams).  The C.E.R.T. program has replaced the state run C.A.M.P. program.

Officers raided (11) marijuana gardens over the (10) day period. Four suspects were apprehended in various grow sites during raids. Additional suspects fled into the thick underbrush and steep terrain and have not been apprehended. Approximately 106,529 live marijuana plants were seized during these operations. If allowed to fully mature each of these plants would yield in excess of one pound of usable marijuana bud with a street value over $3,000 per pound. The total combined monetary value of these grows would be over $319,587,000.

In addition to the marijuana plants seized, detectives also seized several firearms, ammunition for various pistols, rifles and shotguns and multiple pounds of fertilizer, pesticides and rat poison. Carcasses of various animals were discovered in several of the grow sites, including one of an endangered Ring-Tailed Cat and evidence of a bear cub being shot by growers on U.S. Forest lands.

Detectives and Federal Officers removed trash, water hose, pesticides and fertilizers from the public land gardens and restored, as much of the natural streams and creeks which had been diverted by growers as possible (a process known as reclamation.) Additional work will be done on these areas to restore them to their natural state after the marijuana season, to lessen the danger to workers on those projects.

Refer to below for individual garden sites

July 5th
Crawford Creek  - Western Divide highway near Walk of 100 Giants.  TCSO Case # 12-60776

S1: Isain Cruz Mercado, age 24 of Mexico – Charged with 11358 and 11359 H&S, ICE hold
S2: Hugo Alberto Flores Torres, age 28 of Mexico - Charged with 11358 and 11359 H&S, ICE hold

Deputies contacted and arrested the above listed suspects who had been living in a marijuana grow in the area of the “Walk of 100 Giants” in the Sequoia National Monument on the Great Western Divide Highway. Subsequent investigation eradicated 4541 marijuana plants from this site. This site is scheduled for later reclamation.

July 9th
Backbone Creek 1, 2 & 3 Blue Ridge near Springville   TCSO Case # 12-60745

Benito Baldovinos Mendoza, unk age of Mexico ICE hold Charged with 11358 and 11359
Jesus Aguliar, age 49 of Mexico ICE hold, Charged with 11358 and 11359 H&S

Detectives apprehended the above listed suspects in this large marijuana grow on private land.  Subsequent investigation eradicated 30,617 live marijuana plants from these connected sites

July 10th
Backbone # 4 / Pine Creek, Balch Park, TCSO Case #’s 12-60745 and 12-60784

After an early morning insertion, detectives found that suspects fled into thick brush surrounding these garden sites on U.S. Forest Service lands. Detective’s eradicated 29,238 marijuana plants from the Backbone #4 grow site and 8,160 marijuana plants from the Pine Creek location. Cleanup efforts were completed on the Pine Creek site but due to the size of the Backbone grow site,  reclamation efforts are pending.

July 11th
Dry Creek #1 & Persian Creek, Badger TCSO case #’s 12-60789 and 12-60779

After an early morning insertion detectives found that suspects fled into thick brush surrounding these garden sites on private ranch lands in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Detective’s eradicated 3,078 marijuana plants from the Dry Creek #1 grow site and 7,974 marijuana plants from the Persain Creek location.

July 12th
Bennett Creek, Three Rivers– TCSO Case # 12-60794
After an early morning insertion detectives found that suspects fled into thick brush surrounding these garden sites on private ranch lands in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Detectives eradicated 2,156 marijuana plants from this location

July 13th
Dry Creek #2 & Dry Creek #3, Badger 
Detectives found that suspects fled into thick brush surrounding these garden sites on U.S. Forest Service lands as they made entry into the sites. Detectives eradicated 7,445 marijuana plants from the Dry Creek #2 grow site and 13,361 marijuana plants from the Dry Creek #3 location. Cleanup efforts were completed on both sites.

These cases are still under investigation by the TCSO STEP Unit. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office S.T.E.P. Unit 800-808-0488 or through the TipNow Program.  Text, voicemail or email 559-725-4194 or tcso@tipnow.com.

Pictures are available on the Sheriff's Flicker page under the set titled "Marijuana Eradication - July":
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tularecountysheriff/sets/72157630576275222/

this is a test only

Narrative:

On 7/4/12, Deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff's Department Search and Rescue Team conducted a rescue operation of two overdue individuals who were climbing a route on the Needles within the Giant Sequoia National Monument. The climbers were completing a climb on a formation called the Wizard when they were overcome by nightfall. Due to darkness and exhaustion, the climbers were unable to make it back to their vehicle by nightfall. Another member of their group who was climbing another route nearby contacted the Sheriff's Department when they had not returned. Deputies from the Search and Rescue Team located the pair and were able to extricate them without incident. The climbers were treated by search and rescue personnel for exhaustion, dehydration and mild hypothermia.

Each year a number of National Monument and National Forest visitors will become ill, injured or incapacitated in some way. The mission of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue Team is to provide for the most effective and efficient use of resources to safeguard human life and hasten the recovery of lost, injured, or stranded individuals. This will be by the rapid and safe response of trained personnel with appropriate equipment, employing effective SAR techniques. Search and rescue operations are conducted on a discretionary basis. The level and necessity of the response is determined by thorough evaluation of the situation by Search and Rescue personnel. Rescuer safety is always our first priority. Visitors coming to the National Forests are expected to exhibit a degree of self-reliance and responsibility for their own safety commensurate with the difficulty of their chosen activities; that is, the higher risk the activity, the more you need to be prepared for dealing with emergency situations.

If you find yourself in a true emergency and have exhausted all means of self-rescue and need assistance, be sure to provide clear, concise information about your situation and location. Be aware that help may be several days out and your best preparation is to be ready to help yourself. Always check the weather before heading out into the mountains and make sure someone at home has explicit, detailed information about your trip. It could save your life.

Narrative:

S1: McPhetridge, Craig 08/24/1966 Pixley

S2: Keck, Jeffrey 07/14/1965 Pixley

S3: Keck, Brandon 03/30/1990 Pixley

S4: Keck, Billy Ray 07/06/1986 Pixley

S5: Seaton, Gregory 04/10/1965 Pixley

On 07/07/2012 Deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff Department's Porterville Division received information regarding an illegal cock fight which was taking place within an olive grove north of Lindsay. Deputies responded to the area of Road 216 and Avenue 252 and discovered numerous individuals who were preparing and setting up a bird fighting event.

When Deputies made entered the grove in order to make contact, numerous individuals attempted to flee the scene. Deputies were able to detain five individuals, all from the Pixley area. Deputies seized seven (7) fighting birds, a large number of fighting gaffs, cages, betting cards and over $2,000.00 in cash. Tulare County Animal Control Officers responded to the scene and took possession of the birds. All five suspects were booked into the Tulare County Main Jail for charges including possession of fighting animals, possession of fighting bird tools and conducting an animal fight. This case is actively under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff's Department.

Suspect: Javier Ochoa Valdovinos, HMA, 29 years of age, Resident of the Strathmore-Plainview area.

On 07-05-2012, Deputies with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched to the 19700 block of Ave 195 in Plainview for an unattended death. Upon arrival, Deputies located the victim inside a travel trailer in the back of the property. During the investigation, Detectives discovered the victim had been involved in a physical fight at a convenience store at Rd 196 and Ave 192 in Plainview at 1900 hours on the afternoon prior. 

On 07-06-2012, an autopsy was performed on the victim. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma to the chest and head caused during the fight. 

During the investigation, Detectives with the Tulare County Sheriff's Department were able to identify Javier Ochoa Valdovinos as being involved in the assault of the victim. photographs Were taken from the store video surveillance during the incident and are available to the media. Contact TCSO Dispatch so photo's can be e-mailed 559-733-6218. The suspect was last seen leaving northbound on Rd 196 in a white Dodge Ram P/U. 

This case is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this investigation or a current location on Valdovinos is encouraged to contact Detective Sanchez or Detective Torres from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Violent Crimes Unit at 559-733-6218. Or you can remain anonymous and text or email the Sheriff’s Department at tcso@tipnow.com or 559-725-4194. 

On 3/6/2012 the Tulare County Sheriff's Department Crimes against Children Unit was contacted by staff of the Pixley Unified School District. Detectives were advised that a confidential juvenile female reported that known suspect, Michael Risenhoover had been sexually assaulting her over the course three years. The suspect, Michael Risenhoover, a Correctional Deputy is a nine year veteran Tulare County Sheriff's Department. He is currently assigned to the Detentions Division and was arrested on a warrant for the above listed charges.

He is being held at the Tulare County Main Jail in lieu of $1,300,000.00 bail.

Anybody with additional information is encouraged to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Crimes Against Children’s Unit Detective Katherine Garcia

559-735-1970.

Photo of suspect available at the Tulare County Jail.

Amendment

Narrative:

(S-1) Cesar Frias 19 yrs. (S-2) Jonathan Gallegos 21 yrs. (S3) 17yr old male Juvenile

On the above listed date and time the above mentioned suspects were found to be in possession of stolen property. The suspects were seen in a stolen vehicle and were later aprehended and taken into custody without incident. The stolen vehicle and property were recovered and released to the victim at the scene. All three suspects were Southern gang member affiliates.

Case under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department.

Tuesday 7/3/12 Deputies were dispatched to the 30000 block of Road 69 in Goshen regarding a burglary. The Business Owner, discovered suspects entered a trailer to his business and stole several power tools and surveillance camera equipment. The victim estimated the total loss to be worth approximately $685.00.

Evidence led to suspects Albert Romo (21yrs) out of Goshen and Carlos Romo (41yrs) out of Goshen. Both suspects were arrested, and booked at Main Jail.

     On 07/03/12, at 1420 hours, Tulare County Sheriff Deputies responded to a home in the rural area of Ivanhoe regarding a residential burglary.
     Upon arrival, Deputies learned that unknown suspect(s) entered their home on this day and removed several items of personal property before fleeing to an unknown location. 

This case is still being investigated by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department. 

Anyone with information can remain anonymous.  Please contact 1-800-808-0488 or contact Detective J. Kennedy at 559-735-1898.

On 07/01/2012, Deputies from the Orosi substation were involved in a vehicle pursuit with a stolen vehicle from the Dinuba area. The pursuit ended in the city of Dinuba after the vehicle became disabled in the area of Jst and Fresno after it collided with a tree and sidewalk. The driver fled the scene and was taken into custody after a short foot chase. 

The case is currently under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office. 

Taken into custody were:

Nancy Vasquez Casimiro  27 Yrs

On 6-30-2012 at approximately 0000 hours, Deputies from the Orosi Substation responded to an address on the 38500 block of Rd 28 regarding a report of a theft of a tractor in progress.  Once on scene Deputies determined that a theft had occurred which resulted in an approximate $2,100.00 property loss.  The suspect, and victims son Steven Avila, was located by Deputies on the stolen tractor in the Bull Frogs Bar of the Riverland RV Park.  The suspect was taken into custody and the property returned to the owner. 

The case is currently under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office.

Taken into custody was: Steven Nick Avila 42 yrs)  

On 06-30-12 at approximately 1600 hours Tulare County Sheriff’s Deputies and Agricultural Crime Detectives conducted an undercover surveillance operation in the area of Charter Oak and Ave. 315, Visalia, due to a rash of recent vehicle burglaries in the area.  During this operation, Justin Kane was observed breaking a vehicle window and stealing personal items from inside the vehicle.  He was then detained with his two accomplices, Luis Garcia and John Moore.

Sheriff’s deputies and detectives then recovered the property which was stolen, located the victims, and returned the property to them.  Justin Kane, Luis Garcia, and John Moore were then booked on charges of conspiracy and vehicle burglary.  Kane faces additional charges of possession of burglary tools and committing a criminal offense while out on bail.    

This case is currently under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff Departments Agricultural Crimes Unit.  Anyone with information regarding this case or similar cases is asked to contact Det. J. Whaley or Sgt. H. Liles at (559) 735-1853 or (559) 733-6218.  Anonymous information may be provided by e-mailing tcso@tipnow.com or by texting (559) 725-4194.  

Suspect:    #1 Fortunato Lueviano Torres    Age:    60 yrs
City of Residence:     Cutler, Ca.
Suspect:    #2 Joel Arreola Cruz    Age:    52
City of Residence:     Cutler, Ca.
Suspect     #3:  Pedro Salazar Rocha                             23 yrs
                     Cutler, Ca.

    Investigators from the Sheriff’s Departments STEP Team were conducting investigations into illegal marijuana cultivations in the unincorporated area of Cutler which led to the service of a search warrant in the 39100 Blk of RD 108.
           The ensuing search and investigation revealed that the listed suspects were cultivating marijuana under the guise of Medical Marijuana and indicia related to sales of marijuana were also located.
A total of 732 marijuana plants in various stages of growth were seized and eradicated.
All the suspects were booked at the Tulare County Main Jail on the above listed charges.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Division (559) 713-2950.

Suspect:    #1 Pablo Arjona    Age:    23
City of Residence:     Lindsay, Ca.  Charges: 11358 H&S/ 11359 H&S/ 11370.1 H&S
Suspect:    #2 Trinidad Carrillo    Age:    26
City of Residence:     Lindsay, Ca.  Charges: 11358 H&S/ 11359 H&S/ 11370.1 H&S

Suspect  #3:  Luis Ochoa                        45 yrs
                     Lindsay, Ca.    Charges: 11358 H&S/

Investigators from the Sheriff’s Departments STEP Team were conducting investigations into illegal marijuana cultivations in the unincorporated area of Lindsay which led to the service of six search warrants at the following locations:
Location #1- 1300 Blk E. Fir
Location #2- 1300 Blk N. Foothill
Location #3- 1100 Blk N. Harvard
Location #4- 1100 Blk N. Harvard
Location #5- 2400 Blk Rd 224
Location #6- 23100 Blk Ave 232
The ensuing searches and investigation revealed that Pablo Arajona and Trinidad Carrillo were in possession of two (2) pounds of processed marijuana, seven (7) pounds of partially processed marijuana two handguns, indicia related to sales and cultivating marijuana under the guise of Medical Marijuana.
Luis Ochoa was found to be cultivating marijuana under the guise of Medical Marijuana as well.
A total of 1800 marijuana plants in various stages of growth were seized and eradicated between all the locations..
All the suspects were booked at the Porterville Substation on the above listed charges.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Division (559) 713-2950.

Photos available through the Main Jail.

Suspect:    #1 Hispanic Female (Out of Custody)    Age:    57
City of Residence:     Visalia, Ca.              11351/11352/ 11353.6/ 11366/ 11358  H&S 
Suspect:    #2 Daniel Salinas Chavez    Age:    51
City of Residence:     Visalia, Ca.             11351/11352/ 11353.6/ 11366/ 11358  H&S 

After an approximate three (3) week investigation into illegal narcotics trafficking in the Visalia area, investigators from the Inter-Agency Narcotics Enforcement Team were lead to a residence in the 1200 Blk of N. Park where a search warrant was served.  The ensuing investigation and search revealed that the listed suspects were in possession of approximately 1.1 ounces of Heroin, 4 ounces of Marijuana, indicia related to the sale of illegal narcotics, maintaining a residence for illicit narcotic sales, Cultivation of marijuana. A sum of cash was also seized. It was further determined that the residence was in close proximity to an elementary school.

The following persons arrived at the residence while the narcotic investigators were there conducting the investigation and were arrested for the following charges:

Paul Navarette                    41 yrs       Visalia, Ca    11550 H&S
Yvonne Uranga                  43 yrs        Visalia, Ca   11550 H&S
Louie Lucian Uriate           55 yrs        Visalia, Ca    11350 H&S 11550 H&S
   
All suspects booked at their respective Tulare County Jail facilities on the listed charges. Suspect #1 is out of custody at this time pending charges.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Division/ INET (559) 713-2950.

Photos available through the Main Jail