On 2-04-12 between the hours of 2:00 pm through midnight, personnel from the North End Gang Violence Suppression Unit concentrated their efforts to reduce nuisance and criminal activity through saturation patrol in most of the rural communities in northern Tulare County. Personnel also performed several probation searches as a means to further an investigation or for random compliance checks.

Overall, several subjects were arrested throughout the shift for possession and possession for sale of a controlled substance, in addition to being under the influence of a controlled substance. Other subjects were arrested or cited for outstanding warrants. Those arrested were booked into the Main Jail without incident.

Paul Marquez (42 years) possession and possession for sale of methamphetamine

Fidel Aguirre (51 years) possession of methamphetamine

Abel Parades (19 years) possession of methamphetamine

Jaime Lopez (37 years) under the influence of a controlled substance

tcso@tipnow.com

or by texting to (559) 725-4194.

Narrative:

Victim: 21 year of old male, resident of Fresno Ca

On 2/3/12 at approximately 1725 hours, Tulare County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to the 4500 Block of Pratt Rd in Tulare in regards to a reported carjacking. Upon arrival Deputies contacted the 21 year old male victim who reported being carjacked in the 4500 Block of Pratt Rd by an unknown male suspect. Detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit responded to the area and took over the investigation.

The incident is still under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Jose Torres or Sgt Gary Hunt from the Violent Crimes Unit at (559)733-6218.

Case Number: 12-80026, 12-80027

On 2-03-12 at about 5:40 pm, personnel from the Tulare County Sheriff Departments North End Gang Violence Suppression Unit went to a residence in the 15800 block of Heather Avenue in Ivanhoe to locate a subject wanted on active arrest warrants, coupled with anonymous information that narcotics were being sold from the same location.

Upon arrival, detectives from the unit knocked on the front door and were greeted by a suspect, later identified as Victor Castaneda holding a baggy of purported methamphetamine in his hand.  Detectives detained Castaneda after a brief struggle.  Another subject identified as Rosendo Zavala was at the residence and detained for being under the influence of a controlled substance. After further investigation additional methamphetamine and a scale was located.  Approximately ½ ounce of crystal methamphetamine was located with a street value of about $600.00.  Personnel from the department’s narcotic division assisted in the investigation.  Those arrested were;

Victor Castaneda (44 years) possession and possession for sale of a controlled substance and resisting/delaying a peace officer.

Rosendo Zavala (42 years) under the influence of a controlled substance.  
 
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Department at 559-733-6218 or you can remain anonymous by sending your information to tcso@tipnow.com or by texting to (559) 725-4194.
 

On 02/03/2012 deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched to two locations in the area of Ave. 184/Rd.128 and Rd. 128/Ave. 168 regarding two seperate armed robberies.

One truck driver was hindered from driving his vehicle when a white truck with two aremed subjects approched the vehicle demanding money. A short time later a similar incident occurred with a second truck driver. Neither driver was injured.  An undisclosed amount of cash was taken from each of the drivers.

Discriptions from passers by identified a white truck for both incidents with 2-3 hispanic male adults.

Detectives from the Tulare County Sheriffs Department were contacted to assist in the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call (559) 733-6218 (24 hrs).

You can also provide your information anonymously through the Sheriff's TipNow program by calling texting or e-mailing your information to 559-725-4194 or tcso@tipnow.com.

Case Number: 12-00460, 12-80017, 12-80025




On 2-02-12 at about 4:14 pm, personnel from the Tulare County Sheriff Departments Gang Violence Suppression Unit, coupled with Community Based Officers from the Cutler-Orosi area, served a follow up search warrant in the 12800 block of Dawson Avenue Orosi, Ca.  The warrant was for gang related items pursuant to a past felony assault case that occurred at the Kwik Korner Market on 1-10-12.

During the service of the warrant, personnel located gang related indicia and a small amount of cocaine.  One adult and two juveniles were arrested without incident and booked into the Tulare County Main Jail and Juvenile Justice Center.  Arrested were;
 
Victor Garcia (20 years) possession of a controlled substance
Male Juvenile (17 years) violation of a juvenile court order
Male Juvenile (17 years) violation of a juvenile court order
 
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Department at 559-733-6218 or you can remain anonymous by sending your information to tcso@tipnow.com or by texting to (559) 725-4194.

UPDATE 02-01-2012/1600hrs:

This is an active investigation by both the Violent Crimes Unit and the Sheriff’s Tactical Enforcement Personnel (STEP) Marijuana Suppression Program.

During the investigation it was learned, the suspect (the decedent) and his partner had pulled up to the residence in a vehicle and made contact with one victim outside the residence.  One suspect brandished a weapon, and then both suspects entered the residence with the victim.  Additional victims were located inside.  The suspects demanded items and began to look through the residence.  One of the victims was able to flee the residence and alert law enforcement of the home invasion robbery. 

A second victim was able to arm herself and gunshots were exchanged between the suspects and the victim outside the residence.  Additional calls to law enforcement were made regarding the shots fired.

Upon arrival Deputies located the one of the suspects was wounded, transported and pronounced deceased. The decedent’s identity is not being released until next of kin have been notified.  The second suspect fled on foot and is still outstanding.

During the processing of the scene the Sheriff’s Tactical Enforcement Personnel and Marijuana Suppression Program were called to respond.  This location had been visited twice in the past regarding compliance with medicinal marijuana issues.

During the service of a search warrant at that crime scene, detectives discovered a large amount of packaged processed marijuana, many firearms including an assault rifle and a large amount of U.S. Currency. STEP detectives took over the marijuana portion of the investigation.

STEP detectives arrived at the scene and obtained an amendment to the Violent Crimes Search Warrant for marijuana and marijuana related items. Ultimately items seized by STEP detectives included  386 pounds of packaged processed marijuana, over 40 lbs of unpackaged marijuana, multiple firearms, pay/owe sheets, scales and in excess of $23,000 in U.S. Currency.  

The resident of the property, Candelario Andrade Moran was found to possess a medical marijuana card and several Care Provider cards which enabled him to possess several pounds of processed marijuana. However the presence of over 400 pounds of marijuana, the pay/owe sheets, scales and large amount of currency led detectives to believe he was selling large amounts of marijuana for other than medical use. State law prohibits the outright sale of marijuana. Possession of an unregistered Assault weapon is a crime. Detectives at the scene determined the children at the residence were also being endangered by the conditions they were forced to live in.

Street value of the marijuana would be in excess of 1.6 million dollars. 

Candelario Andrade Moran, age 32 of Strathmore, was charged with possession of marijuana for sale, possession of an assault weapon and child endangerment.

Photo available on the Sheriff’s Flickr page under this case number:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tularecountysheriff/sets/72157629135678243/

Decedents information will be posted once next of kin is notified.  The second subjects is still outstanding.  This case is still under investigation.

2011 statistics:
(20) 187 cases for TCSO, 8 related to Marijuana
(2) 187 cases in Strathmore, both related to Marijuana

This is the first shooting death and the first death related to marijuana for TCSO jurisdiction in 2012. 

PRIOR RELEASE:
On Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at approximately 1735 hours, the Tulare County Sheriff's Office began to receive multiple 9-1-1 calls regarding a possible disturbance with shots fired. 

Upon arrival deputies located a Hispanic, male adult suffering from a possible gunshot wound.  The subject was transported to a local area hospital where he pronounced deceased.

Detectives from the Violent Crimes and Forensic Investigations Units responded to assist in the investigation.

Reports were taken of an additional subject, a Hispanic male adult, who may have been involved in the incident having left the scene on foot.

Additional reports have also come in that these two subjects may have been involved in other incidents that may have occurred in the area.

This case is still under investigation.  As additional information is obtained and update will be issued.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call the Sheriff's Office at 800-808-0488.

You can also report your information anonymously through the Sheriff's TipNow program by text, phone or e-mail to:

559-725-4194 or tcso@tipnow.com

The Tulare County Sheriff's Office is seeking your assistance on locating two persons of interest on this case.  Their photos and flyer with additional information is posted on the Sheriff's Flickr page:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tularecountysheriff/sets/72157629105310583/

Garry Lee Dunham
Age:  43
African American Adult
Height: 5’11”, Weight: 170 lbs
Black hair, brown eyes

Brian Shantes Goodman
AKA: “Dooney”
Age: 20
African American Adult
Height: 5’8”, Weight: 180 lbs
Black hair, brown eyes

PRIOR RELEASES:

On 01/27/2012 / 2021 hours, Deputies were dispatched to a residential burglary in the 18900 block of Rd. 152.

The reporting party advised that someone had forced entry into their residence while they were away from the residence.

The reporting party reported that miscellaneous jewelry, electronic equipment and several firearms had been stolen.

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

Any one with information regarding this case is asked to contacted Detective Michael Rubalcaba at (24 hours) 559-733-6218 or (7 AM to 5 PM) 559-735-1853.

Update :

The Tulare County Sheriff Investigation bureau and Crime Lab responded to the scene and continued this investigation. Evidence was located at the scene, which lead investigators to the 200 block of Minarets street, in the City of Fresno.

A search warrant was executed at the residence, at which time some of the victims property was located. The suspects have not been apprehended and this is an active investigation. Anyone with leads in this case is encouraged to phone the Tulare County Investigation Bureau at 559-733-6218.

January 28, 2012. Sgt. R.W. Parker

Narrative:

 Case Number: 12-80021, 12-80022 and 12-80023

Crime:  11378 HS, 11377 HS x 2, 11550 HS x 2, 23152 VC and 3054 PC

Area Occurred: Ivanhoe, Goshen, Cutler and Orosi

Date and Time Occurred: 1-25-12 through 1-28-12

Victim: State of California

Personnel from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department North End Gang Violence Suppression Unit concentrated their efforts to reduce criminal activity by patrolling several rural communities in northern Tulare County.

Overall, three subjects were arrested for various felony and misdemeanor crimes involving the possession of narcotics for sale, being under the influence of a controlled substance, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance and for non-compliance through Tulare County Probation. Those arrested were booked without incident into the Main Jail;

Jeremy Cleveland (30 years) possession and possession for sale of a controlled substance & under the influence of a controlled substance.

Rolando Carrillo (28 years) possession of a controlled substance, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance and for being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Chad Ellebracht (36 years) non-compliance under the terms and conditions of Probation

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Department at 559-733-6218 or you can remain anonymous by sending your information to tcso@tipnow.com or by texting to (559) 725-4194

On 1/28/12, at 1415 hours, deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office responded to a rural address in the Kingsburg area regarding a residential burglary that was believed to have occurred within the previous 24 hours.

The victim reported a total of $3341 in property loss which included a ride-on lawnmower and $1365 worth of assorted firearms ammunition. The suspects also attempted to steal a Jeep from the garage but got it stuck in the mud near the residence and abandoned it.

During the investigation deputies with assistance from neighbors located tire tracks from the stolen lawnmower which led away from the property. Deputies followed the tracks approximately ¼ mile to a vineyard where they located $3251 worth of the stolen property, including the lawnmower and all of the ammunition, which had been hidden away for later retrieval by the suspects.

All of the recovered property was returned to the victim.

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


Taken into custody were:  N/A 

Charges:   N/A

Narrative:

On 01/27/2012 / 2021 hours, Deputies were dispatched to a residential burglary in the 18900 block of Rd. 152.

The reporting party advised that someone had forced entry into their residence while they were away from the residence.

The reporting party reported that miscellaneous jewelry, electronic equipment and several firearms had been stolen.

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

Any one with information regarding this case is asked to contacted Detective Michael Rubalcaba at (24 hours) 559-733-6218 or (7 AM to 5 PM) 559-735-1853.

Update :

Sheriff Bill Wittman will be holding a ceremony to promote Lieutenant Keith Douglass to the rank of Captain on Monday, January 30, 2012 at 10:00 AM. The ceremony will be held at the Tulare County Sheriff's Headquarter's Lobby. Friends and family will also be present to show their support.

Captain Keith Douglass grew up in Southern California and has resided in the Tulare County area for the past 25 years. He began his career with the Sheriff's Office as a Deputy August of 1986. Captain Douglass worked through the detentions and patrol stations, and served time with the Sheriff’s K-9 Team.  He was partnered with two dogs during his term with the unit and also served as the unit Supervisor once promoted to the Rank of Sergeant in October of 1995.  During his term as Sergeant, Keith began getting more involved with the technological side of the Department.  He was instrumental in the Patrol Unit Mobile Dispatch Terminal (MDT) Program, switching the Department to digital photography, electronic archiving and securing of digital files and became the CAL-ID Manager for Tulare County.

In April of 2002 Keith Douglass was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. While in this position he held terms of command over the Automation, Crimes Against Persons Bureau, the Main Jail, Administrative Support Services, Internal Affairs and the Personnel Bureau. 

During his twenty five years with the department, Captain Douglass has worked at nearly every station and in every division of the Sheriff's Office. Captain Douglass has been instrumental in numerous technological advancements the Department such as:
• Creation of the Sheriff’s Automation Unit which handles technology issues in house
• Assisted in the complete redesign of CLETS network to DOJ
• Implemented the GPS integration into the Patrol MDT units
• Assisted in the design phase of the County’s Unified Command Vehicle Projects
• Implementation of the Department Taser Use of Force Option and upgraded training procedures
• Retrofit and upgraded the camera recording systems throughout the Main Jail facility
• Created numerous case management databases for investigations and personnel to assist with tracking and statistical data
• Became one of the Department’s Public Information Officers, created the means for dissemination of Sheriff’s news and information to the community through use of internet web blogs, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube
• Acquired and implemented the use of electronic form routing and signatures through paperless systems for time management and tracking efficiency
• Upgrade of Department fleet vehicles and equipment issued/ installed
• Began the acquisition of the enhanced fingerprint identification system for Tulare County

Captain Keith Douglass is supported in his new career path by his wife, Cindy and his 17 year old twins, Craig and Victoria. Sheriff Bill Wittman offers his sincere congratulations to Captain Keith Douglass, and wishes him well in his new assignment as the Detention Branch, Facilities Division Captain. The public is welcome to join the department, friends and family in the Sheriff's Headquarter's Lobby Monday, January 30, 2012 at 10:00 AM to celebrate the promotion.

Refreshments to follow.

Photo avvailabe on Sheriff's Flickr page at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tularecountysheriff/sets/72157629048126107/

After an approximate one (1) month investigation into illegal narcotics trafficking in the Plainview Area investigators from the Sheriff’s Departments Narcotics Division were lead to a residence in the 19200 Blk of Ave 192 where a search warrant was served.  The ensuing investigation and search revealed approximately 67.8 grams of Methamphetamine packaged for sales, indicia, a large sum of U.S. Currency which were related to the sales of illegal narcotics as well as maintaining a residence for illicit narcotic sales.  Two firearms were located in the residence as well, one of which was reported stolen and is now recovered. The seized Methamphetamine would have had a street value of $6,780.00 had it been allowed to enter the illegal drug market.
Both suspects booked at the Tulare County Jail on the above listed charges. Both suspects bail amounts are $50,000.00 and are being held in lieu of at this time.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Division (559) 713-2950.

Photos available through the Main Jail.

Suspects: Rene Meza & Martin Bustamonte

After an approximate one (1) month investigation into illegal narcotics trafficking in the Porterville Area investigators from the Sheriff’s Departments Narcotics Division were lead to a residence in the 300 Blk of Cornell Ave where a search warrant was served.  The ensuing investigation and search revealed approximately 11.2 grams of Methamphetamine packaged for sales, 8.37 ounces of Marijuana and indicia related to the sales of illegal narcotics as well as maintaining a residence for illicit narcotic sales.
All suspects booked at the Tulare County Jail on the above listed charges.
Both suspects bail amounts are $25,000.00 and are being held in lieu of at this time.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Division (559) 713-2950.

Photos available through the Main Jail.

Suspects: Fred Carrillo & James Carrillo

11-13141  09-21-2010
12-01074  01-24-2012

Deputies contact Frank Talabera 20 while investigating numerous burglaries in the Poplar area.  Frank Talabera was taken into custody for his part in those burglaries and booked into the Porterville Sub Station.



This case is under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department,  Anyone with information please contact Detective Gezzer at 559-782-9674

Suspect#1 Jaime De Santos Salas, age 38 of Visalia, Ca.
Charges:  Possession of Methamphetamine/ Possession of Methamphetamine for sales/ Maintaining a residence for narcotic sales/ Child Endangerment.
Bail: $100,000.00

Suspect #2 Maria De Pilar Torres, age 38 of Visalia, CA.
Charges:  Possession of Methamphetamine/ Possession of Methamphetamine for sales/ Maintaining a residence for narcotic sales/ Child Endangerment.
Bail: $100,000.00

Suspect #3 Joanna Aregon, age 24 of Visalia, Ca.
Charges:  Possession of Methamphetamine/ Possession of Methamphetamine for sales/ Maintaining a residence for narcotic sales/ Child Endangerment.
Bail: $100,00.00

Suspect #4 Juan Carlos Duarte, age 27 of Visalia, Ca.                                                     
Charges: Possession of Methamphetamine.
Bail: $20,000.00

Suspect #5: Abel Martinez Nevarez, age 33 of Visalia, Ca.     
Four (4) outstanding arrest warrants
Total bail  $30,235.00

After an approximate one (1) month investigation into illegal narcotics trafficking in the Visalia Area investigators from the Sheriff’s Departments Narcotics Division were lead to a residence in the 400 Blk of N/W Second Ave where a search warrant was served.  The ensuing investigation and search revealed approximately 5.4 grams of Methamphetamine packaged for sales, indicia related to the sales of illegal narcotics as well as maintaining a residence for illicit narcotic sales.

There were six (6) minor children in the residence. The residence was deemed uninhabitable by the Visalia’s Code Enforcement division thus creating a child endangerment issue. The children were turned over to Tulare County Child Welfare Services. (male juveniles ages 2,4,5,6,8 - one female age 14)

All suspects booked at the respective Tulare County Jail facility 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.

Scene photos are posted on the Sheriff's Flickr page under Case #12-60001
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tularecountysheriff/sets/72157629020275449/