UPDATED 2-8-11:
Investigators from the Tulare County Sheriff's Department have concluded the forensic analysis of all media devices collected as evidence in this case.  During this analysis, there was no explicit content involving the SCICON facility or any local students.

The search did reveal in excess of one hundred videos and over one hundred photographs that constitute child pornography.

The child pornography loctaed appears to have been downloaded from the internet.

UPDATED INFORMATION:

On 2-4-11 detectives from the Tulare County Sheriff's Department obtained a search warrant to process media storage items seized from suspect Matthew Jones. The personal items consisted of a laptop computer, a cellular telephone and a digital camera.

Investigators are in the process of completing forensic examinations of the media devices in question. It is estimated at this time that approximately half of the memory has been processed which has revealed images of child pornography. Thus far in the examination, none of the content appears to depict activities at the SCICON Camp or involve any local students.

It is also estimated that the examination will continue through the weekend at which time further results will be made available.

**Original News**

Detectives from the Tulare County Sheriff's Department Crimes Against Juvenile Unit responded to the Science and Conservation Camp (SCICON) located above the community of Springville. The detective response followed a report that explicit images of minors had been located on one of the facility computers. The initial investigation revealed that the material met the criteria for illegal child pornography.

As a result of the investigation, a staff member identified as Matthew Jones was taken into custody on charges of possession of child pornography and booked into Tulare County Jail. Jones is reportedly a resident and employee of SCICON while here on a work visa from the country of England. Further investigation and extensive computer forensics are being conducted at this time to determine the source of the explicit material and identity of potential victims. The Tulare County Sheriff's Department has also notified the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) based on the suspect's citizenship status.

Anyone with information in regard to this investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Gezzer with the Tulare County Sheriff's Department Crimes Against Juvenile Unit at (559) 735-1898.

Suspect Information:
Matthew Jones
05-20-1991
Wales, UK

Suspect In Custody:

Montemayor, Michael  34 years from Orosi

On 02-03-2011 the Inter Agency Narcotic Enforcement Team (I.N.E.T.) consisting of personnel from Farmersville Police Department, Visalia Police Department, Lindsay Police Department, Exeter Police Department, Tulare County Probation and the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department concluded a three week narcotic investigation by serving a search warrant in the 41500 Block of Rd. 136, near the town of Orosi.
Upon securing the residence detectives searched the residence and located a small amount of methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia inside the house.

Suspect Michael Montemayor was arrested and booked into the Tulare County Jail for the following charges:

11377 H&S           Possession of a controlled substance.
11364 H&S           Possession of drug paraphernalia.
11357 (b) H&S      Possession of marijuana (under a ounce)

This case is still under investigation.

Suspect In Custody:

Furgerson, Jeffery L.  35 years from Ducor

The Oasis Market reported Jeffary Furgerson cashed two checks totaling $4,000.00.  These checks were later found to be forged and stolen.  The investigation led Detectives to a residence in Ducor where Furgerson resides.  A search of Furgerson’s vehicle revealed additional stolen checks.  Furgerson was arrested and booked into the Tulare County Jail.

Narrative:

Detectives from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department South End Investigation Unit responded to R236 in Strathmore regarding an Assault with a Deadly Weapon. The investigation revealed unknown suspects shot several times at the victim who was in the front yard of his residence. The victim was struck twice with non life threatening wounds. He was treated and released from Sierra View Hospital.

The case is currently under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department South End Investigation Unit. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact Det. Nathan Polk with the South End Investigation Unit at (559) 757-3527.

Narrative:

On January 28^th, 2011 the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department conducted a “zero tolerance” saturation patrol detail within the communities of Cutler, Orosi, Sultana, Traver, New London and Goshen.  The California Highway Patrol also assisted with the detail.  The event was performed, due to the recent increase in criminal violence within those areas.

     Overall, there were 79 Field Interviews, more than 67 traffic stops, 13 citations, two vehicle tows and seven arrests.  Those arrested were as follows;

Wayne Oxner (43 years) absconding from parole and under the influence of a controlled substance.

Francine Muniz (25 years) misdemeanor arrest warrant.

Floriberto Torres (29 years) misdemeanor arrest warrant.

Brittany Souza (25 years) under the influence of a controlled substance.

Raunel Denova (38 years) under the influence of a controlled substance with one felony and one misdemeanor arrest warrant.

Miranda Garcia (28 years) possession of a controlled substance, possession of narcotic paraphernalia, under the influence of a controlled substance and one misdemeanor arrest warrant.

Aaron Palacils (33 years) under the influence of a controlled substance and two felony arrest warrants.

On 01-27-2011, Deputies with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched to the area of Rd 48 and Ave 308 to assist a female subject with a Keep the Peace request. Upon arrival it was determined a male subject inside the residence had a felony arrest warrant.  William Meza exited the residence, climbed onto the roof, and threatened to kill the Deputies with a gun. Shots were fired by the Deputies. Nobody was hit and the suspect was taken into custody without injury.

Detectives with the Investigation Unit responded to the crime scene and took over the investigation. This case is currently under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Violent Crime Unit.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Department at 559-733-6218.

Taken into custody were:

1)    William Meza               27 Yrs.                      Goshen  resident       

Charges: 69 PC : Outstanding Warrants:  resisting  and criminal threats.

2)  Kaylen Regan                  22 Yrs                        Goshen resident

Charges: 148, PC and 11550 H&S :  resisting  arrest and under the influence of a controlled substance.

Suspect: Fields, Susan

On the above date and time, deputies observed a suspicious vehicle parked at the above location.  Deputies contacted the driver of the vehicle, who identified herself as Susan Fields (41 Years).  During the contact, deputies located a small amount of methamphetamine inside the vehicle.  Fields was placed under arrest for possession of a controlled substance.  A search incident to arrest revealed a counterfeit bill on Fields’ person.  Fields was later transported to Bob Wiley Detention Facility and booked for the above charges.

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

Suspect : Carrillo, Andrew

1-24-11 at approximately 1830, deputies were dispatched to the 300 Blk of S. Conner regarding an unknown male parking his vehicle in the reporting party’s yard. Upon contact with the subject, it was determined he was under the influence of a controlled substance. A check of the interior of the subject’s vehicle was conducted which yielded a baggy containing 2.0 grams of suspected methamphetamine. The subject was taken into custody and booked at the Porterville Substation.

This case has been submitted to the District Attorney’s office.

South End Gang Violence Suppression Unit

Time Period: Saturday, January 22, 2011 1500-2300 hours.

Location: Earlimart/Tipton/Goshen

Suspects: See below narrative

On January 21st and 22nd 2011, the following agencies participated in a Tulare County Gang Task Force detail due to a recent spike in criminal violence. The two day detail was geared towards subjects on Parole or Probation and/or with arrest warrants in the North County communities and cities of Farmersville, Exeter, Ivanhoe, Woodlake, Visalia, Goshen, Dinuba, Cutler, Orosi and Yettem.

Participating agencies consisted of State Parole, Tulare County Probation, California Highway Patrol, Visalia P.D., Dinuba P.D., Farmersville P.D., Tulare County District Attorney’s Office and the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department.

During the event, investigators recovered and seized more than 3 ½ ounces of crystal methamphetamine, approximately two pounds of marijuana, packaging materials, scales, U.S. currency, four stolen firearms with associated ammunition, a stolen vehicle and other merchandise. 30 Field Interviews were also completed.

There were 21 subjects arrested and one subject was cited to appear into court;

Jeremy Willis (34 years) arrested for parole violation

Blake Howerton (27 years) arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance with a parole hold

Christine Murphy (41 years) arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance with a parole hold

Alberto Escobar (25 years) arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance

Javier Gomez (30 years) possession of firearms, ammunition and stolen property with a parole hold

Noel Lozano (39 years) possession of narcotic paraphernalia with a parole hold

Danny Lozano (35 years) possession of more than an ounce of marijuana while out on bail from another case

Raul Barrera (31 years) possession of more than an ounce of marijuana

Jesusa Rodriguez (42 years) possession of marijuana for sale, possession of more than an ounce of marijuana

Remijio Garcia (19 years) possession of marijuana for sale, possession of more than an ounce of marijuana

Gabriel Campos (37 years) possession of a controlled substance for sale, possession of a controlled substance with a parole hold

Male Juvenile (17 years) possession of a firearm, possession of stolen property, felony possession of ammunition, under the influence of a controlled substance while in possession of a firearm

Raymond Guerrero (23 years) possession of a controlled substance with parole hold

Steve Sanchez (44 years) possession of more than an ounce of marijuana for sale, felony possession of ammunition

Todd Morgan (49 years) cited for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana

Alonzo Morales (28 years) violation of parole

Susan Sanchez (38 years) two misdemeanor arrest warrants

Timothy Anderson (45 years) possession of a stolen motor vehicle, possession of less than an ounce of marijuana with parole hold

Maria Olvera (31 years) two felony arrest warrants

Michael Broughton (24 years) under the influence of a controlled substance

Jonathan Grant (22 years) under the influence of a controlled substance

Christopher Walker (30 years) two misdemeanor arrest warrants

Due to the recent influx of Gang related violence in the southern Tulare County areas of Earlimart and Tipton as well as most recently, Goshen. The Gang Violence Suppression Unit has stepped up enforcement, with a Zero tolorence approach to gang activity. In recent weeks, Tulare county has seen an increase of gang realated violence involving assaults as well as homicide.

While the North End Gang Unit concentrated efforts in Parole and Probation compliance checks, the South End Gang Unit, with the assistance of the Tulare County Sheriff's Tactical Enforcement Personel and South County Community Based Officers, conducted highly concentrated patrol enforcement in the communities of Earlimart, Tipton and Goshen.

During these efforts, the Sheriff's Office obtained approximately 60 Field Interviews, mostly targeting known or suspected Gang members. There was also 9 adult arrests and 7 traffic citations issued.

Our Tulare County Communities can expect this type of enforcement to continue, as the Tulare County Sheriff's Office with the support of our communites are making it known to gang members, that we will not tolerate this type of Gang Violence.

Anyone with information regarding any type of gang activity in Tulare County is urged to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department’s Gang Violence Suppression Unit at the toll free number of: 1-(888)-363-4264 or 1-(888)-END-GANG. Persons who provide information can remain anonymous.

220 PC Assault with intent to commit sex crime, 236 PC False Imprisonment, Sexual Battery
LOCATION:  43600 Block Encina, Three Rivers          DATE:  1-22-2011          TIME:  1234 hours 
CASE NUMBER:  11-00983        
VICTIM: Confidential female, 19 years           CITY: Three Rivers

SUSPECT#1: Stanton Zaharoff LaVey, 33 years, Three Rivers
SUSPECT #2: Mishael Nicely, 24 years, Three Rivers


NARRATIVE:
On Saturday, January 22, 2011, at 1234 hours, deputies responded to the 43600 block of Encina in Three Rivers for a dispute call. The caller reported she had been sexually assaulted on Wednesday, 01/19/2011 by friends.

Detectives responded to the scene. During the investigation, it was discovered that the victim went to the suspects’ residence on 1/19/2011 in the afternoon. They smoked marijuana together, and afterwards, LaVey and his girlfriend, Nicely, would not let the victim leave their residence. The subjects tackled her, bound her hands with tape, forced her to watch pornography, and committed sexual battery on the victim. At 0300 hours on the following morning, she was allowed to leave and she returned home.

The victim received multiple bruises on her upper body and her arms. She also suffered from abrasions on her wrists and on her neck from the incident.

Both suspects were arrested at their residence without incident. LaVey was booked at the Tulare County Main Jail. Nicely was booked at Bob Wiley Detention Facility. Both were booked on the above charges.

The case remains under investigation. Anyone with information should contact Detective Joe Rodriguez at 559-733-6211.

       TIME:  0010 hours  
CASE NUMBER:  11-00953         
VICTIM #1: Hugo Cruz, 19 years           CITY:   Goshen
VICTIM #2: Guitano Morales, 29 years   CITY: Goshen
VICTIM #3: Baldomero Cruz, 24 years    CITY: Goshen
VICTIM#4:  Norberto Torres Murillo, 23 years CITY: Goshen

SUSPECT: 17 year old, Male, Juvenile. Booked at Tulare County Juvenile Detention Facility on charges of 664/187 PC, Attempted Murder, 212.5 PC Home Invasion Robbery, 186.22 PC Participation in a gang crime.

NARRATIVE:
On Saturday, 01/22/2011 at 0010 hours, deputies were dispatched to the 30600 block of Harvest in Goshen for several gun shot victims. Upon arrival, 4 victims of gun shot wounds were transported by ambulance to area hospitals.

Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit and Gang Unit responded. During the investigation it was discovered that several armed suspects forced open the victim’s front door, came in and began shooting people. Several of the victims fled from the residence after being shot. The suspects stole a cell phone during the incident. All 4 victims suffered from multiple gun shot wounds. Victim Guitano Morales is currently undergoing surgery. Hugo Cruz and Norberto Torres Murillo are currently in stable condition. Baldomero Cruz is in critical condition.

As the investigation continued, deputies saw a 17 year old male juvenile near the crime scene who fled into a field. The subject was detained and was later identified as one of the suspects in the robbery. He was taken into custody and booked that the Juvenile Detention Facility for the charges listed above.

The outstanding suspects were described as 3 Hispanic males, medium height, medium build, in their late teens or early twenties, wearing dark clothing with their faces covered, armed with firearms. They were last seen leaving the area on foot.

The case remains under active investigation at this time.  Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Frank Zaragoza from the Violent Crimes Unit at (559)733-6218.

On 01-17-11, at 1100 hours, Tulare County Sheriff Deputies responded to the 15200 block of Avenue 324, Ivanhoe, regarding a grand theft report.

Upon arrival Deputies learned that unknown suspect(s) trespassed onto the County property sometime between 01-14-11 and 01-17-11 and unlawfully took metal valued at  $30,000.

This case is currently under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff's Department.

Narrative:

On 1-15-11 at 0735 hrs, Deputies were dispatched to a reported theft of a tanker truck at Paramount Citrus, located in the 36400 block Rd 172.  The Victim reported a 2007 Freightliner tanker truck had been stolen during the night.  The vehicle was reportedly valued the vehicle at $150,000.00.

Detectives later recovered the vehicle in the 17500 Block of Ave 352.  The vehicle was relatively undamaged.

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

UPDATE: 01-19-2010

1-19-11 : Autopsies were conducted on both victims in this case. The official cause of death is perforated gun shot wounds. We still have not released the identity of the second victim pending positive identification.

Victim info: Ignacio Gonzalez (adult) 500 Block of E. Washington Ave Earlimart, Ca

Earlimart Homicide:

DATE:  1-14-11         
TIME:  2026 hours 
LOCATION:  Area of State and Washington    
CITY: Earlimart  
CASE NUMBER:  11-00596      
VICTIM:  Hispanic Male Approx 30 yrs (deceased),  Hispanic Male Approx 20 yrs (deceased),  Hispanic Male Approx 50 yrs (Stable Condition)

CASE INFORMATION:
Deputies from the Pixley Substation responded to the are of State and Washington in Earlimart regarding reported shots fired.  Upon arrival, deputies located two victims of apparent gun shot wounds.  One victim was determined to be deceased at the scene while the second was transported to a local hospital where he was also pronounced deceased.  The initial investigation also revealed a third victim who had suffered gun shot wounds to his lower extremities.  The third victim was also transported to a local hospital where he is listed in stable condition.

The case is currently under investigation.  Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Maria Garcia from the Violent Crimes Unit at (559)733-6218.