On 12/14/10, Detectives from the Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant at a residence in Strathmore.  While conducting the investigation, Detectives located evidence prevailing to the possible manufacturing of a control substance.  Further investigation revealed amounts of controlled substances along with other drug paraphernalia and ammunition.   Suspect Timothy Pierce was arrested without incident and booked at Main Jail regarding this incident.

Anyone with further information regarding this case is asked to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit at (800) 808-0488 or (559) 734-5974

On 12-07-10, at 1259 hours, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department was dispatched to an address east of Earlimart regarding a burglary in progress. Upon arrival it was discovered that the victim and owner of the property caught two suspects exiting his storage shed. The victim detained the suspects until the Sheriff’s Department arrived. Upon further investigation it was found that one of the suspects gained entry into the locked shed and took several items. All the stolen items were recovered and the suspects were arrested without incident.

Case under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department. Any information regarding this case, please contact Detective Hembree.

Narrative:

On 12-4-10 at approximately 2033 hours, Deputies received a 911 call regarding a victim who had been robbed and shot in the community of Poplar.

Deputies responded to the crime scene and to a local area hospital where they made contact with the victim. Due to the nature of this incident and its early stage of investigation, no further information is being released at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department, Sgt. Mc Kay or Det. Zaragoza at 1-800-808-0488.

On the above date and time, a deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at the above location for a minor traffic infraction.  Deputies contacted the vehicles driver, who identified herself as Kimberly Moore (39 Years).  A records check revealed Moore had (2) active warrants for her arrest.  Moore was found to be under the influence of a controlled substance and in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine.  A search of the interior of the vehicle revealed over (2) ounces of marijuana inside.  Moore was placed under arrest for the (2) warrants as well as the above charges and booked at the Bob Wiley Detention Facility.

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

On 12-1-10 at 0314 hrs, deputies were dispatched to a reported home invasion robbery at 22000 block of Ave 344 Woodlake, Ca. Three victis were in the home at the time of the incidend, one adult male age 57, one adult female age 48 and one juvenile male age 17.  The Suspects demanded money and marijuana (medicinal). 

Several suspects stood guard over the victims, while others ransacked the residence. The victims reported the suspects took TV’s, camera’s, computer, weapons, papers and medical marijuana.The suspects were described as numerous (five or more) hispanic male adults, possibly in their mid twenties. 

No injuries were reported.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Sheriff's Office at 800-808-0488.

Suspect-1:    Trinidad Valdez Martinez        Adult Male from Earlimart    Held on No Bail   
Suspect-2:    Xavier Ysauro Medrano        Adult Male from Pixley        Held on No Bail   
Suspect-3:    Hispanic Adult Male                        Outstanding   

 
    On today’s date at approximately 0700 hours, Detectives from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, Gang Violence Suppression Unit, STEP/SWAT, Narcotics, Patrol and Detectives units, with the assistance of State Parole and CDCR Special Services Unit, served Search and Arrest Warrants at four locations in the above listed areas.  These warrants were the result of an ongoing  investigation of a shooting that occurred in the early morning hours of Thanksgiving day, where one victim sustained a single gunshot wound.  
    During the execution of these Search Warrants, numerous items of possible evidence were seized as the items are suspected to be Gang related.  All suspects are suspected to be involved in Gang activity and this case is believed to be a Gang motivated crime.   All of the above listed suspects were arrested and booked without incident for charges ranging from Attempted Homicide, to outstanding misdemeanor arrest warrants.  A Hispanic adult male is still outstanding at this time.
    This case is currently under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office.   Anyone with information as to this case is encouraged to call The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 733-6218 or you can remain anonymous by calling 1-888-END-GANG
               1-888-363-4264

Narrative:

Loss/Damage value: Estimated : $7000.00

On 11-29-10 deputies responded to an address located on the 39300 block of Rd 12 in Kingsburg regarding several burglaries that had occurred at this location. Upon arrival evidence led deputies to the suspect’s residence located on the 1200 block of Ave 392. Upon contacting the suspects deputies conducted a search of their residence. Deputies located and recovered several items of stolen property that were reported missing from the burglaries. The suspects were arrested and booked at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Main Jail and the Tulare County Juvenile Detention Facility.

Suspect(s):

S-1 David Navarro Jr 20 years old from Kingsburg

S-2 Male Juvenile

REPORTING DEPUTY:                                                                    SUPERVISOR:

B Saldana S6522                                                                                Sgt H. Liles 

DATE/TIME: November 29, 2010

On 11/27/10, at approximately 1930 hours, Deputies responded to an address in the Pixley area. Upon arrival the victim stated four unknown subjects entered her residence. The subjects restrained the victim and took items from the residence. One of the subjects had a firearm and one shot was fired inside the residence. No one was injured. The subjects left in an unknown vehicle. No arrests have been made and this case is currently under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should call at (559)782-9679 or (559)733-6218.

UPDATE:  The female child was located in the vehicle and is three months old. The deceased are the biological parents of the child.  There was a troubled relationship between the couple and were originally discovered by a passerby.  The vehicle was there for several hours, less than 24.  The couple was from Delano.  If anyone has any addtional information please contact the Sheriffs' Office at 800-808-0488.

Prior Release:

Victim: Vanessa Majarro (deceased)  23yrs

Suspect: Victor Mota  (deceased) 19yrs

Tulare County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an orchard near road 148 and County Line Road where people located two deceased adults, one male and one female, and a live infant inside a vehicle. The infant was transported by ambulance to Delano hospital where she was treated and released to family.

The deceased adults each suffered from a single gunshot wound in an apparent murder/suicide in which the male, identified as Victor Mota, shot and killed the female, identified as Vanessa Mojarro, before turning the gun on himself and taking his own life. A handgun was located in the vehicle with the deceased.

The two adults and the infant were last seen by family members on 11/25/2010 at 1930 hours. It is unknown just how long they were in the orchard but it appears they were there for several hours before being discovered.

Case under investigation by TCSO

Narrative:

On 11-26-10, Deputies were dispatched to a reported home invasion robbery in the 15000 Block of Ave 288, Visalia. The victim reported a white female and three black males forced entry into the residence and bound her. Victim stated one black male suspect was armed with a handgun and demanded money, while the other two black male suspects searched the residence. Victim stated suspects fled with jewelry, cash and a half pound of medical marijuana.

The victim and witnesses described the suspects as follows:

S1 White female adult, 5'2" tall, 190 Lbs with brown hair

S2 Black male adult 6'2" tall, medium build, shoulder length dread locks, wearing black hoodie sweat shirt and black pants.

S3 Black male adult 6'2" tall, medium build, short hair, wearing black hoodie sweat shirt and black pants.

S4 Black male adult 6'2" tall, medium build, short hair, wearing black hoodie sweat shirt and black pants.

Suspect Vehicle described as a dark colored four door compact vehicle.

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

Anyone with information should contact Detective Joe Rodriguez at 559-733-6218.

On 11-25-10, at 0054 hours, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department was dispatched to an address east of Earlimart regarding a home invasion where shots were exchanged between the victim and three known suspects. Upon arrival it was discovered that three known suspects forcibly entered the victim’s residence. When confronted by the victim shots were exchanged and the suspects fled. The victim sustained a non- fatal wound.

Case under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department. Any information regarding this case, please contact Detective Hembree.

On 11/24/2010 at 1334 hours deputies at the Tulare County Main Jail found Mario Lopez hanging in his cell and unresponsive, in an apparent suicide attempt. Deputies immediately initiated first aid, called for on duty medical staff and called for an ambulance. Lopez was treated by jail and medical staff until ambulance personnel arrived on scene. He was pronounced deceased at the scene at 1346 hours.

Detectives from the Sheriff’s Department’s Violent Crimes Unit were called to the Jail to investigate the suicide.  Lopez had been arrested on 08/27/2010 for making criminal threats towards family members and was awaiting court proceedings. Lopez was housed by himself in a single cell during the time of his incarceration. 

    The case remains under investigation at this time. An autopsy will be conducted at a later time to determine the cause of death.

During the week of November 17^{th through November 20th 2010, personnel from the North End Gang Violence Suppression Unit conducted suppression patrol in the North County communities of Tulare County.}

They also made numerous traffic stops, contacted numerous subjects, including those suspected of participating in gang activity and completed ten Field Identifications. Six subjects were arrested and booked into the Main Jail and the Bob Wiley Detention Facility for fresh charges and warrants. An additional subject was cited to appear in court for outstanding arrest warrants

.

1. Kristina Vega (42 years) possession of a controlled substance and child endangerment

2. Yvette Sanchez (42 years) transportation, possession of a controlled substance, under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of narcotic paraphernalia

3. Juan Rodriguez (28 years) under the influence of a controlled substance

4. Sergio Lua (20 years) driving while under the influence of alcohol/drugs

5. Male Juvenile (16 years) violation of a court order / gang injunction

6. Juan Garcia (27 years) misdemeanor arrest warrant

7. Jose Luna (31 years) four misdemeanor arrest warrants

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)-END-GANG or (1-888-363-4264). Persons who provide information can remain anonymous.

LOCATION:  300 block of N. Church, Earlimart   DATE:  01-25-2010   TIME:  1926 hrs 
CASE NUMBER:  10-1002         VICTIM:  Alejandro Esparza, age 25     CITY:  Delano

As previously reported, on 01-25-10 at 1926 hours deputies from the Pixley Substation responded to a report of 2 gun shot wound victims in the 300 block of North Church in Earlimart. Victim #1, Alejandro Esparza, 24 years old, from Delano was found deceased at scene. Victim #2, Arturo Sanchez, suffered from gun shot wounds and was air lifted to an area hospital. He survived his injuries.

UPDATED INFORMATION
During the investigation, detectives from the Sheriff’s Violent Crimes Unit discovered that the suspect in the case was Tomas Antonio Medrano Corrales, 19 years old from Delano.

In September, 2010, detectives developed information that Corrales was in a rural area in Hidalgo County Texas. They obtained an arrest warrant for Corrales for charges of Murder, Attempted Murder, and Possession of a Firearm during a Street Gang Crime, Use of a Firearm during a Serious Felony, Carrying a Concealed Firearm, and Participating in a Criminal Street Gang. Detectives then began working with the US Marshalls Office in both Fresno and Southern Texas District as the investigation continued.

On 11-19-2010, Deputy US Marshals from the Gulf Coast Violent Offender Fugitive Task Force conducted a search of a residence in Elsa Texas, where they located Corrales and took him into custody without incident. He was booked into the Hidalgo County Jail on the murder warrant, and is being held without bail, pending extradition.

This case remains under investigation and if anyone has information regarding this case they are urged to contact the Det. Frank Zaragoza or Sgt. Gary Hunt from the Tulare County Sheriff's Department Violent Crimes Unit at (559)733-6211 or 800-808-0488.

Detectives with the Tulare County Sheriff Department’s North County Property Unit conducted a two week investigation regarding identity theft and passing fictitious bills.   During the investigation Detectives conducted a search of a residence in the 40000 block of Encina.
 
As a result of the search conducted, detectives located several items used in the operation for the identity theft.  The subject was taken into custody, on the below listed charges.
 

Taken into custody were:

1)    Charles Mauldin                49Yrs.                      Three Rivers   resident       
 
Charges: 470 PC , 530.5 PC 496 PC, 484 PC:  Identity theft, possession of stolen property/access card