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

On November 3rd, 2010, Det. Cathy Garcia was awarded “Patrick Sullivan Investigator of the year Award”. Det. Garcia has been a member of the Tulare County Sexual Assault unit since 2008. Det. Garcia is a very passionate about her assignment and has proven time and time again her dedication to the arrest and prosecution of sexual predators. She was selected from a pool of very qualified applicants for this award. On one of the specific cases she was nominated for the award with, she received a conviction for a suspect that resulted in 711 years to life in prison. The Tulare County Sheriff’s Department is proud of Det. Garcia accomplishments as she continues to serve the citizens of Tulare County. 

Some of the guidleines and criteria for award nomination consist of:

• How the nominee affected change or added to a present state of affairs
• How the nominee increased awareness of the plight of victims
• How the nominee made a difference in the community to effect change toward the overall good as it effects the entire Sexual Assault Response Team concept
• How the nominee overcame great obstacles to investigate, close, and prosecure a case
• How the nominee supported the overall good of the population to protect and work towards more protective legislation
• How the nominee supported and contributed to the overalll success of forensic sciences in the investigation of sexual assault cases

Detectives from the Tulare County Sheriff's Office have received this award for the last three years. Past recipients of this award include Det. Jason Kenndy (2009) and Det. Rodney Klassen (2008.) All three recipients are current members of the Tulare County Bureau of Investigations unit.

For more information regarding the California Sexual Assault Investigators Association and the "Patrick Sullivan Investigator of the Year Award"  please see  their website at  http://www.csaia.org/ .

*editors note:  a photograph WILL NOT be available of the detective due to types of investigations she may work on in the future. 

On 11-16-2010 the Inter Agency Narcotic Enforcement Team (I.N.E.T.) consisting of personnel from Lindsay Police Department, Farmersville Police Department, Exeter Police Department, Tulare County Probation and the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department concluded a three week investigation by serving a search warrant in the 400 block of South Rose in the City of Farmersville. Suspect Adrian Juarez was arrested and booked into the Tulare County Main Jail for the following charges:

11377 H&S        Possession of methamphetamine
11366 H&S        Maintaining a location for use/sales of a controlled substance. 
11364 H&S        Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
            


Suspect Juarez bail is set at $ 10,000.00.

This case is still under investigation.

UPDATED INFORMATION:
    On Friday, 11/12/2010 an autopsy was performed on Ayon. The cause of death was determined to be multiple gun shot wounds to the body.
    Suspect Francisco Ayon and person of interest Aaron Celestino Chavez, 24 years, Earlimart are both still outstanding and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Joe Torres or Det. Bari Molyneux at (559) 735-1898 or (800) 808-0488.

Suspect # 1 - Juvenal Ibarra Lemus, Lindsay Ca.  45 yoa


On 11/15/10 at 1400 hrs. detectives of the Sheriff’s Tactical Enforcement Personnel (S.T.E.P.) Team responded to the 23100 block of Ave. 224 Lindsay  for the service of a Search Warrant in regards to the cultivation of marijuana. Upon arrival detectives contacted the above listed  suspect and determined he had a medical marijuana recommendation . During the course of the investigation it was determined that suspect Lemus had processed marijuana in excess of that he was allowed to possess under his medical recommendation. An excess of 75 lbs of processed marijuana was seized. In addition a stolen shotgun, an illegal assault weapon and a large amount of U.S. currency were located and seized from the location. Further investigation located forged documents and Resident Alien cards along with equipment and materials for making the cards.

California law allows medical recommend holders or their primary caregivers to cultivate and possess marijuana within the limits of their doctor issued recommendation. It does not allow the possession of marijuana for sale under any circumstances. It has become common for suspects to utilize the loopholes in the California Compassionate Use act to hide behind and facilitate criminal cultivation and sales of marijuana. A Federal hold was placed by the Immigration and Naturalization Service in regards to the forged I.D. cards.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Det. Holguin or Sgt. Franks at the STEP Unit.

On 11-12-10 at approximately 2303 hours, a Tulare County Sheriff's Deputy assigned to the Orosi substation was on routine patrol in the Cutler area when he contacted a suspicious subject on a bicycle. Upon contact, the subject immediately attempted to evade the deputy fleeing to the area of Ave 403 and Ralph Rd where he abandoned his bicycle and fled on foot. As the deputy pursued on foot, he was able to make contact with the subject who turned and confronted him. The subject ignored commands given by the deputy and made a furtive movement reaching into his sweatshirt pocket. The deputy responded to the threat by drawing his side arm and firing one round that did not strike the subject. The subject once again fled and was not located despite a search by assisting deputies. Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Detective Cesar Fernandez with the Tulare County Sheriff's Department Violent Crimes Division at (559) 735-1898.

Narrative:

During the week of November 10^th through November 13^th 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 11 Field Identifications. Two subjects were arrested and booked into the Main Jail and the Bob Wiley Detention Facility and two others were cited in the field to appear at court.

1. Richard Urbano (22 years) under the influence of a controlled substance

2. Arlene Yanez (47 years) felony arrest warrant

3. Alex Manzo (19 years) possession of less than an ounce of marijuana

4. Raymond Villareal (28 years) misdemeanor arrest warrant

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.

Victim: Alberto Gerardo Aguirre (20 years) Orosi, Ca.

Suspect 1: Male Juvenile (17 years) 12700 block of Miller Avenue Orosi, Ca.

Charges: 245 PC – (assault with a deadly weapon) booked into the Juvenile Justice Center

Suspect 2: Unknown Male Juvenile (16 to 18 years)

On 11-12-10 at about 11:12 a.m., Alberto Aguirre (20 years) was riding a bicycle in the area of Avenue 414 and Road 130 in Orosi, Ca. During that time, Aguirre was approached by two occupants in a vehicle and gang slurs were exchanged. The vehicle then struck Aguirre and knocked him from the bicycle, at which time the two suspects exited the vehicle and assaulted Aguirre with deadly weapons. The suspects then fled the area in the vehicle. Aguirre was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released for non-life threatening injuries.

A short while later, deputies from the sheriff’s Orosi patrol substation located the suspect vehicle and detained the driver who was a 17 year old male juvenile. Through further investigation, the juvenile was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and booked into the Juvenile Justice Center.

A search warrant was later executed at the suspects residence in the 12700 block of Miller Avenue Orosi, Ca. Detectives located a rifle, and miscellaneous gang paraphernalia.

The second suspect is still outstanding. Anyone with information regarding this investigation or 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 (559) 735-1862. Persons who provide information can remain anonymous.

Suspect In Custody:

Lugo, Mark  18 years of Exeter

Suspect Mark Lugo is an employee of ABM Janitorial out of Visalia, a private company contracted to provide janitorial servioces at the Tulare County Superior Court.  The suspect was caught on video surveillance taking money and other items from the Judge's chambers.  A Tulare County Sheriff's Office Detective was called to take over the investigation.  During questioning the suspect admitted to a prior theft from the Judge's chambers.  The suspect was arrested and booked into Tulare County Main Jail on two counts of burglary.

Case investiaged by Tulare County Sheriff's Office.

***Updated Information****

MISSING PERSON BLANCA CHAVEZ RETURNED HOME SAFELY AND WAS CONTACTED BY DETECTIVES. SHE IS NO LONGER LISTED AS A MISSING PERSON RELATED TO THIS CASE.

    Suspect Description:     Francisco Ayon is described as an Hispanic male adult, 5'08", 185 lbs, black hair, brown eyes, with a tattoo of “Ayon” on his right forearm. Unknown clothing. Ayon is wanted for investigation of murder.
    Person of Interest:     Aaron Celestino Chavez, 24 years, Earlimart
                Described as Hispanic male adult, 5'07", 160 lbs, black hair, brown eyes. Is wanted for 3 unrelated warrants for various charges including DUI and Felony evading arrest. Chavez is on active parole and is wanted for questioning in this case.
    Missing Person:    Blanca Chavez (no relation), 18 years from Visalia, described as an Hispanic female adult with long black hair, medium height and build, last seen wearing a white tube top, blue spandex shorts and blue socks, leaving the scene on foot at the time of the incident.

    During this investigation it was discovered the victim and suspect had been at the residence off and on throughout the day. When the victim returned, the suspect shot the victim with an undisclosed type firearm. The suspect and person of interest fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle, which was later located in the city of Delano near 9th and Ellington. Ayon should be considered armed and dangerous.
    Blanca Chavez was last seen leaving the scene on foot and detectives would like to check her welfare and speak to her in regards to this case.
    Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Bari Molyneux or Det. Cesar Fernandez at (559) 735-1898 or (800) 808-0488.

    For Photos of Suspect and other individuals involved visit  http://www.tularesheriff.info/187_suspects.html

On 11-10-10 at approximately 1902 hrs Deputies from the Pixley Substation were dispatched to the 400 blk. of S. Market, Earlimart in regards to a shots fired call with a man down. Upon the deputies’ arrival they found a male Hispanic subject later identified as the victim deceased with multiple gunshot wounds.
    Detectives from the Sheriff’s Departments Violent Crimes Unit were called to investigate the incident.  The investigation is in the beginning stages and more information will be released when available.
    Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Bari Molyneux at (559) 735-1898 or (800) 808-0488.

Narrative:

Suspect:  Lemus, Jose & Zavala, Luis

On the above date and time, deputies responded to the above location regarding a fight with weapons in progress. Upon arrival, the victims told deputies the suspects, Lemus and Zavala, struck them with weapons causing injury to their persons. Lemus and Zavala were located at the scene, arrested without incident and booked at the Porterville substation on the above charges.

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

During the week of October 31^{st through November 5th 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. Seven subjects were arrested and booked into the Main Jail for the following charges;

1. Jose Gomez (39 years) possession of a controlled substance and under the influence of a controlled substance

2. Apolonio Olivares (23 years) possession/transportation of a controlled substance, unlicensed driver

3. Carlito Watson (54 years) possession of a controlled substance and under the influence of a controlled substance

4. Taurino Luna (38 years) two felony and four misdemeanor arrest warrants

5. Miguel Sanchez (18 years) possession of a controlled substance and narcotic paraphernalia

6. Benjamin Diaz (40 years) possession of a controlled substance

7. Noel Villareal (56 years) two 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.

On 11/04/10 Deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department served a search warrant on the 41700 block of Orosi. As a result of the search warrant two suspects were taken into custody for passing fictitious bills and burglary. The male suspect was booked at the Tulare County Main Jail, the female suspect was booked at the Bob Wiley Detention Facility.