Sunday, 1/13/2013, 1429 hours a field worker called in and reported finding a body in an orchard at the above location. Deputies arrived and found the victim deceased. He appeared to have been shot. Violent Crimes Detectives responded and are still on scene.

Anyone with information should contact Det. Zamora or Sgt. Hunt at 559-722-62

  On 1-11-13 Deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Orosi Sub Station responded to a convenience store in the 12500 block of Avenue 416 in response to a reported Robbery. Upon arrival they found a male victim reporting he had been assaulted and personal property taken from him during the assault. The victim sustained non life threating injuries as a result of the assault. Detectives from the Gang Violence Suppression Unit responded and assisted in the investigations.  Subsequent investigation by the Gang Violence Suppression Unit resulted in the suspects being identified and located at a nearby residence. Arrested were:

1) Jose Esquivel (21 yrs old from Orosi)

2) Michael Balderas (22 years old from Orosi)

Case is still under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Gang Suppression Unit. 

On 01-11-13 between 1300-1400 hours two armed suspects contacted the victim at his residence.  The suspects bound and blindfolded him as they burglarized his residence.  The victim was uninjured as a result of the incident.   

Suspect Info: 

S1: HMA, late teens early twenties, 5’08”-5’10” thin build, LSW: Black hooded sweatshirt w/hood pulled up, dark pants and shoes.  Suspect was seen in possession of a Rifle

S2: HMA, late teens early twenties, 6’ heavier set.  LSW: Black hooded sweatshirt with hood up and a baseball style hat, dark pants and shoes.  Suspect was seen in possession of a shotgun.  

Case is under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department North End Detective Unit. Any information should be forwarded to Detective Bruce at TCSO@tipnow.com  (559) 733-6218. 

Supect #1 CARDENAS, MAX       59 years      300 block of S. Magnolia, Woodlake, CA

Supect #2 Medina, adelina    58 years       300 block of S. Magnolia, Woodlake, CA

On 01-10-13, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Division, with the assistance of the Woodlake Police Department, concluded a two week narcotics investigation by serving a narcotics search warrant in the 300 block of S. Magnolia, in the town of Woodlake.

Detectives secured the residence and detained four subjects. Detectives searched the residence and located approximately 30.5 grams, or just over an ounce of methamphetamine, approximately 360 grams of processed marijuana, multiple pills of prescription narcotics without prescriptions, drug paraphernalia, drug packaging material, (2) SKS assault rifles, (1) modified .20 gauge shotgun, and (1) loaded .357 magnum revolver.

Suspect Max Cardenas was arrested, transported and booked into the Tulare County Sheriff's Department Main Jail for the following charges:

11378 H&S          Possession of a controlled substance for sales.
11350 H&S          Possession of a controlled substance.
11366 H&S          Maintain a place for selling any controlled substance.   
11370.1 H&S       Possession of  a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm
11357(c) H&S      Possession of Marijuana greater than 28.5 grams
12022(a) P.C.       Armed with firearm during commission of a felony
30720 P.C.           Possession of an SKS rifle.
30605(a) P.C.       Possession of an assault weapon

Case # 12-09570 (Carl Smith Middle School) 07-25-12 / 2355 hrs
Case # 12-10844 (Vehicle Burglary) 08-19-12 / 1930 hrs

On 7-25-12 Deputies responded to a burglary at the Carl Smith Middle School in Terra Bella Tulare County Sheriff's Department Case 12-09570.  It was reported that unknown suspect had broken a window to gain entry to the School office.  The Unknown suspect fled with Cameras and computers.

After a lengthy and extensive investigation, evidence and information identified Sonny Ozuna of Terra Bella as the suspect.  The investigation also connected Sonny Ozuna with a vehicle burglary in the Springville area on 8-19-12, Tulare County Sheriff's Department Case 12-10844.

On 1-8-13 Detectives contacted and arrested Sonny Ozuna at his residence for the two burglary cases and was booked into the Tulare County jail without further incident.

Sheriff Bill Wittman will be holding a ceremony to appoint Captain Michael Boudreaux to the rank of Undersheriff on Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at 10:00 AM. The ceremony will be held at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Headquarters’ Lobby. Friends and family will also be present to show their support.

Undersheriff Michael Boudreaux grew up in California Hot Springs and Porterville.  His father worked for the Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy retiring as a detective after 30 years of service.  Undersheriff Boudreaux began his career as a Sheriffs Cadet in 1986. In 1987, Michael promoted to the position of Deputy Trainee and was sponsored through the Tulare-Kings County Police Academy. Upon graduation he was promoted to the Ranks of Deputy I and II while working in the Detentions Division. Through years 1991-1995, Michael transferred to the Patrol Division and also became a Field Training Officer. In 1995, he was assigned as a narcotics detective and be a part of the Sheriff’s Tactical Enforcement Personnel team in investigations.

Undersheriff Michael Boudreaux was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on January 25, 1999. At this level he held assignments in our maximum security detention facilities, Internal Affairs and Patrol Operations. Six years later, Michael Boudreaux was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and returned to the Detentions Division. In 2006, he was assigned to the Street Crimes Bureau through October of 2008. He was also Commander of the Gang unit, and Narcotics Bureau, which includes the Narcotics Task Force, SWAT and Sheriff’s Tactical Enforcement Personnel Unit. In November of 2009, Michael Boudreaux was promoted to the rank of Captain where he has managed the Investigations Division for the last three years.

Undersheriff Boudreaux has obtained a wide variety of education through his years of service. He has attended Tactical Commander, Basic and Advanced SWAT Schools.  He has attended Executive Leadership School and holds a Certificate in the Administration of Justice.  Undersheriff Boudreaux has an Associate of Science Degree in the Administration of Justice, A Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology and Management and a Master’s Degree with course of study in the Administration of Justice.  Undersheriff Boudreaux in 2009 and 2010 was an adjunct professor at Fresno Pacific University instructing criminal justice.  Undersheriff Boudreaux is a graduate of WestPoint Leadership Academy provided by the Los Angeles Police Department and is a graduate of class 251 from the eleven week Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy in Quantico VA.

A variety of projects and details have been implemented by Undersheriff Michael Boudreaux throughout his career. In 1992, he was part of the team that was dispatched to assist during the Los Angeles Riots. In 2008, Michael received national attention with Operation L.O.C.C.U.S.T. This operation was a large scale, multi-agency marijuana eradication detail. The operation brought the Nation’s Drug Czar to Tulare County and was adopted as a model for other agencies to learn from.  Undersheriff Boudreaux, as a result of the success of the operation, was invited and met with The President of the United States, George W. Bush. 

Undersheriff Boudreaux is an active member of Downtown Visalia Rotary and sits on the Anti-crime and violence committee.  He received the Paul Harris fellow Award in 2011 from the Visalia Rotary Club.  Boudreaux is an Ambassador with the after school program Pro-Youth Heart.  Undersheriff Boudreaux volunteers with the Tulare and Kings County homeless project as well as Soled out for Kids which is a program to aide children in receiving a new pair of shoes during Christmas. 

Undersheriff Michael Boudreaux is supported in his new assignment by his wife, Angela.  His daughter Natalie Elizabeth, 5 years old; and sons, Nathan Stephen, 3 years old and Zachary Michael, 18 years old, who attends Fresno State University.

Sheriff Bill Wittman offers his sincere congratulations to Undersheriff Michael Boudreaux, and wishes him well in his new assignment. The public is welcome to join the department, friends and family in the Sheriff’s Headquarters’ Lobby Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at 10:00 AM to celebrate the promotion. Refreshments will follow.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tularecountysheriff/8362060670/in/photostream

On the above date and time deputies were dispatched to the victim’s residence where he reported he had been assaulted by several unknown suspects in the roadway at the above location. The victim stated one of the suspects took his headphones after the assault. The victim had visible injuries to his face and hands, but required no medical attention. The three suspects were last seen fleeing the area in a vehicle.

Deputies located (S) Mota near the crime scene. Mota was detained after he was observed to have visible injuries to his hands consistent with being involved in a recent altercation. Mota who was positively identified as one of the aggressors was booked at the Juvenile Detention Facility without further incident. 

Two additional suspects have not been located and the case remains under investigation.

Anyone with information should call the Tulare County Sheriff's Department (559) 733-6218 or send anonymous information by sending a text message or email to TCSO@tipnow.com or call 1-800-TIPNOW.  

Suspect: Jesus Gamboa (18 years) 800 block of East Franklin Avenue Earlimart, CA

On 1-4-13 the victim received a call from someone requesting a ride with his taxi service. The victim picked up 4 subjects who took him to another location and robbed him at gunpoint. The suspects then stole the taxi and fled. The victim had minor injuries and did not require medical attention. The taxi was later recovered.

Detectives from the sheriff’s department were called out to assume the investigation and determined one of the suspects to be Jesus Gamboa. With the assistance of Tulare County SWAT and Gang Units, a search warrant was conducted and Jesus was arrested and booked into Tulare County Jail.

The case remains under investigation and 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.

Sheriff Bill Wittman will be holding a public ceremony to promote Lieutenant Michael Watson to the rank of Captain on Monday, January 7, 2013 at 10:00 am.  The ceremony will be held at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Headquarters’ Lobby. Friends and family will also be present to show their support.

Captain Michael Watson is a graduate of Tulare Union High School and Fresno State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminology.  He began his career with the Sheriff’s Department in April of 1988 as a trainee.  After attending the Tulare-Kings County Police Academy, he held the position of Deputy in both the Correction’s and Operation’s Divisions.  These assignments included Return to Custody (R.T.C.), Sequoia Field, Bob Wiley Detention Facility, Main Jail Porterville and Pixley Patrol as well as a Detective in Property Crimes Investigations. 

In January of 1998, Michael Watson was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.  As a Sergeant, Michael Watson returned to the Custody Division supervising teams at Main Jail and the Tulare County Correctional Center.  He was then transferred to the Pixley Patrol Substation in 1999.  In 2003, Michael Watson moved into the Investigations Division.  There he supervised Property Crimes Investigations then the Agricultural Crimes Investigations Unit.

On July 26, 2006 Michael Watson was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.  He was first stationed as a Night Watch Commander for Patrol Services and also managed the Field Training Program. In March of 2007, he was transferred to Pixley Substation where he was also in charge of the Sheriff’s Police Activities League Program.  In March of 2012, Michael took his last assignment as Lieutenant over the Property Crimes Bureau.
Captain Michael Watson has also held specialty positions for a number of years.  He is dive certified and has been involved with the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Swift Water and Dive team for over 20 years.  He has served on the Deputy Sheriff’s Association Board as Vice President, the PAL Board, Tulare County Employee’s Retirement Association, the Pixley Foundation Vice President, Pixley Little League and Lions Club Board Member.

Captain Michael Watson is supported in his new career path by his father Edward Watson, who is a retired Deputy from the Sheriff’s Office, his wife Paula of 23 years, daughters Courtney and Caylie, his son Colton, his brother Lieutenant James Watson with Fresno State University Police and his nephew Investigator Ryan Richardson with the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office. Sheriff Bill Wittman offers his sincere congratulations to Captain Michael Watson, and wishes him well in his new assignment over the Investigations Division. The public is welcome to join the department, friends and family in the Sheriff’s Headquarters’ Lobby Monday, January 7, 2013 at 10:00 AM to celebrate the promotion.

Refreshments will follow.

Photo available in Sheriff's Flickr page at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tularecountysheriff/

On 1-4-13, at 0043 hours, Deputies with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department responded to the 800 block of S. Indiana in an attempt to locate a P.C. 460 Home Invasion suspect. Upon arrival at the residence Deputies eventually contact the suspect standing at the doorway, holding a small Luger style handgun and they are challenged to shoot. Deputies maintain cover and eventually discharge a tazer, striking the suspect. The suspect fell to the ground and as Deputies were approaching the suspect fired one single round, striking a cabinet near the front entryway. A standoff ensues with the suspect ultimately escaping out a rear window and fleeing the area. No Law Enforcement personnel discharged their weapons and were unharmed during the incident.

The suspect Daryl Austin Young is currently outstanding and should be considered armed and dangerous.   Anyone with information regarding his location please contact the Sheriff's Office immediately. 

A photograph is also available on the Sheriffs' Flicker page at: 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tularecountysheriff/8347979976/in/photostream
 

The case is under investigation by TCSO

On 01/03/2013 at approximately 1300 hours, Deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff Department's Porterville Division, responded to the 15400 block of Road 222 in Porterville for a 911 hang up. When Deputies arrived, they encountered five (5) children between the ages of 1 and 8 who had been left alone and unsupervised in the residence. Further investigation determined that there were no adults caring for the children. During the investigation, Deputies located an electric space heater which was running. One of the children's blankets had been pushed up and wrapped around the heater causing an immediate and extreme fire danger. It appeared as if the children had been lest alone for the entirety of the day. Tulare County Child Welfare Services responded and took custody of the children.  The children's mother, Ruby Corona Sepulveda, 29, was eventually located and was taken into custody for child neglect and endangerment. This case is under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff's Department.


Kevin Kemmerling
Sergeant
Tulare County Sheriff's Department
Porterville Division
Search & Rescue / Swiftwater/Dive Rescue
379 N. Third Street
Porterville, CA 93257

On February 16th of 2012, Deputies with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department were contacted regarding a missing report of Lenora Costilla. Lenora was last seen on 02-12-12 at 1800 hours and was seen leaving her residence in the area of Rd 126 and Ave 417 in the town of Orosi. Lenora also uses the name of Nora Brown and has family in the Orange Cove and Dinuba areas. She has been known to frequent Dinuba, Orange Cove, Reedley, and Squaw Valley. It has also has been reported that Lenora suffers from bipolar and schizophrenia.

Detectives with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department have been actively working this investigation since her disappearance and have no further leads. Anyone with information regarding Lenora’s whereabouts or this investigation is encouraged to contact Det. Steve Sanchez or Sgt. Hunt with the Violent Crimes Unit at (559) 733-6218 or at tcso@tipnow.com. Reference to TCSO Case #12-02128.

Photos available

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tularecountysheriff/

On 12-31-2012 between 1600hrs to 0200hrs 1-1-2013, The Community Based Deputies from the Pixley and Porterville Substations participated in a suppression detail in the un-incorporated towns in the Porterville and Pixley Substation patrol areas. During the detail 37 vehicle stops were conducted, 29 field interviews were conducted, 3 arrests were made, and 1 vehicle was towed and stored. The Deputies also assisted in calls for service where a second officer was needed due to the nature of the service call.

    The 2 arrests were made for being under the influence of a controlled substance (11550H&S), possessing drug paraphernalia (11364H&S) and 1 for possessing Marijuana under an ounce (11357bH&S).

SUSPECTS ARRESTED:
Armando Martinez 3-20-1957, Delano (11550 H&S & 11364 H&S) TCSO 12-16992
Jayme Dominguez 10-2-1994, Strathmore (11550 H&S) TCSO 12-16986
Eric Hernandez 9-24-1992, Strathmore (11357b H&S) TCSO 12-16985

Suspect Martinez and Dominguez were booked at Porterville Substation. Suspect Hernandez was issued a citation.

On 12-30-2012 at approximately 1842 hours deputies from the Orosi Substation responded to the 41900 block of Rd 96 regarding a report of a burglary in progress. While in route deputies were advised shots had been fired on scene. Upon arrival deputies located a Hispanic male victim who reported finding a suspicious vehicle near his residence. The victim contacted law enforcement to report the vehicle at which time he observed to unknown suspects fleeing from his property. The victim attempted to block the suspicious vehicle while law enforcement responded at which time he was fired upon by the suspects. The victim fled without injury. The suspects fled the scene in a blue Ford Explorer.

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

On 12-28-12 at approximately 2130 hours Deputies were dispatched to a burglary in progress in the 5300 block of Billings Road in Alpaugh.  Upon arrival Deputies contacted the property owner (Victim) who said she saw the suspect near her back door, which sustained damage based on broken glass at the scene.  The property owner said the suspect fled on foot before units arrived.

Within minutes our Department’s airship unit, Sheriff-One, arrived on scene and was able to locate the suspect who was still fleeing from the area on foot.  A foot chase ensued and Sheriff-One was able to direct ground units and Deputies exactly to where the suspect was hiding.  Subsequently, the apprehension was made without incident.  A 16 year old male juvenile was identified as the suspect, and booked into Juvenile Hall without incident.  He was charged with attempted burglary and resisting or delaying arrest.  

The case remains under investigation by TCSO.