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Man sentenced to 50 years to life for shooting and murdering his friend in Buena Park

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ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 14NF2382

Date: February 5, 2016

MAN SENTENCED TO 50 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR SHOOTING-MURDER OF FRIEND AS VICTIM SAT IN HIS CAR IN BUENA PARK

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A man was sentenced to 50 years to life in state prison today for the shooting murder of his friend as the victim sat in his car in Buena Park. Jonathan Peterson, 35, Buena Park, was found guilty by a jury Nov. 18, 2015, of one felony count of first degree murder, and a sentencing enhancement for the personal discharge of a firearm was found to be true. The court heard a bifurcated trial today and the defendant’s prior prison convictions for possession of a controlled substance and being an active participant in a criminal street gang carrying a loaded firearm in public in 2004 in Orange County and domestic violence in 2010 in Los Angeles County were found to be true.

Co-defendant Jihad Qahir Nasir Jones, 31, Anaheim, pleaded guilty Nov. 17, 2015, to one felony count of being an accessory after the fact with sentencing enhancements for prior strike convictions for robbery and two state prison convictions for street terrorism and possession of a firearm by a felon in 2007 and corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant in 2012, both in Orange County. Jones was sentenced to two years and eight months in state prison.

In the early morning hours on May 25, 2014, Peterson got into a verbal argument with the victim, 25-year-old Antwan Jones, at a residence in Buena Park. After a brief fist fight with the victim outside of the residence, Peterson walked into his residence and retrieved a firearm from a closet. The defendant’s girlfriend saw Peterson retrieve the firearm and attempted to prevent the defendant from returning outside. Peterson exited the apartment and walked to a nearby car that Antwann Jones was sitting in. Peterson shot the victim at least two times, striking Antwan Jones in the chest. The victim died a short time later from his injuries. Peterson then got into Jihad Jones’ BMW sedan and the defendants drove away from the scene.

Witnesses near the scene called 911 and reported the shooting to the Buena Park Police Department, who investigated this case. An eyewitness identified Peterson as having gone inside an apartment and returning with a gun.

At Peterson’s sentencing today, the victim’s mother, sister, and niece delivered emotional impact statements to the court pursuant to Marsy’s Law. The victim’s mother, Mary Jones, spoke about the tremendous sadness she has experienced in losing her son, and the pain that their family still feels as a result of the defendant’s actions.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Steve McGreevy of the Homicide Unit prosecuted this case.

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TONY RACKAUCKAS, District Attorney

Susan Kang Schroeder, Chief of Staff
Office: 714-347-8408
Cell: 714-292-2718


Three female victims rescued from human traffickers in Anaheim

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ORANGE COUNTY HUMAN TRAFFICKING TASK FORCE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 14, 2016

Released by: Sergeant Daron Wyatt, Contact: (714) 497-5633

Subject: One Juvenile and Two 19 Year Old Human Trafficking Victims Rescued

Suspects Arrested:

Suspect 1: Ariel Guizar, 35, San Jose
Suspect 2: Araceli Mendoza, 23, San Jose

ANAHEIM, CA – On Wednesday, February 10, 2016, The Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force (OCHTTF) received information from concerned family members regarding a 15 year old female juvenile runaway from Los Angeles County who was being trafficked in the city of Anaheim. The OCHTTF initiated what turned out to be a three-day, around the clock investigation, which led the team throughout Southern and Central California in search of the juvenile victim. The OCHTTF received assistance from the Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force (LARHTTF), the FBI’s Innocence Lost Task Force, and the Anaheim Police Department.

Thursday afternoon, LARHTTF located the 15 year old victim in Bellflower. During the police interview, she relayed horrific details about being the victim of human trafficking. She identified at least two other young female victims, all three of whom were trafficked throughout Southern California by their captor. The trafficker used threats of violence and a handgun to keep the victims working for him.

Late Thursday evening, officers located the suspect’s vehicle parked at a hotel in Anaheim. A surveillance and subsequent operation led to the capture of the male suspect identified as Ariel Guizar, as well as a female suspect, Araceli Mendoza. Both suspects were arrested and booked at the Orange County Jail for human trafficking of a minor and weapon violations. Guizar is being held on $1,000,000 bail and Mendoza on $250,000 bail. Investigators served a search warrant at Guizar’s motel room and recovered a handgun. Two additional female victims were located in the room, both 19 years of age.

Ariel Guizar

Ariel Guizar

In following with established protocols in Orange County, representatives from the Salvation Army Victim Advocates responded and made contact with the female victims.

They will provide services needed by the victims and make arrangements to have the victims returned to their home cities. The three-day long investigation illustrates the priority the OCHTTF places on rescuing victims of human trafficking, especially when it involves juveniles. It also highlights the coordinated effort of law enforcement agencies throughout the state, as well as our federal law enforcement partners when it comes to rescuing juveniles victimized by human traffickers. The OCHTTF was formed in August 2014 and is a collaborative effort between the Anaheim Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Irvine Police Department, Orange County District Attorney’s Office,
Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and the Santa Ana Police Department.

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Correa endorsed for Congress by the Anaheim police union

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For Immediate Release: February 16, 2016

Contact: Dave Jacobson, (818) 943-2348, Shallman Communications

CORREA CAPTURES ENDORSEMENT FROM ANAHEIM POLICE OFFICERS ASSN.

Lou Correa Gets Another Prestigious Law Enforcement Endorsement

SANTA ANA, CA— On the heels of winning crucial support from the Orange County Deputy District Attorneys and the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), today former State Senator Lou Correa landed the backing of the Anaheim Police Officers’ Association Political Action Committee in his campaign for California’s 46th Congressional District seat.

In a letter sent to Correa’s campaign for Congress, Kerry Condon, Chairman of the Anaheim Police Officers’ PAC and President of Anaheim Police Officers’ Association wrote:

“Dear Mr. Correa, It is with great pleasure to inform you that the Anaheim Police Officers’ Political Action Committee has voted to endorse your candidacy for Congress in June, 2016. We felt compelled to support you as we have many members who live within the 46th Congressional District and know that crime issues within Orange County affect all cities within it. As such, we need experienced leaders in Congress. Your public safety knowledge and support as a State Assemblyman, State Senator, and Orange County Supervisor is why you have earned our endorsement…”

Expressing his gratitude for the endorsement, former State Senator Correa stated:

“Having the recognition of those who have sworn to protect our communities from harm is a great privilege and honor. I’m really grateful for this endorsement from the Anaheim Police Officer’s Association Political Action Committee.”

To date, Correa has won the following public safety endorsements:

  • California Police Chiefs’ Association
  • Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC)
  • Anaheim Police Officer’s Association Political Action Committee
  • Orange County Deputy District Attorneys
  • National Latino Peace Officers Association
  • Santa Ana School Police Officers’ Association
  • Santa Ana Police Officers’ Association
  • Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchins

Today’s announcement comes after the California Democratic Party “Pre-Convention Caucus” delegate vote, where Correa won a plurality of the votes. With 17 votes out of 41 total delegate votes cast, Correa earned 41.5% of the vote, while his competitor, Joe Dunn, earned only 36.5% of the vote. 22% of votes were cast for no endorsement.

This news follows a poll showing Correa with an enormous lead, nearly 30-points ahead of his closest competitor.
The poll, conducted by Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates, is relatively fresh out of the field, and was conducted from December 13th through December 16th. The initial results show Correa with a decisive lead over all other candidates:

  • 37% Lou Correa
  • 5% Joe Dunn
  • 4%* Jordan Brandman
  • 8% Bao Nguyen
  • 12% Adam Nick
  • 1% Other
  • 33% Undecided

After messaging, Correa’s support grows to 43%, while the other candidates’ totals remain nearly unchanged. The memo showed Correa with a net favorability rating more than double that of any other candidate in the race.

Beyond today’s announcement, Correa has racked up widespread support from organizations and leaders, including:

Organizations

California Police Chiefs’ Association
Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC)
National Latino Peace Officers Association
California Small Business Association
Building Our Leadership Diversity (BOLD) PAC
International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 36
International Union of Operating Engineers Local 501
Santa Ana School Police Officers’ Association
Santa Ana Police Officers’ Association
Anaheim Police Officer’s Association Political Action Committee
Orange County Deputy District Attorneys

Elected Leaders

House Democratic Caucus Chair & Congressman Xavier Becerra
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair and Congresswoman Linda Sánchez
Congresswoman & former State Assembly Speaker Karen Bass
Congresswoman Judy Chu
Congressman Juan Vargas
Congressman Alan Lowenthal
Congressman Pete Aguilar
Congressman Ted Lieu
Congressman Tony Cardenas
Congresswoman Norma Torres
Congressman Raul Ruiz, MD.
Congressman Ruben Gallego
Congressman Luis Gutierrez
Congressman Ruben Hinojosa
Congressman Filemon Vela
California’s State Treasurer John Chiang
California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson
California State Senate President Pro-Tem Kevin de León
California Board of Equalization Chair Jerome Horton
California Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante (Ret.)
California Latino Legislative Caucus Chair and State Assemblyman Luis Alejo
California Legislative Black Caucus Chair & State Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer
California State Senator and former Air Force General Richard Roth
California State Senator & LGBT trailblazer Mark Leno
California State Senator & Labor Committee Chair Tony Mendoza
California State Assemblywoman & former San Diego Central Labor Council Leader Lorena Gonzalez
California State Assemblyman Henry Perea
California State Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk Silva (Ret.)
California Supreme Court Justice, Hon., Cruz Reynoso (Ret.)
California State Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia
California State Assemblyman Jose Medina
Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchins
Santa Ana City Council Member Michele Martinez
Santa Ana Unified School District Board President John Palacio
Santa Ana Unified School District Clerk Valerie Amezcua
Santa Ana Unified School District Board Member José Alfredo Hernández, J.D.
Santa Ana City Councilwoman Angie Amezcua
Buena Park City Councilman Art Brown
Anaheim Union High School District Board President Annemarie Randle-Trejo
Anaheim Union High School District Board Member Al Jabbar
Anaheim City School District Board of Education President Bob Gardner
Anaheim City School District Board of Education Member Ryan Ruelas
Anaheim Police Chief John Welter (Ret.)*
City of Garden Grove City Council Member Kris Beard
Huntington Beach Unified School District Board Member Bonnie Castrey
Los Angeles City Councilman, past State Senator Gil Cedillo
Artesia City Council Member Ali Sajjad Taj

Community Leaders

South County Labor Chair Ray Cordova*
Orange County-based LGBT activist Gregory Willenborg*
Pastor of the largest African American church in Orange County, the Rev. Mark E. Whitlock, Jr.*

Correa served in the California State Senate, representing the 34th District, from 2006- 2014 and served the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Stanton and Westminster. Prior to the Senate, he served on the Orange County Board of Supervisors representing the 1st District. Before his time on the Board, Correa served in the California State Assembly representing the 69th District.

*Titles for Identification Purposes Only.

For more information, please visit www.LouCorrea.com.

HB gangbanger arrested for shooting of Taco Bell employee in Anaheim

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Raul Quezada, Chief of Police

PRESS RELEASE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 18, 2016

Released by: Sgt. Daron Wyatt, Contact: (714) 497-5633

Subject: Suspect Arrested in Gang-Related Shooting at Taco Bell

ANAHEIM, CA – On Tuesday February 16, 2016 just after 5:00 pm, Anaheim police officers responded to a call of a shooting in the parking lot of the Taco Bell in the 1600 block of W. Katella Avenue.

Officers located a 22 year old male victim who suffered a single gunshot wound to the torso and was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Investigation revealed the victim was an employee of Taco Bell who was arriving at work to begin his shift. A male suspect confronted the victim about possible gang affiliation, shot him one time, and fled the scene.

The victim does not have gang ties.

Late last night, personnel from the Anaheim Police Department Gang Detail and Crime Task Force arrested Fabian Joel Lopez, 27, of Huntington Beach.

Lopez was arrested without incident during the service of a search warrant at a residence in Huntington Beach.

Lopez was booked for attempted murder with gang enhancements. He is being held on $1,000,000 bail at Orange County Jail.

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Car burglary suspect from Anaheim arrested in Fountain Valley

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Fountain Valley Police arrested a 19-year-old Anaheim man on Friday morning in connection with a car burglary.

Sgt. Adam Hertenstein said police officers responded to the area of Brookhurst and Stilbite at 3:09 a.m. on Friday, February 19, 2016, regarding two suspects breaking into vehicles.

At 3:09 a.m., officers located the two suspects getting into two separate vehicles parked nearby. Officers attempted to stop both vehicles. The first vehicle, a white Ford F150, was a reported stolen vehicle out of Anaheim. The truck fled northbound on Brookhurst and was pursued by officers, Hertenstein reported.

The vehicle traveled northbound on Brookhurst to Trask and entered the westbound 22 freeway. The suspect attempted to exit the Brookhurst at a high rate of speed but the truck struck a guardrail.

The suspect fled on foot into a residential tract. Units from the Garden Grove Police and Westminster Police Departments assisted in a search for the suspect. However he could not be located and is still outstanding. Property from numerous vehicle thefts was located in the stolen vehicle.

The second vehicle, a Suzuki SUV, also fled northbound on Brookhurst. The vehicle proceeded northbound on Brookhurst and pulled into the parking lot in the 15600 block of Brookhurst.

As officers attempted to stop the vehicle, it struck a signpost. The driver, Noah Hansen, 19, from Anaheim, fled on foot. After a short foot pursuit Hansen was taken into custody without incident, Hertenstein said.

In his possession was stolen property from vehicles in the area. Hansen was booked into Orange County jail. The vehicle Hansen had fled in was an unreported stolen vehicle from Fountain Valley taken earlier in the evening, Hertenstein said.

The investigation is on-going to determine the location of the outstanding suspect.

Homeless man from Anaheim crashes a stolen car into a house after a police pursuit

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Marcus Magalei, 24, a homeless Anaheim man, was identified as the driver who fled from a stolen vehicle Monday morning after crashing into a home, on West Broadway, west of Euclid Street, following a police pursuit, according to the O.C. Register.

Magalei stole a Jeep Wrangler at around 6:55 a.m., in Anaheim, before heading to Garden Grove where he was tracked by Sky Link, an anti-theft system, to a parking spot near Orangewood Avenue and Dale Street in Garden Grove, according to the Anaheim police.

Magalei then drove back into Anaheim, where officers began following him in the vehicle at around 7:25 a.m. on West Ball Road near Gilbert Street.

A helicopter then joined in and a pursuit began as Magalie headed northbound on West Broadway before the police lost the SUV in the fog this morning.

Magalei ended up crashing into a home at around 7:35 a.m., before taking off on foot and jumping over fences to avoid being arrested.

Magalei was found about an hour later near West Embassy Avenue and South Primrose Street and a Taser was used to subdue him.

Magalei was arrested on suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle. It turns out that he has previously pleaded guilty to multiple crimes in Orange County since 2014, including numerous drug charges, felony first-degree burglary and violating a restraining order, according to court records.

City of Anaheim building inspectors were called to the scene of the house damaged by Magalei to assess the damage.

Truck driver sentenced for fatal hit and run accident that killed a bicyclist in Anaheim

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ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 14NF0063

Date: February 19, 2016

TRUCK DRIVER SENTENCED FOR KILLING BICYCLIST IN HIT-AND-RUN CRASH AND DRAGGING VICTIM THROUGH STREET

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A truck driver was sentenced to one year in jail today for killing a bicyclist in a hit-and-run crash after dragging the victim through the street. Filemon Reynaga, 50, Sylmar, was found guilty by a jury on Aug. 6, 2015, of one felony count of hit and run causing death and one misdemeanor count of vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence. Reynaga was also sentenced to three years of formal probation and ordered to pay $16,000 in restitution.

At approximately 5:35 a.m. on Oct. 30, 2013, Reynaga drove a semi-trailer truck with an attached trailer out of a driveway on Missile Way onto Orangethorpe Avenue in Anaheim. He drove through a stop sign and made a right turn when he struck 19-year-old bicyclist Manuel Rodriguez and dragged him, along with his bicycle, onto Orangethorpe Avenue. Reynaga then got out of his truck, walked over to the victim, got back inside his truck and drove away from the scene without rendering aid to the victim or contacting police.

Rodriguez was subsequently struck by a second vehicle, but the driver in that crash stopped at the scene and cooperated with the Anaheim Police Department (APD), who investigated this case. Rodriguez died as a result of multiple blunt trauma injuries in the two collisions.

After further investigation, APD arrested Reynaga on Jan. 8, 2014.

Deputy District Attorney Stephen Cornwell prosecuted this case.

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TONY RACKAUCKAS, District Attorney

Susan Kang Schroeder, Chief of Staff
Office: 714-347-8408
Cell: 714-292-2718

Man charged with pimping and pandering three women and a girl in Anaheim

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ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 16NF0575

Date: February 24, 2016

MAN CHARGED WITH HUMAN TRAFFICKING, PIMPING, AND PANDERING OF THREE WOMEN AND 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL AND SMASHING CAR WINDOW WHEN ONE VICTIM ATTEMPTED TO ESCAPE

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A man was charged and arraigned today for the human trafficking, pimping, and pandering of three women and a 15-year-old girl and smashing a car window when one victim attempted to escape. Clifford Tyrone Lawrence, 27, San Francisco, is charged with three felony counts of human trafficking, one felony count of human trafficking of a minor, one felony count of pimping a minor, one felony count of pandering with a minor under the age of 16 by procuring, three felony counts of pimping, three felony counts of pandering, one misdemeanor count of vandalism causing damage of $400 or more, and one misdemeanor count of child abuse. If convicted, Lawrence faces a maximum sentence of 32 years in state prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Lawrence is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on March 3, 2016, at 8:30 a.m. in Department N-3, North Justice Center, Fullerton.

Circumstances of the Case

Lawrence is accused of being a human trafficker/pimp who exploits women and/or children for financial gain. The victims are often required to turn over all payment they receive for sex acts from sex purchasers to their pimp. Failure to follow these rules can result in physical and/or emotional abuse.

On Nov. 26, 2015, Lawrence is accused of meeting and beginning a romantic relationship with Jane Doe 1. The defendant is accused of traveling with Jane Doe 1 to areas known for prostitution and human trafficking in Orange County. Lawrence is accused of pandering Jane Doe 1 by promising her a better life if she engaged in commercial sex for his benefit.

On multiple occasions between Nov. 26, 2015, and Feb. 22, 2016, Lawrence is accused of hitting Jane Doe 1, resulting in bruising and minor injuries requiring hospital treatment.

During that time, Lawrence is accused of recruiting Jane Doe 2, Jane Doe 3, and 15-year-old Jane Doe 4 to engage in commercial sex acts for his benefit. The defendant is accused of driving with the victims to areas known for prostitution in Orange County. Lawrence is accused depriving the personal liberty of Jane Doe 2 and Jane Doe 3 with the intent to cause them to engage in commercial sex acts for his own financial gain.

On Feb. 22, 2016, Jane Doe 1 called a relative, who drove with a family member and a 6-month-old infant to Anaheim to pick up the victim and help her flee from the defendant. Lawrence is accused of seeing Jane Doe 1 entering the vehicle and sitting in the front passenger seat. The defendant is accused of approaching the vehicle and hitting and kicking the front passenger side door and window. Lawrence is accused of shattering the vehicle’s window, causing glass to fall inside the vehicle and hit the infant.

Officers from the Anaheim Police Department (APD) responded to the scene and began investigating this case with members of the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force (OCHTTF). Lawrence was arrested at the scene.

Members of the OCHTTF and the Orange County District Attorney’s (OCDA) Office work proactively to protect women and minors from falling victim to commercial sexual exploitation. This case was investigated by OCHTTF, a partnership between the APD, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Huntington Beach Police Department, Irvine Police Department, OCDA, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Santa Ana Police Department, and community and non-profit partners.

Deputy District Attorney Daniel Varon the HEAT Unit is prosecuting this case.

Proposition 35 and HEAT

In November 2012, California’s anti-human trafficking Proposition 35 (Prop 35) was enacted in California with 81 percent of the vote, and over 82 percent of the vote in Orange County, to increase the penalty for human trafficking, particularly in cases involving the trafficking of a minor by force.

A component of the OCHTTF is the OCDA’s Human Exploitation And Trafficking (HEAT) Unit, which targets perpetrators who sexually exploit and traffic women and underage girls for financial gain, including pimps, panderers, and human traffickers. The HEAT Unit uses a tactical plan called PERP: Prosecution, to bring justice for victims of human trafficking and hold perpetrators responsible using Prop 35; Education, to provide law enforcement training to properly handle human trafficking and pandering cases; Resources from public-private partnerships to raise public awareness about human trafficking and provide assistance to the victims; and Publicity, to inform the public and send a message to human traffickers that this crime cannot be perpetrated without suffering severe consequences.

Under the law, human trafficking is described as depriving or violating the personal liberty of another person with the intent to effect a violation of pimping or pandering. Pimping is described as knowingly deriving financial support in whole or in part from the proceeds of prostitution. Pandering is the act of persuading or procuring an individual to become a prostitute, or procuring and/or arranging for a person work in a house of prostitution.

Penal Code Section 236.1 defines:

(1) “Coercion” includes any scheme, plan, or pattern intended to cause a person to believe that failure to perform an act would result in serious harm to or physical restraint against any person; the abuse or threatened abuse of the legal process; debt bondage; or providing and facilitating the possession of any controlled substance to a person with the intent to impair the person’s judgment.

(2) “Commercial sex act” means sexual conduct on account of which anything of value is given or received by any person.

(3) “Deprivation or violation of the personal liberty of another” includes substantial and sustained restriction of another’s liberty accomplished through force, fear, fraud, deceit, coercion, violence, duress, menace, or threat of unlawful injury to the victim or to another person, under circumstances where the person receiving or apprehending the threat reasonably believes that it is likely that the person making the threat would carry it out.

(4) “Duress” includes a direct or implied threat of force, violence, danger, hardship, or retribution sufficient to cause a reasonable person to acquiesce in or perform an act which he or she would otherwise not have submitted to or performed; a direct or implied threat to destroy, conceal, remove, confiscate, or possess any actual or purported passport or immigration document of the victim; or knowingly destroying, concealing, removing, confiscating, or possessing any actual or purported passport or immigration document of the victim.

(5) “Forced labor or services” means labor or services that are performed or provided by a person and are obtained or maintained through force, fraud, duress, or coercion, or equivalent conduct that would reasonably overbear the will of the person.

(6) “Great bodily injury” means a significant or substantial physical injury.

(7) “Minor” means a person less than 18 years of age.

(8) “Serious harm” includes any harm, whether physical or nonphysical, including psychological, financial, or reputational harm, that is sufficiently serious, under all the surrounding circumstances, to compel a reasonable person of the same background and in the same circumstances to perform or to continue performing labor, services, or commercial sexual acts in order to avoid incurring that harm.

(i) The total circumstances, including the age of the victim, the relationship between the victim and the trafficker or agents of the trafficker, and any handicap or disability of the victim, shall be factors to consider in determining the presence of “deprivation or violation of the personal liberty of another,” “duress,” and “coercion” as described in this section.

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TONY RACKAUCKAS, District Attorney

Susan Kang Schroeder, Chief of Staff
Office: 714-347-8408
Cell: 714-292-2718


KKK members stabbed three counter-protesters at a rally in Anaheim today

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Several people were stabbed, one with a flag pole, during a brawl on Saturday morning between self-described Ku Klux Klan members and counter-protesters at Pearson Park, in Anaheim today, according to the O.C. Register.

The attack happened at around 11 a.m. this morning when five KKK members showed up at Pearson Park. The KKK leaders had announced their intention to rally at the park earlier this week. The clan members drove up in a vehicle and were confronted by protesters right away.

The Anaheim Police claimed that the protesters attacked the Klansmen.

One of the KKK members allegedly used a flag pole to stab a protestor in his upper torso. Witnesses were not clear if the flag pole had an American or a Confederate flag on it.

A separate fight broke out about 100 yards away as yet another protester was stabbed by a Klansman. Witnesses also said that there was a third stabbing as well.

The man stabbed with the flag pole is in critical condition at  a local hospital according to the Anaheim Police. The second victim had injuries described as non life-threatening. The third victim’s injuries are not clear.

The Klansmen showed up wearing black outfits with Confederate patches. The Police claimed that there were at least 30 counter-protesters there.

Stabbing scene at Anaheim KKK rally. Picture by Igmar Rodas.

Stabbing scene at Anaheim KKK rally. Picture by Igmar Rodas.

Two Klansmen suspected in the stabbing were arrested as were three protesters suspected of stomping another Klansman.

The Anaheim police used their Twitter account on Friday to warn the community of the planned KKK rally. They noted that several such rallies have taken place in the last few years with Klansmen passing out “literature” and holding signs. They didn’t warn of any potential stabbings.

You have to wonder what would have happened if the protesters had been from the Black Lives Matter group?  How many would have been shot by the police?

In related news, leading Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump is inspiring white supremacists, according to a national organizer of a leading Ku Klux Klan group — and his candid rhetoric is being used to recruit more of them. The KKK is using the Republican presidential frontrunner as an outreach tool, Rachel Pendergraft, the national membership coordinator for the Knights Party, told The Washington Post. Trump’s candidacy, which has been characterized by often divisive nativist rhetoric, has “electrified” some members, according to Time Magazine.

DavidD Duke, the former grand wizard of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, also recently told his bigoted followers that not voting for Trump would be “treason to your heritage” and implored them to volunteer for the billionaire candidate because they would find like-minded haters in the campaign, according to the New York Daily News.

How did the Anaheim Police fail to show up in time for the KKK protest?

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The Anaheim Police posted on their Twitter page yesterday that “We’re aware of a KKK “walking protest” tomorrow Feb 27 at Pearson Park 1:30 pm.”

However the OC Weekly posted today that there was “no visible police presence at the scene.”

Brian Levin, director of CSU San Bernardino’s Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, also told the L.A. Times that “There were no police officers here when this started happening.”

So of course a melee ensued and three counter-protesters were stabbed by the KKK Klansmen.

Plenty of Anaheim Police showed up at the KKK Rally - after the melee. Picture by Igmar Rodas

Plenty of Anaheim Police showed up at the KKK Rally – after the melee. Picture by Igmar Rodas

“Only after all the mayhem at the park ended did Anaheim police patrol cars roll up to take control of the scene. They arrested two KKKers and hauled several protesters off in cuffs,” according to the OC Weekly.

How in the world did the Anaheim Police Department blow this? Will the Anaheim City Council rightly hold Anaheim Police Chief Raul Quezada responsible for this fiasco?

Also why is the mainstream media blaming the counter-protesters? Had the police done their jobs this entire mess could and should have been avoided.

12 arrested after the Pearson Park KKK rally melee with one suspect at large

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Raul Quezada, Chief of Police

PRESS RELEASE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 27, 2016

Released by: Sgt. Daron Wyatt, Contact: (714) 497-5633

Subject: 12 Arrested After Violence Erupts at Pearson Park Protest. Identity of Outstanding Suspect Sought

ANAHEIM, CA – At approximately 12:10 pm on Saturday, violence erupted when six suspected members of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) arrived on the south side of Pearson Park for a planned walking protest. Initial reports indicate a group of approximately 30 counter protesters immediately confronted the KKK group, which resulted in two KKK members being stomped on the ground by counter protesters and three counter protesters being stabbed by members of the KKK group. One of the stabbing victims was transported to the hospital in critical condition, but his condition has been upgraded to stable. The two other stabbing victims are in stable condition. One of the stomping victims was transported to the hospital in stable condition, while the other suffered minor injuries and refused treatment.

Five members of the KKK group, four males and one female, were arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon for the stabbing incidents.

Seven of the counter protesters, six males and one female, were arrested on suspicion of assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury. All of the arrestees were adults, with the exception of one male juvenile from the counter protester’s group. After further investigation, including review of video evidence, four of the arrestees were released.

“Even if the vast majority of our community disagrees with a particular group who visits our city we cannot stop them from lawfully gathering to express their opinions,” said Police Chief Raul Quezada. “Violence is not acceptable, and we will arrest anybody who assaults another person or commits any other crime in our city.”

He continued: “Our investigators are in the process of thoroughly reviewing all the evidence from today’s incidents, including interviewing witnesses.

Once completed, we will forward our findings and recommendations for prosecution to the District Attorney’s Office. We will keep the community informed as details warrant. I implore everyone to maintain peace and order in the aftermath of this incident.”

The Anaheim Police Department was aware of both the planned KKK protest as well as the counter protest. As such, a contingent of personnel were dedicated to the event. Those officers were on scene immediately as the violence erupted and called for additional personnel. Our response was such that we were able to arrest all of the main participants in the incident, with the exception of one. We are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect pictured below. Chief Quezada continued, “Accommodating peaceful, non-violent demonstration and expression of speech is a priority of my Department, and this planned rally was no exception. Preventing violent confrontations is always our goal; unfortunately the handful of individuals committed to criminal behavior this afternoon caused the violent episode. As we do following any incident such as this, we will take a critical look at our performance to ensure we continue to provide the highest level of service to our community.”

“We will always honor free speech in Anaheim, but we vehemently reject hate and violent confrontation,” Mayor Tom Tait said. “Anaheim is proud to draw strength in its diversity, tolerance and kindness, and Saturday’s events run counter to that. I want to thank the Anaheim Police Department for the critical role they played to protect lives and quickly restore peace.”

The suspects who were arrested were all booked at the Anaheim Detention Facility. The following are the arrestees:

  • Charles Edward Donner, 51, resident of San Francisco, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, $25,000 bail
  • Nicole Rae Schop, 24, resident of Los Angeles, Elder Abuse, $50,000 bail
  • Marquis DeShawn Turner, 20, resident of Anaheim, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, $25,000 bail
  • Randy Omarcc Felder, 25, resident of Lakewood, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, $25,000 bail
  • Mark Anthony Liddell, 26, resident of Los Angeles, Elder Abuse, $50,000 bail
  • Guy Harris, 19, Transient, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, $25,000 bail
  • Hugo Contreras, 38, resident of Hawthorne, Elder Abuse, $50,000 bail

We believe there were potentially dozens of individuals filming the incident and ask for anyone with photographs or video to please contact CrimeStoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS or www.occrimestoppers.org.

The suspect pictured below is wanted for Suspicion of Assault with Force Likely to Cause Great Bodily Injury:

KKK Rally Suspect

The Anaheim Police used social media videos to charge suspects after the KKK rally

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Raul Quezada, Chief of Police
PRESS RELEASE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 28, 2016

Released by: Sgt. Daron Wyatt, Contact: (714) 497-5633

Subject: Update to KKK Protest Violence

ANAHEIM, CA – Detectives from the Anaheim Police Department Homicide/Major Assaults Detail have been working around the clock to determine the facts surrounding the violence which erupted just after noon on Saturday at a planned walking protest by the KKK at Pearson Park. Detectives have completed dozens of interviews with witnesses, as well as parties who were arrested at the scene. In addition, Detectives have been poring over videos and still photographs of the incident, which were either provided to police personnel at the scene or have been posted on public internet sites. Those images offer clear evidence of the events as they unfolded. As a result, five of the 12 people who were originally arrested have been released as the images and statements corroborate witness statements that they were acting in self-defense. Even still, the case will be presented to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for review and it will make the final determination regarding whether criminal charges will be filed.

This regrettable incident was the result of approximately 10-20 individuals who came to the park with the intent of perpetrating violence. Of those arrested, only one is a resident of Anaheim. The remainder came from other cities and counties to insert themselves into the situation. Regardless of an individual or groups’ beliefs or ideologies, they are entitled to live without the fear of physical violence and have the right, under the law, to defend themselves when attacked. In response to questions regarding police presence at the park, APD personnel were dedicated to the event, and were present. Further, a plan was in place and included additional officers to respond as necessary. Those additional marked APD units were on scene within 1 minute and 36 seconds of the first report of violence, which occurred when counter protesters suddenly confronted members of the KKK as they arrived at the park. Within two minutes of the reports of violence, six marked units were on scene. Additional units continued arriving over the next few minutes. Officers rendered medical aid to those who were injured and arrested all but one of the suspects who were engaged in the majority of the violence.

“As stated previously, I implore everyone to respond with peace and dignity, regardless of where your support lies,” said Police Chief Raul Quezada. “We have a unique opportunity to bond together as OUR Anaheim community.”

Late this afternoon, the male juvenile who was released yesterday was arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon and he was booked at Orange County Juvenile Hall. This arrest stems from additional video evidence of the juvenile’s actions and his involvement in the violence. The suspect shown in the photograph in the prior press release is still unidentified and is still being sought.

The YouTube video is titled: FULL FIGHT VIDEO: The KKK Gets Beat Up in Anaheim and may be viewed at
the following link: http://youtu.be/AylKVWon2wQ

Anaheim murder suspect featured on America’s Most Wanted arrested after a four year manhunt

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Raul Quezada, Chief of Police

PRESS RELEASE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 4, 2016

Released by: Sgt. Daron Wyatt, Contact: (714) 497-5633

Subject: Anaheim Murder Suspect Featured on America’s Most Wanted Arrested after Four Year Manhunt

ANAHEIM, CA – On January 17, 1998, California Corrections Officer Elizabeth Begaren was brutally murdered on the on ramp to the eastbound 91 freeway from East Street in Anaheim. The case went cold and was unsolved for nearly 15 years. In February 2012, the Anaheim Police Department Homicide Detail arrested several suspects for their involvement in the murder, including the victim’s husband, Nuzzio Begaren, who had collected nearly $1,000,000 from Elizabeth’s life insurance policy.

The ensuing investigation led to the identification of Guillermo Espinoza as the suspect who shot and killed Elizabeth on the side of the freeway.

Espinoza fled the United States when he learned the investigation was focusing on him. In May of 2012, the Orange County Grand Jury indicted Espinoza on one count of 1st Degree Murder with the Special Circumstances of Murder during the Commission of a Robbery, and Murder for Financial Gain, and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Murder. A warrant of arrest was issued for Espinoza who was featured in August 2012 as a fugitive on the television program America’s Most Wanted.

For the past four years personnel from local, regional, federal and Mexican law enforcement organizations have provided the Anaheim Police Department with extensive investigative assistance and have been working diligently to locate Espinoza. These agencies include the Los Angeles Police Department LA High Impact Drug Tracking Area Program (HIDTA) Group 51, the San Diego Regional Fugitive Task Force, as well as Agents from the Baja State Police: Policía Estatal Preventiva de Baja California. Late yesterday afternoon, Espinoza, a US citizen, was located in Mexicali, Mexico. He was arrested without incident and was immediately deported for unlawful entry into Mexico. Espinoza was living under an assumed name and had been in custody in Mexicali last March, but was released before his true identity was determined. Late last night, Anaheim homicide detectives were waiting at the San Ysidro Port of Entry and arrested Espinoza, now 40 years old, on the outstanding warrant. Espinoza was transported to and booked at the Anaheim Detention Facility without bail. If convicted on all counts Espinoza faces up to Life in Prison without the Possibility of Parole.

Nuzzio Begaren was convicted in 2013 for orchestrating his wife’s murder and is serving a sentence of 26 years to life in prison. Two additional suspects, Jose Luis Sandoval and Rudy Duran, both fellow Los Angeles gang members of Espinoza, were also convicted for their roles in the murder.

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
425 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805
(714) 765-1521 Fax: (714) 765-1554
Raul Quezada, Chief of Police
Guillermo Espinoza 4/7/1975

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Man shot by the Anaheim Police after he takes over a subway at knifepoint

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Raul Quezada, Chief of Police

PRESS RELEASE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 6, 2016

Released by: Sgt. Daron Wyatt,  Contact: (714) 497-5633

Subject: Takeover Robbery Suspect Shot in Officer Involved Shooting

ANAHEIM, CA – Shortly after 2:00 pm on Sunday afternoon, the Anaheim Police Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call from inside the Subway restaurant at 1131 W. Lincoln Avenue in Anaheim. The female caller was whispering and the call taker could not understand what was being said.

Subsequently, officers were dispatched to an Unknown Trouble call at the location. The first officer on scene broadcast there was a robbery in progress at the Subway.

Subway at 1131 W. Lincoln Ave., in Anaheim

Officers could see two female employees inside the restaurant being held at knifepoint by a lone male suspect. Based on the armed suspect’s actions toward the employees, officers made entry into the business and an Officer Involved Shooting ensued. The suspect was struck and officers immediately rendered medical aid until they were relieved by personnel from Anaheim Fire & Rescue. The suspect was transported to the hospital and is listed in critical condition. He has been identified as a 33 year old male.

The two female victims while traumatized, were not harmed. No officers were injured and fortunately there were no customers inside the Subway at the time of the robbery. The incident was captured via officers’ body worn cameras.
In line with Orange County protocol, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office is the lead investigative agency into the Officer Involved Shooting.

Anaheim Police homicide and robbery detectives will be charged with the criminal investigation into the suspect’s actions prior to the Officer Involved Shooting. The APD Major Incident Review Team (MIRT) and the Office of Independent Review (OIR) are conducting their respective investigations.

Anaheim man charged with trying to pimp an undercover cop posing as a girl on social media

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ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Date: March 7, 2016

Case # 16NF0710

MAN ARRAIGNED ON CHARGES OF ATTEMPTING TO TRAFFIC AND PIMP AN UNDERCOVER OFFICER POSING AS MINOR GIRL ON SOCIAL MEDIA

FULLERTON, Calif. – A man was arraigned Friday on charges of attempting to traffic and pimp an undercover officer posing as a minor girl on social media. Joseph Deandre Edwards, 21, Anaheim, is charged with one felony count of attempted human trafficking of a minor, one felony count of attempted pimping of a minor, one felony count of attempted pandering with a minor over 16 by promise, threat, and violence, and one felony count of pandering by procuring. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of six years in state prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. He is being held on $500,000 and is scheduled for pre-trial on March 14, 2016, at 8:30 a.m. in Department N-12, North Justice Center, Fullerton.

Circumstances of the Case

Edwards is accused of being a human trafficker/pimp who exploits women for financial gain. With the rise in popularity of social media and ease of meeting people on the Internet, many pimps and human traffickers utilize a variety of social media to locate potential victims. Victims are often required to turn over all payment they receive for sex acts from sex purchasers to their pimp.

Between December 2015, and March 2016, Edwards is accused of sending an undercover officer, whom he thought was a 17-year-old girl, a friend request on a social media website. He is accused of sending messages to the victim’s account and attempting to persuade the victim to work for the defendant by performing commercial sex acts for money despite knowing her age.

On March 2, 2016, Edwards is accused of arranging to meet with the victim at a location known for prostitution and human trafficking in Orange County. He was arrested by officers after arriving to the location of the meeting.

Members of the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force (OCHTTF) and the Orange County District Attorney’s (OCDA) Office work proactively to protect women and minors from falling victim to commercial sexual exploitation. This case was investigated by OCHTTF, a partnership between Anaheim Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Huntington Beach Police Department, Irvine Police Department, OCDA, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Santa Ana Police Department, and community and non-profit partners.

Deputy District Attorney Bryan Clavecilla of the HEAT Unit is prosecuting this case.

Proposition 35 and HEAT

In November 2012, California’s anti-human trafficking Proposition 35 (Prop 35) was enacted in California with 81 percent of the vote, and over 82 percent of the vote in Orange County, to increase the penalty for human trafficking, particularly in cases involving the trafficking of a minor by force.

A component of the OCHTTF is the OCDA’s Human Exploitation And Trafficking (HEAT) Unit, which targets perpetrators who sexually exploit and traffic women and underage girls for financial gain, including pimps, panderers, and human traffickers. The HEAT Unit uses a tactical plan called PERP: Prosecution, to bring justice for victims of human trafficking and hold perpetrators responsible using Prop 35; Education, to provide law enforcement training to properly handle human trafficking and pandering cases; Resources from public-private partnerships to raise public awareness about human trafficking and provide assistance to the victims; and Publicity, to inform the public and send a message to human traffickers that this crime cannot be perpetrated without suffering severe consequences.

Under the law, human trafficking is described as depriving or violating the personal liberty of another person with the intent to effect a violation of pimping or pandering. Pimping is described as knowingly deriving financial support in whole or in part from the proceeds of prostitution. Pandering is the act of persuading or procuring an individual to become a prostitute, or procuring and/or arranging for a person work in a house of prostitution.

Penal Code Section 236.1 defines:

(1) “Coercion” includes any scheme, plan, or pattern intended to cause a person to believe that failure to perform an act would result in serious harm to or physical restraint against any person; the abuse or threatened abuse of the legal process; debt bondage; or providing and facilitating the possession of any controlled substance to a person with the intent to impair the person’s judgment.

(2) “Commercial sex act” means sexual conduct on account of which anything of value is given or received by any person.

(3) “Deprivation or violation of the personal liberty of another” includes substantial and sustained restriction of another’s liberty accomplished through force, fear, fraud, deceit, coercion, violence, duress, menace, or threat of unlawful injury to the victim or to another person, under circumstances where the person receiving or apprehending the threat reasonably believes that it is likely that the person making the threat would carry it out.

(4) “Duress” includes a direct or implied threat of force, violence, danger, hardship, or retribution sufficient to cause a reasonable person to acquiesce in or perform an act which he or she would otherwise not have submitted to or performed; a direct or implied threat to destroy, conceal, remove, confiscate, or possess any actual or purported passport or immigration document of the victim; or knowingly destroying, concealing, removing, confiscating, or possessing any actual or purported passport or immigration document of the victim.

(5) “Forced labor or services” means labor or services that are performed or provided by a person and are obtained or maintained through force, fraud, duress, or coercion, or equivalent conduct that would reasonably overbear the will of the person.

(6) “Great bodily injury” means a significant or substantial physical injury.

(7) “Minor” means a person less than 18 years of age.

(8) “Serious harm” includes any harm, whether physical or nonphysical, including psychological, financial, or reputational harm, that is sufficiently serious, under all the surrounding circumstances, to compel a reasonable person of the same background and in the same circumstances to perform or to continue performing labor, services, or commercial sexual acts in order to avoid incurring that harm.

(i) The total circumstances, including the age of the victim, the relationship between the victim and the trafficker or agents of the trafficker, and any handicap or disability of the victim, shall be factors to consider in determining the presence of “deprivation or violation of the personal liberty of another,” “duress,” and “coercion” as described in this section.

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TONY RACKAUCKAS, District Attorney

Susan Kang Schroeder, Chief of Staff
Office: 714-347-8408
Cell: 714-292-2718


Two serial rapists and murderers from Anaheim facing the death penalty

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ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 14ZF0337

Date: March 15, 2016

OCDA TO SEEK DEATH PENALTY AGAINST REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER FOR SPECIAL-CIRCUMSTANCES MURDER OF FOUR WOMEN AFTER KIDNAPPING AND RAPING THE VICTIMS

*Co-defendant also facing the death penalty

SANTA ANA, Calif. – The Orange County District Attorney (OCDA) Tony Rackauckas announced today that he will seek the death penalty against a registered sex offender for the special-circumstances murder of four women after kidnapping and raping the victims. Franc Cano, 29, Anaheim, was indicted by the grand jury on Oct. 2, 2014, and is charged with four felony counts of special circumstances murder and four felony counts of forcible rape. The special circumstance sentencing enhancements are for murder during the commission of rape, multiple murders, lying in wait, and kidnapping.

Prior to seeking the death penalty against Cano, a special circumstances committee consisting of the District Attorney, the Senior Assistant and Assistant District Attorney in charge of the Homicide Unit, and other prosecutors experienced in capital cases met and discussed the nature of the crime, the vulnerability of the victims, the defendant’s criminal record, and other factors. The committee also considered mitigating circumstances presented by the defense attorney.

California law permits the District Attorney to seek the death penalty if the aggravating factors substantially outweigh the mitigating factors. Aggravating factors are any facts above and beyond the circumstances of the crime that increases the wrongfulness of the defendant’s conduct, the enormity of the offense, or the harmful impact of the crime. Mitigating factors are any facts that reduce the defendant’s blameworthiness or otherwise support a less severe punishment. The final decision to pursue the death penalty rests on the District Attorney.

Co-defendant Steven Dean Gordon, 47, Anaheim, was also indicted by the grand jury on Oct. 2, 2014, and is facing the same charges as Cano. The OCDA announced on Dec. 11, 2015, that it would seek the death penalty against Gordon.

Cano and Gordon are scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on April 8, 2016, at 9:00 a.m. in Department C-35, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

Circumstances of the Case

Prior to the murders, Gordon and Cano are accused of being registered sex offenders under federal supervision through GPS anklets. They are accused of being transients who camped in the back of a paint and body shop in Anaheim.

On Oct. 6, 2013, Gordon and Cano are accused of kidnapping 20-year-old Kianna Jackson from Santa Ana and taking her to the paint and body shop in Anaheim, where they raped and murdered her.

On Oct. 24, 2013, Gordon and Cano are accused of kidnapping 34-year-old Josephine Vargas from Santa Ana and taking her to the paint and body shop in Anaheim, where they raped and murdered her.

On Nov. 12, 2013, Gordon and Cano are accused of kidnapping 28-year-old Martha Anaya from Santa Ana and taking her to the paint and body shop in Anaheim, where they raped and murdered her.

On March 14, 2014, Gordon and Cano are accused of kidnapping 21-year-old Jarrae Nykkole Estepp from west Anaheim and taking her to the same paint and body shop in Anaheim where they raped and murdered her.

On March 14, 2014, the Anaheim Police Department (APD) received a call about a body found on the conveyer belt at a recycling plant in east Anaheim. During the investigation, detectives identified the body as that of Estepp and linked Cano to the victim by running a sex offender GPS check. Gordon was later identified as a co-defendant in the four murders. The bodies of the other three victims were never recovered.

APD and Santa Ana Police Department investigated this case.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Larry Yellin of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.

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TONY RACKAUCKAS, District Attorney

Susan Kang Schroeder, Chief of Staff
Office: 714-347-8408
Cell: 714-292-2718

The Anaheim Police will conduct a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint on 3/19

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Raul Quezada, Chief of Police

PRESS RELEASE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 17, 2016

Released by: Sgt. Daron Wyatt, Contact: (714) 497-5633

Subject: DUI/DRIVERS’ LICENSE CHECKPOINT SATURDAY MARCH 19, 2016

Anaheim, CA – The Anaheim Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Drivers’ License Checkpoint on March 19, 2016, at Ball Road and Euclid Street between the hours of 8:00 P.M. and 3:00 A.M. The deterrent and preventive effects of DUI checkpoints make them a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely. DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.

In California, this deadly crime led to 867 deaths and over 23,000 serious injuries in 2013 because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Nationally, the latest data shows over 10,000 were killed by an impaired driver.

Officers will be delaying motorists only momentarily as they look for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment and check for proper licensing. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving, which now accounts for a growing number of impaired driving crashes. Recent statistics reveal that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol.

Everyone should be mindful that if you’re taking medication – whether prescription or over-the-counter–drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment effects.

Law Enforcement emphasizes the preventable nature of drunk driving, reminding everyone that all it takes is a little planning ahead. Designate a sober driver or call a cab. But whatever you do, don’t drink and drive. The California Office of Traffic Safety DDVIP (Designated Driver VIP) mobile app is now available to download for free on iOS and Android devices. Launched last year, the new DDVIP app offers enhanced features allowing users to “Map a Spot” with their current location to find DDVIP partnering establishments in their area or a “List of Spots” to search all participating bars and restaurants throughout California. Users will be offered free incentives at each bar to celebrate their life-saving role. They can stay up-to-date with the latest from DDVIP and see what other users are saying via its social tab. Also through the app, for those who want to imbibe, but also make it a point to plan ahead, users can easily order a sober ride from Uber, Lyft or Curb – all from one screen.

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, and other expenses that can exceed $10,000 not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Anaheim Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1’.

K-9 monument dedication honors Anaheim’s finest

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K-9 Monument Dedication Honors Anaheim’s Finest

Life-size bronze statue honors K-9 officers’ work to protect lives and keep our city safe

ANAHEIM, Calif. (March 17, 2016) — Anaheim’s first monument honoring the bravery and dedication of the city’s K-9 officers is set to be unveiled and dedicated on April 3 at La Palma Dog Park.

The community is invited to attend this special event, which pays tribute to the brave police dogs that serve alongside Anaheim Police Department officers to protect lives and keep our city safe.

Anaheim K9 monument

DETAILS

Sunday, April 3
2 p.m.
La Palma Dog Park
1151 N. Anaheim Blvd.

Dogs welcome but must be leashed during the event

The life-size bronze sculpture to be unveiled was inspired by a 2014 incident in which Anaheim Police K-9 Bruno was shot in the line of duty.

Bruno, who survived the shooting and months of recovery, became an international sensation with an outpouring of public support. Bruno now enjoys retirement and his “job” keeping a watchful eye on his family’s children.

After the shooting, Anaheim Council Member Kris Murray met with residents and business leaders to come up with a way to honor the city’s K-9s.

From there the idea of a monument was born, and thanks to community volunteers, money was raised to bring a sculpture to Anaheim.

Residents led the Kash For K-9s fundraising. The Anaheim/Orange County Hotel Industry provided a $25,000 donation, while children gave change in a touching show of support.

The La Palma Dog Park monument and another planned for the future Olive Hills Dog Park are funded by community donations, spearheaded by the Kash for K-9s community volunteer committee.

“The Anaheim Police Department’s K-9 officers are vital to the public safety of our community,” Murray said. “Residents, families, community leaders and our businesses came together to privately fund these extraordinary monuments to honor the sacrifice and service of our K-9 officers and to recognize the important role they play in our daily lives to ensure the safety of all who live, work and play in Anaheim.”

San Rafael artist Susan Bahary, who specializes in dog, horse and sea life sculptures, created the monument. Her design of a life-size K-9 with its head high and alert won approval by the Anaheim Cultural and Heritage Commission.

Bahary sculpted the first official U.S. monument to heroic war dogs. “Always Faithful” was unveiled at the Pentagon in 1994 then dedicated and installed at the U.S. Marine Corps War Dog Cemetery on Guam. Additional editions of “Always Faithful” have been placed at other locations across the country.

The sculpted K-9 in the La Palma Dog Park monument represents all Anaheim Police dogs now in service or retired, as well as future K-9s.

For more information, please visit Anaheim.net/K9Monuments.

For more information on the city of Anaheim, please visit Anaheim.net.

Police seek additional victims of Anaheim Uber driver accused of raping a woman

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ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 16NF0241

Date: March 17, 2016

LAW ENFORCEMENT SEEKS PUBLIC’S HELP IDENTIFYING POTENTIAL ADDITIONAL VICTIMS OF DRIVER CHARGED WITH FORCIBLY RAPING WOMAN AFTER PICKING HER UP FROM BAR

*The defendant is accused of previously meeting the victim while driving for Uber

SANTA ANA, Calif. – The Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA) is seeking the public’s help identifying potential additional victims of an Uber driver who is scheduled to be arraigned today for forcibly raping a woman after picking her up from a bar. Omar Mahmoud Mousa, 52, Anaheim, is charged with one felony count of forcible rape, one felony count of forcible oral copulation, and one felony count of sexual penetration by foreign object and force. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 24 years in state prison. He is being held on $100,000 bail and is scheduled to be arraigned today in Department CJ-1, Central Jail, Santa Ana. The time is to be determined.

At the time of the crime, Mousa was working as a driver for the transportation network service Uber.

On the evening of Oct. 24, 2015, Mousa, through Uber, is accused of picking up 21-year-old Jane Doe and her female friend at a motel in Anaheim and driving them to a bar in Fullerton. The defendant is accused of giving the women his business card and advising them to call him directly when they were leaving instead of using the Uber driving service.

In the early morning hours on Oct. 25, 2015, the defendant is accused of picking both women up from the bar in Fullerton and driving them back to the motel room in Anaheim after receiving a direct call from the victims. Mousa is accused of walking the women into their motel room where Jane Doe’s friend immediately passed out on the bed.

Mousa is accused of placing Jane Doe on the same bed, while she was intoxicated, pulling her pants down, and orally copulating her. He is accused of digitally penetrating Jane Doe and having sexual intercourse with her. Jane Doe told the defendant “no” multiple times and eventually managed to push him away. Mousa is accused of leaving the motel room and driving away.

Jane Doe reported the crime later that day to the Anaheim Police Department, who investigated this case. On Jan. 25, 2016, the OCDA filed charges against the defendant and attempted to serve an arrest warrant but the defendant was out of the country. On March 7, 2016, Mousa was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport when he returned to the country and was transported to Orange County Jail on March 15, 2016.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information or who believes they have been a victim is encouraged to contact Supervising District Attorney Investigator Mark Gutierrez at (714) 347-8794.

Deputy District Attorney Rick Zimmer of the Sexual Assault Unit is prosecuting this case.

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Three Anaheim males arrested in two separate weekend online school violence threats

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Raul Quezada, Chief of Police

PRESS RELEASE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 27, 2016

Released by: Sgt. Daron Wyatt, Contact: (714) 497-5633

Subject: Three Arrested in Two Separate Weekend Online School Violence Threats

ANAHEIM, CA – Late Friday afternoon the Anaheim Police Department was made aware of threats made to Loara High School via the OGLE application. An investigation was launched immediately, which continued through the night and ultimately led to the arrest of a 15 year old male who is a 10th grade student at Loara HS. No weapons were located at the suspect’s residence and there is no indication the student had the means to carry out the threat. The suspect was booked at Orange County Juvenile Hall for making criminal threats.

On Saturday evening, Loara HS officials notified APD of a second threat made to the school via the same OGLE application. Through extensive investigation, Detectives identified the suspect in the second incident as Miguel Meza, 18, resident of Anaheim. Meza was contacted during a vehicle stop early Sunday afternoon. Two loaded handguns were recovered in the vehicle. Meza was arrested for making criminal threats and possession of loaded handguns. A second male, Johnny Aguilar, 23, also of Anaheim was arrested for possession of loaded handguns and probation violations.

Miguel Meza

Miguel Meza

Both Meza and Aguilar will be booked at Orange County Jail. This investigation highlights the seriousness with which these threats are viewed and how quickly law enforcement will respond to prevent an incident from occurring.
OGLE is a campus-oriented platform which allows users to anonymously post comments, photographs, videos and to exchange messages, themes, and chat with others in the application. Users are able to post anonymous content to a campus without requiring the user to be in proximity of the campus. Users can “like” others’ posts, which is used to show the popularity of posts. Users can also communicate via the app’s built in private chat feature, which can be used for one-on-one or group chat sessions. Photos and videos posted to the app or sent in a chat can also be set to
delete after a set period of time (up to 10 seconds). The app has the ability to be used without a login; however, it does allow users with Facebook or Twitter accounts to link the application to their accounts.

“We urge parents to be aware of their childrens’ online presence.” said APD Deputy Chief Julian Harvey. “At the same time, students and parents alike need to understand we do not take these threats lightly. We will prosecute anyone who makes such threats, even as a hoax, to the fullest extent of the law.” Many times parents, relatives, and friends can see warning signs long before an issue develops to this magnitude. We remind everyone if you “See Something, Say Something.”

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
425 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805
(714) 765-1521 Fax: (714) 765-1554
Raul Quezada, Chief of Police

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