Tag Archives: San Bernardino County

Gang Member Sentenced To 80 Years To Life For Murder

SBC PD

SAN BERNARDINO. – A documented gang member with a prior strike conviction has been sentenced to 80 years to life in state prison for the murder of 25-year-old Roy Craddock.

Juan Fuentes, 26, of San Bernardino, was sentenced Friday at the San Bernardino Justice Center by Superior Court Judge J. David Mazurek after being convicted of one count of Murder on March 27, 2014.
Supervising Deputy District Attorney Jill Gregory, who was formerly assigned to the Central Division Gang Unit, prosecuted the case.

Prior to sentencing one of the victim’s family members addressed the judge:

“We do not understand how another human being, who bleeds just as we do, could be so quick to pull the trigger and take the life, the very last breath, last drop of blood from the most kind-hearted and loving human being to walk this earth… While we were standing over his casket waiting for him to wake up, give us a hug and tell us it was just a dream, his body never moved. After a while, we were all forced to realize that we were living in a nightmare.”

Statement of Facts

It was a rainy Friday morning-November 4, 2011. The body of a young man was found lying near the entrance of Muscoy Elementary school, with six close-range gunshot wounds to the head.

A custodian at the school came upon the scene of the crime just before school started and alerted authorities. The victim was identified as 25-year-old Roy Craddock, a lifelong resident of Muscoy, who had attended that very elementary school.

“Through interviews with the victim’s family, we were able to find out that the victim had called the night before just after eleven o’clock, asking to be picked up in the vicinity of the school,” said Gregory.

Gregory added that although family members drove to the location immediately to pick him up, they were unable to locate him and he was not responding to repeated phone calls.

Surveillance video from the school showed that the victim had passed by the front of the school at 11:19 p.m. on Nov. 3, 2011, and then doubled back towards the flagpole in front of the school as though two individuals there caught his attention.

“The shooting itself was caught on surveillance, although it was shadowy and dark enough to provide only a bare outline of what had occurred there,” said Gregory.

After a month-long investigation by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Homicide Team, then-Sgt. Brad Toms and Detectives Landaeta, Johnson, Peterson and Cannon, questioned Fuentes, who was 20-years-old at the time.

Fuentes later admitted to investigators that he shot the victim, claiming self-defense.

According to Gregory, the surveillance video proved helpful in casting doubt on the defendant’s claim, as it showed the defendant’s contact with the victim to be under forty seconds in length.

Identity Theft Ring In Custody

Staff Reports

San Bernardino – Six suspects from San Bernardino were arrested and charged in relation to a string of mail thefts in the City of Loma Linda and other surrounding areas.

On September 13, 2016, the first suspect was stopped during a routine traffic stop by Deputy B. Ortiz of the Loma Linda Police Department. Daniel Bustos, the driver, was searched and in possession of pry tools as well as a vast amount of stolen checks, mail and ID cards. Deputies believed Bustos used the pry tools to break into residents’ mail boxes in Loma Linda. Bustos was then arrested and booked, facing felony of identity theft and check fraud.

Deputy Ortiz continued to investigate and issued a search warrant for 2301 N. Sepulveda Ave. #22 which was believed to be the location of where more stolen mail and other illegal items were being stored. The search warrant was officially served on September 27, 2016 where Deputies discovered even more stolen mail, checks and ID information. Deputies were also able to successfully arrest three more suspects, Tina Nolan, Linda Crume and Juan Herrera, and charge them with ID theft, check and credit card fraud.

The remaining suspects, Eduardo Guzman and Nicholas Costello, had already fled the area before police had arrived but were later found and arrested.

Evidence suggests that dozens of victims were affected in the following areas: Loma Linda, Cooley Ranch Area of San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, North Fontana, and Adelanto. Of the dozens affected, over 25 have been notified with the rest to be contacted shortly.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Central station at 909-387-3545. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-782-7463 or visit their website at http://www.wetip.com.

SoCalGas Conducts full-scale demonstration

20161013_091658-web

Photo courtesy: SoCalGas SoCalGas crews from Fontana Operating Base joined first responders, excavators, contractors and utility owners to demonstrate what can happen when individuals or contractors do not dig safely in their backyards or work sites.

By SoCalGas  

San Bernardino- Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) joined first responders, excavators, contractors, utility owners and operators in a full-scale demonstration of what can happen when individuals or contractors do not dig safely in their backyards or work sites.

The event took place at the San Bernardino Regional Emergency Training Center (SBRETC) in San Bernardino. The SBRETC provides comprehensive emergency training for Aircraft Crash Rescue Firefighters worldwide.

“Hitting an active gas line while digging, planting or doing demolition work can cause serious injury, property damage, outages and costly repairs,” said Sergio Jimenez, SoCalGas spokesperson.

The event was hosted by the San Bernardino County Fire Department the California Regional Common Ground Alliance (CARCGA).

The CACGA is an association of utility operators, professional excavators and other stakeholders, dedicated to ensuring public safety, environmental protection, and integrity of underground services since 2004, according to the organization’s website.

Utility line facts:

  • SoCalGas reminds the public to dig safely by dialing 811 two working days prior to shoveling to know the location of underground utility lines so that you’ll avoid hitting them.
  • Every six minutes an underground utility line somewhere in the country is damaged because someone did not call 811, the national “Call Before You Dig” phone number.
  • You could find utility lines, anywhere, including under streets, sidewalks and private property – sometimes you’ll see them just inches below the surface.
  • More than 100 billion feet of utility lines lay buried underground in communities throughout the United States and those lines bring us our Internet, cable TV, natural gas, electricity and water.
  • Hitting one of these pipelines while digging, planting or doing demolition work can cause serious injury, property damage, outages and costly repairs.
  • That’s why it’s important to know the location of underground utility lines before you dig, regardless if you’re planning a big construction project or just landscaping your yard.
  • After you call 811, Underground Service Alert will contact SoCalGas and other utilities so that representatives from these utilities can visit the proposed dig site to mark the locations of buried utility lines at no charge.

Man Arrested with Firearm

Staff Reports

San Bernardino County – Reports of shots fired were announced Sunday, September 18, 2016 on the 1900 block of Adams Street at approximately 3:17 p.m.

Witnesses recalled that a man, later identified as Jose Diaz, was driving around in a sedan and shot at the victim’s foot. When police spotted Diaz’ vehicle in the 2500 block of Ogden, a brief foot pursuit occurred. After Diaz was taken into custody, he was positively identified by witnesses as the suspect responsible for the assault.

Deputies found a semi-automatic handgun in Diaz’ vehicle that was linked to the shooting. At Diaz’ home, police also found approximately one pound of marijuana and a sawed-off rifle. Diaz was later arrested for PC 245 Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Firearm) and booked into the Central Detention Center.

If you have any more information regarding this incident, you are urged to contact Central Station at (909) 387 – 3545. If you wish to remain anonymous, feel free to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME or leave information on the website at http://www.wetip.com

County Teachers of Year Selected, To Be Honored in October

By SBCSS

SAN BERNARDINO – Four San Bernardino County teachers of the year have been announced, and the County Board of Education will honor them in October.

The four teachers will be honored during a ceremony on Oct. 3 at the County Schools’ Brier building located at 760 E. Brier Drive in San Bernardino. Each of this year’s recipients also will be honored by SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, which is a sponsor of the County Teachers of the Year program.

In addition, this year’s Teachers for Tomorrow participants from the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools’ Student Services also will be recognized.

This year’s County Teachers of the Year are:

  • Kenneth Hall, kindergarten teacher at Chapman Heights Elementary School in the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District;
  • Alexis King, English teacher at Ruben Ayala High School in the Chino Valley Unified School District;
  • Heather Lewis, teacher of specialized academic instruction for the Academy of Careers and Exploration and Riverview Middle School in the Helendale School District;
  • Jennifer Nicastro, an English teacher at the Los Osos High School in the Chaffey Joint Union High School District.

“Each year, it is gratifying to honor and recognize the terrific teachers who excel throughout our county,” County Superintendent Ted Alejandre said. “It is inspiring to see the remarkable work they do for their schools, districts and communities on behalf of our students.”

The four teachers were nominated by their individual districts and reviewed by a county panel that made the final selections. This year’s award recipients will compete in the California Teacher of the Year event, which will announce its recipients in the fall.

Following is a biography of each of this year’s County Teacher of the Year recipients:

Hall has 19 years of teaching experience, all of which he has done in Yucaipa-Calimesa. “It is a pleasure to describe the extraordinary impact Ken Hall has on our school community of students, parents and fellow teachers,” wrote Chapman Heights Principal Andy Anderson in the nomination for Hall. He describes himself as the lead learner in his classroom. “I would expect to be held accountable for continuing to learn just like the other learners in my class. As teachers, it is our responsibility to keep up with research and best practices,” he wrote about his teaching philosophy.

As an English teacher at Ayala, King has spent six of her seven years as a teacher in her current position in Chino Valley. Her principal at Ayala, Diana Yarboi, said King’s leadership style and knowledge-base are impressive. “(Our) high school has benefited from her experience, stewardship and dedication,” Yarboi wrote in the nomination of King. As a teacher, King said she continues to grow and develop in her role as an educator. “I am very proud of the collaborative accomplishments within my classroom and the opportunities for students to experience the world,” she wrote in her nomination.

With 18 years of teaching experience, Lewis has filled a variety of roles in Helendale since coming to the district in 2013. She serves in specialized academic instruction in high school grades after previously working in positions from transitional kindergarten to a school administrator. “Heather Lewis is truly a one-of-a-kind teacher and a one-of-a-kind person,” Helendale Superintendent Ross Swearingen wrote in her nomination. She takes great pride in her profession. “The best teachers are life-long learners, and we have to keep learning because in order to be better, we have to know better,” Lewis wrote about the teaching profession.

Nicastro has spent most of her 17-year career in teaching in the Chaffey district, as she begins her fourth year at Los Osos High in Rancho Cucamonga. Chaffey Superintendent Mathew Holton said Nicastro has proven to be one of the district’s best teachers. “Her extensive knowledge of the curriculum is second-to-none, while her passion and enthusiasm for the subject enhances student engagement,” he wrote in her nomination. Nicastro takes pride in challenging her students to work hard. “As a student, you will know you are loved beyond measure, but that love is a tough love that has high expectations,” she wrote in her nomination.

Parents Arrested For Child Cruelty

Staff Reports

San Bernardino County- There were ongoing incidents and an investigation between September 11 and September 14, after deputies were dispatched on a report of a domestic disturbance case in the 14400 block of Columbia Street in the City of Adelanto.

The Victor Valley Sheriff’s Department assigned Deputy Lauren Abernathy on the incident and in her investigation found that an incident occurred between a male and female who were also parents at the residence. The male was identified as 31 year-old Hilario Hernandez who had left the residence before deputies arrived.

According to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, “the investigation revealed Hilario Hernandez had assaulted one of the children in the home and threatened to kill all the children and the female.” Deputies searched the area and were unsuccessful in trying to locate Hernandez.

On September 12, Deputy Abernathy followed up with the assaulted child to confirm the child had received medical care. Also, learning that Hernandez had returned to the residence in which, deputies made an attempt to interview him. While at the residence, the deputies encountered an uncooperative female identified as Teaira Palomares. Hernandez returned to the residence during this time and was arrested. SBCSD states, “The children were placed in temporary care homes by Children & Family Services.

Both, Hernandez and Palomares were arrested and then booked into the High Desert Detention Center. Hernandez was placed at a $25,000 bail, and Palomares was placed at a $100,000 bail.

The Victorville District Attorney’s Officed filed 3 counts of misdemeanor cruelty to a child against both Hernandez and Palomares on September 14 as well as an additional charge against Palomares for intimidating a witness.

If you have any information regarding this investigation, you are urged to contact the Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station at (760) 552-6801. If you wish to remain anonymous, you are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at http://www.wetip.com

Kidnapping Victim Able To Escape

Staff Reports

San Bernardino County- On August 24, four suspects were identified for kidnapping, assaulting with great bodily injury, conspiracy and false imprisonment on a victim.

The victim was only identified as a male, who was near the Indian Springs High School, severely beaten with multiple injuries to the face and upper body covered in blood, and was able to able to flag down a marked school police officer.

The suspects were identified as Ruben Hernandez of Redlands, Bernardino Calderon of Muscoy, Felix Velasquez of Redlands and Brandy Trujillo of Highland. The victim was able to escape where he was held against his will and beaten from two different locations.

According to the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, “Deputies from the SBSD Central Station responde3d to the location of the victim and took over the investigation. The victim was able to provide sufficient information regarding two locations and subjects involved. The first location was a house where he had just escaped from and held against his will by Trujillo and Velasquez in the 7700 block of Del Rosa Ave in the City of Highland. The second location was an abandoned house where he was initially beaten and kidnapped by Hernandez and Calderon.”

After a thorough investigation was done, the suspects were located and booked in for kidnapping, assaulting with great bodily injury, conspiracy and false imprisonment. The suspects also had previous criminal records as follows; Hernandez is on active felony probation for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, Calderon is on Post Release Community Supervision for evading law enforcement, and Velasquez is on active parole for Burglary.

If you have any information regarding this investigation, you are urged to contact San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department Central Station at (909) 387-3545. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME(27463) or you can also leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at http://www.wetip.com

Suspect Arrested After Disturbance

Staff Reports

San Bernardino– A suspect attempted to flee from a deputy after a disturbance call was made at Glen Helen Regional Park last week.

On August 7, the Sheriff’s Central Station responded to a call from the Glen Helen Regional Park of complaints that a subject had been causing problems with the employees and customers.

The suspect was identified as Victorville resident, Kadell Agee, 27-years-old. When Deputy Sandoval arrived on the scene, Agee took a fighting stance after refusing to speak with the deputy.

According to San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, “Sandoval attempted to gain control of Agee’s arm when Agee struck Sandoval’s arm and fled on foot. Deputy Sandoval chased after Agee and gave him orders to stop, but he refused. Agee then stopped, turned around and took a fighting stance again.”

Once Agee took his fighting stance against the deputy for the second time, Deputy Sandoval was able to gain control of the suspect and take him into custody without further incident.

Kadell Agee was arrested for Felony Resisting an officer and booked into the West Valley Detention Center.

If you have any information in regards to this incident, you may contact the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department’s Central Station at (909) 387-3545. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may also leave information on the website at http://www.wetip.com

Search And Rescue

Staff Reports

San Bernardino County– A 911 call was received to Victor Valley Station on July 9 around 7:45 p.m. from a distraught female in regards to her husband, who went OHV riding of the El Mirage Dry Lake Bed and had not returned.

She provided the deputies with information as to exactly the color of the OHV he was riding, what he was wearing, and that she had not seen him for over 4 to 5 hours. Jaime Velasquez had never ridden before in the area, and went with no food and no water. After the information was received by the deputies, Velasquez was listed as a critical missing adult. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department assisted Victor Valley Station in the search.

A Command Post was set up on Oasis Road south of El Mirage Road near Black Mountain on Sunday, July 10 at 5 a.m. by search and rescue members with direction of the Search and Rescue Coordinator Deputy Mark Lewis. Teams were put together and deployed at around 4:45 a.m. on the search for Velasquez.

Jaime Velasquez was located a little after 6 a.m. suffering from a head injury and possible broken leg. He was carried back to the command post. Paramedics were on site waiting and transported him to Antelope Valley Hospital to be treated for his injuries.

Thanks to the team effort and the volunteers who responded to help in assisting the search and rescue.

The Victor Valley Sheriff’s Stations Off Highway Vehicle Team would like to remind everyone to be prepared with adequate food and water, ride in pairs, and never venture out alone. Helmets are required by California State Law when operating an Off Highway Vehicle.

For additional information on legal riding areas or California State Laws regarding Off Highway Vehicles, please contact Sergeant Jeff Toll at (760) 868-1006.

 

SB County To Rid Rave-Style Events

By Racine Guajardo

San Bernardino– Rave-style events have been held at the San Manuel Amphitheater in Devore for the past 3 years. However, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors proposed on June 28 to consider a ban on the events.

According to documents available online, as of September 6, 2016 it will go into effect to no longer permit Live Nation to host any more Electronic Dance Shows at the San Manuel Amphitheater at the Glen Helen Regional Park. This was due to numerous objections of noise and nuisance complaints generated by the Electronic Dance Show events.

The Board of Supervisors have also taken into consideration the results of deaths that have happened at these events. According to Janice Rutherford, “Sadly, two deaths have been linked to rave festivals at the Venue. Arrel Cochon, 22, of Hollywood suffered a seizure after taking Ecstasy and methamphetamine at the Nocturnal Wonderland festival in September 2013. John Hoang Dinh Vo, 22, of San Diego died at Loma Linda University Medical Center after suffering a seizure and collapsing at the Beyond Wonderland festival in March 2015. The cause of death was acute toxicity from MDMA (Ecstasy).”

No actual impact financially is known at this time. However, also according to Rutherford’s report, “it is unclear to what direct extent the EDS events contributed to the overage. The elimination of EDS may also impact the County’s negotiations with Live Nation to extend the management contract for the San Manuel Amphitheater and the level of financial guarantee. Additionally, the County may see a loss of revenue from Live Nation for the leasing of additional space at Glen Helen Regional Park for camping or other needs during EDS events or may recognize an increase in revenue resulting from other usage opportunities.”

Three Arrested In Connection To Terrorist Attack

Three People Connected to Shooter in San Bernardino Terrorist Attack Arrested on Federal Conspiracy, Marriage Fraud and False Statement Charges

By United States Attorney’s Office
Riverside– Three people with family connections to Syed Rizwan Farook, one of the perpetrators of the December 2, 2015 terrorist attack at the San Bernardino Inland Regional Center (IRC), were arrested last week on federal conspiracy, marriage fraud and false statement charges.
A five-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury charges three defendants in a marriage fraud conspiracy that involved making false statements under oath for the purpose of obtaining immigration benefits for one of the defendants.
The three defendants arrested are:
• Mariya Chernykh, 26, of Ontario, who, according to official records, is married to Enrique Marquez, Jr., who is awaiting trial on charges of conspiring with Syed Rizwan Farook in 2011 and 2012 to provide material support to terrorists;
• Tatiana Farook, 31, of Corona, who is Chernykh’s sister;
• Syed Raheel Farook, 31, of Corona, who is Tatiana Farook’s husband and Syed Rizwan Farook’s brother.
The indictment charges all three defendants in a conspiracy to knowingly make under oath a false statement with respect to a material fact in an application, affidavit, and other document required by the immigration laws and regulations of the United States. This charge carries a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
The indictment also charges Chernykh with fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents; perjury; and two counts of making material false statements to federal agents. These four charges carry a combined statutory maximum sentence of 25 years in federal prison.
When Marquez was indicted by a federal grand jury at the end of 2015 with conspiring with Syed Rizwan Farook to provide material support to terrorists, he was also charged with entering into a sham marriage with Chernykh in November 2014 and illegally signing an immigration form that falsely declared he was living with her (see:http://go.usa.gov/cuKEm).

“This is the latest step in the comprehensive investigation into the horrific attacks in San Bernardino last year that took the lives of 14 innocent Americans and deeply affected so many more,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “As I have said previously, we owe the victims, and the entire community of San Bernardino, a thorough investigation that uncovers all criminal activity surrounding these events. Today’s arrests open a new phase in the process of bringing to justice all individuals who allegedly committed crimes that were uncovered during our exhaustive investigation. The charges also reflect the importance we place on statements made to law enforcement officials during a terrorism investigation. Those who lie to or conceal material information from law enforcement officers investigating terrorist acts will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Acting Assistant Director of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, James Struyk, said, “Members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force worked around the clock in an attempt to find immediate answers in the days and weeks following the December murders in San Bernardino to ensure no additional threats to the community were present. As proof of our enduring commitment to the victims and their families, the FBI and our partners will continue to pursue all leads developed in this matter to build cases when evidence of a crime is revealed.”
Joseph Macias, Special Agent in Charge U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Los Angeles, stated: “Last year’s tragedy in San Bernardino showed yet again how our nation’s legal immigration system can be subverted and exploited by those intent on doing this country harm. As the second largest presence on the nation’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces, HSI special agents, in collaboration with their JTTF partners, are using their unique skills and authorities, including their immigration expertise, to pursue individuals and organizations that pose a threat to domestic security. As this case underscores, that vigilance extends to those whose actions directly or indirectly put our communities and our country at risk.”
The case against Chernykh and the Farooks stems from the overall investigation into the IRC terrorist attack. While investigating the terrorist attack, federal agents obtained official records showing that Marquez, a former neighbor of Syed Rizwan Farook’s, is married to Chernykh. The investigation determined that Marquez agreed to marry Chernykh so she could obtain immigration benefits that were not available to her because she is a Russian citizen and did not have legal status in the United States. The indictment alleges that Marquez received money from Chernykh to enter into the sham marriage.
In furtherance of this conspiracy, both Marquez and Chernykh signed immigration documents, under penalty of perjury, that included information that they lived at the same address, when they did not.
Syed Raheel Farook and Tatiana Farook participated in the conspiracy by, among other things, witnessing Marquez and Chernykh’s wedding, taking staged family pictures of Marquez and Chernykh, establishing a joint checking account for Marquez and Chernykh, and creating a back-dated lease for Marquez and Chernykh to create the illusion that they shared a marital residence with Syed Raheel Farook and Tatiana Farook.
FBI agents interviewed Chernykh as part of the investigation into the IRC terrorist attacks, and she allegedly made false statements that she lived with Marquez at Syed Raheel Farook and Tatiana Farook’s residence in Corona.
All three defendants are expected to be arraigned on the indictment in United States District Court in Riverside.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in court.
This operation is the result of an ongoing investigation by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes partners with HSI, the San Bernardino Police Department, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the Ontario Police Department, the Riverside Police Department, the Corona Police Department and the Chino Police Department.

Three Arrested In Connection To San Bernardino Terrorist Attack

Three People Connected to Shooter in San Bernardino Terrorist Attack Arrested on Federal Conspiracy, Marriage Fraud and False Statement Charges

By Thom Mrozek, Public Affairs Officer of the United States Attorney’s Office
RIVERSIDE, California – Three people with family connections to Syed Rizwan Farook, one of the perpetrators of the December 2, 2015 terrorist attack at the San Bernardino Inland Regional Center (IRC), were arrested this morning on federal conspiracy, marriage fraud and false statement charges.
A five-count indictment returned yesterday by a federal grand jury charges three defendants in a marriage fraud conspiracy that involved making false statements under oath for the purpose of obtaining immigration benefits for one of the defendants.
The three defendants arrested this morning are:
• Mariya Chernykh, 26, of Ontario, who, according to official records, is married to Enrique Marquez, Jr., who is awaiting trial on charges of conspiring with Syed Rizwan Farook in 2011 and 2012 to provide material support to terrorists;
• Tatiana Farook, 31, of Corona, who is Chernykh’s sister; and
• Syed Raheel Farook, 31, of Corona, who Tatiana Farook’s husband and Syed Rizwan Farook’s brother.
The indictment charges all three defendants in a conspiracy to knowingly make under oath a false statement with respect to a material fact in an application, affidavit, and other document required by the immigration laws and regulations of the United States. This charge carries a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
The indictment also charges Chernykh with fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents; perjury; and two counts of making material false statements to federal agents. These four charges carry a combined statutory maximum sentence of 25 years in federal prison.
When Marquez was indicted by a federal grand jury at the end of 2015 with conspiring with Syed Rizwan Farook to provide material support to terrorists, he was also charged with entering into a sham marriage with Chernykh in November 2014 and illegally signing an immigration form that falsely declared he was living with her (see: http://go.usa.gov/cuKEm).

“This is the latest step in the comprehensive investigation into the horrific attacks in San Bernardino last year that took the lives of 14 innocent Americans and deeply affected so many more,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “As I have said previously, we owe the victims, and the entire community of San Bernardino, a thorough investigation that uncovers all criminal activity surrounding these events. Today’s arrests open a new phase in the process of bringing to justice all individuals who allegedly committed crimes that were uncovered during our exhaustive investigation. The charges also reflect the importance we place on statements made to law enforcement officials during a terrorism investigation. Those who lie to or conceal material information from law enforcement officers investigating terrorist acts will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Acting Assistant Director of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, James Struyk, said, “Members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force worked around the clock in an attempt to find immediate answers in the days and weeks following the December murders in San Bernardino to ensure no additional threats to the community were present. As proof of our enduring commitment to the victims and their families, the FBI and our partners will continue to pursue all leads developed in this matter to build cases when evidence of a crime is revealed.”
Joseph Macias, Special Agent in Charge U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Los Angeles, stated: “Last year’s tragedy in San Bernardino showed yet again how our nation’s legal immigration system can be subverted and exploited by those intent on doing this country harm. As the second largest presence on the nation’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces, HSI special agents, in collaboration with their JTTF partners, are using their unique skills and authorities, including their immigration expertise, to pursue individuals and organizations that pose a threat to domestic security. As this case underscores, that vigilance extends to those whose actions directly or indirectly put our communities and our country at risk.”
The case against Chernykh and the Farooks stems from the overall investigation into the IRC terrorist attack. While investigating the terrorist attack, federal agents obtained official records showing that Marquez, a former neighbor of Syed Rizwan Farook’s, is married to Chernykh. The investigation determined that Marquez agreed to marry Chernykh so she could obtain immigration benefits that were not available to her because she is a Russian citizen and did not have legal status in the United States. The indictment alleges that Marquez received money from Chernykh to enter into the sham marriage.
In furtherance of this conspiracy, both Marquez and Chernykh signed immigration documents, under penalty of perjury, that included information that they lived at the same address, when they did not.
Syed Raheel Farook and Tatiana Farook participated in the conspiracy by, among other things, witnessing Marquez and Chernykh’s wedding, taking staged family pictures of Marquez and Chernykh, establishing a joint checking account for Marquez and Chernykh, and creating a back-dated lease for Marquez and Chernykh to create the illusion that they shared a marital residence with Syed Raheel Farook and Tatiana Farook.
FBI agents interviewed Chernykh as part of the investigation into the IRC terrorist attacks, and she allegedly made false statements that she lived with Marquez at Syed Raheel Farook and Tatiana Farook’s residence in Corona.
All three defendants are expected to be arraigned on the indictment this afternoon in United States District Court in Riverside.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in court.
Today’s operation is the result of an ongoing investigation by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes partners with HSI, the San Bernardino Police Department, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the Ontario Police Department, the Riverside Police Department, the Corona Police Department and the Chino Police Department.

FBI Unlocks Terrorist’s iPhone

Staff Reports

SAN BERNARDINO– The government has asked a United States Magistrate Judge in Riverside, California to vacate the order that would have compelled Apple to assist the FBI in unlocking the iPhone 5C that was used in the San Bernardino terrorist attack last year. With the recent assistance of a third party, the Department of Justice is now able to unlock that phone without compromising any information on the device.

Government officials had sought an order compelling Apple to help unlock the phone of terrorist Syed Farook, who along with his wife, Tashfeen Malik, shot and killed 14 people and wounded 22 others at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino on December 2, 2015.  The DOJ wanted Apple to help the FBI unlock the phone by building a new version of iOS that would have bypassed iPhone passcode restrictions.  Apple had steadfastly refused to comply with the court order, saying that it would set a dangerous precedent for future device security.

United States Attorney Eileen Decker released the following statement, “We sought an order compelling Apple to help unlock the phone to fulfill a solemn commitment to the victims of the San Bernardino shooting – that we will not rest until we have fully pursued every investigative lead related to the vicious attack. Although this step in the investigation is now complete, we will continue to explore every lead, and seek any appropriate legal process, to ensure our investigation collects all of the evidence related to this terrorist attack. The San Bernardino victims deserve nothing less.”

CarMax Crash Fugitive Sought

Photo courtesy: San Bernardino County Sheriff Fugitive Alex Demetro sought

Photo courtesy: San Bernardino County Sheriff
Fugitive Alex Demetro sought

Staff Reports

SAN BERNARDINO-  A Union City, CA  man charged with killing a CarMax salesman has been declared a fugitive.

Alex Demetro, 28, allegedly crashed a Corvette into a tree during a test drive around 12:45 p.m., February 23, on Mercedes Lane in Ontario.  Witnesses told police that the driver was traveling at a high rate of speed, possibly as high as 70 mph, when he lost control of the car and crashed.

After the collision, 43-year-old Warren Smale of Montclair, a CarMax employee, was taken to a hospital in critical condition.  He was later pronounced dead as a result of his injuries. Smale had worked at the CarMax dealership since October 2013, and was the first CarMax employee to die during a test drive, according to the company.   He grew up in Pennsylvania and moved to California to find a good job.

Demetro was released from jail February 24 after posting $100,000 bail.

On March 7, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office charged Demetro with one count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, one count of driving while under the influence of a drug causing injury, and one count of driving when privilege suspended or revoked with priors.  When Demetro did not show up for his court hearing, a warrant for his arrest was issued.

The case is currently under investigation by the Ontario Police Department.  If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Alex Demetro, please contact Ontario Police Officer Brian Olivo at (909) 395-4646 or callers wishing to remain anonymous can dial WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME.

Sex Offender Compliance Check

Courtesy of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department

SAN BERNARDINO– For the past 45 days, detectives from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Crimes Against Children detail have continued to verify the residency status of sex offenders within the county of San Bernardino. San Bernardino County currently has over 5,000 registered sex offenders residing throughout the various cities in San Bernardino County. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has a 98 % compliance rate of all sex offenders registered with the Sheriff’s Department.
As of February 2016, there are 192 active Failure to Register warrants for subjects who have not registered, and are out of compliance with their Sex Offender registration requirements. 133 of these warrants are Felony warrants; 59 of these are misdemeanor warrants. Detectives are currently working with the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office to ensure that all of the felony warrants in the system are approved for nationwide extradition. At this time, over 40 warrants have been approved for nationwide extradition, and additional approvals are pending.
Through investigation, detectives learned that 7 of those wanted subjects were deceased. An additional 9 were found to be living in other States.
In the past 45 days, Detectives from the Crimes Against Children Detail also conducted over 30 investigations into the compliance status of various sex offenders within the Inland Empire. As a result of those investigations, 13 sex offenders were arrested for various charges to include; possession of drugs, forgery, failing to register as a sex offender, and for violating the terms of their parole & probation.
Charlie Sanders (44) and John Mason (42) both of San Bernardino, were arrested for possession of a controlled substance and parole violation.
Anthony Jefferson (30) of San Bernardino, was arrested for Forgery, Possession of a fake CA driver’s license, and parole violation.
With the assistance of Deputies from the Sheriff’s Central Station, Travis Wright (64) of Devore, was arrested for a Felony Indecent Exposure Warrant; stemming from a case that occurred in Orange County.
John Arrey (59) of Yucaipa, Benny Goodman (46) and Robert White (53), both of Highland, Michael Murillo (27) and Ronnie Fernandez (42), both of Redlands, Edward Brodie (58) of Rialto, William Hoover (51) of Rancho Cucamonga, and Antonio Higareda (20) and Justin Lutton (28), both of San Bernardino, were all arrested for failing to register as sex offenders.
Additional investigations are in the process and more arrests are imminent. Detectives are also collaborating with officers from the San Bernardino County Probation Department and agents from the California Department of Corrections to ensure the subjects on parole & probation are following their sex offender registration requirements. Detectives will continue to monitor the registered sex offenders within the County of San Bernardino to ensure their compliance.
Anyone with information about sex offenders who may be out of compliance is urged to contact the Specialized Investigations – Crimes Against Children Detail at (909) 387-3615. If you choose to remain anonymous, call WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME.

San Bernardino Co. Sheriff Helps Out Homeless Vet

Photo courtesy: SBCS Jack gets a new start through the HOPE program.

Photo courtesy: SBCS
Jack gets a new start through the HOPE program.

Staff Reports

San Bernardino – Jack was lying on a piece of cardboard in Perris Hill Park when San Bernardino County Sheriff Deputy Collins and Jones approached him one afternoon.

Once a decorated Vietnam veteran and business owner, Jack had hit rock bottom and given up on life after his wife’s death in 2010. He had been living on the streets for over a month. He turned to drinking heavily and ended up on the streets. He did not want to bother or worry his two adult children and decided to live in the park. Jack told deputies that he did not know how to get off the streets, but was willing to do whatever was necessary to get into housing.

After contacting Veteran Affairs, deputies discovered that Jack had earned five Medals of Valor during his service in Vietnam.

His day was about to change for the better. On Feb. 23, Jack was given a fresh start on life and offered assistance by the Sheriff’s HOPE (Homeless Outreach Proactive Enforcement) team.

Jack was very eager to get out of the park and agreed. He had an honorable discharge and a copy of his Together with Veteran Affairs (VA) and Knowledge & Education For Your Success, Inc. (KEYS), deputies helped Jack put a roof over his head.

Jack was extremely happy and appreciative of the assistance provided to him by HOPE, and repeatedly thanked and shook the team’s hands, with tears in his eyes, deputies said.

“It was truly a pleasure to help a national hero get back on his feet and restore some dignity to his life,” Jones said. “The HOPE team is pushing to end veteran homelessness in San Bernardino County.”

This is just one of the many success stories of the SB County Sheriff’s HOPE program.

HOPE was developed in 2014 to balance proactive outreach with enforcement of the law, while connecting members of the homeless population with resources that may help them transition from homelessness. The deputies even appear less threatening sporting polo shirts and khaki pants.

According to the HOPE webpage, the ultimate goal is to reduce the rate of recidivism and reduce the current costs associated to homeless related crime.

How can you help? Deputies encourage the public to give donations to organizations that assist homeless persons, not panhandlers. Statistics show that most panhandlers are not homeless, and most homeless do not panhandle.

Photo courtesy: SBCS

Photo courtesy: SBCS

 

Man Arrested for Workers’ Comp Fraud

Staff Reports

San Bernardino County – A Fontana man was arrested on insurance fraud charges earlier this month following an investigation conducted by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fraud Unit.
Jamie Gallardo, 45, is charged with a violation of workers’ compensation insurance fraud. Gallardo was employed at California Coach & Body located in Walnut, Calif. on or about April 21, 2010 through April 19, 2014. During this time, Gallardo filed a workers’ compensation claim alleging he sustained injuries to his chest and back while performing his job duties.
According to D.A. investigators, an investigation into possible fraud resulted in the current allegation that Gallardo presented a knowingly false or fraudulent statement in order to obtain Workers’ Compensation benefits.
After obtaining an arrest warrant, investigators–with the assistance of officers from the Fontana Police Department–arrested Gallardo at his place of residence Feb. 2. Gallardo was transported and booked into the West Valley Detention Center. If convicted, Gallardo faces five years County prison. Arraignment is scheduled for March 24 in the Rancho Cucamonga Courthouse.

Shooting in Chino Hills Ruled Justified

Staff Reports

SAN BERNARDINO– The fatal officer-involved shooting of Peter John Oien, 47, of Chino Hills, by three San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputies on Nov. 18, 2013 was justified Tuesday by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.

According to the police report, on Nov. 18, 2013, at approximately 7:52 p.m., Chino Hills Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a disturbance call at 157 Tern Street, in the city of Chino Hills. The reporting party, (“RP”) advised dispatch that her boyfriend, Peter John Oien was stabbing himself in the chest with a kitchen knife. She also advised that Oien may be high on methamphetamine.

Upon arriving at the location, deputies contacted RP down the street, and she informed them that Oien was last seen inside their bedroom, and was stabbing himself in the chest with a kitchen knife. RP gave the deputies a key to the residence and gave them verbal permission to enter.

Deputies Hendrix, McChristian and Tobar walked to the front door area of the residence and tried to make contact with Oien, who was believed to still be inside the residence. Deputies called out to Oien that they were there to help him, and that fire department and ambulance personnel were at the scene as well. They instructed Oien to drop the knife and come out of the bedroom without any weapons. McChristian looked down the hallway from the living room and saw Oien standing in a bedroom approximately 12 yards away holding a knife in each hand. Oien was covered with blood from his neck down to his waist. Deputies instructed Oien to drop the knives several times, but Oien instead ran at the deputies while holding a knife in each hand. Deputies again ordered Oien to drop the knives, but Oien raised his hands with the knives while still charging at the deputies and closing the distance on them. In fear for their safety and their lives, and for the safety and lives of their fellow deputies, the deputies fired their weapons at Oien as he continued to run toward them. After being struck by the gunfire, Oien fell to the ground and landed near McChristian’s feet.

The crime scene was secured and Oien was transported to Chino Valley Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

According to County D.A. officials, the deputies’ use of force was in response to an immediate threat of great bodily injury or death to themselves and their fellow deputies present at the scene.

Deputies Reassigned to Unincorporated Areas

Courtesy of the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approved the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s request for one detective and six deputies to be reassigned to the Chino Hills Station to improve law enforcement services for the Mission Corridor. The area includes an estimated four square miles of unincorporated area adjacent to the cities of Montclair, Ontario, Chino, and Chino Hills. The reassignment began on Saturday, January 23, 2016.

This reorganization will give the community a higher law enforcement presence. “The deputies dedicated to the Mission Corridor will be able to respond to our citizens faster and will be able to increase pro-active patrol for our community,” Sheriff John McMahon said.

Prior to the shift in personnel, deputies from the Fontana Station were responsible for providing law enforcement services for the Mission Corridor. The once 40-minute drive from the Fontana Station will drop to a six-minute drive from the Chino Hills Station. The area will now have dedicated deputies who will be responsible for responding to calls for service and conducting investigations. Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman stated, “This change will allow the public to be served quicker and more efficiently. It is proof the County is putting public safety first.”

 

Inland Empire: 32 Honored for Saving Lives

Deputies honored for their life-saving actions pictured with Sheriff McMahon.

Photo courtesy: SBCSD
Deputies honored for their life-saving actions pictured with Sheriff McMahon.

Staff Reports

San Bernardino County –The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department on Friday, Dec. 18, recognized 32 personnel and citizens whose actions contributed to saving many lives.

Sheriff John McMahon presented the individuals with the awards and praised their heroic deeds at the event.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the professional character displayed by all 32 individuals awarded,” McMahon said. “Without hesitation, citizens and employees from various agencies stepped in and gave so many people their life back.”

Among the stories of the heroic acts, here are a few shining examples:
Deputy Will Fifita was honored for saving his father’s life while off-duty. On Thursday, Oct. 1, Fifita was off-duty at LAX Airport waiting to pick up family members. Suddenly, Will’s father, Eddie Fifita, fell to the ground and stopped breathing, possibly in cardiac arrest. Will quickly began assessing his father’s needs and was assisted by Customs Agents Phillip Gaff and Kevin Mahoney. The three officers began CPR and after several minutes, Will located a pulse and his father began breathing. Eddie Fifita was transported to a nearby hospital.
Highland resident Micheal Ruth helped save an injured driver on June 19.  At about 11 p.m., a traffic collision occurred on Boulder near Pacific. Ruth witnessed a car crash into a tree and become fully engulfed in flames. Ruth ran to the vehicle, saw the injured driver in the backseat, reached into the burning vehicle and pulled the driver to safety. After rescuing the driver, Ruth stayed with the driver until he was transported to a local hospital.
Deputy Daniel Smith was honored for saving his partner Deputy David Franquez’s life earlier this year.

In January of 2015, Deputies Daniel Smith and David Franquez were assigned as partners for the day on routine patrol in Rancho Cucamonga. They stopped for a quick bite to eat before their first assignment. Smith was researching the subjects they were going to contact when he looked at Franquez and realized he was choking. Franquez’s face turned red and he was no longer breathing. Smith got Franquez out of the patrol car and immediately began the Heimlich maneuver. The one hard compression dislodged the food from his airway and he began breathing on his own.