The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has arrested and charged a 27-year-old Lancaster woman with killing 15-year-old Brenda Sierra in 2002. Sierra’s body was found in Crestline. (Photo Courtesy Nicole Nishida/Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department)

By G. T. Houts

UPDATE: Tuesday, March 3 – 5:07 p.m.

Monterey Park, CA – A 27-year-old Lancaster woman — Rosemary Chavira — has been charged with killing 15-year-old  Brenda Sierra on October 18, 2002, according to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. Sierra was walking to school in Montebello at the time of her abduction.

A press conference announcing the arrest was held in Monterey Park. (Photo Courtesy Nicole Nishida/Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department)

Chavira, who was also 15 at the time of Sierra’s death, entered a plea of not guilty to murder with gang allegations and special circumstances during a court appearance on March 3. Chavira is being held without bail and, if convicted of the cold case murder, faces life in prison without parole.

Sierra’s body was located by a local resident on October 19, 2002, after it had been dumped in the 22500 block of Skyview Lane in Valley of Enchantment.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Chavira was placed under arrest near her Lancaster home on Friday, February 27,  for her alleged role in Sierra’s kidnap, rape and murder.

Investigators anticipate filing similar charges on at least three additional suspects within the next month.

ORIGINAL STORY

The public’s help is sought in locating three “persons of interest” in the October 2002 murder of 15-year-old Brenda Sierra. Her body was found by a resident in the 22600 block of Skyview Lane in Valley of Enchantment (Photo Courtesy Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department)

Montebello, CA – The location of three “persons of interest” related to the 2002 kidnap, rape and murder of Brenda Sierra, 15, may help detectives solve the cold case. The assistance of the public is requested.

Brenda Sierra (Contributed Photo)

Sierra’s body was found on October 19, 2002, after it had been dumped in the 22500 block of Skyview Lane in Valley of Enchantment.

PERSONS OF INTEREST

Los Angeles Sheriff’s Homicide Investigators have been persistent in their pursuit of those responsible for the murder of the 15-year-old high school student from East Los Angeles. Detectives have developed information that the two individuals depicted in the composite drawings are “persons-of-interest” in the kidnap and murder of Sierra.

Officials are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the two individuals, their current whereabouts and any other information which may assist detectives in locating them.

At the time of Sierra’s murder, the two men were known street gang members who frequented the area where Sierra was abducted. The abduction is believed to have occurred in the area of Leonard Avenue and Whittier Boulevard in East Los Angeles.

Authorities report that witnesses have come forth and provided vital information relating to Sierra’s cold case, but detectives still need more to come forward.

The third “person-of-interest,” is identified by investigators as George Barraza (pictured in photo). Barraza is believed to be in Mexico, but may travel back and forth across the border. Currently, he is wanted for questioning in Sierra’s murder; however he is also wanted on a “no-bail” arrest warrant for a prior narcotics conviction.

VOE WITNESSES SOUGHT

Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department detectives are asking the public to contact them if they have any information or recollection of this 2002 incident.

In addition, detectives are seeking any information from the residents in the Crestline/Valley of Enchantment area who may have seen the individuals depicted above on or around October 18 or 19, 2002. VOE witnesses in the area have previously noted a “suspicious, dark, SUV” in the area, prior to the discovery of Brenda’s body.

 ”Certainly, we hope that anyone with knowledge of this horrific incident will overcome any fear of coercion or retaliation and come forward and bring justice to Brenda and her family,” Homicide Lieutenant Dave Colman stated in a media release.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.

Information may also be provided anonymously. Call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or online at L.A. CRIMESTOPPERS.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department — the investigating agency in Valley of Enchantment — issued cold case playing cards to county jail inmates depicting Brenda Sierra’s picture in hopes of getting leads in the case. (Contributed Photo).

Attempted murder suspect Kyle Allan Thompson, 32, will be screened for Mental Health Court prior to his next court appearance. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

San Bernardino, CA - 32-year-old Crestline attempted murder suspect — Kyle Allen Thompson – who is being held on $1 million bail will be screened for mental health court following a disposition/reset hearing in Superior Court.

The hearing — before Judge R. Glenn Yabuno — was held Wednesday morning, March 4, in  Department S-17. It has been rescheduled until March 11 at 8:30 a.m. in  Department S-8.

Thompson remains in custody on $50,000 bail at the Glen Helen Detention Center in Devore.

THE ORIGINAL INCIDENT

On Tuesday, February 17,  deputies from the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station were dispatched to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 700 block of Deer Trail in Crestline.

Emergency dispatchers were told by an unidentified female victim that her boyfriend was refusing to leave and was trying to prevent her from calling authorities. Thompson had left the residence by the time deputies arrived at the residence.

During an interview with deputies, the victim said she had been attacked with a wooden, baton style weapon. The victim also told deputies Thompson attempted to strangle her, according to a media release issued by the Twin Peaks Station.

SUSPECT’S EVENTUAL ARREST

During an area check, deputies spotted Thompson as he fled on foot. Deputies began a pursuit and Thompson managed to elude capture that night. However, deputies kept the residence under observation for most of the day on Wednesday, February 18, anticipating Thompson’s possible return.

On Thursday, February 19, Thompson was spotted by deputies at about 1:23 a.m. outside a residence in the 700 block of Big Oak Drive. Thompson again led deputies on another foot pursuit through the backyards of several nearby residences. Thompson hid under the cover of darkness near the area of Crest Forest Drive and Big Oak Drive.

Sheriff’s Aviation (40-King) assisted with the pursuit and directed deputies to where Thompson was hiding. The suspect was taken into custody at 1:48 a.m. without further incident. (31)

Riverside Police are seeking assistance from the public in helping identify possible victims of a church volunteer accused of alleged child molestation. At one time he volunteered at a church in Running Springs, according to the Diocese of San Bernardino. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Running Springs, CA -Authorities are seeking possible molestation victims of a 47-year-old church volunteer who had been volunteering at St. Anne in the Mountains Catholic Church in Running Springs and St. Andrew’s Newman Center in Riverside, according to a media advisory issued by the Riverside Police Department.

Rudolph Michael Hernandez (Photo by Riverside Police Department)

The Diocese of San Bernardino has confirmed that Rudolph Michael Hernandez, 47, had volunteered at both churches before his arrest after he allegedly was caught alone with a child in a rest room.

RIVERSIDE POLICE

Detective Everth Bercian from the Riverside Police Department  issued a call to possible victims to come forward as authorities continue to build their case against Hernandez.

Individuals with information about Hernandez and the case are encouraged to contact Detective Bercian at (951) 353-7950.

The charges pending against Hernandez include kidnapping to commit sexual offenses and lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14, according to Riverside Police.

CATHOLIC DIOCESE

The Catholic Diocese in San Bernardino issued a letter to be read at the churches where Hernandez volunteered. It requests any potential victims to notify police or the diocese,

A statement issued by spokesperson John Andrews reveals that the churches in the diocese were aware of Hernandez’ background and that he was a Registered Sex Offender.  The statement indicated that Hernandez was required to sign a “very specific agreement” that he would not volunteer for any ministries involving children, nor could he attend events such as Mass that included a children’s choir.

COURT APPEARANCE

Hernandez posted the $150,000 bail was released from the Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside. He was detained at a residence in Riverside last month near Coolidge Street and Mary Avenue.

His next court appearance is Tuesday, March 10,  at the Riverside Hall of Justice at 7:30 a.m., according to court documents.

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A Crestline tax preparer identified as Tammy Jonnell Ahumada, 48, has been sentenced to 41 months in federal prison after she entered a guilty plea to filing false tax returns. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Los Angeles, CA – A 48-year-old Crestline tax preparer — Tammy J. Ahumada — has been sentenced to 41 months in federal prison after entering a guilty plea to defrauding the government by preparing more than 200 false tax returns claiming tax refunds were due, according to information provided by the Internal Revenue Service.

The U.S. District Court Central District of California in Los Angeles also ordered Ahumada to pay restitution to the IRS of $1,414,167, a news release issued by the IRS stated.

THE CASE

During the 2007 to 2010 tax years. Ahumada obtained refunds ranging from $6,789 to $9,336, but admitted that neither she nor the named taxpayers were entitled to the refunds, the press release explained.

The investigation of Ahumada — following her arrest in Crestline on February 26, 2014, was conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation in Los Angeles in conjunction with the Tax Division of the United States Attorney’s Office.

GUILTY PLEA

In August of last year, Ahumada entered a guilty plea to one count of an indictment that had originally charged her with 30 counts of making false claims against the United States government and 14 counts of identity theft.

In addition, court documents show that in 2002 and 2006, she was convicted of identity-theft-related financial crimes.

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Twin Peaks Sheriff’s deputies released this surveillance photo of a man who allegedly stole the wallet of an 80-year-old man who dropped it outside a convenience store in Arrowbear. (Contributed Photo)

By G.T. Houts

Arrowbear, CA – Deputies from the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station are seeking information about an unidentified man who allegedly stole the wallet of an 80-year-old man who dropped the wallet outside of an Arrowbear convenience store on Wednesday, March 11.

(Surveuillance Photo)

The elderly man dropped the wallet, which contained about $800 in cash along with his credit cards, at the Valero station. The wallet — made for the victim by a young family member — is made out of blue,  yellow, green and pink duct tape.

THE INCIDENT

The suspect was walking behind the victim and reportedly picked up the man’s wallet and placed it in his shopping bag and walked away.

Deputies then believe the suspect drove off in a late 1990′s model Dodge Ram pick-up truck. The dark colored truck may be either black or dark blue, according to a media release issued by Public Information Officer Gilbert Flores.

THE SUSPECT

The suspect is described as a white male in his 40′s, 5-foot 10-inches tall with dark hair and weighing about 250 pounds.

The suspect was identified by authorities as a regular at the gas station and store, however, his name is not known.

CONTACT DEPUTY DYBERG

Individuals with information about the incident or the suspect are encouraged to call Deputy Dyberg at the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station at (909) 336-0600.

The unidentified suspect left the convenience store in a dark colored late 1990′s model Dodge Ram pick-up. (Contributed Photo)

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Gwendolyn Marie Greive, 71, former manager of the Alpine Water Users Association in Twin Peaks, is facing felony embezzlement charges. (Photo by ROTWNEWS.com)

By G, T. Houts

Twin Peaks, CA – The former manager of the Alpine Water Users Association in Twin Peaks —  Gwendolyn Marie Greive — is facing embezzlement charges  following her warrant arrest by Twin Peaks Sheriff’s deputies.

The 71-year-old Greive was taken into custody on March 5 at 2:24 p.m. in the 400 block of Cedarbrook Drive in Twin Peaks and was released at 11:32 p.m. the same day after posting $50,000 bond.

COURT PROCEEDINGS

The warrant for her arrest was issued by Superior Court Judge J. David Mazurek at 8:31 a.m. on February 20 in Department S-16.

Once the warrant was signed, Greive was considered a fugitive, according to court documents.

She is charged with violating California Penal Code 504, a felony for embezzling property by a public or private officer (over $400).

Greive is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges on May 7, at 8 a.m. in Department S-9.

ALPINE WATER USERS ASSOCIATION

A request for comment was sent to the Alpine Water Users Association but no reply was received by deadline.

The district — established in 1927 — is located at 745 Rose Lane in Twin Peaks.

The organization’s next board meeting is at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, at the Twin Peaks headquarters. (121)

By G.T. Houts

Big Bear Lake, CA – Robert Lorenzo Trionfi, 34, is being sought by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station. Trionfi is a parolee at large on Post Release Supervision and has an active felony warrant in the amount of $250,000 issued against him for assault with a weapon.

The warrant was issued by Judge Eric M. Nakata on March 12.

ROBERT LORENZO TRIONFI

Trionfi is known to travel between the Big Bear Valley and Lucerne Valley areas.

The subject is a Hispanic male, 5’10” tall, 200 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Once arrested, Trionfi will remain in jail without the possibility of bail and will be held to answer in court on the felony charge of assault. Court documents indicate the assault occurred July 2, 2014.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Anyone having information on the whereabouts of Trionfi is requested to contact the Detective Bureau of the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station at (909) 866-0100. (132)

An 81-year-old Twin Peaks man fell victim to a scam involving reported winning of $2 million and a new Mercedes Benz in the Australian Lottery. Two arrests have been made thanks to alert neighbors. (File Photo)

By G.T. Houts

Twin Peaks CA – An 81-year-old mountain resident found out the hard way that you can’t win $2 million and a new Mercedes Benz in the Australian Lottery. . .if you don’t buy a ticket!

Larry Travis (Booking Photo)

The Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station reports that on Wednesday, March 18, at approximately 1 p.m., the man was contacted by telephone and congratulated on being the winner of the Australian Lottery.

Over the phone, the subject explained to the victim he won the $2 million in cash and the new luxury car. The vehicle was to be delivered to the victim’s Twin Peaks residence that day; however, he had to pay $1,000 cash as a delivery fee.

The unidentified victim agreed to the fee and was told he would be contacted by someone who would deliver the vehicle and collect the money.

MONEY COLLECTION

At approximately 2:37 p.m. the same day, according to deputies, two individuals — identified as Larry Travis and LeShay Williams — arrived at the man’s residence to collect the money.

A media release from the Sheriff’s Department reports that the victim gave $300 cash to Travis because he had not gone to the bank and it was all he had at the time. Travis reportedly took the money, but did not deliver the vehicle.

LeShay Williams (Booking Photo)

The person on the telephone talking with the victim indicated the vehicle was 15 minutes behind Travis on a tow truck and would be delivered shortly.

Deputies report Travis then left the scene, but the vehicle was never delivered.

CONCERNED NEIGHBORS

Concerned neighbors of the 81-year-old man wrote down the license plate number of the vehicle Travis and Williams were in and contacted the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station.

Neighbors were also able to give deputies a description of the vehicle and the suspects.

CASE DETAILS

The vehicle and Williams were located in Redlands, where the vehicle was registered.

Through further investigation, deputies were able to track down Travis the following day in San Bernardino.

Williams was arrested on March 18 and released from custody on March 19. Travis was arrested on March 19 and released on March 23. Both were booked for violation of Penal Code 182, Conspiracy to commit a crime, Penal Code 484, theft by fraud and Penal Code 368, Elder Abuse.

COURT PROCEEDINGS

On March 23, Travis entered a not guilty plea to all charges in Superior Court before Judge Ronald J. Gilbert. The court appointed the public defender to handle Travis’ case, set a  pre-trial hearing for March 30 at 8:30 a.m. in Department S7-J and, released Travis on his own recognizance.

No court hearings have been scheduled for Williams.

ADDITIONAL VICTIMS SOUGHT

It is alleged that the two suspects were involved with an international ring of scammers who prey on the elderly.

Deputies also believe Travis and Williams may have victimized others with the same type of scam.

If you have further information on the case or have been victimized by these two, you are encourage to call the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station at (909) 336-0600 to report it. (106)

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a possible homicide in Cedar Glen, according to scanner reports. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Cedar Glen , CA – Scanner reports shortly before noon on Sunday indicated there was a possible homicide in the 200 block of Balsam Way in Cedar Glen.

The initial call at 11:56 a.m. indicated there was a gunshot wound at that location. San Bernardino County Fire personnel staged in the area and Twin Peaks Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene.

At 12:10 p.m., staged units reported the call was not an active shooter incident but a possible homicide.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Additional details will be released as they become available. (91)

A 33-year-old Sugarloaf man — Gilbert Mesa — has died while in custody after hanging himself in the Big Bear Jail. (File Photo).

By G. T. Houts

Big Bear Lake, CA – Homicide detectives are investigating the in-custody death by suicide of a 33-year-old Sugarloaf man — Gilbert Mesa — while incarcerated in the Big Bear Jail, according to a press release issued by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station.

DEADLY WEAPON ARREST

The release reported that on Saturday, March 28, at 1:30 p.m. Mesa arrived at the Big Bear Station to provide a statement regarding an assault with a deadly weapon investigation. Mesa had been named as the suspect. Following the interview, Mesa was arrested and booked into the Big Bear Jail at 477 Summit Boulevard in Big Bear Lake.

At 8:15 p.m., the jail deputy observed Mesa, and Mesa acknowledged the deputy, according to information provided by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station.

Thirty-five minutes later, at 8:50 p.m., the jail deputy was conducting his observation logs when he saw Mesa hanging from the top of the bunk, with his shoelaces tied around his neck. Deputies promptly cut the shoelaces from his neck, called for medical aid and began CPR. Fire personnel responded and transported Mesa to Bear Valley Community Hospital.

PASSING OF INMATE

On Sunday, March 29, at 1:30 a.m. Mesa was transferred to Riverside Community Hospital.

Two days later — Tuesday, March 31, at 9:19 p.m. — Mesa was pronounced dead. The Riverside County Coroner conducted an autopsy on Wednesday, April 1.  The cause of death was determined to be Anoxic Encephalopathy due to hanging.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Persons with information regarding the in-custody death investigation are urged to contact Detective Eddie Bachman at (909) 387-3589.

Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information online on WE-TIP. (384)

Gary Michael Simrak, 49, is being sought by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station on a variety of drug charges. A felony $75,000 warrant has been issued for his arrest. (File Photo)

By G.T. Houts

Big Bear Lake,  CA – Gary Simrak, 49, is being sought by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station on an  active felony warrant issued March 5 in the amount of $75,000 for possession of a controlled substance for sale, cultivation of marijuana/hashish and maintaining a drug house.

On March 5, Judge Steve C. Malone issued the warrant after Simrak failed to appear for a pre-preliminary hearing on the drug offenses that led to his arrest on February 5. Two days later, the bail bondsman was notified the bail had been forfeited.

GARY SIMRAK

The Big Bear Sheriff’s Department describes Simrak as being 6-foot tall, weighing 210 pounds with blue eyes and a shaved head.

In addition to the aforementioned charges, Simrak is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday, April 7, on a charge of being in possession of a hypodermic needle.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Persons with information about Simrack’s whereabouts are requested to contact the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station’s Detective Bureau at (909) 866-0100. (147)

A 26-year-old Michigan man faces a host of charges after his arrest in Lake Arrowhead. The charges include spousal abuse and unlawful sex with a minor. (File Photo)

By G.T. Houts

Lake Arrowhead, CA – A video arraignment has been scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, for a 26-year-old Michigan man accused of spousal abuse, assault with a deadly weapon, terrorist threats and unlawful sex with a minor following his arrest in Lake Arrowhead.

Ryan Luke Vandervliet from Wyoming, Michigan,  is being held at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga on $50,000 bail.

THE INCIDENT

Shortly after 6 a.m. on Friday, April 3, Sheriff’s Dispatch received a call from a female reporting party requesting a welfare check of a 17-year-old female who called her stating that she woke up as her boyfriend — later identified as Vandervliet — was choking her.

The caller told dispatchers she had lost contact with the victim and was unable to reach the 17-year-old on subsequent calls.

THE INVESTIGATION

Twin Peaks deputies were told the caller did not have a a unit number for the room the subjects were staying in — in the 27000 block of Sugar Pine Drive in Lake Arrowhead — so the property manager was contacted and asked to respond.

Deputies received information the suspect was still attempting to assault the underage female victim.

Once on scene, deputies began searching for indications of the incident location. They were notified the subjects were not from the area and they have driven an unknown rental car to the location.

Deputies ran license plates at the location and eventually located the rental car and began searching the area in an attempt to locate the female victim.

While conducting the area search, deputies  reportedly heard a loud argument coming from Unit 1 of the rentals. They converged on the location and made contact with the victim and the suspect.

THE ARREST

The underage victim was removed from the unit and treated for her injuries and transported to the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station where she was picked up by her father, according to a media release issued by the Sheriff’s Department.

Meanwhile, Vandervliet was placed under arrest at 8 a.m. and transported to the West Valley Detention Center. (136)

Twenty-three-year-old Alonzo Sarellano from Cedar Glen is facing a single felony county of involuntary manslaughter related to the shooting death of 18-year-old Salvador Helguera from Rimforest. His next scheduled court appearance is April 30. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

San Bernardino, CA – San Bernardino County Superior Court Judge Harold T. Wilson has granted a continuance by stipulation  for 23-year-old Alonzo Sarellano from Cedar Glen who is facing a single felony county of involuntary manslaughter related to the death of 18-year-old Salvador Helguera from Rimforest.

Sarellano — who remains in custody at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino on  $175,000 bail — appeared before Judge Wilson on Friday (April 10) for a pre-preliminary conference. A preliminary hearing scheduled for April 14 was vacated.

Judge Wilson set a disposition/reset hearing for 8:30 a.m. in Department S-17 on Thursday, April 30.

THE CASE

On or about March 28, Sarellano shot Helguera — a Mountain High student — during a party in the 200 block of Balsam Way in Cedar Glen.

Twin Peaks deputies were summoned to the residence on Sunday, March 29, and, through investigation, determined Sarellano was responsible for Helguera’s death.

THE PLEA

On April 2, Sarellano entered a not guilty plea in San Bernardino County Superior Court to a single felony count of involuntary manslaughter.

Sarellano is being represented by Deputy Public Defender Sam Knudsen  and is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Mononique Tervalon. (86)

A 32-year-old Crestline man — Kyle Allan Thompson — has been sentenced to 36 months supervised probation on a single felony count of inflicting corporal in jury on a spouse/cohabitant. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

San Bernardino,  CA – Superior Court Judge Ronald J. Gilbert has sentenced Kyle Allan Thompson to 36 months supervised probation after the 32-year-old Crestline resident accepted a plea bargain on a single felony count of inflicting corporal injuries to a spouse/cohabitant.  He was released from custody at 10:08 a.m. on Wednesday,  April 15.

Under the terms of the plea bargain, Thompson is required to have no contact with the victim, report to the Probation Department immediately after release and to participate in a counseling program and be responsible for program fees, pay a restitution fine of $300 plus a 10 percent administrative fee, cooperate with the psychiatrist and medical doctor, take all medications  as prescribed and meet and keep mental health case manager appointments as directed.

Thompson accepted the terms and conditions of probation.

THE ORIGINAL INCIDENT

On Tuesday, February 17,  deputies from the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station were dispatched to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 700 block of Deer Trail in Crestline.

Emergency dispatchers were told by an unidentified female victim that her boyfriend was refusing to leave and was trying to prevent her from calling authorities. Thompson had left the residence by the time deputies arrived at the residence.

During an interview with deputies, the victim said she had been attacked with a wooden, baton-style weapon. The victim also told deputies Thompson attempted to strangle her, according to a media release issued by the Twin Peaks Station.

SUSPECT’S EVENTUAL ARREST

During an area check, deputies spotted Thompson as he fled on foot. Deputies began a pursuit and Thompson managed to elude capture that night. However, deputies kept the residence under observation for most of the day on Wednesday, February 18, anticipating Thompson’s possible return.

On Thursday, February 19, Thompson was spotted by deputies at about 1:23 a.m. outside a residence in the 700 block of Big Oak Drive. Thompson again led deputies on another foot pursuit through the backyards of several nearby residences. Thompson hid under the cover of darkness near the area of Crest Forest Drive and Big Oak Drive.

Sheriff’s Aviation (40-King) assisted with the pursuit and directed deputies to where Thompson was hiding. The suspect was taken into custody at 1:48 a.m. without further incident. (99)

By G. T. Houts

Big Bear Lake, CA -The Big Bear Sheriff’s Station  has added 57-year-old Ray Costido to the list of the Mountain’s Most Wanted fugitives. Costido — who is considered armed and dangerous — is a parolee at large wan ted on a felony warrant for home invasion robbery. He is also a registered sex offender. and the Megan’s Law web site shows his most recent address being on Silvetip Road in  Big Bear Lake.

Costido,  a Hispanic male, is described by authorities as being 5-feet 9-inches tall and weighing 160 pounds. He has brown hair and eyes.

A media advisory indicates that Costido is known to travel between Big Bear Valley and San Bernardino.

CONTACT AUTHORITIES

The public is advised not to approach or attempt to detain Costido.

Anyone having information on the whereabouts of Ray Costido is requested to contact the Detective bureau of the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station at (909) 866-0100.  Information can also be reported anonymously by calling WE TIP at (800) 78-CRIME or online at WETIP.

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Two suspects remain at large following a home invasion robbery in Big Bear City on Friday. (File Photo)

G T. Houts

Big Bear City, CA – Bear Bear Sheriff’s deputies are seeking two men who robbed a Big Bear City man at gunpoint, stole his vehicle and his wallet.

THE INCIDENT

Shortly before 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 18, deputies responded to a report of a home invasion robbery that occurred in the 800 block of South Castle Lane in Big Bear City.

The male victim reported that, during the hours of 10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., two unidentified male subjects entered his residence while he was asleep, held him at gunpoint, tied him up and stole his vehicle and wallet.

The suspects were both obscuring their faces, wearing full-face motorcycle helmets at the time of the incident.

The victim’s vehicle is a white 1991 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 single cab truck, California license plate 22648U1, with a brush guard in front and miscellaneous tools in the back.

THE SUSPECTS

A media release from the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station indicates that suspect #1 is an unknown race male, 5’4” – 5’6” tall, with a thin build.

Suspect #2 is described as an unknown race male, 5’7” – 5’9” tall, with a heavy build. Both suspects were wearing dark clothing, and one of the men reportedly left the residence on a motorcycle.

INFORMATION SOUGHT

Persons having information on this matter are requested to contact the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station at (909) 866-0100.

Information can also be reported anonymously by calling WE TIP at (800) 78-CRIME or online at WETIP. (231)

Gary Evan Friley, 18, a resident of Arrowbear, is being held on $500,000 bail following his arrest for sex crimes against a juvenile under 10 years old. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Twin Peaks, CA – An 18-year-old Arrowbear resident — identified by the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station as Gary Evan Friley — has been arrested for sex crimes against a juvenile under 10 years of age.

Gary Evan Friley (Booking Photo)

Friley is being held on $500,000 bail at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. He is scheduled for video arraignemnt at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 23.

THE CASE

On Friday, April 3, the unidentified victim spent the night at a friend’s house, according to a press release issued by the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station.

During the sleepover the victim repotrtedly made statements about being touched inappropriately by an adult male. The victim’s mother was made aware of the statements and deputies were contacted.

Deputy Miller responded to the call and spoke to the victim and the victim’s mother at their church. The victim told Deputy Miller a neighbor, later identified by authorities as Friley, had allegedly forced the victim to orally copulate him. The victim also reported being sodomized by Friley.

The victim took Deputy Miller to where the assaults occurred, which was near the victim’s home located in a wooded area on some abandoned couch cushions. The location was documented and evidence was collected from the scene.

After the initial interview with the victim, Detective Camacho took over the investigation. Detective Camacho arranged for the victim to be seen at the children’s assessment center where a forensic interview and medical examination were conducted.

INTERVIEW AND ARREST

On Tuesday, April 21, at approximately 8:58 a.m., Detective Camacho contacted Friley at his residence in the 2300 block of Blue Jay Lane in Arrowbear. Friley cooperated with Detective Camacho and agreed to go to the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s sub-station located in Running Springs for an interview.

Following the interview, Detective Camacho believed there was sufficient evidence to charge Friley with a crime.

Friley was taken into custody at the sub-station and transported to the West Valley Detention Center where he was booked for PC 288.7(b), oral copulation with a juvenile under 10 years old and PC 288(a), lewd and lascivious act with a child under 14.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SOUGHT

If you have further information regarding this case, or have been victimized by Friley, you are encouraged to call the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station at (909) 336-0600 to report it. (302)

Trial dates for Edgar Alvin Haines, a 41-year-old parolee from Sugarloaf, have been set on a burglary charge by Judge R. Glenn Yabuno. (File Photo)

By G.T. Houts

San  Bernardino, CA – Trial dates for a 41-year-old transient parolee from Sugarloaf — Edgar Alvin Haines — have been set on a burglary charge related to a March 18 incident in his own neighborhood. The pre-trial hearing is scheduled for May 15 at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-19. The trial readiness hearing will be in the same courtroom  at 8:30 a.m. on June 5 followed by a jury trial on June 8.

During his most recent court appearance — on Thursday, April 23 — Judge R. Glenn Yabuno continued the suspension  of criminal proceedings to consider a Penal Code 1368 trial motion contending Haines is not in any mental condition to participate meaningfully in his own defense.

The trial dates were requested by Haines’ attorney Deputy Publicv Defender Samra Roth

VIOLATION OF PAROLE

On Thursday, March 20, at 8:20 a.m., Haines, made contact with Multi-Enforcement Taskforce (MET) officers.  Deputies conducted a pedestrian check on Haines at the intersection of Wabash Avenue and Laurel Lane. Because Haines is a parolee, he was subject to search as a condition of his parole.

During the search, deputies determined Haines was in violation of his parole because they found him to be in possession of drug paraphernalia, according to a press release issued by the Big Bear Station.

THE ARREST

Original booking documents  reviewed by ROTWNEWS.com indicated that Haines was arrested at 8:48 a.m.

Investigators felt Haines matched the description of a suspect wanted in connection with a March 18 burglary in the same neighborhood.

After searching the location where he was staying, officers determined Haines was in possession of stolen property from the burglary, the media advisory stated.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Haines is currently in custody at the Adelanto Detention Center in Adelanto and is being held at $500,000 bail.

Judge Yabuno also ordered probation on several additional cases revoked and then terminated probation effective April 23. Haines was on probation for being in possession of a controlled substance and providing false identification to a peace officer. (62)

An 81-year-old Twin Peaks man fell victim to a scam involving reported winning of $2 million and a new Mercedes Benz in the Australian Lottery. Two arrests have been made thanks to alert neighbors. (File Photo)

By G.T. Houts

Twin Peaks CA – An 81-year-old mountain resident found out the hard way that you can’t win $2 million and a new Mercedes Benz in the Australian Lottery. . .if you don’t buy a ticket!

Larry Travis (Booking Photo)

The Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station reports that on Wednesday, March 18, at approximately 1 p.m., the man was contacted by telephone and congratulated on being the winner of the Australian Lottery.

Over the phone, the subject explained to the victim he won the $2 million in cash and the new luxury car. The vehicle was to be delivered to the victim’s Twin Peaks residence that day; however, he had to pay $1,000 cash as a delivery fee.

The unidentified victim agreed to the fee and was told he would be contacted by someone who would deliver the vehicle and collect the money.

MONEY COLLECTION

At approximately 2:37 p.m. the same day, according to deputies, two individuals — identified as Larry Travis and LeShay Williams — arrived at the man’s residence to collect the money.

A media release from the Sheriff’s Department reports that the victim gave $300 cash to Travis because he had not gone to the bank and it was all he had at the time. Travis reportedly took the money, but did not deliver the vehicle.

LeShay Williams (Booking Photo)

The person on the telephone talking with the victim indicated the vehicle was 15 minutes behind Travis on a tow truck and would be delivered shortly.

Deputies report Travis then left the scene, but the vehicle was never delivered.

CONCERNED NEIGHBORS

Concerned neighbors of the 81-year-old man wrote down the license plate number of the vehicle Travis and Williams were in and contacted the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station.

Neighbors were also able to give deputies a description of the vehicle and the suspects.

CASE DETAILS

The vehicle and Williams were located in Redlands, where the vehicle was registered.

Through further investigation, deputies were able to track down Travis the following day in San Bernardino.

Williams was arrested on March 18 and released from custody on March 19. Travis was arrested on March 19 and released on March 23. Both were booked for violation of Penal Code 182, Conspiracy to commit a crime, Penal Code 484, theft by fraud and Penal Code 368, Elder Abuse.

COURT PROCEEDINGS

On March 23, Travis entered a not guilty plea to all charges in Superior Court before Judge Ronald J. Gilbert. The court appointed the public defender to handle Travis’ case, set a  pre-trial hearing for March 30 at 8:30 a.m. in Department S7-J and, released Travis on his own recognizance.

No court hearings have been scheduled for Williams.

ADDITIONAL VICTIMS SOUGHT

It is alleged that the two suspects were involved with an international ring of scammers who prey on the elderly.

Deputies also believe Travis and Williams may have victimized others with the same type of scam.

If you have further information on the case or have been victimized by these two, you are encourage to call the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station at (909) 336-0600 to report it. (243)

Big Bear Lake murder suspect Ronald Michael Hitchcock, charged with the 2002 death of his girlfriend, Deborah Ann Crouch., returns to Superior Court on Tuesday, April 28, (FILE PHOTO)

By G. T. Houts

San Bernardino, CA – Murder suspect Ronald Michael Hitchcock, 59,  returns to court Tuesday, April 28. Hitchcock, who is charged with the murder of Erwin Lake resident, Deborah Ann Crouch, 53, will be have a disposition/reset hearing at 8:30 a.m. in San Bernardino County Superior Court, Department S-16.

Deborah Ann Crouch (File Photo)

Hitchcock — a resident of Big Bear — has already entered a not guilty plea to murder and cruelty to another’s animal. He is currently in custody at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga with bail set at $1 million.

During a brief appearance before Judge J. David Mazurek on March 10, Hitchcock’s hearing was continued at the request of defense attorney Rod Curbelo. Curbelo is a deputy public defender.

THE INCIDENT

Hitchcock is charged with two felony charges after Crouch’s body and that of a dog were retrieved from a submerged car in Big Bear Lake on September 15, 2012.

Big Bear Sheriff’s deputies responded to the Swim Beach area of Meadow Park at about 6 a.m. on that date, and made contact with a man (Hitchcock) — who was inside the fencing at Swim Beach and yelling — he explained his vehicle had crashed through the locked front gate and into the lake, according to a media advisory issued at the time by the Big Bear Station.

The report of a submerged car at Swim Beach in Big Bear Lake was received about 6 a.m. Saturday, September 15, 2002. (Contributed Photo)

Sheriff’s Aviation’s 40-King was dispatched about 7 a.m. and once over the scene mapped the GPS coordinates of the car’s location. The car was located about 20 yards out from the beach.

Members of the department’s dive team went into Big Bear Lake and found the vehicle, which contained the female victim (Crouch) and a dog. They were both pronounced deceased at the scene.

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department homicide detectives were summoned to the scene and, following their investigation  — which included a search of Crouch’s residence on E Lane in Erwin Lake — arrested Hitchcock on suspicion of murder. (64)