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DUI Arrests

Sherri B. Sanjabi, 47, Newport Coast – Saturday, March 16

Michael Luis Algarin, 35, Costa Mesa – Saturday, March 16

Luis Mario Crisantos, 22, Garden Grove – Saturday, March 16 (with prior)

Wayne Joseph Pieper Jr., 42, Long Beach – Saturday, March 16

Todd Adams Gosson, 47, Garden Grove – Friday, March 15

Khang Tung Duong, 45, Garden Grove – Wednesday, March 13

Incident Reports

Saturday, March 16

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Taylor Ashlyn White, 24, Coto de Caza

Cody Richard Parole, 27, Newport Beach

Anthony James Santaniello, 43, Huntington Beach

Newport Center Drive & Santa Rosa Drive I Grand Theft and Burglary Tools

7:22 p.m. Patrick Michael Babayans, 33, Santa Ana, was arrested for grand theft of bicycles and possession of burglary tools. Bail was set at $20,000.

W, Ocean Front & 22nd St. I Battery, Obstructing/Resisting, Paraphernalia, Under the Influence, False Personation and Drinking in Public

5:13 p.m. Faris Ahmed Sethi, 24, Westminster, was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance and for false personation of another. Bail was set at $20,000.

4:54 p.m. Everlin Lizbeth Carmona, 23, Westminster, was arrested for obstructing/resisting a peace officer, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and drinking in public. Bail was set at $500.

W. Coast Highway & Dover Drive I Warrant

2:49 p.m. Luis Francisco Maldonado Dominguez, 23, Santa Ana, was arrested on a warrant for possessing drugs with no prescription. Bail was set at $2,500.

Newport Center Drive I 100 Block I Trespassing and Obstructing/Resisting

1:16 p.m. Scott William Evans, 37, Laguna Niguel, was arrested for trespassing for failure to leave property and obstructing/resisting a peace officer. Bail was set at $500.

Tustin Ave. & W. Coast Highway I Driving while Suspended/Revoked and Warrant

12:57 p.m. Julian Ronald Hall, 26, Chino, was arrested for driving while suspended/revoked and for a warrant related to driving while suspended/revoked. Bail was set at $30,500.

Newport Coast Drive & Ridge Park Road I Shoplifting, Conspiracy to Commit Crime, Burglary Tools, Receiving Stolen Property

10:30 a.m. Thomas William Leon Brown, 22, Los Angeles, was arrested for shoplifting less than $950, conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of burglary tools and receiving stolen property less than $950. Bail was set at $20,000.

10:30 a.m. Kaddean Lynette Fredrick, 22, Los Angeles, was arrested for conspiracy to commit a crime and receiving stolen property less that $950. Bail was set at $20,000.

15th St. & Beach I Warrants

10:01 a.m. Christopher John Verso, 44, Costa Mesa, was arrested on warrants. Bail was set at $11,500.

Kings Place I 300 Block I Paraphernalia and Under the Influence

8:11 a.m. Wil Francis Whisman, 52, Arleta, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $1,000.

Friday, March 15                      

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

Santa Barbara Drive I 800 Block I Trustee WJC Case

7:05 p.m. Miguel Angel Rosales, 44, Garden Grove, was arrested for being a trustee on a DUI. No bail set.

Industrial Way & Newport Blvd. I Costa Mesa I Driving while Suspended/Revoked and Warrant

5:43 p.m. Jose Jesus Alatorre, 30, Costa Mesa, was arrested for driving while suspended/revoked and for a warrant for petty theft. Bail was set at $15,500.

Balboa Blvd. & 44th St. I Warrant

5:14 p.m. Wayne Anthony Carey II, 27, Santa Ana, was arrested on a warrant for smoking in a prohibited area. Bail was set at $1,500.

W. Coast Highway & Cameo Highlands Drive I Paraphernalia, Tear Gas, Narcotics, Controlled Substance, Driving while Suspended and Probation Felony

4:41 p.m. Douglas Michael Ferrieri, 30, Huntington Beach, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, being a felon in possession of tear gas, possession of a narcotic controlled substance, driving while suspended/revoked and for a felony probation violation. No bail set.

Balboa Blvd. & G St. I Metal Knuckles, Burglary Tools, False ID and Warrants

3:24 p.m. Nathan Ooten Seigel, 34, Felicity, was arrested for possession of metal knuckles, possession of burglary tools, false identification to a peace officer and warrants for possession of narcotics for sale and transportation of a controlled substance for sale. Bail was set at $20,000.

17th St. & Beach I Warrant

2:27 p.m. Douglas John Robbio, 50, Costa Mesa, was arrested on a warrant for improper garbage collection. Bail was set at $1,500.

Newport Pier I 00 Block I Warrants

10:55 a.m. Dana Lee Russell Wilson, 51, Newport Beach, was arrested on warrants for being drunk in public and interfering with a business establishment. Bail was set at $1,000.

Sherington Place I 1700 Block I False Imprisonment

8:21 a.m. Troy Marquis Robinson, 30, Newport Beach, was arrested for false imprisonment. Bail was set at $20,000.

Via Lido & Newport Blvd. I Driving without a License, Controlled Substance and Warrant

2:29 a.m. Israel Mazano, 42, Los Angeles, was arrested for driving without a license. Bail was set at $500.

2:23 a.m. Christine Marie Wells, 30, Wilmington, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and a warrant for grand theft auto. Bail was set at $752,500.

Superior Ave. & Placentia Ave. I Paraphernalia and Controlled Substance

12:16 a.m. Tracy Leigh Mann, 47, Orange, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $10,000.

Thursday, March 14

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Scott William Moore, 62, Costa Mesa

San Joaquin Hills Road & San Miguel Drive I Under the Influence, Obstructing/Resisting and Crossing against a “Don’t Walk”

11:26 a.m. Jayson Lee McGee, 52, Costa Mesa, was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance, obstructing/resisting a peace officer and being a pedestrian crossing against a “Don’t Walk.” Bail was set at $2,500.

Via Lido I 3400 Block I Trespassing

10:16 a.m. Guy William Rensi, 44, Newport Beach, was arrested for trespassing for refusing to leave property. Bail was set at $500.

Jamboree Road I 4600 Block I Battery

10:04 a.m. Vivian Elizabeth Zulindefarfan, 47, Ladera Ranch, was arrested for battery. Bail was set at $500.

E. Balboa Blvd. & Adams St. I Narcotics, Driving without a License and Addict Driving a Vehicle

3:33 a.m. Ricardo Zepeda Ramirez, 38, Santa Ana, was arrested for possession of a narcotic controlled substance, driving without a license and being an addict driving a vehicle. Bail was set at $2,500.

MacArthur Blvd. & San Miguel Drive I Warrant

12:34 a.m. Euris Cruz Zarate, 35, Santa Ana, was arrested on a warrant for driving while suspended/revoked. Bail was set at $2,500.

Wednesday, March 13

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

Newport Blvd. & Via Lido I Warrants

11:30 p.m. Brenda Caratachea, 29, Santa Ana, was arrested on warrants for controlled substance and petty theft. Bail was set at $10,000.

Irvine Ave. & Dover Drive I Paraphernalia and Controlled Substance

9:59 p.m. Janelle Lois Hebert, 35, Ladera Ranch, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $500.

Begonia Ave. I 400 Block I Obstructing/Resisting, Threatening a Crime, Obscene/Threatening and Trespassing

4:41 p.m. Frank Merlo II, 56, Long Beach, was arrested for obstructing/resisting a peace officer, threatening a crime with the intent to terrorize, obscene/threatening and trespassing by occupying property without consent. Bail was set at $50,000.

Utica Ave. I 400 Block I Huntington Beach I Warrant

2:04 p.m. Jorden Keith Thomas, 22, Huntington Beach, was arrested on a warrant for grand theft. Bail was set at $25,000.

Avocado Ave. & San Miguel Drive I Obstructing/Resisting and Crossing against a “Don’t Walk”

1:25 p.m. Chela Prima Long, 44, Lake Forest, was arrested for obstructing/resisting a peace officer and being a pedestrian crossing against a “Don’t Walk.” Bail was set at $500.

Via Lido I 3300 Block I Drinking in Public and Warrant

1:21 p.m. Henry Justin Herrera Cardenas, 25, Tustin, was arrested for drinking in public and for a warrant for residential burglary. Bail was set at $50.

15th St. & Riverside Ave. I Paraphernalia, Controlled Substance and Probation Violation

12:10 p.m. Andrew Curcio, 28, Dana Point, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and for a felony probation violation. Bail was set at $10,000.

San Miguel Drive & Baywood Drive I Under the Influence, PRCS Violation and Paraphernalia

2:39 a.m. Daniel Gonzalez Jr., 28, Santa Ana, was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance, for a PRCS violation with a 10-day flash hold and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $1,000.

Newport Blvd. & 29th St. I Controlled Substance, Paraphernalia and Addict Driving a Vehicle

2:18 a.m. Phu Thien Do, 46, Santa Ana, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $10,000.

2:18 a.m. Mark Anthony Martinez, 46, Anaheim, was arrested for being an addict driving a vehicle. Bail was set at $2,500.

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Police Files

Burglar gets away with $103,000 in jewelry

A forced entry residential burglary on Bridgeport Road last Thursday, March 14, was very costly to residents. Sometime between 10:30 a.m. and 8:22 p.m., a burglar took jewelry and other unknown items at an estimated value of some $103,000.

The suspect entered through the yard from a dirt trail that backs up to the property, crossing a glass fence where fingerprints were left. He or she then used a barbeque to gain access to the second floor where a sliding glass door was shattered.

There was no surveillance camera or eyewitnesses.

The Newport Beach Police Department continues to investigate.

Late night meth arrest leads to big-time bail

If you want to talk about a bad day, go no further than Christine Marie Wells, 30, of Wilmington. Wells was a passenger in a vehicle that the Newport Beach Police pulled over on Friday, March 15, at Via Lido and Newport Blvd. at 2:23 a.m.

Upon further investigation, police found that Wells had not only a felony warrant in her name, but also 2.9 grams of methamphetamine and a meth pipe in her possession.

She was arrested for the warrant and possession of a controlled substance.

Her bail amount, $752,500.

Ride a bike on the sidewalk and this time go to jail

A no-no in Newport Beach is riding a bicycle on the sidewalk. So, when the Newport Beach Police Department noticed Nathan Ooten Seigel, 34, of Felicity, doing exactly that, they stopped him.

That, of course, as it does many times, led to other problems for the suspect. 

When they tried to run him, they found that Seigel was using a false name and date of birth. Upon further investigation they searched his backpack and found a set of metal knuckles, bolt cutters and black gloves.

He also had outstanding warrants, one related to possession of narcotics for sale.

Police arrested Seigel for possession of metal knuckles and possession of burglary tools, false ID to a specific peach officer and two warrants, one related to possession of narcotics for sale.

He was booked on $20,000 bail.

Scroll down to Police Beat for all arrests & crime report

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Police Files

Locals top the names of college admission scandal

Newport Beach has been at the top of the news for the $25 million college admission scandal that erupted this week.

First and foremost is Newport Beach resident William “Rick” Singer, 58, who has been accused of assisting wealthy parents in getting their children admitted to prestigious colleges across the country in exchange for bribes.

It is being called the biggest college admission scandal on record.

Singer has already pleaded guilty to conspiracy and other charges in federal court earlier this week in Boston. His companies include Edge College & Career Network and the Key Worldwide Foundation.

TV stars including Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin are among the clients Singer allegedly assisted.

As a result of the scandal, a number of college administrators and coaches have been suspended or fired.

Locally, two school board trustee members from Sage Hill School, Doug Hodge, 61, of Laguna Beach and Michelle Merage-Janavs, 48, of Newport Coast, are accused of being involved and have been indicted.

Hodge supposedly spent some $450,000 to facilitate the cheating and false athletic resumes of two of his children. Hodge is the former CEO of PIMCO.

Janavs is accused of making two payments totaling $75,000 to have her daughter admitted to USC.

I-Hin “Joey” Chen, 64, of Newport Beach, a warehouse provider for the shipping industry, allegedly paid $75,000 to get assistance with his son’s ACT test results.

Neal back in OC to stand trial for O’Keefe’s murder

James Alan Neal, 72, of Monument, Colo., has been extradited back to Orange County from Colorado to stand trial for the cold case murder of 11-year-old Linda O’Keefe. Neal is accused of killing O’Keefe in 1973.

He was arraigned on Wednesday, March 13. Prosecutors have also announced additional charges against Neal for two sexual assaults that supposedly took place sometime between 1995 and 2004 in Riverside County.

O’Keefe was walking home from summer school in Corona del Mar when she disappeared. Her body was found the next morning in the Back Bay area.

New DNA technology led to the arrest and “good old-fashioned police work” led to Neal’s arrest.

He is charged with murder with special circumstances for kidnapping and lewd acts on a child.

District Attorney Todd Spitzer said, “The significant arrest for the brutal sexual assault and murder of Linda O’Keefe is an affirmation to never give up on solving cold cases. The community resolve for justice, cooperation of local law enforcement, and the strategic use of investigative tools like DNA are what helped find answers for this family and community. Our office will work tirelessly to ensure justice is served in a court of law.”

Newport Beach Police Chief Jon Lewis said, “For 45 years, the Newport Beach Police Department continued to search for Linda’s killer. Generations of investigators worked on her case. We never gave up.”

Senior Deputy District Attorney Matt Murphy will prosecute the case.

A continued arraignment is scheduled for Friday, March 29 at 10 a.m. in Department CJ-1, Central Jail, Santa Ana.

Woman accused of taking $14,000 bracelet at charity event

Betty Diane Kerr, 59, of Yucca Valley, was arrested for allegedly taking a $14,000 bracelet from a charity event table in the 1200 block of W. Coast Highway. The incident took place shortly after 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 9.

According to NBPD PIO Heather Rangel, Kerr was seen on a surveillance camera taking the jewelry box containing the bracelet and hiding it in her dress.

The private security company notified the Newport Beach Police Department and Kerr was taken into custody for grand theft.

Her bail was set at $20,000.

Woman busted walking from store with stolen merchandise

Danielle N. Rudd, 38, of Newport Coast, was arrested in the 600 block of Newport Center Drive on Saturday afternoon, March 9. Rudd was observed on a surveillance camera by a loss prevention officer removing clothing items from hangers and putting them into her own canvas bag.

Rudd then exited the store. The surveillance officer approached her when she was 50 feet outside of the building and still in possession of the unpaid items.

The officer notified the Newport Beach Police Department and she was taken into custody for commercial burglary. The value of the stolen merchandise was established at $1,913.

Rudd was booked and held on $20,000 bail.

Paper plates apparently lead to serial criminals

Lovan Dshone Sudds Jr., 36, of Anaheim, and Tina Tuong Duong, 27, of Santa Ana, were observed by Newport Police driving in a vehicle with no front license plate and a paper rear plate that was not compliant to California code. Police stopped the vehicle.

According to NBPD PIO Heather Rangel, further investigation produced 1.2 grams of marijuana, a marijuana pipe with residue, burglary tools including bolt cutters and two sets of gloves. Police also found the vehicle license plates in the trunk issued one year ago. Duong also had a forged driver’s license in her possession that belonged to Sudds.

According to Rangel, the relationship between the two is unknown, but they are accused of committing multiple crimes in other cities together and have multiple court cases pending.

Sudds was arrested for possession of marijuana, driving without a license, possession of burglary tools, being a felon in possession of tear gas, forgery by signing another’s name, forgery by using an official seal and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Duong was charged with missing license plates, possession of burglary tools and conspiracy.

The arrest took place around 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 10.

Both were held on $20,000 bail.

Scroll down to Police Beat for all arrests & crime report

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DUI Arrests

Myyer Vang, 37, Garden Grove – Monday, March 11

Filipe Marques DaSilva, 33, Costa Mesa – Sunday, March 10

Kassandra Lizzette Garcia, 23, Santa Ana – Sunday, March 10

Daniel Glen Probst, 23, Fontana – Sunday, March 10

Incident Reports

Tuesday, March 12

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Cristian Correa, 41, Whittier

MacArthur Blvd. I 4600 Block I Battery

10:32 p.m. Parnaz Mehdizadeh, 37, Irvine, was arrested for battery. Bail was set at $500.

Avocado Ave. I 1500 Block I Parole Violation, Sharps Waste, Controlled Substance and Paraphernalia

1:40 p.m. Dale Ira Haviland Jr., 53, Santa Ana, was arrested on a parole violation. No bail was set.

1:35 p.m. Cylvia Marie Harris, 29, Torrance, was arrested for illegally transporting sharps waste, possession of a controlled substance and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $10,000.

Campus Drive I 3800 Block I Driving while Suspended/Revoked

11:18 a.m. Armando Hildefonso Torrebla, 54, Anaheim, was arrested for driving while suspended or revoked. Bail was set at $500.

Monday, March 11

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Michael Charles McCallum, 51, Newport Beach

Steven Todd Hartry, 49, Los Angeles

Pena Blvd. I Denver I 8500 Block I Homicide

5:00 p.m. James Alan Neal, 72, Monument, was arrested on a warrant for homicide. No bail was set.

Superior Ave. I 1500 Block I Warrant, Controlled Substance, Paraphernalia and Probation Violation

3:45 p.m. Henry Rudy Gallardo, 52, Mission Viejo, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and for a felony probation violation. Bail was set at $10,000.

3:42 p.m. Kelli Anne Defreitas, 41, Irvine, was arrested for a warrant related to being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $1,500.

Bonita Canyon Drive & 73 Freeway I Paraphernalia, Narcotics, Sharps Waste, Possession of Narcotics for Sale and Transporting Narcotics to Sell

2:18 p.m. Kristin Julie Arnold, 33, Laguna Niguel, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, possession of narcotics, illegally transporting sharps waste, possession of narcotics for sale and transporting narcotics to sell. Bail was set at $30,000.

Court Ave. & 20th St. I Controlled Substance

2:28 a.m. Dominic Lee Robinson, 35, Yorba Linda, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $2,500.

Bristol St. I 2100 Block I Sharps Waste, Paraphernalia, Under the Influence and Parole Violation

1:08 a.m. Jesus Alberto Guzman, 27, Santa Ana, was arrested for illegally transporting sharps waste, possession of unlawful paraphernalia, being under the influence of a controlled substance and for a parole violation. No bail was set.

Sunday, March 10

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Connor James Fugman, 23, Newport Beach

16th St. & Irvine Ave. I Costa Mesa I Sharps Waste and Paraphernalia

11:30 p.m. Terry Rahmatulla, 47, Irvine, was arrested for illegally transporting sharps waste and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $500.

Newport Center Drive I 100 Block I Burglary Tools, Crossing against a “Don’t Walk” and Warrant

2:23 p.m. Deon Wiggins, 44, Garden Grove, was arrested for possession of burglary tools, crossing against a “don’t walk” and a warrant related to theft. Bail was set at $3,000.

Ebb Tide Circle I 00 Block I Controlled Substance and Paraphernalia

10:12 a.m. Marc Louis Gilio, 62, Santa Ana, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $2,500.

Superior Ave. & Placentia Ave. I Under the Influence

6:03 a.m. Christopher John Verso, 44, Costa Mesa, was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $2,500.

E. Coast Highway & Bayside Drive I Receiving Stolen Property, Identity Theft, Altering Imitation Firearm, Open Container, Burglary Tools and Failure to Maintain Vehicle Lighting

5:29 a.m. Armando Sanchez Estrada, 38, Orange, was arrested for receiving stolen property with a value less than $950, identity theft to personate to get money, altering an imitation firearm, possession of an open container while driving, possession of burglary tools and failure to maintain vehicle lighting equipment. Bail was set at $500.

32nd St. & Newport Blvd. I Driving while Suspended/Revoked

1:38 am. Erick Roberto Perez Salazar, 27, Santa Ana, was arrested for driving while suspended or revoked. Bail was set at $500.

32nd St. & Balboa Blvd. I PRCS Revocation

12:43 a.m. Jashua Matthew Christopher, 45, Corona, was arrested for a PRCS revocation. No bail was set.

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Police Files

Swastika fliers found posted on NHHS campus

Fliers depicting Nazi symbols were found posted around campus at Newport Harbor High School over the weekend, according to reports.

The Newport Beach Police Department received a call Sunday morning, March 10, notifying them that nearly a dozen 8-by-11 fliers were posted around campus bearing swastikas.

The fliers are the second incident involving NHHS in the last week. An off-campus party the prior weekend depicted students playing the drinking game beer pong around a swastika comprised of red plastic cups. The students could be seen in the background posing with the Nazi salute.

The incident made national news and led to two community meetings, plus a conversation between Anne Frank’s stepsister, Eva Schloss, and a group of NHHS students who attended the beer pong party.

There are presently no leads on who’s responsible for the fliers.

NBPD to step it up for St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by millions across the country, often culminating in parties where drinking is involved. Sadly, this leads to tragedies on our roadways because of drivers who choose to leave parties impaired.

This St. Patrick’s Day weekend (March 16 and 17), the Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) will have additional officers on patrol in an effort to stop drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Due to St. Patrick’s Day becoming a dangerous holiday on our roads, NBPD encourages everyone to plan ahead and use a designated sober driver, ride-share or public transportation. Even one drink can be one too many.

“Don’t even put yourself in a position where you need to ask whether you are okay to drive,” Newport Beach Police Department Lieutenant Cartwright said. “If you feel the slightest hint of a buzz, you should not be driving.”

NBPD also wants to remind everyone that a “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and marijuana can all be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs.

“We all know the dangers about driving impaired,” NBPD Lieutenant Cartwright said. “Let’s all be responsible adults and help each other get where we need to go safely.”

Funding for St. Patrick’s Day DUI enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Scroll down to Police Beat for all arrests & crime report

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DUI Arrests

Isaac Thomas Archer, 21, Newport Beach – Saturday, March 9

Ian Scott Bascon, 26, La Habra Heights – Saturday, March 9

Rafael Tejeda, 22, Fontana – Saturday, March 9

Jared James Conway, 18, Lomita – Saturday, March 9

Nickolas Joseph Terry, 24, Garden Grove – Thursday, March 7

Rene Jonson Bagaygay Jr., 25, Downey – Thursday, March 7

Moliie Susan Friend, 23, Newport Beach – Wednesday, March 6

Incident Reports

Saturday, March 9

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

Bonita Canyon Drive & MacArthur Blvd. I Marijuana, Driving without a License, Tear Gas, Forgery (2), Missing License Plate, Burglary Tools and Conspiracy 

10:12 p.m. Lovan Dshone Sudds Jr., 36, Anaheim, was arrested for possession of marijuana while driving, driving without a license, possession of burglary tools, being a felon in possession of tear gas, forgery by signing the name of another, forgery by forging an official seal and conspiracy to commit a crime. Bail was set at $20,000.

9:59 p.m. Tina Tuong Duong, 27, Santa Ana, was arrested for missing a required second license plate, possession of burglary tools and conspiracy to commit a crime. Bail was set at $20,000.

W. Coast Highway I 1200 Block I Grand Theft

8:35 p.m. Betty Diane Kerr, 59, Yucca Valley, was arrested for grand theft. Bail was set at $20,000.

Newport Center Drive I 600 Block I Burglary

2:42 p.m. Danielle N. Rudd, 38, Newport Coast, was arrested for commercial burglary – shoplifting greater than $950. Bail was set at $20,000.

Dover Drive & 16th St. I Controlled Substance and Warrant

12:01 p.m. Victor Andres Guerrero Castillo, 26, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and for a warrant related to possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $20,000.

16th St. & Irvine Ave. I Costa Mesa I Driving without a License, Narcotics, Controlled Substance, Under the Influence and Paraphernalia

3:25 a.m. Sydnie Julia Epps, 27, Anaheim, was arrested for driving without a license, possession of a narcotic controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $10,000.

3:20 a.m. Thomas James Bryant, 39, Costa Mesa, was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $10,000.

Westcliff Drive & Irvine Ave. I Riding a Bike on the Sidewalk, Sharps Waste and Controlled Substance

1:52 a.m. Sarah Ann Artz, 36, Costa Mesa, was arrested for riding a bike on the sidewalk, illegally transporting sharps waste and possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $10,000.

17th St. & Westminster I Costa Mesa I Paraphernalia, Sharps Waste, Narcotics and Warrant

12:10 a.m. Jonathan Scott Lucke, 28, Mesa, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, illegally transporting sharps waste, possession of a narcotic controlled substance and for a warrant related to possession of paraphernalia. Bail was set at $2,500.

Friday, March 8

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Adam Anthony Pfeifer, 30, Newport Beach

Dustin Scott Flaming, 35, Placentia

Gordon Lawrence Weider, 71, Laguna Beach

John F. Porter, 60, Santa Clarita

Charlie Stephen Hermosa, 42, Tamuning

Ocean Blvd. & Channel Road I Warrant

11:56 p.m. Keegan Daniel Lyons, 24, Garden Grove, was arrested on a U.S. Marshals felony warrant. No bail was set.

Orange Ave. I Costa Mesa I Controlled Substance, Narcotics and Warrant

5:10 p.m. Edward Gregory Barseghian, 31, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of a narcotic controlled substance and a warrant for possession of narcotics for sale. Bail was set at $60,000.

Newport Center Drive I 900 Block I Petty Theft

4:42 p.m. Ann Louise Aivazian, 59, Orange, was arrested for petty theft. Bail was set at $500.

Dover Drive I 2000 Block I Controlled Substance, Narcotics, Paraphernalia and Sharps Waste

10:53 a.m. Christopher Cameron Goforth, 25, Mission Viejo, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of a narcotic controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and illegally transporting sharps waste. Bail was set at $10,000.

Orchard Drive I 2200 Block I Narcotics for Sale and Transporting Narcotics for Sale

7:34 a.m. Angelo Durango Zambrano, 42, Norwalk, was arrested for possession of narcotics for sale and transporting narcotics for sale. Bail was set at $30,000.

7:27 a.m. Juan Jose Perezpalacios, 30, Anaheim, was arrested for possession of narcotics for sale and transporting narcotics for sale. Bail was set at $30,000.

Newport Center Drive I 600 Block I Obstructing/Resisting

2:45 a.m. James Steven Meyer Jr., 37, Newport Beach, was arrested for obstructing/resisting a peace officer. Bail was set at $500.

Newport Center Drive & Center Drive I Battery and Assault with Deadly Weapon

1:31 a.m. Rohina M. Sadiqui, 29, Irvine, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon. Bail was set at $25,000.

1:18 a.m. Ashley Nicolt Naranjo, 22, Irvine, was arrested for battery with serious bodily injury. Bail was set at $25,000.

1:05 a.m. Hamed Kabir, 26, Irvine, was arrested for battery with serious bodily injury. Bail was set at $25,000.

12:14 a.m. Khawja Samaullah Sadiqui, 23, Irvine, was arrested for battery with serious bodily injury. Bail was set at $25,000.

Thursday, March 7

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Scott William Moore, 62, Costa Mesa

16th St. & Placentia Ave. I Warrant

8:43 p.m. Victor Edward Zavalavaca, 32, Costa Mesa, was arrested on an undisclosed warrant. No bail was set.

Newport Pier I 00 Block I Paraphernalia and Miscellaneous Fish and Game Code

1:43 p.m. Erick Richard McNally, 35, Midway City, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and a miscellaneous fish and game code violation. Bail was set at $500.

Seashore Drive I 5200 Block I Controlled Substance

12:46 p.m. Adam Christopher Ohlig, 34, Newport Beach, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. Bail was set at $500.

Via Lido I 3400 Block I Burglary Tools, Paraphernalia, Receiving Stolen Property and Grand Theft

10:30 a.m. Christopher Paul Climer, 41, Anaheim, was arrested for possession of burglary tools, possession of unlawful paraphernalia, receiving stolen property with a value less than $950 and grand theft from buildings. Bail was set at $20,000.

Avocado Ave. I 1500 Block I Warrant

9:53 a.m. James Eugene Carrera, 20, La Habra, was arrested for a warrant related to being under the influence of drugs. Bail was set at $1,000.

Wednesday, March 6

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

Irvine Ave. & Sherington Place I Paraphernalia, Controlled Substance and Narcotics

11:18 p.m. Brandon Hail Hickman, 29, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a narcotic controlled substance. Bail was set at $10,000.

Santiago Drive & Constellation Drive I Narcotics and Paraphernalia

2:07 a.m. Ryan William Goodwin, 22, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of a narcotic controlled substance and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $2,500.

Old Newport Blvd. I 400 Block I Paraphernalia and Controlled Substance

1:07 a.m. Louis Anthony Montalvo III, 51, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $10,000.

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Police Files

NBPD seeks public assistance in identifying bank robbery suspect

The Newport Beach Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect in a bank robbery investigation. The crime occurred on Thursday, March 7, at 3:48 p.m. at OneWest Bank (3700 East Coast Highway). The suspect entered the bank and brandished a black semi-automatic handgun as he demanded money from the teller. There were no customers in the bank at the time and no report of any injuries. The bank reported a loss of $8,000.

The suspect is being identified as a white male, 5’6 - 5’9 and 175 - 190 lbs.

Click on photo for a larger image 

Click on photo for a larger image 

OneWest Bank security cameras captured the photos above at the time of the robbery. The suspect may have stuffed a pillow inside his shirt to display a different body characteristic. After committing the robbery, the suspect fled from the location on a black electric bicycle. The suspect is armed and dangerous; do not approach him if located. 

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspect in the photos is encouraged to contact Detective Mike Fletcher at 949.644.3779.

Transient appearing drunk found to have 10 outstanding warrants

On Sunday, March 3, at 8:31 a.m., Newport Beach police encountered Matthew Mark Hoscoe, a 57-year-old transient from Huntington Beach, who was found lying down on the sidewalk at Superior Avenue and W. Coast Highway. According to NBPD PIO Heather Rangel, pedestrians were being forced to walk around him.

Police suspected that Hoscoe was under the effects of intoxication.

Upon further checking, police also realized that Hoscoe had an extensive rap sheet including 10 outstanding warrants.

The warrants ranged from two for drinking in public, one for DUI, six for being drunk in public and one for noise.

He was taken into custody and held on $49,000 bail.

Bartender arrested for alleged arson of local oceanfront home

Lisa Michelle Pickard, a 49-year-old Newport Beach resident, was arrested Sunday, March 3, at 9:16 p.m. in the 1800 block of W. Ocean Front, on the charge of arson of an inhabited structure.

According to NBPD, Pickard allegedly set fire to a house/duplex of residents she knew.

“This isn’t an instance of serial arson or an unknown arsonist. All of the parties are known to each other, and there is no threat to public safety at this time,” NBPD Watch Commander Lt. Rachel Johnson said.

Though she was unable to confirm the number of people inside the home at the time of the fire, Lt. Johnson did say that she did not believe anyone was injured, in a phone interview yesterday.

Pickard, who listed her occupation as “bartender” in the arrest logs, was being held on $250,000 bail.

The odds and ends of local crimes range from pick pocket to stolen vehicles

Crimes were plenty around town in the last several days. 

A bicycle was stolen in the matter of one minute from the 2100 block of W. Balboa Blvd. on Sunday, March 3, at 9:35 p.m. The loss was estimated to be $600.

No suspect was found.

Then, a pick pocket incident took place in a retail store in the 8000 block of E. Coast Highway on Sunday, March 3, shortly after noon.

The victim was “shopping and looking at an item when she felt a nudge” as a person passed her by. 

Shortly afterwards, she realized her wallet was missing. The loss was estimated at $1,700. No arrest was made.

And, residents living in the 200 block of Pearl Ave. reported jewelry missing from their home sometime between 3 p.m. on February 17 and 8 p.m. on February 18. According to the victims, their delay in reporting was to make certain that the jewelry wasn’t located at another location.

The residents believe someone entered in the middle of the night through an unlocked door while they were sleeping. 

Two rings and a watch were reportedly taken with a value of $42,500.

Finally, a gray Volkswagen Jetta was stolen overnight on Saturday, March 2, after the resident “had locked and secured” it in the 1800 block of Park Newport Drive.

No arrests were made. The loss was estimated at $25,125.

Scroll down to Police Beat for all arrests & crime report

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DUI Arrests

Pamela Jean Garrett, 72, Newport Beach – Tuesday, March 5

Alex Gabriel Zawitkowski, 23, Irvine – Sunday, March 3

Esteban Ruiz, 51, Alhambra – Sunday, March 3

Kenneth Dwane Snow, 74, Cerritos – Sunday, March 3 (with prior)

Incident Reports

Tuesday, March 5

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

Channel Place I 4400 Block I Nudity and Parole Violation

8:14 a.m. Michael Anthony Caggiano, 34, Santa Ana, was arrested for public nudity and a parole violation. Bail was set at $50.

W. Coast Highway & Cedar St. I Under the Influence

12:41 a.m. Isaac Thompson Berk, 26, DeKalb Junction, was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $500.

Monday, March 4

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

W. Coast Highway & Balboa Blvd. I Warrant

4:10 p.m. Jeffrey Joseph Noon, 64, Laguna Beach, was arrested on a warrant related to petty theft. Bail was set at $10,000.

Prospect St. & W. Ocean Front I Drinking in Public

3:56 p.m. Caleb Robert McLeish, 39, Lake Forest, was arrested for drinking in public. Bail was set at $50.

Hospital Road & Hoag Drive I Under the Influence and Jaywalking

11:41 a.m. Christian Michael Shea, 41, El Cajon, was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $1,000.

Seashore Drive & 59th St. I Riding a Bike on Sidewalk and Under the Influence

2:21 a.m. Brandon Charles McNeely, 31, Newport Beach, was arrested for riding a bike on the sidewalk and being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $1,000.

Prospect St. & W. Coast Highway I Under the Influence and Controlled Substance

1:25 a.m. Michael Steven Sepulveda, 50, Laguna Beach, was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $2,500.

Sunday, March 3

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Gregory Spencer Tuley, 26, Dana Point

Ryan Joseph See, 22, Los Angeles

John Edward Orta, 25, Riverside

Michael James Dabbs, 62, Chino Hills

Matthew Mark Hoscoe, 57, Huntington Beach

Rutland Road & Bedford Lane I Under the Influence and Burglary Tools

11:34 p.m., Derek Robert Olen, 26, Costa Mesa, was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of burglary tools. Bail was set at $1,000.

W. Ocean Front I 1800 Block I Arson

9:16 p.m. Lisa Michelle Pickard, 49, Newport Beach, was arrested for arson on an inhabited structure, house/duplex. Bail was set at $250,000.

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Police Files

Two locals arraigned for insurance fraud scheme

Four defendants were arraigned for insurance fraud of over $100,000 in February for their involvement in a scheme that allegedly unlawfully obtained patients for a medical center by paying “cappers” and failing to disclose this to insurers. 

As a result, they are accused of attempting to defraud multiple insurers of over $2.9 million. Jeffrey Scott Catanzarite, 59, Irvine, Max Humberto Matos, 78, Long Beach, Ronald Lee Martin, 68, Corona del Mar, and his wife Veronica Martin, 63, Corona del Mar, are each charged with 34 felony counts of insurance fraud and conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, as well as additional counts for the unlawful referral of patients for compensation. 

If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 43 years and eight months in state prison. The defendants appeared in court on February 19 for continued arraignment and were released on bail. The defendants are scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on May 21, 2019, at 8:30 a.m. in Department C-55, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

The OCDA Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. Deputy District Attorney Steven Schriver of the Insurance Fraud Unit is prosecuting this case.

Newport Beach man accused of stealing car, again

Thursday evening, Feb. 28, Matthew David Patterson, 45, of Newport Beach, was arrested for taking an auto without the owner’s consent. It apparently wasn’t his first time. 

Patterson was arrested in the 4300 block of MacArthur Boulevard, this time for allegedly taking a 2000 BMW 528i, according to NBPD PIO Heather Rangel.

Police also found unlawful paraphernalia, a meth pipe.

In addition, Patterson had warrants for vehicle theft, identity theft, possession of a controlled substance, counterfeiting and false personation.

His bail was set at $27,500.

Forgery, fraud, grand theft and more

Newport Beach police went to the 20900 block of Brookhurst St. in Huntington Beach to arrest 26-year-old Yecenia Garciavidal, of Long Beach. Garciavidal was suspected in a commercial burglary using forgery and fraud.

Additional charges included grand theft from buildings, identity theft in order to get credit and other’s ID, possession of bad checks and receiving stolen property.

According to NBPD PIO Heather Rangel, the alleged crimes occurred at a rehabilitation home.

Garciavidal’s bail was set at $20,000.

Scroll down to Police Beat for all arrests & crime report

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DUI Arrests

Richard Shin Yeh, 36, Costa Mesa – Friday, March 1

Maziar Khatibinejadfard, 22, Encino – Friday, March 1 (with prior)

Rachelle Marie Thompson, 54, Newport Beach – Thursday, February 28

Jonathan Martinez Aguilar, 26, Costa Mesa – Wednesday, February 27

Incident Reports

Saturday, March 2

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Ryan Elijah Patterson, 25, Long Beach

E. Balboa Blvd. I 500 Block I Warrant

3:36 p.m. Carson Kenneth Blancha Schroder, 25, Costa Mesa, was arrested for a warrant related to narcotics possession. Bail was set at $2,500.

Bunya St. I 2400 Block I Under the Influence, Paraphernalia and PRCS Violation

11:02 a.m. Daniel Jr. Gonzalez, 28, Santa Ana, was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and for a PRCS violation/10-day flash hold. Bail was set at $500.

Irvine Ave. & E. 20th St. I Paraphernalia, Narcotics, Driving without a License and Controlled Substance in Prison

10:23 a.m. Chelsea Jean Bartyzel, 31, Corona, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, possession of a narcotic controlled substance, driving without a license and for a PRCS violation/10-day flash hold. Bail was set at $500.

W. Coast Highway I 4500 Block I Controlled Substance, Controlled Substance without a Prescription and Narcotics

12:48 a.m. Steven Michael Rawley, 34, Riverside, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and possession of a narcotic controlled substance. Bail was set at $2,500.

Friday, March 1

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Sreecanesh Krishnan, 31, Irvine

Anthony Jon Curnow, 27, Huntington Beach

Balboa Bay & W. Coast Highway I Failure to Obey an Officer and Driving without Lights after Dark

9:02 p.m. Daryel Wayne Roberson, 68, Newport Beach, was arrested for failing to obey a peace officer’s lawful order and driving without lights after dark. Bail was set at $500.

Superior Ave. & Hospital Road I Paraphernalia, Controlled Substance, Drinking in Public and Pedestrian Crossing

3:53 p.m. David Curtis Weathers, 54, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, drinking in public and a pedestrian crossing against a “don’t walk.” Bail was set at $10,000.

Coral Way I 00 Block I Trespassing

1:19 p.m. Susan Navtividad Lim, 66, Jacksonville, was arrested for trespassing for refusal to leave the property. Bail was set at $500.

Channel Place & River Ave. I Appropriating Lost Property

9:00 a.m. Charles Ray Robinson, 40, Lakewood, was arrested for appropriating lost property. Bail was set at $500.

Walnut St. & W. Ocean Front Alley I Appropriating Lost Property

8:11 a.m. Bryan Charles Kaplan, 29, Newport Beach, was arrested for appropriating lost property. Bail was set at $500.

Newport Blvd. & Hospital Road I Driving while Suspended/Revoked

3:25 a.m. Abdulmalik Saud Alrashoud, 25, Fullerton, was arrested for driving while suspended or revoked. Bail was set at $500.

Thursday, February 28

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

MacArthur Blvd. I 4300 Block I Taking an Auto, Paraphernalia and Warrants

7:48 p.m. Matthew David Patterson, 45, was arrested for taking an auto without the owner’s consent, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and warrants related to vehicle theft, identity theft, possession of a controlled substance, counterfeiting and false personation. Bail was set at $27,500.

Brookhurst St. I 20900 Block I Huntington Beach I Commercial Burglary, Grand Theft, Identity Theft and Receiving Stolen Property

Yecenia Garciavidal, 26, Long Beach, was arrested for commercial burglary through fraud and forgery, grand theft from buildings, identity theft to get credit and other’s ID and receiving stolen property with a value less than $950. Bail was set at $20,000.

Quail St. I 1400 Block I Burglary, Identity Theft, Bad Checks and Warrant

12:21 p.m. Alisha Nicole Lloyd, 38, Henderson, was arrested for commercial burglary with no forced entry, identity theft to get credit, possession of bad checks and on a warrant related to making a criminal threat. Bail was set at $25,000.

Newport Center Drive I 400 Block I Receiving Stolen Property, Shoplifting and Burglary Tools

11:30 a.m. Fabian Matthew Wills, 27, Diamond Bar, was arrested for receiving stolen property with a value less than $950, shoplifting with a value less than $950 and possession of burglary tools. Bail was set at $500.

La Jolla I 30900 Block I Fugitive from Justice

11:34 a.m. Todd Robert Wolff, 54, Newport Beach, was arrested on a fugitive from justice warrant. Bail was set at $250,000.

Avocado Ave. I 1500 Block I Controlled Substance and Paraphernalia

9:15 a.m. Jayson Lee McGee, 52, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $10,000.

Old Newport Blvd. I 400 Block I Warrants

7:11 a.m. Robert Anthony Toscano, 35, Costa Mesa, was arrested on warrants related to violation of a protective order and resisting arrest. Bail was set at $10,000.

Irvine Ave. & Dover Drive I False Personation, Controlled Substance, Paraphernalia, Driving without License and Warrants

2:37 a.m. Troy Alexander Vasquez, 32, Anaheim, was arrested for false personation of another, possession of a controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia, driving without a license and on an undisclosed warrant. Bail was set at $21,500.

2:37 a.m. Howard Passea, 41, Anaheim, was arrested of warrants related to grand theft and paraphernalia. Bail was set at $500.

Wednesday, February 27

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

Santa Barbara Drive & Jamboree Road I Failure to Stop at the Line, Appropriating Lost Property and Driving while Suspended/Revoked

3:35 p.m. Eder Santiago Arroyobacho, 26, Costa Mesa, was arrested for failing to stop at the crosswalk line at a red signal, appropriating lost property and driving while suspended or revoked. Bail was set at $500.

Santa Ana Ave. & Bristol St. I Controlled Substance, Paraphernalia and Parole Violation

11:48 a.m. Gabriel James Mahoney, 46, Moreno Valley, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and for a parole violation. No bail was set.

San Miguel Drive & Newport Center Drive I Appropriating Lost Property, Paraphernalia and Warrant

11:41 a.m. David K. Marshall, 44, Newport Beach, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and on a warrant related to possession of narcotics. No bail was set.

11:41 a.m. Cylvia Marie Harris, 29, Torrance, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, appropriating lost property and on a warrant related to possession of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $5,000.

Grand Ave. I 1000 Block I Diamond Bar I Warrant

7:19 a.m. Patrick Scurlock, 39, Diamond Bar, was arrested on a warrant related to embezzling. Bail was set at $82,000.

Superior Ave. & Placentia Ave. I Warrant

12:19 a.m. Angel Jimenez, 40, Costa Mesa, was arrested on a warrant related to being drunk in public. Bail was set at $2,500.

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Police Files

Pliers, wrenches and meth lead to burglary arrest

In the early morning hours of Monday, Feb. 25, NPBD received a radio call for a suspicious male and female hiding behind a car wearing dark clothing in the 200 block of Nice Lane.

According to NBPD PIO Heather Rangel, the male suspect was seen trying to cut bike locks in the parking structure, and was found to be in possession of bolt cutters, flashlights, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers and a drill bit, along with methamphetamine and a drug pipe.

Scott Michael Pearson, 48, of Lake Forest, and Brittany Lane Hahn, 26, Costa Mesa, were arrested on a number of charges, including burglary and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Pearson was additionally charged with possession of burglary tools, possession of a controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and identity theft. According to Rangel, Pearson had a credit card in the name of someone else on his person.

His bail was set at $20,000.

Hahn was also charged with possession of paraphernalia and a warrant for the same.

She was held on $30,000 bail.

One arrested for shoplifting, friend goes along for the ride

Two Midway City men were taken into custody Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 26, one on an earlier shoplifting incident.

Bret Damon McCarthy, 49, was arrested for shoplifting, and additionally charged with illegally transporting sharps waste, possession of a controlled substance, appropriating lost property and on warrants related to narcotics and two for driving under the influence.

He was held on $25,000 bail.

Jesse Luke Smalley, also 49, was arrested for illegally transporting sharps waste and on a petty theft warrant.

He was held on $3,000 bail.

The arrest took place at Bonita Canyon Drive and MacArthur Boulevard just before 3 p.m.

Scroll down to Police Beat for all arrests & crime report

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DUI Arrests

Madison Maxxell Zuetell, 32, Ladera Ranch – Tuesday, February 26

Michelle Marie Manzo, 34, Costa Mesa – Sunday, February 24 

Incident Reports

Tuesday, February 26

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Emajanae Ayashi Whitebear, 26, Los Angeles

W. Coast Highway I 1900 Block I Warrant

11:09 p.m. Chad Michael Juskowich, 27, Houston, was arrested on a warrant related to being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $10,000.

Bonita Canyon Drive & MacArthur Blvd. I Shoplifting, Narcotics, Appropriating Lost Property, Sharps Waste and Warrants

3:14 p.m. Jesse Luke Smalley, 49, Midway City, was arrested for illegally transporting sharps waste and on a warrant related to petty theft. Bail was set at $3,000.

2:56 p.m. Bret Damon McCartney, 49, Midway City, was arrested for shoplifting with a value less than $950, illegally transporting sharps waste, possessing a narcotic controlled substance, appropriating lost property and warrants related to burglary and narcotics. Bail was set at $25,000.

52nd St. & W. Ocean Front I Paraphernalia, False Personation of Another and Warrants

8:10 a.m. Robert Hansen Benedix, 30, Mission Viejo, was arrested for possessing unlawful paraphernalia, false personation of another and warrants related to narcotics and driving under the influence (2). Bail was set at $30,000.

Monday, February 25

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Daniel Paul Schneider, 53, San Juan Capistrano

Clay St. & Redlands Ave. I Warrant

3:33 p.m. Jeen Mone Hines, 29, Buena Park, was arrested on a warrant related to receiving stolen property. Bail was set at $5,000.

Old Newport Blvd. I 400 Block I Drinking in Public

12:50 p.m. Mykal David Roybal, 24, Costa Mesa, was arrested for drinking in public. Bail was set at $50.

Nice Lane I 200 Block I Burglary Tools, Burglary, Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, Controlled Substance, Paraphernalia, Identity Theft and Warrant

6:39 a.m. Scott Michael Pearson, 48, Lake Forest, was arrested for possessing burglary tools, garage burglary with no forced entry, conspiracy to commit a crime, possessing a controlled substance, possessing unlawful paraphernalia and identity theft through personating to get money. Bail was set at $20,000.

6:33 a.m. Brittany Lane Hahn, 26, Costa Mesa, was arrested for garage burglary with no forced entry, conspiracy to commit a crime, possessing unlawful paraphernalia and a warrant related to possessing unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $30,000.

San Joaquin Hills Road I 5300 Block I Violating Court Order

3:59 a.m. Tianyi He, 22, Irvine, was arrested for violating a court order to prevent domestic violence. Bail was set at $15,000.

Catalina Drive I 200 Block I Burglary

3:20 a.m. Anthony James Dembrowski, 39, Wildomar, was arrested for commercial burglary with forced entry. No bail was set.

Sunday, February 24

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

Antigua Way & Santiago Drive I No Registration, Rear Lights & Reflectors, Driving without a License, Open Container, Controlled Substance and Paraphernalia

10:43 p.m. Ernesto Dominguez Mendoza, 40, Buena Park, was arrested for no registration for a vehicle, rear lights and reflectors not being red, driving without a license, possessing an open container while driving, possessing a controlled substance and possessing unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $2,500.

Santiago Drive & Holiday Road I Open Container, Paraphernalia and Warrant

9:34 p.m. Randal Scott Williams, 54, Mesa, was arrested for an open container, possessing unlawful paraphernalia and for an undisclosed warrant. Bail was set at $1,000.

Newport Blvd. & Via Lido I Controlled Substance and Warrant

9:28 p.m. Ira Lloyd Britton, 41, Huntington Beach, was arrested for possessing a controlled substance and on an undisclosed warrant. Bail was set at $10,500.

San Joaquin Hills Road & MacArthur Blvd. I Driving while Suspended/Revoked

7:02 p.m. Meagan Marie Sterns, 31, Norco, was arrested for driving while suspended or revoked. Bail was set at $500.

Superior Ave. I 1500 Block I Narcotics, False ID and Warrants

12:07 a.m. Jose Armando Aceves, 48, Santa Ana, was arrested for possessing a narcotic controlled substance, presenting false identification to a peace officer and warrants (2) to an outside agency. Bail was set at $5,000.

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DUI Arrests

Sarah Campbell Moore, 24, Newport Beach – Saturday, February 23

Gabriel Angel Vega, 23, Los Angeles – Saturday, February 23

Ramon Lorenzo Venegas Jr., 56, Chino – Saturday, February 23

Sean Christopher Butler, 49, Long Beach – Saturday, February 23

Roberto Pastrana, 54, Capo – Friday, February 22

Sergio Coronado Garcia, 33, Huntington Beach – Wednesday, February 20 (with prior)

Incident Reports

Saturday, February 23

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Shawn Paul Desrosiers, 22, Grande

Nathaniel Anthony Marriott, 21, Grover Beach

Irvine Ave. I 1100 Block I Controlled Substance for Sale, Paraphernalia, Driving without License, Controlled Substance in Prison, Controlled Substance, Battery and Warrant

3:44 p.m. Victoria Rose Boatman, 59, Santa Ana, was arrested for possessing a controlled substance for sale, possessing unlawful paraphernalia, driving without a license, possessing a controlled substance in prison, possessing a controlled substance, battery on a peace officer and a warrant related to transporting methamphetamine. Bail was set at $25,000.

Signal Road & Cliff Drive I Driving while Suspended/Revoked and Paraphernalia

11:13 a.m. Andres Moraluna, 27, Long Beach, was arrested for driving while suspended/revoked and possessing unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $500.

E. Coast Highway & Goldenrod Ave. I Drinking in Public and Parole Violation

9:15 a.m. Michael Patrick Cowan, 47, Laguna Beach, was arrested for drinking in public and on a parole violation. Bail was set at $100.

Avocado Ave. I 1500 Block I Under the Influence and Paraphernalia

8:28 a.m. Jayson Lee McGee, 52, Costa Mesa, was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance and possessing unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $1,000.

16th St. & Newport Blvd. I Costa Mesa I Paraphernalia

8:07 a.m. Logan Craig Clark, 35, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possessing unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $500.

Bayview Way & Shearwater Place I Paraphernalia and Controlled Substance

4:07 a.m. Matthew C. Dehlinger, 51, Cerritos, was arrested for possessing unlawful paraphernalia and possessing a controlled substance. Bail was set at $2,500.

Friday, February 22

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Mykal David Roybal, 24, Costa Mesa

Thursday, February 21

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Michael Gregory Pasbjerg, 63, Newport Beach

22nd St. & The Arcade I Appropriating Lost Property and Dirk/Dagger

7:56 p.m. Angela J. Nunez, 39, Huntington Beach, was arrested for appropriating lost property and carrying a concealed dirk or dagger. Bail was set at $500.

Seaward Road & E. Coast Highway I Taking Auto, Controlled Substance, Narcotics, Paraphernalia and Warrants

4:19 p.m. Javier Coronado Jr., 35, Santa Ana, was arrested for taking an auto without owner’s consent, possessing a controlled substance, possessing a narcotic controlled substance and warrants (2) relating to possessing narcotics. Bail was set at $20,000.

4:19 p.m. Karli Elizabeth Kuhns, 30, Costa Mesa, was arrested for taking an auto without owner’s consent, possessing a controlled substance and possessing unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $20,000.

Oceanside Blvd. I 1600 Block I Oceanside I Robbery

2:29 p.m. Marco Antonio Rodriquez Arrango, 23, San Marcos, was arrested for robbery. Bail was set at $50,000.

W. Coast Highway I 3400 Block I Controlled Substance, Contempt of Court and Obstructing/Resisting

9:50 a.m. Shawn Timothy Brack, 51, Santa Ana, was arrested for possessing a controlled substance, contempt of court for disobeying a court order and obstructing/resisting a peace officer. Bail was set at $15,000.

Wednesday, February 20

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

Marigold Ave. & E. Coast Highway I Warrant

5:32 p.m. Michael Anthony Garcia, 22, Easton, was arrested on a warrant related to corporal injury on a spouse. Bail was set at $25,000.

Campus Drive I 3700 Block I Burglary Tools, Receiving Stolen Property, Obstructing/Resisting, Burglary, Conspiracy, False Personation, Driving without a License and Warrants

3:33 p.m. William Basneer Aluqdah, 46, San Diego, was arrested for possessing burglary tools, receiving stolen property greater than $950 in value, obstructing/resisting a peace officer, commercial burglary with no forced entry, conspiracy to commit a crime, false personation of another and warrants related to a post release violation, driving away an animal and fraudulently appropriating property. Bail was set at $280,000.

3:16 p.m. Danny Lee Washington Jr., 27, San Diego, was arrested for commercial burglary with no forced entry, conspiracy to commit a crime, possessing burglary tools, receiving stolen property with a value greater than $950, appropriating lost property and driving without a license. Bail was set at $20,000.

3:07 p.m. Jamillah A. Prince, 47, San Diego, was arrested for commercial burglary with no forced entry, conspiracy to commit a crime, possessing burglary tools and receiving stolen property with a value greater than $950. Bail was set at $20,000.

Avocado Ave. I 900 Block I Shoplifting

3:03 p.m. Jerri Nelle Filicicchia, 65, Huntington Beach, was arrested for shoplifting for a value less than $950. Bail was set at $500.

Morning Canyon Road I 300 Block I Fake Identification and Driving without a License

10:24 a.m. Samaria Ixchell Martinez, 26, Upland, was arrested for displaying fake identification and driving without a license. Bail was set at $500.

Newport Blvd. & Finley Ave. I Paraphernalia and Under the Influence

2:46 a.m. Kyle Max Leviton, 29, Acton, was arrested for possessing unlawful paraphernalia and being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $1,000.

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Police Files

OCSD Coroner reports 2018 homeless deaths, six in Newport Beach

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department Coroner Division publicly released two reports yesterday concerning reported deaths of individuals experiencing homelessness in Orange County in 2018.

The OCSD Coroner Division is responsible for investigating deaths that occur within the county of Orange. This includes unnatural deaths such as homicides, suicides, accidents and/or suspicious or unexplained deaths. 

In Orange County in 2018, there were 5,858 deaths reported to the Coroner Division. Of those, 210 decedents were considered homeless as they had “no fixed abode” at the time of death. This number is up from 196 in 2017, 202 in 2016, 187 in 2015, and 126 in 2014.

Six of the deaths in 2018 occurred in Newport Beach, according to information released by Carrie Braun, Public Information Officer, OCSD. 42 deaths occurred in Santa Ana, 35 in Orange, 30 in Anaheim, 16 in Huntington Beach, 13 in Garden Grove, 9 in Fullerton and Costa Mesa, 8 in Westminster, and 7 in Mission Viejo.

The first report, titled “Coroner Division Homeless Mortality Report,” provides data categorized by the cause of death and the geographic location of where the death occurred. The information is provided for each calendar year from 2014 to present, in addition to statistical graphs by mode of death. The Coroner Division has been working to compile this data since January 2019 to study these cases and identify changing patterns important to public health and safety.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of OCSD

Statistics for 2018 thus far – 32 of the 210 homeless deceased are still in a pending status awaiting toxicology reports

While deaths from natural causes and suicides went down in 2018 compared to 2017, homicides and accidental deaths went up.

The second report was prepared pursuant to a request from the Honorable David O Carter, Judge in the US District Court to provide the causes of death of homeless individuals who passed away in 2018 and 2019. The report lists the 210 decedents from 2018, and 25 reported deaths from January 1 to February 19, 2019.

2018 data shows that of the 210 homeless decedents, 75 individuals died of natural causes, with overdose as the second highest cause of death claiming the lives of 44. 32 are still pending an official cause of death awaiting toxicology results.

“Examining this data allows us to observe causal factors that might assist in preventing the deaths of individuals experiencing homelessness,” said Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Don Barnes. “As a member of the Commission to End Homelessness, I will be presenting this data to the commission for further discussion and action aimed at reducing the number of deaths of homeless individuals.”

Three taken into custody for commercial burglary

Two San Diego men and one woman were arrested Wednesday afternoon, February 20, in the 3700 block of Campus Drive, on a variety of charges, including commercial burglary.

William Basneer Aluqdah, 46, Danny Lee Washington Jr., 27, and Jamillah A. Prince, 47, were taken into custody shortly after 3 p.m.

Aluqdah was charged with commercial burglary with no forced entry, receiving stolen property with a value greater than $950, possession of burglary tools, obstructing/resisting a peace officer, conspiracy to commit a crime, false personation of another and multiple warrants.

He was held on $280,000 bail.

Washington and Prince were also charged with commercial burglary with no forced entry, conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of burglary tools and receiving stolen property with a value greater than $950.

Washington was additionally charged with appropriating lost property and driving without a license.

Both were held on $20,000 bail.

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Police Files

Suspect in custody for triple murder, victims were his parents and family housekeeper

Richard Nicholson, 64, and Kim Nicholson, 61, both of Newport Beach, and Maria Morse, 57, of Anaheim, have been identified as the homicide victims in the shooting last week, allegedly killed by Camden Burton Nicholson, 27, of Costa Mesa.

Richard and Kim were parents of Nicholson’s and Morse was the family’s housekeeper.

Courtesy of OC District Attorney

Camden Burton Nicholson

Nicholson has been booked on three counts of murder. He is expected to enter a plea on March 8 and is being held without bail.

Newport Beach police were alerted by Irvine police requesting a welfare check on the Nicholsons’ home after Camden appeared in the emergency room of an Irvine medical facility. NBPD found the three bodies.

Camden attended Corona del Mar High School and the University of Utah.

No plates lead to drug arrest of rapper

On Tuesday, Feb. 12, shortly after midnight, Newport Beach Police pulled over a vehicle with no license plates and discovered the occupant did not have a driver’s license on his possession. Upon further check, police discovered that Terrell Rashad Wilson, 32, Buena Park, who listed his occupation as a rapper, was driving on a suspended license for a DUI.

According to NBPD PIO Heather Rangel, police searched Wilson and found Alprazolam and Adderall on his person and later discovered Oxycodone in his sock when he was being booked into jail.

He was arrested for possessing a controlled substance without a prescription, possessing a controlled substance, no vehicle registration and possessing a controlled substance in prison.

His bail was set at $20,000.

Machinery stolen in commercial burglary, no suspects

Newport Beach Police were alerted to a commercial burglary that took place sometime between Saturday, Feb. 9, at 4 p.m. and Monday, Feb. 11, at 4:45 a.m.

According to NBPD reports, a commercial area under construction at Old Newport Boulevard and Santa Ana Avenue had its lock cut and was burglarized. Missing was a generator and the trailer that held it. The machine was valued at $53,000.

Video footage did not have night vision and there are no known suspects.

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Police Files

Three murdered in Newport Beach, son arrested

On Wednesday, Feb. 13, the Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) arrested Camden Burton Nicholson, a 27-year-old resident of Newport Beach, for the murder of three people at 36 Palazzo.

Nicholson had been previously held for investigation earlier at the Irvine Medical Center Wednesday while the Irvine Police Department requested a welfare check at the Palazzo address. 

Upon arrival, NBPD officers found three deceased people in the residence, two adult females and one adult male. The Orange County Coroner’s Office is identifying the victims and notifying the next of kin before they release their identities.

Speculation is that the three deceased include the suspect’s parents and a maid.

Nicholson was subsequently booked directly at the Orange County Jail on the charge of 187(A) PC Homicide. 

NBPD detectives and Crime Scene Investigation personnel are conducting an active homicide investigation. 

Anyone with information or a witness to the crime is asked to contact Detective Prince at 949.644.3762.

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Police Files

Police looking for suspect in Citibank robbery

The Newport Beach Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect in a bank robbery investigation. The crime occurred on Friday, Feb. 8, at 10:15 a.m. at Citibank, 1100 Newport Center Dr. 

The suspect entered the bank carrying a red Target reusable bag, handed the bank teller a note that stated he had a “bomb,” and verbally demanded cash. The loss is unknown at this time. The suspect then fled on foot in an unknown direction.

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted by Citibank

According to the Newport Beach Police Department, the same suspect may be linked to bank robberies in Oceanside and Newport Beach as well as an attempted robbery in Escondido.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspect in the photo is encouraged to contact Detective Jason Prince at 949.644.3762.

NBPD to hold public showing of recovered stolen property

As part of an ongoing criminal investigation of Aquinas Kasbar, the Newport Beach Police Department Detectives have recovered additional property that is believed to be stolen from the Newport Beach area within the last year. The newly recovered property includes watches and miscellaneous jewelry.

There will be a public showing of the newly recovered property at the Newport Beach Police Department on Friday, Feb. 15, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. If you believe that your property may have been recovered, please bring a copy of your crime report, case number, valid identification and any other information that may help detectives positively identify your property.

If you have any additional questions, contact Sergeant Comte at 949.644.3765.

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Police Files

Man allegedly bites arresting officer in strong armed robbery attempt

On Sunday, Feb. 3, at 12:50 p.m., Blake Michael Wilkins, 25, from Fayetteville, was arrested for strong armed robbery.

Wilkins is accused of entering a Fashion Island store and attempting to take two jackets without paying. According to reports, he attempted to exit the store, wearing both jackets and was told to return by the store’s loss prevention officer. At this point. circumstances led to Wilkins biting the officer.

He subsequently was arrested on strong armed robbery charges and was held on $20,000 bail.

Sex offender found on Newport Harbor High campus

Jeremy Ryan Spandorf, 35, of Newport Beach, a registered sex offender, illegally entered the Newport Harbor High School campus without proper authorization on Monday, Feb. 4, at 11 a.m., according to NBPD PIO Heather Rangel. The incident was a violation of his sex offender requirements.

Newport Beach Police were called and arrested Spandorf. He additionally was charged with failure to provide proof of residency.

He was held on $20,000 bail.

$20,000 taken from unlocked vehicle in beach parking lot

A 60 year-old Newport Beach male filed a report with Newport Beach Police claiming that $20,000 in cash, a debit card, his driver’s license and a bag were stolen out of his black Mercedes SUV.

The victim claimed the incident took place in a Corona del Mar beach parking lot from his unlocked vehicle.

Police weren’t provided with any suspect descriptions and have no further leads.

Man allegedly enters Newport residence illegally to use restroom

On Monday, Feb. 4, Tyler Michael Peterson, 34, of Phoenix, allegedly entered an unlocked, but occupied, residence at E. Edgewater Ave. and Fernando St. with the intent of using the restroom. The homeowner made an arrest on Peterson for trespassing.

Newport Beach Police arrested Peterson and he was being held on $20,000 bail. During that stay, he was additionally charged with damaging/destroying jail property. Details of the specific incident were not available at press time.

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Police Files

Trio arrested in alleged ID theft ring bust

Newport Beach Police arrested three out-of-town people at various locations to break up an alleged identity theft ring.

According to NBPD PIO Heather Rangel, a radio call came in for a complaint of subjects sitting in a vehicle using narcotics. Upon arrival, officers conducted an investigation that led to the finding of drug paraphernalia. The suspects, Robert Carrasquillo and Kayla Hurst, reportedly ran from the car and were later located and arrested.

Located in the suspects’ vehicle were checks in the names of other people, a glass pipe with burnt meth and multiple pipes, according to Rangel.

The first arrest was at 1:31 p.m. of Kayla Renee Hurst, 20, of Los Angeles, in the 1700 block of W. Balboa Boulevard. Hurst was charged with identity theft for possessing 10 or more different identities, obstructing/resisting police, possession of burglary tools and for an outside agency warrant.

At 2:08 p.m., police took Robert Cameron Carrasquillo, 31, of Lynwood, into custody in the 100 block of McFadden Place. Carrasquillo was charged with possession of 10 or more identities, unlawful paraphernalia, residential burglary with no forced entry, receiving stolen property, obstructing/resisting, fraudulent possession of a scanning device, fraudulent possession of a re-encoder, being a felon in possession of tear gas and on a warrant for possession of narcotics.

Next came the arrest of Lucas Andrew Reid, 26, of Calabasas, at 17th Street and W. Ocean Front at 2:31 p.m. Reid’s charges included possession of 10 or more identities and unlawful paraphernalia.

Carrasquillo was held on $110,000 bail, while Hurst and Reid had bail set at $20,000 each.

Fire Files

Sub-floor fire hits Bayside home

On Sunday, Feb. 3, at 12:38 p.m., firefighters from the Newport Beach Fire Department, with assistance from the Costa Mesa Fire Department, responded to a working structure fire on the 1600 block of Bayside Drive. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Photos courtesy of NBFD

Upon arrival, firefighters found a two-story house with a sub-floor that had a working fire in the kitchen. First in units went into an offensive attack to extinguish the fire, conduct a search for victims and prevent fire extension to the remainder of the house.

Click on photo for a larger image

No injuries were reported as a result of this fire loss. Newport Beach Fire Investigators are currently investigating the cause of the fire. The Newport Beach Fire Department would like to remind everyone to plan two ways out of every structure because every second counts.

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Police Files

Suspects fail in residential burglary, but not because of a lack of effort

An attempted residential burglary of an unoccupied Newport Beach home was unsuccessful. Sometime between 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 29, and 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 30, suspects attempted to pry open a lock on a residence in the 1900 block of Glenwood Lane.

The suspect or suspects attempted to gain entry by removing door pins and prying the lock to the garage pedestrian access door. The suspects also cut, removed and damaged screens on multiple windows around the home. All attempts failed.

Nothing was taken and no one reported seeing or hearing anything.

Local transient arrested for intent to terrorize

Brandon Paul Gay, 23, Newport Beach, a local transient according to police logs, was arrested Monday, Jan. 28, in the 2000 block of W. Balboa Blvd., for threatening a crime with the intent to terrorize. 

The incident took place at 11:32 a.m. near the Newport Pier.

Gay was arrested and held on $50,000 bail.

Stolen car turns up near Newport Pier, two arrested

Arnold Saaverde Colores, 54, Buena Park, and Fermin Gary Medina Jr., 27, Santa Ana, were arrested Monday, Jan. 28, for taking an automobile without the owner’s consent. The arrest took place at Court Avenue and McFadden Place, near the Newport Pier.

Both were charged with auto theft. Colores was additionally charged with being a felon in possession of tear gas and on a warrant for failure to comply with automobile registration requirements.

Colores was held on bail of $22,500, while Medina was held on $20,000 bail.

Emergency call centers to accept text messages

The Newport Beach Police Department will join all Orange County first responder dispatch centers and begin accepting texts to 9-1-1 on February 6. 

Text-to-911 enables text messages to reach 9-1-1 emergency call takers from your mobile phone or device. This service is aimed to assist people who are hearing impaired, or speech disabled, or someone who is in an emergency situation where calling 9-1-1 is not possible. Always contact 9-1-1 by making a voice call, if you can.

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Police Files

Four arrested for drugs, identity theft and stun gun

Emery Leonard Scott Jr., 31, Rancho Santa Margarita, was arrested by Newport Beach Police on Monday, Jan. 21, at 12:09 a.m., for possession of narcotics for sale, possession of a controlled substance for sale and being a felon in possession of a stun gun.

Scott, unemployed according to NBPD, was found with 19.3 grams of cocaine. A further search of his vehicle yielded a stun gun.

The arrest took place in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 800 block of Irvine Avenue.

Three other males were also arrested with Scott, including Steven Bohna, 25, Newport Beach; Timothy Kuster, 29, Newport Beach; and Jonathan Tonkinson, 30, Costa Mesa.

Bohna was charged with possession of a narcotic controlled substance and unlawful paraphernalia; Kuster, identity theft and a warrant for possession of a controlled substance; and Tonkinson, possession of a controlled substance and a warrant for entering a commercial establishment with the intent to commit larceny.

Scott was held on $25,000 bail; Bohna, $2,500; Kuster, $10,500; and Tonkinson, $5,000.

Man arrested for grand theft…second charge in a week

Omar Gonzalezsoto, 40, Costa Mesa, and Maria Isabel Urquiza, 42, Santa Ana, were arrested by Newport Beach Police on Thursday, Jan. 24, at 10:39 p.m. at Via Lido and Newport Boulevard, on charges of grand theft.

Although the formal police report is still incomplete, police found the pair with stolen bicycles and burglary tools. They were additionally charged with conspiracy to commit a crime. Bail was set for both at $20,000.

NBPD PIO Heather Rangel confirmed that this is the same Gonzalezsoto who was arrested a week prior for burglary from a boat, burglary from a commercial location and identity theft.

Oceanfront home vandalized

Jose Luis Garcia Macias, 24, Huntington Beach, was arrested on Sunday, Jan. 20, at 9:43 p.m. in the 1800 block of W. Ocean Front, on charges of felony vandalism.

Police say Macias vandalized a residence, removing wooden shingles from an exterior wall of a house. A window on the home’s side was also shattered.

The resident estimated the damage to be $3,000 - $4,000.

Fire Files

Fire damages Lido Isle home

On Sunday, Jan. 27, at 4:45 p.m., firefighters from the Newport Beach Fire Department, with assistance from the Orange County Fire Authority and Huntington Beach Fire Department, responded to a working garage fire on Via Koron in Lido Isle. Upon arrival, firefighters found a two-story house with heavy smoke and fire coming from the garage. First in units went into an offensive attack to extinguish the fire, conduct a search for victims and prevent fire extension to the surrounding homes.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of NBFD

No injuries were reported as a result of this fire loss. Newport Beach Fire Investigators are currently investigating the cause of the fire. The Newport Beach Fire Department would like to remind everyone to install smoke detectors in your home. Smoke detectors have been proven to notify people of a fire and save lives.

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Police Files

Dance instructor suspected of lewd acts against teen

Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigators arrested a man suspected of committing multiple lewd acts on a 13-year-old boy beginning in 2011. Brandon Jacob Nease, 25, of Orange, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of felony child molestation. 

For the past one and a half years, Nease has been a drama teacher at Costa Mesa High School. From 2012 to 2015, Nease was a dance specialist at Camp James in Newport Beach. He previously taught dance at the Boys and Girls Club in Tustin and Fountain Valley, was the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Musical Theatre West in Long Beach and was the Choreographer/Director for the Musical Theater Village in Irvine. Nease worked closely with children in each of his roles as a dance instructor.

Photo submitted by OCSD

Brandon Nease

Camp James is a popular summer camp located at the Newport Dunes & Waterfront Resort in Newport Beach.

Due to Nease having continued access and contact with children over the past seven years, investigators believe there may be additional victims.

Nease posted $100,000 bond this morning and has been released from custody.

Please contact the Special Victims Detail at 714.647.7419 if you have any information. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1.855.TIP.OCCS.

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Police Files

Fugitive and sex offender are among those arrested

It’s all in a day’s work for the Newport Beach Police Department. On Saturday, Jan. 19, James Rashad Moss, 37, of Modesto, is arrested on a warrant citing him as a fugitive from justice. He was held on $100,000 bail. 

Just 20 minutes earlier, William Harry Thorpe, 65, of Norwalk, was arrested for being a sex offender transient. Thorpe didn’t do what’s required, registering when you arrive in a new town. His bail is only $500.

Add to that a case involving battery, two drivers behind the wheel on suspended licenses, one with an open container and one with burglary tools.

Welcome to Saturday in Newport Beach.

Earlier in the week, it’s mostly narcotics and controlled substances. Drop in a set of metal knuckles, five DUIs and a few drunk in publics.

Who said Newport Beach is a sleepy town?

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Police Files

NBPD helps eradicate black market marijuana farm discovered in Wilderness Park

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and Orange County Parks just completed a massive cleanup of a black market marijuana grow discovered late last year at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, according to a release issued by CDFW.

The black market marijuana grow was discovered on September 27, 2018 by CDFW during routine flights over Orange County with the National Guard’s Counter Drug Unit. Following the discovery, Newport Beach Police Department conducted an eradication mission at the site. Attempts to apprehend the suspects were unsuccessful.

According to CDFW, officers eradicated 500 plants and confiscated 75 pounds of processed marijuana. The grow, when in full production, contained almost 1,500 plants. During the eradication, CDFW documented numerous environmental violations including streambed alterations, haphazard pesticides left on the property, trash within 150 feet of a waterway, and a poached deer.

 According to Laguna Canyon Foundation Executive Director Hallie Jones, the grow area was well-hidden in a remote part of the 7,000 acre park, and caused significant habitat damage to our endangered coastal sage scrub habitat. The growers came in by foot.

“Growers remove native plants and cause additional damage by creating trails and using chemicals on the marijuana plants. This grow site will require extensive repair and mitigation to restore the destroyed habitat,” said Jones in a statement to Stu News on Thursday.

“Passive restoration, in which we remove the problem and let the plants re-establish themselves, will take years. The rains this winter will help, and within a few years we should be hard-pressed to identify exact sites,” Jones continued.

The team cleanup effort was conducted in two phases, in December and January, and included the removal of approximately 3,120 pounds of trash, 1,500 feet of plastic irrigation piping, 24 ounces of pesticides as well as other forms of garbage that can be detrimental to the environment.

Click on photo for a larger image 

Courtesy of CDFW website

CA Department of Fish and Wildlife and OC Parks worked together to clean up Laguna Coast Wilderness Park after an illegal marijuana grow was discovered

For the cleanup, OC Parks worked with a specialized hazmat contractor, Clean Harbors, to ensure the pesticide was removed and disposed of correctly. Through testing, the pesticide was confirmed to be carbofuran, a highly toxic and banned substance. To understand the toxicity, just a teaspoon can kill a 300-pound black bear.

“Protecting California’s natural resources takes commitment from federal, state, county and city entities. I commend all those that were involved in this effort to identify the black market grow, eradicate it and clean it up,” said David Bess, Deputy Director and Chief of the CDFW Law Enforcement Division. “Working together, we can protect the environment and help the permitted cannabis market thrive.”

Between 2013 and 2018, CDFW has removed more than 2.4 million feet of irrigation pipe, 50 tons of fertilizer and 65 gallons of chemicals, many illegal in the U.S., on black market grows. CDFW has also removed 709 dams and water diversions resulting in restoration of 800 million gallons of water back into local watersheds.

CDFW would like to remind the public to report environmental crimes such as water pollution, water diversions and poaching to the CalTIP hotline by calling (888) 334-2258 or by texting “CALTIP” followed by a space and whatever the desired message, to 847411 (tip411).

3 men busted for a slew of crimes in Newport Beach 

On Monday, January 14, at 3:16 a.m., at Tustin Avenue and 19th Street in Costa Mesa, three men are arrested on several charges for crimes that occurred in Newport Beach at San Joaquin Hills Road and Jamboree Road.

“A security guard witnessed a truck leave the complex with multiple bikes in the truck bed. Additional officers were able to locate the vehicle driving on Tustin Avenue as the truck described by security as well as in violation of darkly tinted front windows,” NBPD PIO Heather Rangel said. 

Rangel continued, “One of the subjects admitted to stealing the bikes during questioning during the vehicle stop. During a search in the vehicle for valid registration and valid insurance, narcotics, drug paraphernalia, bolt cutters, a cut bike lock and gloves were located along with drugs and drug paraphilia.”

Multiple stolen bikes were recovered. NBPD also found a slew of drugs, including marijuana, meth, heroin, and suboxone.

The three suspects, Steven Nicholas Petka, 38, Huntington Beach, Edward Gregory Barseghian, 31, Costa Mesa, and Ronald Stephen Loomis, 26, Newport Beach, were arrested for committing burglary of a garage – no forced entry, possession of burglary tools, possession of a narcotic controlled substance and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. 

Bail was set at $50,000 for each.

Canoga Park telemarketer makes the wrong call, arrested for paraphernalia

On Tuesday, Jan. 15, at 12:24 p.m., at 22nd Street and Ocean Front W. Drive, NBPD arrested a Canoga Park man while tracking the black 2016 Ford Mustang he was driving around town, which had been reported stolen in the Los Angeles area earlier in the day.

“The mustang was reported stolen earlier that day to LAPD – Topanga Division. The victim did not wish to press charges on the suspect,” NBPD PIO Heather Rangel said. “The suspect had a syringe known to administer meth and heroin.”

Jason Frank Hackett, 24, Canoga Park, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia with an unknown bail.

Rangel added, “The victim gave multiple ID names and numbers that did not return with any information. He was verbally advised over the phone that his vehicle had been located.”

According to police reports, the victim’s story kept changing about the location of the theft and whether or not he wanted to press charges.

Hackett listed his occupation telemarketer.

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Police Files

Postal worker allegedly goes postal threatening Newport Beach receptionist

On Friday, Jan. 11, at 2:30 p.m., at 2300 block of Fairview Road in Costa Mesa, a suspect was arrested on charges of threatening to commit a crime with intent to terrorize.

According to NBPD PIO Heather Rangel, “The suspect walked into the [Newport Beach] business and handed the receptionist a note while verbally threatening her life.”

The receptionist is described as a white female in her 20s. The suspect allegedly both verbally threatened her and also threatened her via a written letter. 

While the victim might not have been familiar with the suspect, the business was.

“The business of occurrence has had problems with the suspect on prior occasions. The victim knew who [Larry] Chapekis was but does not know him on a personal level,” Rangel said. 

“The follow up investigation led to the suspect’s home,” Rangel added.

Larry A. Chapekis, 70, Costa Mesa, was arrested for threatening to commit a crime with intent to terrorize. 

Chapekis listed his occupation as “postal worker.” 

Bail was set at $50,000. 

Rampant crimes in the area are a cause for caution

On Friday, Jan. 11, at 11:03 a.m., at the 300 block of Victoria in Costa Mesa, Joseph Gregory Sidler, 28, Newport Beach, was arrested on charges of threatening to commit a crime with intent to terrorize and assault with a deadly weapon/cutting instrument. Sidler listed his occupation as “none.” Bail was set at $50,000. 

On Thursday, Jan. 10, at 1:15 p.m., Garren Richard Weedenhawkin, 38, San Jose, was arrested for allegedly receiving stolen property valued at $950 or more, trespassing without owner consent, on a warrant related to possession of methamphetamine, commercial burglary without forced entry and illegal transport of sharps waste. Weedenhawkin listed his occupation as “stocking.” Bail was set at $22,500. 

On Wednesday, Jan. 9, at 2:07 p.m., Heather Michelle Hopkins, 26, Mission Viejo, was arrested on charges of shoplifting items valued at $950 or more, identity theft, false impersonation of another and receiving stolen property valued at $950 or more. Hopkins listed her occupation as “loan company.”

Bail was set at $20,000.

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Police Files

NBPD seeks public’s help identifying residential burglary suspect

NBPD is seeking the public’s help to identify a suspect in a residential burglary investigation. The crime occurred on Wednesday, Jan. 2, between 6:30 p.m. and 7:50 p.m., in the area of Malabar Drive. The suspect made entry into the home by breaking a rear glass window and fled the area before NBPD officers arrived. After reviewing the surveillance video, it appears that one of the suspects rings the doorbell to ensure no one is home. Then, moments later, the suspects are seen entering the backyard and breaking the rear window. 

Click on photo for a larger image 

Courtesy of NBPD

Suspect captured by the homeowner’s Ring Doorbell at the time of the crime 

still at large, NBPD seeks the public’s help

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspect in the photo is encouraged to contact Detective Sergeant D. Joe at (949) 644-3763 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

NBPD nabs undergrad on meth and burglary charges at Hoag

On Sunday, Jan. 6 at 10:05 p.m., at the 00 block of Hoag Drive, NBPD responded to the report of a burglary crime.

“The suspect entered a vehicle by entering through the rear window and taking multiple items. The victim returned to his locked/secured vehicle and found the suspect going through his car. The suspect tried to leave the area with the victim’s credit cards, pocket knife and charger,” NBPD PIO Heather Rangel said. “The rear window was covered by a plastic bag that was taped to the car. The victim was a victim of a vehicle burglary weeks prior.”

According to police records, the suspect was under the influence of meth and a meth pipe was found on his person.

Joshua John Oliver Bramon 22, Anaheim, was arrested for burglary from a motor vehicle, being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and on a warrant related to trespassing.

Bramon listed his occupation as “undergrad.”

Bail was set at $80,000. 

Commercial burglary strikes Newport Beach

On Sunday, Jan. 6 at 4 p.m., NBPD received a report of a commercial burglary at the 7900 block of E. Coast Hwy. The reported stolen property value was $9,600.

NBPD PIO Heather Rangel said, “Clothing items and jewelry were taken. No specific details were given on the items. The company has surveillance video. While taking morning inventory they noticed that items were missing which led them to check their surveillance footage for suspects.” 

Three female suspects were involved.

“Suspect #1 was described as a female, possibly from India, approximately 5 feet 4 inches in height and weighing 160 pounds. She had brown hair, brown eyes, and was wearing a white sweater with a long black skirt/dress. Suspect #2 was described as a female, possibly from India, approximately 5 feet 3 inches in height and weighing 115 pounds. She had brown hair, brown eyes, and was wearing a black sweater with a red dress. And Suspect #3 was described as a female, possibly from India, approximately 5 feet 4 inches in height and weighing 140 pounds. She had brown hair, brown eyes, and was wearing a long gray sweater with blue stripes and blue jeans,” Rangel said.

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Police Files

House cleaner arrested for allegedly mopping up over $150K from local homeowner’s safe

On Thursday, Jan. 3, at 2:59 p.m., at the 00 block of Clear Water, a house cleaner is accused of literally cleaning house, taking her clients to the cleaners by cleaning out their safe.

Lideli Mojica, 39, Tustin, was arrested for residential burglary, no forced entry. 

According to NBPD PIO Heather Rangel, “Mojica was the victim’s house cleaner. Over $150,000 in cash was taken. The money was taken from the homeowner’s safe. The suspect was not caught in the act of taking the money.”

Mojica listed her occupation as housekeeper.

Bail was set at $50,000.

Medical facility is thrashed, cords and cameras broken and smashed

On Wednesday, Jan. 2, NBPD received a commercial vandalism report for an incident that occurred between Friday, Dec. 28 and Jan. 2.

Over that time period, NBPD PIO Heather Rangel said, “Multiple cords and cameras were broken at a closed medical facility by an unknown suspect. Over $50,000 in cameras and cords were damaged.”

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Police Files

Man arrested for cell phone robbery on NYE

On Monday, Dec. 31, at 6:18 p.m., NBPD responded to a robbery call at Back Bay Drive and San Joaquin Hills Road. The victim, described as a 59-year-old white male, was approached by a man while he was riding his bicycle. The suspect demanded that he stop and would not let the bicyclist leave the area, according to NBPD. 

“He then demanded the victim’s cell phone. Once the suspect had the cell phone, he immediately handed it back to the victim and walked away,” NBPD PIO Heather Rangel said. “Though he gave the cell phone back, due to the totality of the circumstances, Arthur was arrested for strong-arm robbery.”

Garrick Leslie Arthur, 39, Costa Mesa, was arrested for strong-arm robbery. Bail was set at $50,000.

Skateboarder smashes car with board after driver beeps at him, suspect at large

On Sunday, Jan. 30, at the at 3000 block of Newport Boulevard, NBPD received a report of vandalism committed on a personal car.

“The suspect was standing with his skateboard in a lane of traffic when the victim approached the area of the road he was standing in, and she honked for him to move,” LBPD PIO Heather Rangel said. “At that time, the suspect became angry and hit the car with his skateboard.”

The damage included scratches to a front passenger window and door from the suspect hitting the car with his skateboard. The suspect has not been located. He is described as a white male with blond hair in his 20s and approximately 6’ to 6’ 3” tall.

The incident was not caught on video. If anyone witnessed the incident, please call NBPD at (949) 644-3681.

Babysitter and barber arrested on fraud, burglary, theft and drug charges

On Friday, Dec. 28, at 4:08 p.m. at SNA Auto Rentals, at the 3000 block of Campus Drive, NPBD received a report of fraud.

“The suspects entered SNA Auto Rentals with a female and tried to rent a vehicle with fraudulent credit cards,” NBPD PIO Heather Rangel said. “The employee noticed that the credit cards were fraudulent and called NBPD for assistance.”

Hessam Saeed Kamkar, 25, Lake Forest, was arrested for commercial burglary – no forced entry and theft by false pretenses or fraudulent representation. Bail was set at $20,000.

Claire Marie Fondarella, 24, Stamarg, was arrested for commercial burglary – no forced entry, forgery of credit card to defraud, possession of a narcotic controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. Bail was set at $20,000.

“Fonderella was in possession of xanax, suboxone and heroin,” Rangel said.

Fonderalla listed her occupation as babysitter.

Kamkar listed his occupation as barber.

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Police Files

NBPD invites locals to attend Citizens’ Academy 

Newport Beach Police Department is proud to offer a Citizens’ Police Academy to the Newport Beach community. This engaging and informative program is designed to increase understanding of the Police Department’s operations and to allow community members the opportunity to interact with their outstanding personnel. Topics covered include SWAT, the K9 Program, CSI, Dispatch, narcotics, traffic laws, firearms, detective investigations and much more. 

Students will participate in informative classroom-style presentations as well as pratical demonstrations with a variety of Police Department personnel. Activities include a police facility tour, a jail tour, a simulated car stop exercise, firearms instruction in the shooting range, fingerprinting and crime scene investigation, and a community-oriented policing challenge. Each student will also be given the opportunity to go on one four-hour ride-along with a Police Officer during the course of the Academy. 

Click on photo for a larger image 

Courtesy NBPD Instagram

NBPD looks forward to hosting its Citizens’ Academy for locals starting March 6

Instructors are drawn from all areas in the Department. Students meet the Chief of Police, managers, supervisors, patrol officers, detectives, dispatchers and other department employees. NBPD encourages students to ask questions and express their concerns about pertinent issues. A major goal of the Citizens’ Police Academy is to increase understanding between citizens and the Police Department, and to enhance the strong relationships NBPD has with the community.

According to the Newport Beach Police Department website, “While the Academy will give students a better understanding of how the Police Department is organized, the services we provide, and how we serve the community, it is not based on a traditional police academy. The program is not designed to prepare students to be police officers or provide training in the field of law enforcement. A typical Citizens’ Academy class is made up of 24 students of all age groups, and instructors will accommodate any physical limitations. 

Click on photo for a larger image 

Courtesy NBPD Instagram

NBPD’s Citizens’ Academy is an exciting 12-week program that starts in March

Successful graduation of the Citizens’ Police Academy is a prerequisite for the Department’s Volunteers in Policing Program.

The Academy is 12 weeks long, with one three-hour class each Wednesday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The Academy culminates in a graduation ceremony in Week 12, which friends and family are welcome to attend. Classes will be held on March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24 and May 1, 8, 15 and 22 at NBPD at 870 Santa Barbara Dr., Newport Beach.

For more information and to sign up, go to http://nbpd.org/programs/citizens/default.asp.

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Police Files

Costa Mesa man goes rogue, arrested for stealing 70-foot yacht…NBPD boards vessel and takes control 

On Sunday, Dec. 23, at approximately 3:46 p.m., NBPD Officers boarded an OCSD patrol vessel taking them to investigate a boat theft in the area of Fernando Street and East Edgewater Avenue.  

“While traveling to the victim’s boat, OCSD received an emergency call of a boat traveling erratically in the Newport Bay near the 2300 block of Newport Blvd,” NBPD Sgt. Peter Carpentieri, Professional Standards Unit, said. “NBPD Officers and OCSD Deputies responded to that call and located an approximate 70-foot yacht in the bay near 19th Street. The yacht had collided with some other boats docked in the area.”  

The yacht’s owner responded to the scene and advised the officers his boat had been stolen. 

“The suspect and sole occupant of the yacht, later identified as [Theodore] Wilson, was unresponsive to commands and attempted to accelerate and steer the boat away,” Sgt. Carpentieri said. 

It was apparent that until control was regained of the boat, it represented a significant safety hazard to the civilian traffic in the bay including other boats, paddle boarders, etc., in addition to the law enforcement first responders. 

“Ultimately, some NBPD officers and an OCSD deputy boarded the still-moving boat – at great risk to their own safety – and detained Wilson, who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs,” Sgt. Peter Carpentieri said. “Fortunately, this incident was resolved without any injuries due to the collaborative and decisive actions of the involved officers and deputies.”

At 19th Street and W. Bay Avenue, Theodore Liko Wilson, 24, Costa Mesa, was arrested for DUI, alcohol and drugs, obstructing/resisting a peace officer, committing grand theft of a boat/vessel, vandalism and taking a boat without owner consent. 

Bail was set at $20,000.

Three men busted on X-mas Day on burglary charges

On Tuesday, Dec. 25, at approximately 8:39 p.m., officers responded to a report of a burglary at an unlocked commercial garage structure in the 100 block of Main Street.  

“Witnesses observed the involved suspects flee in a vehicle,” Sgt. Carpentieri said. “NBPD’s contracted helicopter, ‘HB1’, responded to conduct an area search and assisted officers with locating the suspect vehicle.”  

Officers ultimately detained the three occupants, Daniel Jimenez-Tapia, Humberto Rojas Perez and Daniel Alcantar, and after further investigation, they were booked at Newport Blvd. & Via Lido.

At 9:53 p.m., Alcantar, 31, Santa Ana, was arrested for burglary of a garage, no forced entry. 

At 10:08 p.m., Perez, 32, Santa Ana, was arrested for burglary of a garage, no forced entry. 

At 10:14 p.m., Jiminez-Tapia, 31, Huntington Beach, was arrested for burglary of a garage, no forced entry and on a warrant related to felony second-degree burglary. 

Bail was set at $50,000 for Alcantar and Perez and $70,000 for Jiminez-Tapia.

Newport Beach woman arrested for a slew of crimes 

On Wednesday, Dec. 19, NBPD received a report of a residential burglary in the 500 block of El Modena Avenue. 

“The suspect had entered the victim’s open garage door and stole his wallet, credit cards and cash from his unlocked vehicle. The incident was captured on video surveillance,” Sgt. Carpentieri said. “NBPD detectives conducted follow-up investigation and identified Sager as the suspect in the burglary.”  

Shirley Ann Sager, 44, Newport Beach, was arrested on Thursday, Dec. 20, at 12:50 p.m., at the 00 block of Fairview Drive, for forgery, committing residential burglary, no forced entry, theft by false impersonation of another person’s credit cards, using false identification of another person with intent to commit a crime, committing grand theft fraud and violation of parole. 

No bail was set. 

Man arrested for vandalizing cars in parking lot

On Wednesday, Dec. 19, at approximately 7:54 p.m., NBPD officers responded to a report of vandalism in a parking lot in the 3000 block of Newport Blvd. 

“Officers discovered two damaged vehicles, one with a broken window and the other with a broken taillight, Sgt. Carpentieri said. “The suspect, [Joseph] Basile, was captured on video surveillance and officers were able to locate him nearby.”

Joseph Christopher Basile, 37, Orlando, was arrested for vandalism and possession of an open alcohol container, at 37th St. and Balboa Ave.

Bail was set at $20,000.

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Police Files

‘Tis the season to commit crimes?

Newport Beach legal secretary arrested on six counts including burglary, theft and fraud

Over the busy holidays criminals are getting busy. Fighting a spate of Grinch-like crimes in Newport Beach, NBPD officers have apprehended myriad suspects over the last few days. By indications, it appears the holiday spirit is in shortage for some whose preference is shorting others. 

Case in point, on Thursday, Dec. 20, at 12:50 p.m., legal secretary Shirley Ann Sager, 44, Newport Beach, was arrested at the 00 block of Fair Drive in Costa Mesa for allegedly not being so fair. 

NBPD charged Sager on six counts. She was arrested for forgery, committing residential burglary, no forced entry, theft by false impersonation of another person’s credit cards, using false identification of another person with intent to commit a crime, committing grand theft fraud and parole violation.

By violating parole, Sager did not get bail.

Diamond Bar woman faces time behind bars if found guilty

Facing similar charges, NBPD officers arrested suspect Tianyi Zou, 24, Diamond Bar, at 9:10 p.m., at the 600 block of Newport Center Drive, for committing commercial burglary, no forced entry, theft by false impersonation of another person, providing false identification to a specific peace officer and giving false information. 

Zou did not list her occupation. Bail was set at $20,000.

Employee seemingly takes own holiday bonus, allegedly steals $13,683 

Also on “theft Thursday”, Dec. 20, at the 00 block of Corporate Plaza, an employee reportedly committed a corporate crime. NBPD received a report of alleged theft by an employee, which allegedly occurred over a seven-week span from midnight, Thursday, Nov. 1, to midnight, Dec. 13. Stolen property is valued at $13,683.

Two OC men go on alleged bike stealing spree, stealing shiny bikes perhaps meant for under the tree?

Thieving Thursday continued to thrive with alleged thievery on December 20 when two OC men where caught red-handed with stolen bicycles in their possession. At the 400 block of E. 16th Street, at 6:21 p.m., Jay Patrick Gerondale, 61, Costa Mesa, and three minutes later, at 6:24 p.m., Rafael Moreno, 30, Garden Grove, were both arrested by NBPD officers on charges of committing grand theft of bicycles and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Moreno, who listed his occupation as landscaping, also faced additional charges. He was arrested on a warrant for possession of unlawful paraphernalia.

Bail was set at $20,000 for Gerondale and $22,500 for Moreno.

Stayed tuned…Stu New Newport will be following up with NBPD for more details to run in Friday’s edition on these incidents. 

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Fire Files

Lido Isle home burns during Boat Parade

On Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 6:57 p.m., firefighters from the Newport Beach Fire Department, with assistance from Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach Fire Departments, responded to a two-alarm structure fire on Lido Isle.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of NBFD

An aerial view of the two-alarm structure fire

Upon arrival, firefighters reported a two-story house with a working fire on the second floor. First in units immediately went into an offensive attack to conduct a search for victims, extinguish the fire, and prevent fire extension to neighboring homes. 

The fire was limited to the involved structure. No injuries were reported. 

The cause of this fire is under investigation by Newport Beach Fire Department Investigators.

Police Files

LA man arrested for a host of crimes in Newport

On Sunday, Dec. 16, at approximately 4:46 p.m., NBPD officers responded to a call for service involving a subject trespassing in a parking structure located in the 3500 block of Jamboree Road. 

“Hugo Perez, who was inside a vehicle at the time, fled from the officers when they attempted contact and a vehicle pursuit ensued,” NBPD Sgt. Peter Carpentieri said. “Perez’s vehicle was eventually disabled but he physically resisted arrest before being taken into custody.”

Hugo Perez, 40, Los Angeles, was arrested for obstructing/resisting a peace officer, battery on a peace officer with wanton disregard and with a weapon. Bail was set at $50,000.

NBPD arrests a man caught on video surveillance stealing multiple bikes

On Wednesday, Dec. 12, at 1:31 a.m., NBPD received a report of a burglary in the 2600 block of Mesa Drive. The victim reported the suspect had entered her garage via an unlocked door and stolen two bicycles. 

“The suspect was captured on video surveillance. The same victim had reported a theft on Sunday, Dec. 9, in which various property, including cash, clothing and miscellaneous items was stolen from three unlocked vehicles,” NBPD Sgt Carpentieri said.

Later the same day on December 12 around 9:49 a.m., the victim observed the suspect in the area of University Drive and Irvine Avenue. 

“The suspect was in possession of her stolen bicycles among other property from the prior theft. The victim contacted NBPD and officers responded to take the subject, Codey Franks, into custody,” Sgt. Carpentieri said.

Codey Edgar Franks, 25, Costa Mesa, was arrested for receiving stolen property valued greater than $950, possession of a controlled substance in prison, committing burglary with no forced entry and on a warrant related to possession of unlawful paraphernalia. 

“At the NBPD Jail, officers discovered a small amount of heroin concealed in his clothing,” Sgt. Carpentieri said.

Bail was set at $26,500. 

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Police Files

Laguna man arrested for threatening crime with intent to terrorize and parole violation

On Saturday, Dec. 15 at 11:45 a.m., NBPD officers assisted Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Laguna Beach Police Department at the 500 block of Emerald Bay, amidst reports of a possible stolen limousine the previous evening.

According to NBPD records, Maxwell Carlton Post, 27, Laguna Beach, was arrested for threatening a crime with the intent to terrorize and violating parole. Bail was set at $50,000.

Ring of alleged crimes brought to screeching halt by NBPD 

On Friday, Dec. 14 at 1:31 a.m., at Santa Ana and Cecil in Costa Mesa, NBPD arrested Louis Marcos Mercado, Jr., 26, Pomona, for driving a vehicle without owner consent, appropriation of lost property and on an undisclosed felony warrant. Bail was set at $80,000. 

Also on Friday, Dec. 14 at 1:09 a.m., at the 200 block of 22nd St., NBPD arrested Armando Alex Amaxa, Jr., 22, Pomona, for driving a vehicle without owner consent, trespassing without consent, appropriation of lost property and obstructing/resisting a peace officer. Bail was set at $20,000. 

On Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 1:12 a.m., at 29th St. and Newport Blvd., Jose Ganno Mernoabarca, 26, Long Beach, was arrested by NBPD for driving a vehicle without owner consent, possession of burglary tools, receiving stolen property valued at $950 or more, providing false identification to a specific peace officer and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $20,000.

Carson man nailed and jailed for felony possession of tear gas and burglary tools

On Thursday, Dec. 13, at 11:09 a.m., at Coast Highway and Balboa Blvd., Michael Edward Simmons, 57, Carson, was arrested for felony possession of tear gas, possession of burglary tools and receiving stolen property valued greater than $950. Bail was set at $20,000. 

Simmons listed his occupation as pile driver.

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Police Files

Sous chef, cook and server get cooked in separate arrests

On Monday, Dec 10, at 11:53 a.m., an NBPD officer observed a suspect inside a suspicious vehicle parked in the area of 21st Street and West Oceanfront. 

“After an investigation, it was determined the vehicle, a 2009 Subaru Impreza, was reported stolen out of Arizona,” said NBPD Sgt. Peter Carpentieri. “The suspect was also in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine and related drug paraphernalia.” 

Eric James Huss, 21, Denton, Texas, was arrested for illegal transport of sharps waste, possession of unlawful paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, receiving stolen property valued at $950 or greater and driving a vehicle without the owner’s consent. Bail was set at $20,000. 

Huss listed his occupation as sous chef.

On Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 1:41 p.m., an NBPD officer conducted a bicycle stop on a suspect in the area of West 15th Street and Monrovia Avenue. 

“After an investigation, it was determined the suspect was in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine and related drug paraphernalia,” Sgt. Carpentieri said. 

Eric Antonio Flores, 55, Costa Mesa, was arrested for parole violation, possession of a controlled substance, unlawful paraphernalia, having an open container and riding a bike on the sidewalk. Bail was set at $10,000.

Flores listed his occupation as chef.

Later on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 9:25 p.m., NBPD officers responded to a call for service involving a suspicious male subject inside a residence on the 1700 block of East Balboa Boulevard. 

“The officers contacted the subject at the scene and determined he was in possession of cash he had stolen from inside the residence,” Sgt. Carpentieri said. 

Chiefwind Great Daniels, 21, San Pedro, was arrested for residential burglary, no forced entry. Bail was set at $50,000.

Daniels listed his occupation as server.

Heavy rescue traffic crash could have been worse

On Wednesday, Dec. 12, at 8:43 a.m., the Newport Beach Fire Department responded to a heavy rescue traffic collision at the intersection of Riverside Avenue and West Coast Highway. 

Click on photo for a larger image 

Courtesy of NBFD

Thankfully, no one in the crash needed medical treatment

“Upon arrival, firefighters found one car on top of another with possible trapped patients,” said Kevin Tiscareno, NBFD Training Captain/Fire Investigator. “Firefighters were effective in stabilizing the vehicles creating a safety zone for everyone on scene. All of the patients refused transportation to the hospital.” 

The traffic collision created heavy traffic for commuters on Coast Highway. “NBFD would like to remind commuters to use situational awareness at all times,” Capt. Tiscareno added.

NBPD conducted a traffic collision investigation related to this incident but the completed report was not available at time of publication. However, NBPD confirmed that no arrests were made during the investigation. 

NBPD community recovered property showing today

Today, at the Newport Beach Police Department, detectives will be showing property from a recent burglary arrest. 

“If you believe your property has been recovered, please come to the NBPD front desk on Friday, Dec. 14, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.,” NBPD Detective Sgt. Josh Comte said. “You will need to have your photo ID and crime report or case number. Please bring any photos of the missing property so that detectives can attempt to identify it.”

The only property currently remaining is miscellaneous jewelry and watches. Property will not be shown unless detectives are able to positively match what is listed in the person’s crime report with the remaining property.

Any questions can be directed to Sgt. Comte at 949.644.3765.

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Police Files

“Real estate” suspect arrested for false imprisonment

On Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 9:25 a.m., at the 00 block of Shoreridge, Sunny H. Dharod, 27, of Newport Beach, who listed his occupation as “real estate” in the arrest logs, was arrested for false imprisonment, vandalism and possession of an assault weapon. No bail was set.

Newport Beach woman arrested for assault with a deadly weapon/cutting instrument 

On Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 8:07 a.m., Avery Lynn Tamblyn, 26, Newport Beach, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon/cutting instrument at 16th Street and Sea Gull Lane. Bail was set at $50,000.

Pair busted for controlled substances, fake checks

On Thursday, Dec. 6, at 11:25 a.m., at the 100 block of Scholz Plaza, Gary Nicholas Seeds, 33, of Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of a controlled narcotic substance, unlawful paraphernalia, appropriating lost property, passing fictitious checks and a warrant related to battery of a cohabitant. Bail was set at $25,000.

Also on Thursday at the same location, 16 minutes earlier, Katherine Carlisle Taylor, 31, of Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of a controlled narcotic substance, unlawful paraphernalia and a warrant related to possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $22,500.

String of thefts and burglaries hit home,

USPS has tips for avoiding holiday package theft

Two days in a row, two Newport Beach residents reported being victims of burglaries. On Wednesday, Dec. 5, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., at the 00 block of Waterford Way, a forced entry residential burglary was reported to NBPD. The value of the stolen property was $9,200. 

The next day, on Thursday, Dec. 6, at 2 p.m., at the 1600 block of San Miguel Drive, a grand theft was reported. The value of the stolen property was $2,900. 

Two days later, on Saturday, Dec. 8, between 6:30 p.m. and 6:50 p.m., a grand theft was reported at 44th Street and Beach. The value of the stolen property was valued at $1,415.

Also on Saturday, at the 2200 block of Alta Vista Drive, a Newport Beach resident reported catching footage on their home security camera of their delivered parcels being stolen between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. The victim reported grand theft of mail/packages with a value of $1,800 to NBPD.

According to the U.S. Postal Service, Americans are expected to send more than 15 billion mail items over the holidays. In 2017, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service arrested nearly 2,500 people for mail theft and convicted about 2,200. 

The USPS has 10 tips on avoiding holiday mail and package theft: 

–Avoid sending cash

–Don’t leave delivered letters and packages unattended

–Consider an alternative shipping address

–Customize the delivery

–Plan ahead. Ship using, “Hold for pickup.”

–Going out of Town? Hold mail at the local Post Office.

–Secure the shipment using USPS Signature Services

–Chose the most secure area for delivery

–Use a PO Box

–Change the package address while it’s in transit by using USPS Package Intercept

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Police Files

Serial residential burglary suspect arrested at age 18

On Saturday, Dec. 1, at 9:43 p.m., Aquinas Arrigo Kasbar, 18, of Newport Beach, was taken into custody by the Newport Beach Police Department Detective Division on multiple charges of burglary, possession of stolen property, possession of burglary tools, identity theft and resisting arrest. 

“Kasbar was identified by the NBPD Property Crimes Section as a possible suspect in a months-long series of Newport Beach Residential Burglaries where unoccupied homes were targeted,” NBPD PIO Heather Rangel said.

Rangel continued, “In connection with the arrest, NBPD Detectives served search warrants at various locations within the city, including a storage unit, which yielded a large amount of suspected stolen property valued in the several hundred thousands of dollars. Much of the recovered stolen property is believed to be related to this recent series of Newport Beach residential burglaries.”

NBPD Detectives will be contacting the victims of these Newport Beach residential burglaries in an effort to return the stolen property. Victim inquiries about the recovery of this stolen property should be directed to NBPD Property Crimes Detective Sergeant Comte, (949) 644-3765. 

“Victims who reported a loss to NBPD will be contacted by the detective unit to advise that on Friday, Dec. 14, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. they will be able to come into the department and collect their stolen property,” Rangel said. “They will have to bring a driver’s license and have information specifically showing that the property is theirs.”

No property has been returned yet and the investigation remains open.

“It is unknown at this time if Kasbar was under 18 of age during any burglaries,” Rangel said. “Many burglaries may not have been reported yet.”

“NBPD would like to thank our law enforcement partners at the Huntington Beach Police Department Aviation Unit, ‘HB-1’ and the Orange County Sheriff’s Harbor Department for assisting in the capture of Kasbar,” Rangel said.

Bail was set at $50,000.

Buena park woman busted at Bloomingdales

On Wednesday, Nov. 28, at 8:13 p.m., at the 700 block of Newport Center Drive, an officer working patrol at Fashion Island was sent to Bloomingdales to assist a loss prevention officer with a reported theft that had just occurred. 

“A female, Jacqueline Hurtado, had entered Bloomindales with an empty shopping bag, no money on her person, and had intent to steal clothing,” NBPD PIO Heather Rangel said. “The loss prevention officer witnessed Hurtado enter multiple fitting rooms with clothes and exit with shopping bags fuller than before. The loss prevention officer also checked the fitting rooms after Hurtado exited, only to find that no clothes were left and security tags were removed and left on the floor.”

Upon further investigation, the NBPD officer discovered that Hurtado had given the stolen items to the loss prevention officer and left the area. The NBPD officer was able to find Hurtado and arrested her for stealing $1,158 worth of clothing, including multiple shirts and a sweatshirt.

Jacqueline Hurtado, 48, of Buena Park, was arrested for grand theft.

Bail was set at $20,000.

Rain causes headaches and havoc in Newport Beach, flooding, collisions, and closures plague the area 

Yesterday, at 11:15 a.m., NBPD sent out a Nixle advisory alert to avoid northbound Jamboree Road at San Joaquin Hills Road due to lanes number 2 and 3 being closed for approximately 1.5 hours because of a collision and flooding.

“There was a major delay due to flooding only. The drains were blocked by sandbags. City crew arrived and removed the bags,” NBPD PIO Heather Rangel said.

The rain hit areas of Newport Beach hard, totaling almost two inches. Some Balboa Island residents reported flooding with streams of water rushing through streets and into homes.

Four schools in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District closed early Thursday due to the dangerous flooding conditions, including Newport Harbor High, Corona del Mar High and Middle and Back Bay High schools.

To help mitigate flooding, the City of Newport Beach is offering residents up to 10 unfilled sand bags. The bags are available from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the city corporation yard located at 592 Superior Ave.

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Police Files

Rare dolphin stranded multiple times first helped by Newport Coastal Adventure passengers

On Saturday, Dec 1, at 11:45 a.m., Pacific Marine Mammal Center received a call about a rare dolphin that had stranded itself multiple times at Emerald Bay.

PMMC Events and Public Relations Coordinator Krysta Higuchi lauded Newport Coastal Adventure and wildlife photographer Mark Girardeau, who looked out for the well-being of the dolphin.

“Thank you to Newport Coastal Adventure and the public beach goers for reporting the animal so quickly,” Higuchi said. “Though it was a sad outcome, the animal was clearly suffering and the quick and respectful direction and action from everyone at the beach created what would be best for that animal.” 

Girardeau, a wildlife photographer aboard a Newport Coastal Adventure boat, captured the attempted rescues via a live video on social media that showed the young dolphin as it tried to get back to shore.

“PMMC sent a rescue team and decided to bring the dolphin back as the animal was clearly in distress,” Higuchi said. “Upon further examination, humane euthanasia was determined as the best course of action. The dolphin was seizing, had severe raking, a severe jaw injury and was in respiratory distress.” 

Click on photo for a larger image 

Photo by Mark Girardeau/Courtesy of PMMC

A rare dolphin strands itself multiple times at Emerald Bay, sadly needs to be euthanized

According to Higuchi, a necropsy was performed Sunday and it was determined that the animal was a striped dolphin, rare for coastal California waters, normally found in tropical waters.

“The dolphin was found to have serious jaw injuries directly causing other life threatening complications,” Higuchi said. “Injuries were determined to not be human caused but possibly from fights with other dolphins or species over food sources or aggressive mating behaviors.” 

The dolphin was determined to be a juvenile female. Two have been reported injured both within the last 30 days in Northern California.

“PMMC is hoping this isn’t a sign that warmer waters are again hitting our coastline; changes in ocean patterns like these can adversely affect marine life and our coastal ecosystems,” Higuchi said.

Newport Coastal Adventure is located at 309 Palm St. For more information, call (949) 922-8784 or visit www.newportcoastaladventure.com.

Alleged burglars nabbed by NBPD in recent crimes

On Saturday, Dec 1, at 11:41 p.m., at the 100 block of E. Coast Hwy., NBPD responded to reports of crimes including burglary and identity theft.

NBPD arrested Aquinas Arrigo Kasbar, 18, of Newport Beach, for forced entry residential burglary, commercial fraud/forgery, possession of burglary tools, receiving stolen property valued at $950 or greater, identity theft to personate to get money and obstructing/resisting a peace officer. Bail was set at $50,000. 

Earlier in the week, on Wednesday, Nov 28, at 8:33 p.m., at the 700 block of Newport Center Drive, Jacqueline Hurtado, 48, of Buena Park, was arrested for committing grand theft against businesses. Bail was set at $20,000. 

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DUI Arrests

Latanya Temika Robertson, 43, Santa Ana – Saturday, December 1 (w/one prior)

Rachael Megan Engelman, 26, Costa Mesa – Saturday, December 1 

Reiko Hori Kaye, 63, Newport Beach – Friday, November 30

Ava Michelle Navarrete, 27, Westminster – Friday, November 30

Remy Jean Pages, 48, Irvine – Friday, November 30

Tatiana Raines Ramos, 39, Costa Mesa – Wednesday, November 28

Rameus Robert Ico, 18, Costa Mesa – Wednesday, November 28 (drugs)

Incident Reports

Saturday, December 1

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Chiefwind Great Thunder Dancer, 21, San Pedro

Fredrick Charles Garbutt, 27, Tustin

Amanda Patricia Sermeno, 28, Costa Mesa

Anthony Robert Geukens,26, Placentia

E. Coast Hwy. I 100 Block I Burglary and Burglary Tools, Stolen Property, Identity Theft and Obstructing/Resisting 

11:41 p.m. Aquinas Arrigo Kasbar, 18, Newport Beach, was arrested for forced entry – residential burglary, commercial fraud/forgery, possession of burglary tools, receiving stolen property valued at $950 or greater, identity theft to personate to get money and obstructing/resisting a peace officer. Bail was set at $50,000. 

Ocean Blvd. I 3100 Block I Warrant, Driving w/o License, Marijuana, Open Container and False Identification 

4:47 p.m. Rolando Manuel Hernandez, 31, Santa Ana, was arrested on a warrant related to a DUI, driving without a license, possession of marijuana – 1 gram or less, open container and providing false identification to a specific peace officer. Bail was set at $30,500. 

Sherington Pl. & Irvine Ave. I Parole Violation, Sharps Waste and Controlled Substance

4:28 p.m. Damian Denys Ammann, 25, Torrance, was arrested for violating parole, illegal transport of sharps waste and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. Bail was set at $500.

Sherington Pl. & Irvine Ave. I Controlled Substance

4:23 p.m. Paola Andrea Flores, 23, Redondo Beach, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. Bail was set at $500.

Jamboree Road & San Joaquin Hills Road I Driving w/o License, Reckless Driving and Obstructing/Resisting

2:17 p.m. Christopher Lawrence Volz, 45, Fountain Valley, was arrested for driving a motorcycle without a proper license, reckless driving on a highway and obstructing/resisting a peace officer. Bail was set at $500. 

Baywood Drive I 200 Block I Battery

10:41 a.m. Luke Jacob Morano Gastar, 27, Canyon Lake, was arrested for battery. Bail was set at $500. 

Birch St. I 4800 Block I Sharps Waste

9:23 a.m. Amy Messol, 24, Costa Mesa, was arrested for illegal transport of sharps waste. Bail was set at $500.

Birch St. I 4100 Block I Driving while Suspended/Revoked and Paraphernalia

9:11 a.m. Brianne Marie Dumain, 31, Costa Mesa, was arrested for driving while suspended or revoked and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $500.

Seashore Drive & Sonora St. I Warrants

1:41 a.m. Kalani Miles Walsh, 29, Moundridge, was arrested for warrants related to vandalism. Bail was set at $61,000.

Cliff Drive I 2500 Block I Controlled Substance

12:52 a.m. Brittany Nicole Dill, 35, Tustin, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $2,500.

Friday, November 30

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

32nd Ave. I 300 Block I Warrant

7:58 p.m. Timothy John Jarabek, 49, Newport Beach was arrested on a warrant related to being a fugitive from justice. No bail was set. 

E. Coast Hwy. & Promontory Drive I Warrant, False Identification and Information, Failure to Stop and Paraphernalia 

11:02 p.m. Robert Sean Gerleman, 32, Costa Mesa, was arrested on a warrant, providing false identification to a specific peace officer and giving false information, failure to stop at limit line/crosswalk at red signal and possession of an unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $8,500. 

W. Coast Hwy. & 60th St. I Narcotics and Paraphernalia 

3:40 a.m. Michael Robert Roudybush, 27, Huntington Beach, was arrested for possession of a narcotic controlled substance and of unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at $2,500. 

Thursday, November 29

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

Alena Samantha Weida, 24, Long Beach

Irvine Ave. & Bristol St. I Warrant, Controlled Substance, Narcotics, Paraphernalia and Sharps Waste 

10:29 p.m. Jacob Jordan Solomon, 27, Placentia, was arrested on a warrant related to possession of dangerous drugs, a controlled substance and controlled narcotic substance, unlawful paraphernalia and illegal transport of sharps waste. Bail was set at $15,000.

Bayview Pl. & Bristol St. I Driving Wrong Way, Paraphernalia, Narcotics, Controlled Substance and Sharps Waste 

10:28 p.m. Lisa Christine Peck, 50, Santa Ana, was arrested for driving the wrong way on a divided highway, possession of unlawful paraphernalia, a controlled narcotic substance for sale, purchase and transport, a controlled substance for sale and illegal transport of sharps waste. Bail was set at $30,000.

Avocado Ave. I 1000 Block I Trespassing and Receiving Stolen Property

8:49 p.m. Anthony Tabarsi, 52, Costa Mesa, was arrested for trespassing without consent. Bail was set at $500.

Upper Newport Plaza Drive I 00 Block I Trespassing and Receiving Stolen Property

11:23 a.m. Michael Joseph Morrison, 52, Costa Mesa, was arrested for trespassing without consent and receiving stolen property valued over $950. Bail was set at $500.

Mesa Dive I 1500 Block I Drinking in Public and Obstructing/Resisting

1:50 a.m. Alena Samantha Weida, 24, Long Beach, was arrested for drinking in public and obstructing/resisting a peace officer. Bail was set at $500. 

Wednesday, November 28

Arrests for Being Drunk in Public

None

Newport Center Drive I 700 Block I Grand Theft 

8:33 p.m. Jacqueline Hurtado, 48, Buena Park, was arrested for committing grand theft against businesses. Bail was set at $20,000. 

Newport Pier I 00 Block I Warrants

10:43 a.m. David Donald Rooten, 51, Costa Mesa, was arrested for warrants related to possession of a controlled narcotic substance, unlawful paraphernalia and a prohibited baton weapon. Bail was set at $35,000.

W. Coast Hwy. & N Old Newport Ramp I Paraphernalia and Sharps Waste

4:39 a.m. Noah Louis Katz, 27, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and transporting sharps waste. Bail was set at $500. 

15th St. & Westminster Ave. I DUI, Alcohol, over 0.08% and Unsafe Lane Change

2:57 a.m. Tatiana Raines Ramos, 39, Costa Mesa, was arrested for DUI, alcohol with a BAC over 0.08% and making an unsafe lane change. Bail was set at $2,500.

Bay Ave. & E. Palm St. I Narcotics, Open Container and Driving While Suspended

12:12 a.m. Alfredo Molina, 48, Costa Mesa, was arrested for possession of a narcotic controlled substance, having an open container of alcohol and driving while suspended or revoked. Bail was set at $2,500.

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Police Files

NBPD seeks public’s assistance identifying suspects involved in Louis Vuitton theft

The Newport Beach Police Department is seeking two additional suspects for the theft of multiple Louis Vuitton bags. On Tuesday, November 26, at approximately 4:20 p.m., four suspects entered Neiman Marcus at 601 Newport Center Drive and stole multiple bags valued at approximately $20,000. A fifth suspect waited in a vehicle nearby. At 5:58 p.m., three of the five suspects were taken into custody at a pawnshop in Los Angeles and arrested by the Newport Beach Police Department. All of the stolen bags were recovered.

The three suspects were Gregory Anthony Walker, 18, of Los Angeles, Samuel Morgan IV, 19, of Inglewood and Ryan Kyle David, 19, of Gardena. The trio was arrested for Receiving Stolen Property greater than $950 in value, Commercial Burglary – No Forced Entry, Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, Conspiracy/False Indictment of Another and a Warrant.

Bail was set at $95,000 for Walker, $20,000 for Morgan IV and $20,000 for David.

Photos courtesy of NBPD

NBPD is seeking two additional suspects in the theft of multiple Louis Vuitton bags on Tuesday

The outstanding suspects are described as black, male, approximately 18-20 years old, with black hair. At the time of the incident, one suspect was wearing a black hoodie, black pants with a white stripe and white shoes. The other suspect was wearing a black hoodie with white writing, black pants with a red stripe and white shoes.

Anyone who can identify these suspects or has additional information about this crime is encouraged to contact the Detective Division at 949.644.3790. Messages may also be left anonymously on the Police Department’s recorded hotline at 1.800.550.NBPD. 

Using fraudulent reward points is a serious crime

On Tuesday, November 27, at 12:45 p.m., an NBPD officer was sent to the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa at 900 Newport Center Drive to assist the Chief Loss Prevention Officer. The loss prevention officer explained that two rooms were being rented with fraudulent Marriott Rewards numbers. 

“Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Luis Guillen had been renting rooms at different hotels for the past two months using fraudulent cards. He did not give details on the hotels,” NBPD PIO Heather Rangel said. 

 During his arrest, it was discovered that he had drugs and drug paraphernalia in his pockets and a warrant out for his arrest.

“The paraphernalia and drugs were found in his pockets during a consensual search. The officer asked if he could search him and he said yes,” Rangel said. “He claimed that the drugs were his, but the pipe was not.”

Luis Alfonso Guillen, 28, of Hawthorne, was arrested for commercial burglary, for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, possession a controlled substance, false personation of another and a warrant due to assault with a firearm. 

Bail was set at $270,000.

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Police Files

“Food fight” and alleged gun threat at Whole Foods

On Sunday, Nov. 11, at 7:35 p.m., NBPD responded to a call at Whole Foods Market, at the 400 block of Newport Center Drive, to assist a manager with a customer. 

“Upon arrival, the manager explained that Antonio Nelton was throwing food and hitting other customers with a store-motorized wheelchair,” NBPD PIO Heather Rangel said.

According to Rangel, the manger asked Nelton to leave and he refused. 

“During the officer’s interaction with Nelton, he expressed that he had a handgun in his car and he was going to go get it,” Rangel said. “Upon further investigation, the officer found that Nelton did not have a handgun; however, he was in violation of his parole.”

The parole officer requested Nelton be placed on a parole hold and Nelton was arrested.

Antonio Maitreya Nelton, 45, of Long Beach, was arrested for parole violation and for threatening to commit a crime with intent to terrorize. Bail was set at $50,000. 

Get the message, texting while driving is a serious, often deadly crime that is 100% preventable

On Wednesday, Nov. 21, at 5:05 p.m., at E. Coast Highway and Corporate Way, James Edward Spurgin, 60, of Laguna Beach, was pulled over and cited for using text-based communication while driving. During the traffic stop, Spurgin was arrested for outstanding warrants for possession of a narcotic substance and driving with a suspended license, as well as for possessing unlawful paraphernalia. Bail was set at a whopping $100,500. 

According to a Newport Beach Police Department press release sent out in April 2018 to promote Distracted Driving Awareness Month, texting while driving is a serious problem that remains a big roadblock on the roads. During the holiday season, distractions seem to multiply on the road with emotions running high, heavier traffic and problems with parking.

Traffic officers throughout the state have issued hundreds of thousands of citations over the past three years to drivers who were texting or making calls on a hand-held cell phone. Recent legislation made it illegal to use any smartphone apps while driving, further limiting drivers’ cell phone activity. Still, we all continue to see people driving dangerously while distracted by their phones.

Since 2011, OTS has conducted an annual observational study of hand-held cell phone use. “This year’s study on the use of handheld cell phones and texting shows a decrease over past years; however, more work needs to be done to target those who were observed to still be breaking the law,” said OTS Director Rhonda Craft.  “The best way to put an end to distracted driving is to educate all Californians about the danger it poses. We will do this through enforcement and education efforts like our new advertising campaign ‘Just Drive’, reminding drivers to put down their phones and focus on the road.”

“California’s distracted driving laws have been saving lives for a decade now,” said former State Senator Joe Simitian, who authored the state’s hands-free and no-texting laws. “Every day, somewhere in California, someone is sitting down to dinner with their family who wouldn’t have made it through the day without these laws on the books. That’s tremendously gratifying.”

In 2007, the last full year before the hands-free law went into effect, more than 33,000 drivers in California were involved in distracted driving collisions. Preliminary 2017 data shows that that number decreased to fewer than 22,000 collisions last year. 

“These numbers show a heartening and significant improvement,” said NBPD Chief Jon Lewis, “but there’s still work to be done. Smartphones are a part of our lives now; texting, phone calls, social media posts…the cell phone activity is constant, but doing these things behind the wheel can have deadly consequences. Changing these dangerous habits will help make our roadways safer for everyone.”

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Police Files

Slew of crimes on Sunday include strong arm robbery, battery and drug charges

On Sunday, Nov 18, there were a slew of crimes related to robbery and drugs, according to NBPD police files. At 12:02 a.m., at the 1000 block of McFadden Place, Trevor Allen Jensen, 27, of Lake Forest, was arrested for strong arm robbery and battery. Bail was set at $50,000. Later that morning two suspects were arrested for a litany of crimes including burglary tools, receiving stolen property and possessing a controlled substance.

At W. Coast Hwy. & Balboa Bay, at 2:50 a.m., Kira Lyn Peralta, 30, of Buena Park, was arrested for possessing a controlled substance, possessing a controlled substance without a prescription, possessing a controlled substance for sale, and receiving stolen property. Bail was set at $25,000.

Also at the same location at 2:55 a.m., Daniel James Aaron Fowles, 26, of Westminster, was arrested on a warrant for violating parole, possessing a controlled substance for sale, possessing a controlled substance, possessing a controlled substance without a prescription, and possessing unlawful paraphernalia, as well as possessing burglary tools. Bail was set at $25,000. 

Preventing crime while shopping – key safety tips

The holiday season is upon us, and the busiest shopping days of the year are approaching. While you are out and about hunting for gifts for loved ones or even doing your shopping from your computer, remember to keep safety top of mind.

Here are some tips for preventing crime while you knock out that shopping list, provided by NBPD along with the National Crime Prevention Council:

Shopping in stores:

–Never leave your valuables unattended – phone, purse, wallet, etc.

–Wait until asked before taking out your credit card or checkbook.  An enterprising thief would love to shoulder surf to get your account information.

–Tell a security guard or store employee if you see an unattended bag or package.  The same applies if you are using mass transit.

–Deter pickpockets by carrying your purse close to your body and keeping it closed.

–Men keep your wallet in an inner coat pocket or front pants pocket.

–Do not buy more than you can carry. Plan ahead by taking a friend with you or ask a store employee to help you carry your packages to the car.

–Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. Check the back seat and around the car before getting in.

–Do not leave packages visible in your car windows. Lock them in the trunk or, if possible, take them directly home.

–Shopping with small children: make a plan in case you are separated from each other and select a central meeting place; teach them to know they can ask mall personnel or store security employees if they need help; and keep a current photo of your child in your phone.

–Shopping online: Before surfing the Internet, secure your personal computers by updating your security software. Everyone’s computer should have anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-spam software, as well as a good firewall installed. Visit www.bytecrime.org for free software downloads.

–Keep your personal information private and your password secure. Do not respond to requests to “verify” your password or credit card information unless you initiated the contact. Legitimate businesses will not contact you in this manner.

–Beware of “bargains” from companies with whom you are unfamiliar – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

–Use secure websites for purchases. Look for the icon of a locked padlock at the bottom of the screen or “https” in the URL address.

–Shop with companies you know and trust. Check for background information if you plan to buy from a new or unfamiliar company.

–Save all receipts. Print and save all confirmations from your online purchases. Start a file folder to keep all receipts together and to help you verify credit card or bank statements as they come in.

–Consider alternate options to pay for your merchandise, such as one-time or multiuse disposable credit cards or money orders, at online stores and auction site.

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Police Files

Attempted robbery at Bank of America at Eastbluff, NBPD seeks help identifying suspect

The Newport Beach Police Department is seeking a suspect and any possible witnesses for an attempted bank robbery investigation. The crime occurred on Wednesday, Nov. 14, at approximately 1:35 p.m. at the Bank of America in Eastbluff Village Center, at 2501 Eastbluff Drive. 

According to statements received by the NBPD, one male entered the bank with a grey Bank of America money bag. The suspect then approached a bank teller and presented what appeared to be a business check. 

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

NBPD is looking for this bank robbery suspect, please call with any information

The check had a handwritten note on the back stating, “This is a robbery, I have a gun.” The teller had difficulty opening the money drawer, at which point the suspect stated, “Hurry up, you have 10 seconds.” 

The suspect then raised his voice and once again told the teller to hurry up, which caught the attention of the bank manager who then walked towards the suspect. The suspect then walked out of the bank without any money, and appeared to get into a white truck being driven by an additional unknown suspect.

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

The getaway vehicle from an attempted bank robbery on Nov. 14 at the Eastbluff Bank of America

The suspect is described as a white male, 30 - 40 years old, with dark hair, a brownish grey beard, about 5’6 - 5’8 tall, and weighing around 160 - 180 pounds. He was described as wearing a white and blue flannel, dark hat, sunglasses, tennis shoes, and had tattoos on his right forearm.

NBPD Detectives are asking this person, or anyone who can help identify him, to come forward to assist in the investigation. Anyone who can offer assistance is encouraged to contact Detective Division at 949.644.3790. Messages may also be left anonymously on the Police Department’s recorded hotline at 1.800.550.NBPD. 

33-year-old Newport Beach man sentenced to 35 years in state prison for $13.5 million Ponzi scheme

On Friday, Nov 15, Brandon Walton Stewart, 33, of Newport Beach, was sentenced to 35 years in state prison for defrauding more than $10.5 million from victims and nearly $3 million from banks through a Ponzi scheme according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

Stewart pleaded guilty to 125 counts of money laundering, 38 counts of writing non-sufficient funds, 22 counts of using untrue statements in purchase or sale of a security, four counts of failing to file a California state tax return, two counts of financial elder abuse, and one count of residential burglary, all felonies.

He also received sentencing enhancements for aggravated white collar crime in excess of $500,000, property damage over $3.2 million, and money laundering in excess of $2.5 million for a Ponzi scheme he operated from April 7, 2009, to January 22, 2013.

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Police Files

Man arrested 19 times in 18 months by NBPD

On Monday, Nov 12, at 8:14 p.m., at 15th Street and W. Ocean Front, Nathaniel Monks Hutchinson, 53, of Costa Mesa, was arrested for receiving stolen property with a value greater than $950, possessing unlawful paraphernalia, and warrants related to being drunk in public and having an open container in public.

According to Stu News Newport records, Hutchinson has been arrested 19 times in the last 18 months by NBPD for being drunk in public, drinking in public and related warrants.

Hutchinson often lists his occupation as “drinker” with police. 

Bail was set at $46,000.

Two 20-somethings nabbed for major crimes

On Sunday, Nov 11, at 3:49 a.m., a duo was arrested at Santa Ana Avenue and 17th Street for a litany of major crimes.

Christopher Edward Mar, 24, no city of residency, was arrested for possessing unlawful paraphernalia, appropriating lost property, possessing a controlled substance, commercial burglary with no forced entry, conspiracy to commit a crime, identity theft and grand theft from buildings. 

Alyssa Marie Teruel, 20, Indio, was arrested for shoplifting with value less than $950, possessing unlawful paraphernalia, possessing a controlled substance, commercial burglary with no forced entry, conspiracy to commit a crime and grand theft. 

Bail was set at $20,000 for both Mar and Teruel.

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Fire Files

NBFD answers the call to help combat wildfires

With the raging wildfires affecting areas of Ventura and Los Angeles County in Southern California the last several days, the Newport Beach Fire Department answered the call to provide mutual aid to these ravaged areas with fire protection. 

Click on photo for larger image

Photo by Tony Handy, Courtesy of LAFD

Woolsey fire

“Newport Beach Firefighters have been actively engaged in protecting homes in the Thousand Oaks area,” said Newport Beach Fire Assistant Chief Jeff Boyles. “We currently have two fire engines with eight personnel, along with multiple Orange County fire agencies assisting in the firefight. Locally, we are up-staffing with financial assistance from the state in preparation for any wind events that may threaten us here in Orange County.” 

NB Fire Asst. Chief Boyles will be presenting an informational wildland fire workshop tonight, Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 6:30 p.m. The workshop will take place in the Central Library’s Friends Room located at 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. This is a great opportunity for all members of the community to learn about the ongoing threat of wildland fires to the State of California, how the Newport Beach Fire Department is deployed to these incidents, and recent deployment experiences.

Red Flag Warning in effect in Newport through Wednesday

Here at home, a Red Flag Warning has been issued through Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 5 p.m. for the Orange County Coastal Zone including Newport Beach, according to the National Weather Service. Sustained winds of 25 - 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph are possible along with low humidity levels. Residents living near urban interface areas are encouraged to have an emergency plan in the event of a brush fire near their home.

Now is the time for Newport Beach residents to evaluate their preparedness levels. If you haven’t already done so, please register for AlertOC, which is the city’s mass notification system, by going to www.alertoc.com. Make sure you include your cell phone number, text number, and email addresses so you can be informed of emergencies and certain community events no matter where you are.

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Fire Files

17 respond to electric boat fire on waterfront

At approximately 9:35 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 7, the Newport Beach Fire Department responded to a fully involved electric boat fire located in a slip at 312 Buena Vista Boulevard. 

Upon arrival, firefighters successfully extinguished the fire and prevented the fire from spreading to other boats. Newport Beach Lifeguards and an Orange County Sheriff Fire Boat assisted with the extinguishment/overhaul process. 

In total, 15 firefighters and two lifeguards responded to the incident. The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

The Newport Beach Fire Department would like to remind all Orange County residents to be fire safe during the holiday season by keeping combustibles away from ignition sources. 

Police Files

Grant awarded to NBPD to fund year-long program

The Newport Beach Police Department has been awarded a $225,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a year-long program of special enforcement and public awareness efforts to prevent traffic-related deaths and injuries. The Newport Beach Police Department will use the funding as part of the City’s ongoing commitment to keep our roadways safe and improve the quality of life through both enforcement and education. 

“By partnering with OTS, our Department is committed to making the streets of Newport Beach as safe as possible by focusing our efforts on such things as bicycle and pedestrian safety, distracted driving, motorcycle safety, DUI prevention and public education. The grant funds awarded to us by OTS are an effective force multiplier, thereby allowing us to concentrate on preventing tragedies while making a positive impact for those who live, work and play in the City of Newport Beach,” said Lieutenant Joe Cartwright, the Traffic Services Commander for the Newport Beach Police Department. 

In 2016, 3,623 people were killed in crashes across the state, a seven percent increase from 2015, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Particularly alarming is the rise in pedestrian deaths, with 867 pedestrians killed on California roadways in 2016, a nearly 33 percent increase from 2012. 

“Almost all crashes are preventable,” OTS director Rhonda Craft said. “Education and enforcement go hand in hand helping change behaviors that cause devastating crashes.” 

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Police Files

Man arrested after allegedly making false bomb claim

Hugo Moreno Perez, 40, Pomona, was arrested on charges of possessing stolen property after allegedly going through multiple open vehicles. The arrest took place in the 500 block of Bayview Circle, at 7:55 a.m., on Wednesday, Oct. 31.

During the arrest, Perez also falsely stated he had a bomb. Additionally, police found methamphetamine on his property.

Perez was arrested for receiving stolen property, possessing a controlled substance and a false bomb report.

Bail was set at $2,500.

Man busted for allegedly attempting to steal a bicycle

Jose Hermino Ventura, 40, Santa Ana, was arrested Friday, Nov. 2 at Back Bay Drive and Jamboree Road, on grand theft of a bicycle.

Newport Beach Police discovered that Ventura had cut a bicycle from a pole using bolt cutters. Upon further investigation, police found a meth pipe and bolt cutters in the subject’s vehicle.

Ventura was arrested for possessing burglary tools, grand theft of a bicycle. and possessing unlawful paraphernalia.

His bail was set at $20,000.

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Police Files

Two car crash closes Newport Blvd. for several hours

Newport Beach Police reported a two-car collision Tuesday evening, Oct. 30, at 5:42 p.m., closing southbound lanes at Newport Blvd. and Hospital Road. A police Nixle report went out asking drivers to avoid the area.

No deaths resulted in the accident, although one driver was transported to Hoag Hospital and released. 

The lanes reopened several hours later at 7:57 p.m.

Man arrested for early morning residential and commercial burglary

Newport Beach Police arrested Marco Antonio Banderas Jr., 27, of Anaheim, on a variety of charges Tuesday, Oct. 30, including commercial and residential burglary with no forced entry, grand theft from buildings and receiving stolen property with a value greater than $950.

Banderas was arrested in the 800 block of Santa Barbara Drive at 6:49 a.m.

His bail was set at $50,000.

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Police Files

San Diego man arrested twice in 25 hours

Friday afternoon, October 26 at 12:23 p.m., Newport Beach Police stopped Oreste Digiacomosoto, 27, from San Diego, for questioning in the 200 block of Orchard Drive. Digiacomosoto was arrested for presenting false identification to a peace officer. 

His bail was $500.

But, his weekend didn’t end there. On Saturday, October 27 at 1:38 p.m., roughly 25 hours after his first encounter, Digiacomosoto was arrested for taking an auto without the owner’s consent and arrested at Reef Point Drive & E. Coast Highway.

His bail was set at $20,000.

Woman attempts to evade police, arrested for DUI

Orsolya Mester, 37, of Los Angeles, was arrested Saturday, October 27, in the 100 block of W. Promontory Drive, for suspected DUI. However, not before attempting to evade police, hit and run causing property damage, obstructing an executive officer and driving without a license.

The failed attempt left Mester with bail set at $20,000.

The incident ended at 6:19 p.m.

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Police Files

Welfare check leads to apparent murder-suicide discovery

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Lana Johnson

Tuesday morning, October 23, at 7:53 a.m., Newport Beach Police received a request for a welfare check of a residence in the 700 block of Malabar Drive in Irvine Terrace. Officers responded to the home and found a male and female deceased at the residence.

Police are investigating the incident as a murder-suicide. The death of Joan Beverly Frederick, 73, of Corona del Mar, is being investigated as a murder, while the death of Dolliver Henry Frederick, 74, of Corona del Mar, is being investigated as a suicide.

No further updates have been released by the NBPD.

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Police Files

Suicide is cause of death at 15th St. lifeguard tower incident

Last Tuesday morning, October 16, a man was found unresponsive at the 15th St. lifeguard tower by Newport Beach Police officers. 

A 22-year-old male from Riverside died of a self-inflicted gun shot.

No other details were released. 

Police responded to the call at 7:55 a.m.

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Police Files

Five women come forward with new sex charges against Newport Beach doctor; three additional for his girlfriend

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office filed additional charges against a Newport Beach surgeon, Grant William Robicheaux, 38, for allegedly sexually assaulting five additional women, for a total of seven alleged victims. 

The surgeon’s girlfriend, Cerissa Laura Riley, 31, Newport Beach, is charged in three additional alleged assaults and both defendants face additional charges of kidnapping to commit rape. 

The defendants were initially charged on September 11, 2018, with sexually assaulting two women by use of drugs. Their pre-trial hearing date is scheduled for January 18, 2019, at 8:30 a.m. in Department H-7, Harbor Justice Center, Newport Beach.

Charges against Robicheaux include three counts of kidnapping to commit a sexual offense; four counts of rape by use of drugs; two counts of assault with intent to commit a sexual offense; forcible rape; oral copulation by anesthesia or controlled substance; four counts for possession of a controlled substance for sale; and two counts of possession of an assault rifle.

Riley was charged with three counts of kidnapping with intent to commit a sexual offense; three counts of rape by use of drugs; two counts of assault with intent to commit sexual offense; oral copulation by anesthesia or controlled substance; and four counts of possession of a controlled substance for sale.

Robicheaux faces a maximum sentence of 82 years and four months to life in state prison, while Riley faces a maximum of 63 years to life. Bail has been set at $1 million.

“We believe if the defendants met the victims in a public place, drugged them while in that public place, and relocated them back to their home after their victims were rendered incapable of consent, with the intent to sexually assault their prey – that’s kidnapping,” stated District Attorney Tony Rackauckas. “If you feel you have been victimized by these defendants, we want to hear from you. Even if you willfully became intoxicated, or took drugs, no one gets a pass to sexually assault you once you are past the point of consent.”

In September 2009, Jane Doe 1, who was in her mid-20s, allegedly met Robicheaux at a bar in Newport Beach and proceeded to go on a few dates. On September 7, 2009, Robicheaux is accused of forcibly raping the victim at his residence after she told him she did not want to have sex. 

Jane Doe 1 reported the assault to OCDA after OCDA announced law enforcement was seeking potential additional victims.

On March 14, 2015, Robicheaux and Riley are accused of raping Jane Doe 2, who was in her mid-20s, while she was prevented from resisting due to intoxicating and controlled substances.

Jane Doe 2 also reported the assault to OCDA after OCDA announced law enforcement was seeking potential additional victims.

In April 2016, Robicheaux and Riley are accused of meeting Jane Doe 3 who was in her early 30s, at a restaurant in Newport Beach. On April 10, 2016, Robicheaux and Riley are accused of inviting the victim to a party in Newport Beach and supplying multiple drugs to the victim until she was highly intoxicated.

The defendants are accused of then kidnapping Jane Doe 3 with intent to commit rape by bringing her to their home and carrying her upstairs to commit the sex acts.

Robicheaux and Riley are further accused of raping and orally copulating the victim while she was prevented from resisting due to intoxication and controlled substances and they should have reasonably known of her condition.

Jane Doe 3 contacted the Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) the next day and underwent a forensic exam, which tested positive for multiple controlled substances.

On October 2, 2016, Robicheaux and Riley are accused of drinking alcohol with Jane Doe 4, who was in her mid-20s, at a bar in Newport Beach until the victim was highly intoxicated. 

The defendants are accused of kidnapping the victim with intent to commit a sexual offense by taking Jane Doe 4 to their home. Jane Doe 4 woke to Robicheaux allegedly attempting to sexually assault her with intent to commit rape and screamed for help until a neighbor called NBPD, who responded to the scene and investigated this case.

On October 29, 2016, Jane Doe 5, who was in her mid-30s, allegedly met Robicheaux and Riley at a Halloween party in Newport Beach through a mutual acquaintance and they are accused of placing GHB in the victim’s drink while she was at the defendants’ residence.

The defendants are further accused of sexually assaulting and raping the victim in their bedroom while she was prevented from resisting due to intoxicating and controlled substances. Jane Doe 5 awoke during the alleged assault.

Jane Doe 5 reported the alleged assault to OCDA after OCDA announced law enforcement was seeking potential additional victims.

On April 16, 2017, Jane Doe 6, who was in her early 20s, allegedly met Robicheaux on a popular dating app and went on a date at a restaurant in Newport Beach. Riley is accused of showing up during the date and pretending to be Robicheaux’s friend, not a romantic interest.

Jane Doe 6 and the defendants went to another bar where the defendants are accused of supplying intoxicating substances to the victim until she was highly intoxicated.

Robicheaux and Riley are then accused of kidnapping Jane Doe 6 with intent to commit rape by bringing the victim to their home in this condition without her consent. The victim awoke in the defendants’ home where Riley and Robicheaux are accused of sexually assaulting her on the bed.

Jane Doe 6 was eventually able to run to the bathroom where she locked herself for the night until she was able to leave the next morning.

Jane Doe 6 reported the alleged assault to OCDA after OCDA announced law enforcement was seeking potential additional victims.

Jane Doe 7, who was in her early 20s, met Robicheaux and Riley at a Fourth of July party in 2017 while the alleged victim was out with a friend. 

On July 8, 2017, she went with the defendants to a party on a boat in Newport Beach and consumed multiple alcoholic beverages.

The defendants are accused of inviting Jane Doe 7 to Robicheaux’s residence. When the intoxicated victim laid down to sleep, Robicheaux is accused of raping her while reasonably knowing of the victim’s inability to resist.

Jane Doe 7 reported the assault to OCDA after OCDA announced law enforcement was seeking potential additional victims.

The investigation is ongoing. Law enforcement investigating this case believe there may be additional victims. If you believe you have been a victim, or have information related to the crime and about the defendants, please call OCDA Supervising Investigator Eric Wiseman at 714.347.8794.

Spitzer accused of illegally disseminating sealed document

After a court hearing in the People v. Grant Robicheaux and Cerissa Riley case, Orange County Supervisor and Orange County District Attorney candidate Todd Spitzer, also an attorney, and his Chief of Staff Melanie Eustice, are accused of knowingly disseminating a sealed search warrant at a press conference. 

The search warrant contained extremely sensitive information about the rape victims and the defendants. Spitzer reportedly talked about knowing the search warrant was sealed and knowingly distributed it to members of the media. 

Both the defense and the People went back to Department H-7 at Harbor Justice Center to address the alleged violation with the Court. 

Spitzer was asked by Judge Gregory W. Jones to come back to court to discuss the matter. The court ordered members of the media who were present not to further disseminate the prohibited item and to relay that information to their organizations. They were all ordered to return the sealed item to Court. 

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office requests all members of the media comply with the judge’s order and not distribute the sealed materials to protect the rape victims, defendants’ constitutional rights, and the integrity of the case. 

Spitzer is running against District Attorney Tony Rackauckas in November.

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Police Files

Potentially dangerous prostitution group arrested early Tuesday

Three suspects were arrested shortly before 4:00 a.m. in the early morning hours Tuesday, October 9, at Santiago Drive and Irvine Avenue, for prostitution related activities.

21-year-old Sabrina Milagros Monge, from San Bernardino, and Jonathan Luis Palafcy, 35, Highland, were each arrested for pandering by procuring a person for prostitution and possessing a switchblade knife.

Additionally, Jessica Roxanne Gonzalez, 25, of Corona, was arrested for failing to possess a required escort service permit.

Monge and Palafcy had their scheduled bail set at $35,000, while Gonzalez’s bail was $200.

Local CFO sentenced for embezzling more than $3.2 million

Former Chief Financial Officer Timothy Michael Huth, 48, from Rancho Santa Margarita, was sentenced Wednesday, Oct. 9, to seven years in state prison for embezzling more than $3.2 million dollars for personal use.

At the time of the crimes, Huth was the Chief Financial Officer of Meadows Asset Management, a Newport Beach business located at 100 Newport Center Drive. Between 2008 and 2014, the defendant embezzled large sums of money from the company, falsified checks, and altered company records to hide his embezzlement. He also engaged in numerous acts of money laundering.

In January 2015, the embezzlement was discovered by Meadows Asset Management when several suspicious bank account transactions involving the defendant were uncovered.

Newport Beach Police Department investigated this case.

Huth pleaded guilty to grand theft, 16 counts of money laundering, 16 counts of forgery and making false entries in records or returns in June.

Coyotes are here to stay and NBPD advises caution

The Newport Beach Police Department’s Animal Control Unit is alerting the community to recent coyote activity in the City. In order to advise and educate members of the Newport Beach community, the Newport Beach Police Department has compiled the following information on coyote activity.

Coyotes are found in all areas of Orange County. They are a native animal and a critical component of the ecosystem. Contrary to popular belief, these animals do not require open space or wild areas to survive. In fact, most of the coyotes found in urban environments are descended from generations of coyotes who have lived and flourished in the urbanized areas of Orange County.

Though they are far from domesticated, coyotes are very comfortable living alongside human beings. If a coyote begins frequenting your neighborhood, let them know that they are not welcome. Make loud noises, show an aggressive posture, or spray them with a garden hose to deter them from approaching your property. For everyone’s safety, it is essential that coyotes preserve their natural wariness of humans.

While they are not normally a danger to humans, coyotes will display defensive behaviors if threatened or cornered. Therefore, if you encounter a coyote, it is important to leave a comfortable distance between yourself and the animal. Coyotes defend their territory and family in a similar manner to domesticated dogs. If a coyote behaves aggressively, you have probably gotten too close to its prey or its family; increase your distance until the coyote acts less threatening. For their own safety, children should be taught to avoid strange animals, whether domesticated or not, and not to feed wild animals.

Unfortunately, some Newport Beach residents have lost pets to coyote attacks. Though coyotes generally hunt between sunset and sunrise, they are active at all hours of the day or night. Small pets in particular can easily become prey for these skilled predators. In a matter of minutes, a coyote can attack and remove a pet from a backyard that is enclosed by a six-foot fence or wall.

Here are some steps that you can take to protect your pets, and to make your property less attractive to nuisance animals such as coyotes:

–Fence off animal enclosures (fully enclosed, if possible).

–Cats, small dogs and other small animals should not be allowed outside alone, even in a fenced area. It is highly recommended that small pets are always accompanied by their owner when outside the home, and that pets are not left in yards overnight.

–Keep dogs on a leash (at a maximum length of six feet) at all times. Extendable leashes do not meet the requirements of the Newport Beach Municipal Code, and will not adequately prevent your dog from becoming the victim of a coyote attack.

–Feed your pets indoors.

–Eliminate potential food and water sources, such as fallen fruit and standing water.

–Store trash in heavy-duty containers.

–Keep yards free of potential shelter materials, such as thick brush or weeds.

–Enclose the bottoms of porches and decks.

NBPD welcome members of the community to contact them with any questions or concerns at 949.644.3717.

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Police Files

Olympic swimmer Lochte reportedly kicks in door at local hotel and then seeks help

The Newport Beach Police Department is not confirming the identity of the subject they assisted Thursday morning, Oct. 4, in the 3 a.m. vicinity at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa.

Reports have Olympic swimming champion Ryan Lochte damaging his hotel room door after trying to kick it in.

Sources say Lochte was drunk at the time and that he will seek professional assistance to battle his alcohol addiction by immediately entering a program.

No arrests were made, and no report was taken.

Lochte is a 12-time Olympic medalist and ranks only behind Michael Phelps as the 2nd most decorated swimmer in Olympic history.

Lochte caused controversy at the 2016 Brazilian Olympics by claiming he and several other swimming teammates were robbed at gunpoint by subjects showing police badges.

That event, too, was blamed on a night of drinking. 

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Police Files

Police find out what’s behind the tinted windows…it’s not good

On Sunday, Sept. 30, at approximately 6:45 p.m., a Newport Beach Police Officer on patrol saw a car driving on East Coast Highway at Avocado Avenue with dark tinted front windows in violation of the California Vehicle Code. 

The officer stopped the car that had one adult and three children under the age of 13. The driver, Matthew Ogden, 36, from Pasadena, gave a California driver’s license to the officer that was not his. Ogden was arrested for falsely impersonating another person. 

Further investigation produced the discovery of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and other items, leading to a number of other charges. 

Ogden was arrested for forgery by altering a driver’s license, false personation of another, possessing unlawful paraphernalia, possessing a controlled substance for sale, transporting a controlled substance, possessing narcotics for sale, being a felon in possession of a stun gun, cruelty to a child and a warrant from a Van Nuys court.

His bail was set at $170,000.

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Police Files

Police arrest Newport Coast woman following violent crash, DUI suspected

Around 5:45 p.m. Friday evening, September 28, eyewitnesses said a vehicle “careened over the corner patch of the grass connected to the parking lot of the Newport Coast Community Center and subsequently crash[ed] violently into a curb.” Upon impact with the curb, witnesses said a tire then dislodged from the Tesla and was catapulted high into the air.

Witnesses called 911 and the Newport Beach Police Department responded finding a woman and three small children in the vehicle. The woman was apparently impaired.

Charity Peters Couto, 41, of Newport Coast, was arrested for DUI alcohol, cruelty to child that could’ve potentially led to injury or death and exceeding the limit of 0.08 percent.

She was arrested at 6:32 p.m. and held on $100,000 bail.

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Police Files

Sex trafficker sentenced for multitude of charges including burglary, kidnapping and assault with a firearm

Grant Champion Ewing, 23, Riverside, was sentenced to 21 years in state prison yesterday for burglary, robbery, kidnapping of sex purchaser, assault with a firearm, and trafficking a 17-year-old girl.

On Feb. 22, 2018, Ewing drove 17-year-old Jane Doe to meet with 59-year-old sex purchaser, John Doe in Newport Beach, after corresponding via a website known for prostitution. Ewing drove Jane Doe to John Doe’s home where the victims planned to engage in commercial sex.

Ewing came back to the residence to rob John Doe and began banging on the front door. John Doe opened the door to find Ewing with a gun pointed at his face. The defendant forced his way into the residence and hit John Doe in the face several times. The defendant then demanded gold from John Doe and forced the victim into his bedroom.

After going through John Doe’s belongings, Ewing hit John Doe in the head with the gun and discharged the firearm, while continuing to demand valuables. John Doe revealed to Ewing that there was some cash in the hallway closet. The defendant took the cash, locked John Doe in the bedroom closet, threatened to kill him if he called the police, and proceeded to steal the victim’s cell phone and computer.

After the defendant and Jane Doe left the residence, John Doe called Newport Beach Police Department. 

NBPD investigated this case and arrested Ewing later that night.

Ewing was sentenced on charges of first-degree burglary, first-degree robbery, assault with a semiautomatic firearm, kidnapping, false imprisonment effected by violence, menace, fraud or deceit, criminal threats, dissuading a witness by force, trafficking a victim under 18 years of age, pimping a minor over 16 years of age, pandering a minor over 16 years of age and resisting and obstructing a peace officer.

Promotions highlight changes at NBPD

The Newport Police Department announced several changes, first with the promotion of Press Information Officer Jennifer Manzella to a new position as assistant to the Chief of Police.

Manzella has served as PIO for the last 5+ years. She has been instrumental in raising the level of interaction with the NBPD and the community through creative videos. She’s also capably held several recent news conferences that have gained national attention.

Replacing Manzella as the new PIO will be Heather Rangel. Rangel has been a civilian employee with the Department for more than nine years and she brings a wealth of departmental knowledge with her into the position.  

“I am confident that our media relations will be in good hands,” Manzella said.

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Police Files

Police get their man, er, woman in check cashing scheme

On May 31, 2018, a victim of suspected forged checks came to the Newport Beach Police Department’s front desk to file a report. 

The victim received a notice from his bank on May 24 that there was a hold placed on his account due to suspicious activity. On May 28, the victim reviewed his account and determined that 11 checks had been forged. 

After an investigation, NBPD Detectives arrested Taylor Bette Wright, 23, from Corona on Thursday, Sept. 20 for fraud charges. According to arrest records, Wright is an unemployed resident of Corona. At the time of the arrest, drug paraphernalia was found in the possession of Wright. 

She was charged with passing fictitious checks, identity theft, grand theft fraud and possession of unlawful paraphernalia.

Bail was set at $20,000.

Missing license plates leads to drugs and identity theft duo

At approximately 10:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 19, a Newport Beach Police Officer on patrol observed a vehicle driving with a missing front license plate, in violation of the California Vehicle Code. The officer initiated a traffic stop. 

After a field investigation, the officer found that both Evelyn Grace Lopez and Faith Marie Encinas were in possession of a methamphetamine smoking pipe, methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana.

Lopez, a resident of Pico Rivera, and Encinas, a resident of Whittier, were arrested for possession of narcotics, possessing a controlled substance, acquiring access card account information and identity theft.

Bail was set at $10,000 each.

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Police Files

More women coming forward as potential victims of Newport Beach doctor and girlfriend; update from D.A. this morning

Newport Beach Police made national news twice in one week.

First, was the arrest of Grant William Robicheaux, 38, and Cerissa Laura Riley, 31, both of Newport Beach, on charges of rape of multiple victims by use of drugs. It was an investigation several years in the making.

Robicheaux, a local orthopedic surgeon and celebrity reality TV bachelor, and his girlfriend Riley, are accused of drugging women and sexually assaulting them without consent.

Since Tuesday’s (Sept. 18) press conference by District Attorney Tony Rackauckas announcing the arrests, more women have come forward as potential victims. 

The D.A. provided no case update yesterday and is expected to release new information on the case today.

Next scheduled D.A. update: Today, Friday, Sept. 21, at 11 a.m. in the first floor law library, OCDA’s Office, 401 Civic Center Drive W., Santa Ana.

NBPD revives hunt for murderer from six years ago

Second, was the announcement at a Wednesday press conference of a series of podcasts to be sequentially released by NBPD called Countdown to Capture. It’s a clever attempt to recreate the story of a local murder that took place in Newport Beach some six years ago and has gone unsolved.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of NBPD

According to NBPD, “Peter Chadwick is wanted for murdering his wife, Q.C. Chadwick, on October 10, 2012, and for fleeing from prosecution. He has been a fugitive since January 2015. The NBPD and the U.S. Marshals Service remain committed to finding Chadwick and bringing him to justice.”

The goal of the NBPD is to have the podcasts gain traction reaching viewers potentially across the globe in an attempt to ID him. There is also a $100,000 reward being offered for information directly leading to his arrest.

The first three of six podcasts have already been released. The remaining three will be released over the next week. 

You can find the podcasts and more information at www.nbpd.org.

Chadwick has been added to the U. S. Marshals Service list of America’s Most Wanted Fugitives.

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Police Files

DA news conference seeks additional potential victims of Newport Beach doctor

Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas has called a news conference for this morning, Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 9 a.m. in the first-floor law library, at OCDA’s Office, 1401 Civic Center Drive W, Santa Ana.

The news conference will seek potential additional victims of a Newport Beach surgeon and his female codefendant accused of rape of multiple victims by use of drugs.

According to the Newport Beach Police Department Arrest Logs, Grant William Robicheaux, 38, Newport Beach, and Cerissa Laura Riley, 31, Newport Beach, were arrested on Wednesday, Sept. 12 on Newport Beach felony warrants for rape.

Courtesy of YouTube

Grant William Robicheaux

According to a website, Robicheaux is an “upper extremity surgeon” in the Newport Beach area.

Robicheaux and Riley were arrested at 7:45 a.m. at Channel Place and 44th Street.

Both were held on a bail of $100,000.

Costa Mesa man arrested for attempting to start Crystal Cove area fire

On Saturday, Sept. 15, shortly before 7 p.m., several people called the Newport Beach Police to report that a man was attempting to set fires in the area of Los Trancos and E. Coast Highway in the Crystal Cove area.

Officers responded and located the suspect, Matthew Joseph Brady, 39, of Costa Mesa.

Members of the Newport Beach Fire Department also responded and extinguished a small, approximately 3’ x 3’, brush fire in the area. 

After a thorough field investigation, Brady was arrested for arson and held on $20,000 bail.

Intoxicated woman attempts to take police officer’s gun

On Saturday, Sept. 15, at 3:42 p.m., officers responded to the 2300 block of W. Oceanfront in response to a call that a battery had just occurred. 

The victim stated that the suspect, Amanda Nicole Moore, 29, Irvine, had slapped her across the face after a brief verbal altercation. 

Moore was located nearby but was visibly intoxicated and uncooperative with the investigation. After several repeated attempts to walk away from one officer, Moore reportedly lashed out, physically striking the officer and attempting to take control of his firearm. 

She was subsequently taken into custody for obstructing/resisting a peace officer, battery, disorderly conduct related to alcohol, for an attempt to remove a peace officer’s firearm and battery on a peace officer.

Bail was set at $20,000.

Verbal altercation leads to pointed firearm

Newport Beach Police received a report of a verbal altercation in the 1100 block of Back Bay Drive on Saturday, Sept. 15, at 2:25 a.m. Reports say the suspect, Anthony Michael Burroughs, 26, of Corona, became angry with the victim, and pointed a firearm at her. 

The victim was able to remove herself from the situation and report the incident. The suspect had fled the area, but with the assistance of the Corona Police Department, he was taken into custody when he returned to his residence in that city.

Burroughs was arrested on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and held on bail of $50,000.

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Police Files

Woman returns to apartment where she had been an evening guest prior in alleged robbery and assault with a deadly weapon

On Monday, Sept. 10 at 1:16 a.m., Newport Beach Police officers responded to the 2100 block of Sherrington Place in response to several calls reporting a woman screaming. 

Upon arrival, officers found Margaret Ellen Lehmann, 22, of Buena Park, and a male, who had been involved in a physical altercation. 

After a thorough field investigation, officers determined that Lehmann had been a guest in the apartment earlier in the evening. After leaving, she allegedly re-entered the apartment through the back patio and attempted to take valuables from the apartment. 

When the man confronted her, Lehmann allegedly threatened him with a screwdriver, demanded cash, and then attacked him when he did not comply. 

The victim was allegedly stabbed and cut by the screwdriver and scratched by Lehmann’s hands, and sustained several lacerations and abrasions as a result. 

Lehmann was arrested without incident on charges of robbery with a dangerous weapon, assault with a deadly weapon and residential burglary with no forced entry. 

Lehmann’s bail was set at $50,000.

Editor apparently doesn’t like what she sees, damages property

On Sunday, Sept. 9 at 9:39 p.m., Newport Beach Police officers responded to a report of a disturbance in the 1300 block of Balboa Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found Melissa Ann Kunze, 34, of Danville, on the premises, and determined that she had broken a number of items inside and outside of the residence and had thrown a number of items into the street.

Kunze, who lists her occupation as editor, had previously been a tenant at the residence, but she was unable to provide a reason for her activity. 

The property owner responded to assess the damage, which he placed in excess of $5,000, and made a request of a private person’s arrest. 

Kunze was arrested without incident and held on felony vandalism charges with $20,000 bail.

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