Bail has been set at $1 million for a Twin Peaks attempted murder suspect — Matthew Robert Grell — who has entered a not guilty plea to the charge. (Photo by Wikimedia Commons)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Twin Peaks, CA – Attempted murder suspect Matthew Robert Grell, 34, is in custody.

Matthew Robert Grell (Contributed Photo)

Booking documents reviewed by ROTWNEWS show Grell was taken into custody at 11:05 a.m. on Wednesday, December 26, and booked at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga at 10:08 p.m. where he is being held on $1 million bail.

An in custody arraignment was held before Judge Kenneth Barr on Friday, December 28, at 8:44 a.m. Grell entered a plea of not guilty to all counts and denied all priors, according to court minutes.  Judge Barr denied Grell’s request to be released on his own recognizance. The judge appointed the Public Defender to represent Grell.

THE CASE

At 11:43 a.m. on Friday, December 21, deputies responded to an alleged attempted murder call in the 26000 block of Highway 189 in Twin Peaks  after a female caller told dispatchers Grell had tried to kill her.

The suspect was gone upon arrival, but deputies interviewed the unidentified woman — who was reportedly Grell’s former girlfriend  — and were provided details of the alleged incident.

The woman explained Grell –who she discovered in her front room when she returned to the residence — choked her until she was unconscious, bound her wrists and feet with orange nylon rope and when she recovered a bit choked her again until she passed out, according to the Sheriff’s Department.

When Grell left the scene of the incident, deputies report,  he departed with the woman’s cell phone. Hours later, Grell returned to the Twin Peaks address and drove off with the woman’s 2002 Toyota SUV.

A media summary provided by the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Department indicates deputies were told by the reporting party that Grell would have had to drive the silver SUV through the woods to get it out of the area without drawing attention to himself.

After a call from Grell alerted officials that he had rolled the vehicle near Silverwood Lake, deputies located the Toyota SUV on the Cleghorn Ridge Trail, a roughly graded road also known as Forest Service Road 2N47.

THE CHARGES

Grell is facing at least three felony counts — attempted murder, inflicting corporal injuries on spouse/cohabitant and grand theft auto.

Earlier this year,  Grell was found guilty of spousal abuse related to an incident on April 17. He was on probation for that offense. In addition, court documents show he was found guilty of assault with a deadly weapon not a firearm stemming from an incident on September 4, 2001. Four years later, Grell was convicted of inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant related to an incident on November 29, 2005.

COURT APPEARANCES

Judge Barr scheduled Grell’s next court appearance — a pre-preliminary hearing — for Tuesday, January 8, in Department S-22. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for January 10 at 8:30 a.m.

Grell, was ordered to appear on the scheduled hearing dates.

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The monthly Big Bear Night Court for traffic violations will end March 1 due to budget reductions, according to a press release issued by the San Bernardino County Superior Court. (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Big Bear Lake, CA -  Big Bear Night Court for traffic infractions ends Friday, March 1.

The San Bernardino County Superior Court — which has already announced the Big Bear Superior Court will close Monday, May 6 — reports the once a month Night Court in Big Bear is closing due to “severe ongoing budget reductions,” according to a media release. Monthly Night Courts in Barstow, Fontana, Joshua Tree, Needles, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino and Victorville will also no longer conduct Night Court.

The news release indicates that drop boxes will be provided in all court districts to receive fine payments by check or money order and traffic school proof of completion.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Public comments — due on or before Tuesday, February 26 — should be sent via E-mail to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court at nightcourt@sb-court.org.

The official notice has been placed online at SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT.

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The so-called Twinkies Bandit returned to court on January 7 for a disposition/reset hearing on charges he allegedly robbed Mountain High Market in Twin Peaks last year. But a defense motion has been granted moving the hearing to February 13.(File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

UPDATE – Monday, January 7 – 5:19 p.m .

San Bernardino, CA – The so-called Twinkies Bandit suspect’s court hearing has been delayed.

Judge Kenneth Barr granted a defense verbal motion to delay the disposition/reset hearing for Charles Steve Ortez, 62, until February 13 at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-21. The action came during a brief court appearance on Monday, January 7.

Ortez is accused of robbing the Mountain High Market in Twin Peaks on October 1 stealing Twinkies, milk, Coke, whiskey and cash.

ORIGINAL STORY

Twin Peaks, CA – The so-called Twinkies robbery suspect returns to court Monday, January 7.

Mountain High Market in Twin Peaks. (File Photo by Michael P. Neufeld)

Charles Steve Ortez, 62, from Twin Peaks last appeared appeared before Judge Richard V. Peel on November 13 for a pre-preliminary hearing on a charge of stealing Twinkies, milk, Coke, whiskey and cash from Mountain High Market & Deli on October 1, 2012. The incident took place just minutes before the market was scheduled to close for the night, according to police documents.

The defendant — who has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges — who remains in custody at the Central Detention Center on $500,000 bail appeared briefly before Judge Peel and Deputy Public Defender Caia Cameron presented a verbal motion for a disposition/reset hearing. That request was granted and a preliminary hearing scheduled for November 15 was vacated.

COURT APPEARANCE

The disposition/reset hearing for Ortez will begin at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-21. (717)

Bail for Robert Allen Shuey, 22, has been established at $1 million following his arrest on suspicion of being in possession of a controlled substance for sale and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. (Contributed Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

San Bernardino, CA – Bail is $1 million for a man suspected methamphetamine sales.

Twin Peaks deputies confiscated a pistol and ammunition during their contact with Robert Allen Shuey. (Contributed Photo)

Robert Allen Shuey, 22, was arraigned on possession of controlled substance for sale allegations before Judge Kenneth R. Barr on Monday, January 14.  Shuey was arrested in the 300 bloc k of Blue Jay Canyon Road in Blue Jay on Thursday, January 10, at 6:34 p.m.  He is charged with the felony drug sales count, for a felon in possession of a firearm and for being a prohibited person in possession of ammunition.

Shuey — who remains in custody at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino — was arraigned by 2-way electronic audio  and entered a plea of not guilty to all charges, according to court documents.

THE INCIDENT

Deputies made contact with Shuey in Blue Jay about 10:26 a.m. relating to possible parole violations.

“Our deputies found a locked floor safe during their contact with Shuey,” Captain Rick Ells told ROTWNEWS. “They instructed Shuey to open the safe but he claimed tio have forgotten the combination. A locksmith was called and was prepared to drill into the safe to gain access, but Shuey finally complied with the request and opened the safe.”

Captain Ells noted the deputies recovered suspected methamphetamine, scales consistent with drug sales, and a revolver.

NEXT COURT APPEARANCE

Judge Barr — who appointed the Public Defender to represent Shuey — set a pre-preliminary hearing for 8:30 a.m. in Department S-22 on Wednesday, January 23.

Court documents show there is a no bail hold out of Clark County, Nevada, for Shuey. The documents do not show why Shuey is a wanted fugitive by Nevada authorities. (1299)

Old Fire arsonist Rickie Lee Fowler, 31, has been sentenced to death. (Photo by You Tube)

UPDATE – Monday, January 28 –11:45 a.m.

San Bernardino, CA – A death sentence has been handed down for Rickie Lee Fowler.

San Bernardino County Superior Court Judge Michael A. Smith followed the recommendation of the jury that found the 31-year-old Fowler guilty of starting the 2003 Old Fire that claimed the lives of five victims, according to various news sources.

Judge Smith had the option of imposing life in state prison without the possibility of parole.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S STATEMENT

San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos issued the following statement regarding Fowler’s sentencing:

“After nearly ten years, justice has now been secured for the victims and their families, and those whose lives were affected by the actions of Rickie Lee Fowler,” Ramos stated.

.Additional details will be announced as they become available.

ORIGINAL STORY

By Michael P. Neufeld

San Bernardino, CA – Old Fire arsonist Rickie Lee Fowler’s sentencing is set for January 28.

Fowler was convicted August 15 of five counts of first-degree murder and two counts of arson in connection with the October 2003 Old Fire. And despite the fact a jury of eight women and four men  recommended the death penalty for Fowler, the final ruling is in the hands of Judge Michael A. Smith. Judge Smith’s decision will be announced at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, January 28, in Department S-19.

DEATH PENALTY

If Judge Smith sentences Fowler to death, he will have plenty of company on death row. The California Department of Corrections shows there are currently 727 prisons on death row — 707 males and 20 females. Thirty-five of those inmates are from San Bernardino County.

California’s death row inmates face 3execvution by lethal injection. (Photo by California Department of Corrections)

California’s last execution was Clarence Ray Allen in 2006. State-approved executions were first authorized in 1851. Several legal challenges over the years halted executions for several years and, in November, voters decided to continue the use of the death penalty in the state.

The California Department of Corrections reports that 307 inmates died from hanging, 196 died in the gas chamber and 14 by lethal injection (the current method used in California). State officials report that since 1978, over 75 death row inmates had died of natural causes, suicide or other reasons.

THE CONVICTIONS

Fowler, who was convicted of starting the Old Fire on October 25, 2003 in Old Waterman Canyon, was found guilty of five counts of murder, arson of an inhabited structure, aggravated arson and two special circumstances.

The special circumstances convictions allowed prosecutor Robert Bulloch to pursue the death penalty.

Fowler’s five murder convictions were for residents in burn areas who died from heart attacks that prosecutors said were brought on by the stress of evacuation and threats to their homes and belongings.

IN CUSTODY

Fowler remains in custody at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga and is being held without bail.

There is also a no bail hold posted by Salinas Valley State Prison, where he was serving time for two burglary convictions in 2004. It was while Fowler was at Salinas Valley that the San Bernardino County Grand Jury indicted him for the Old Fire in October 2009.

In April 2012, Fowler was sentenced to three terms of 25 years to life in state prison after being found guilty in February of three felony counts of sodomy by force on another inmate. Those incidents happened in August 2010. (1223)

The Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station has received additional calls from alleged victims of a Crestline psychic who is facing embezzlement charges, according to Captain Rick Ells. (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

UPDATE – Tuesday, January 29 – 5:01 p.m.

Crestline, CA – New charges may be filed against a Crestline psychic.

“New possible victims have come forward, following news reports about the arrest of 56-year-old Cindy Uwanawich, adding thousands of dollars to the amount reportedly embezzled,” Captain Rick Ells of the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station told ROTWNEWS.

While Captain Ells declined to provide an exact amount he did indicate the number was substantial.

“We’re urging persons who believe they may also be a ‘victim’ to come forward and contact Twin Peaks Detective Scott Thies at (909) 336-0600,” Ells emphasized.

COURT RECORDS

A check of San Bernardino County Superior Court records does not show any pending court appearances for Uwanawich.

ROTWNEWS requested information from the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office about the case and was informed in an e-mail that, “it was turned down pending further investigation. ”

ORIGINAL STORY

Crestline, CA – Psychics claim to have the ability to perceive information hidden from the normal senses through ESP.

Psychic Cindy Uwanawich

But a Crestline psychic, identified by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department as 56-year-old Cindy Uwanawich, AKA Cindy McKinney, is facing embezzlement charges following a series of psychic readings on behalf of an unidentified female.

THE INCIDENT

The female client made contact with Uwanawich at her placer of business — Psychic Door — in the 23000 block of Lake Drive. The alleged victim contracted for two readings in her personal residence and paid $50 for each of the readings.

On Thursday, December 17, 2012, the woman was reportedly told by Uwanawich that she had the spirit of a person who had drowned attached to her. The psychic then allegedly asked the woman to give her nine pennies, nine nickles, nine dimes, nine quarters and $9,000 for nine days and the spirit would be removed, according to a media release issued by the Sheriff’s Department.

The victim gave Uwanawich a large sum of cash with the assurance it would be returned. The cash was never returned, according to investigators.

THE ARREST

On Friday, January 18, Uwanawich was arrested at her place of business on Lake Drive and booked at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga on the embezzlement charge.

She has since posted $50,000 bail and has been released from custody.

POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL VICTIMS

Sheriff’s Department investigators believe Uwanawich may have victimized additional individuals in a similar fashion. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Detective Scott Thies at the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station at (909) 336-0600.

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San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon address a press conference related to the last few days of the life of Christopher Dorner. (File Photo by Michael P. Neufeld)

By Michael P. Neufeld

UPDATE – February 16 – 8:57 a.m.

San Bernardino, CA – A single gunshot to the head killed Christopher Dorner.

The autopsy conducted by the Riverside County Coroner not only identified Dorner from dental records but determined the cause of death was a single gunshot, according to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Captain Kevin Lacy from the Coroner’s Division. The manner of death is currently under investigation but Lacy told reporters the evidence “seems to indicate that it was a self-inflicted wound.”

“The autopsy began at 9 a.m. on February 14 and lasted about six hours,” Captain Lacy stated during a press conference held at the Sheriff’s Department headquarters in San Bernardino.

SHERIFF JOHN MCMAHON

Sheriff John McMahon

“Christopher Dorner’s reign of terror is over,” Sheriff John  McMahon stated. “I don’ t think we made any mistakes as this point,” the sheriff explained as reporters peppered him with questions about the hunt for Dorner, the burning of the cabin and the final shootout that killed detective Jeremiah MacKay and wounded deputy Alex Collins.

“Our officers did an outstanding job,” McMahon emphasized. “Our officers were ambushed from inside the cabin  as they were formulating a plan on how to deal with the heavily armed suspect. Detective MacKay and deputy Collins were among the first officers on scene and after they were ambushed our deputies braved a hail of gunfire to rescue the injured deputies.”

The sheriff told reporters the cabin, owned by the Reynolds family, was searched Thursday evening. “The door was locked and nobody answered when deputies made contact at the residence,” he noted. A yellow marker was left at the condo indicating it had been checked.

“I did not authorize my deputies to knock down doors and force entry into residences that did not show signs of being broken into,” McMahon added.

CAPTAIN GREGG HERBERT

Captain Gregg Herbert, who actually led the assault on the cabin in Seven Oaks, provided information about the confrontation with Dorner. He explained that, numerous times during the standoff, verbal commands were given for Dorner to surrender.

Herbert indicated that “pyrotechnic” tear gas canisters were shot into the cabin as a last resort.

“The potential for igniting a fire was taken into account,” Captain Herbert stated. “They were our only option.”

WEAPONS RECOVERED

A .38 caliber bolt action sniper rifle inscribed with the word VENGEANCE was among the weapons recovered from Christopher Dorner’s arsenal. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld)

Sergeant Travis Newport, from the Homicide Detail, showed off some of the arsenal of weapons Dorner had at his disposal.

“During our investigation,” Newport offered, “we recovered numerous high-capacity magazines, large amounts of ammunition, numerous canisters of CS gas and smoke, a tactical style load-bearing vest, and multiple assault rifles equipped with suppressors, and a military-style Kevlar helmet.

Newport pointed out a .38 caliber bolt action sniper rifle, equipped with a scope and suppressor that was on display at the media event.

UPDATE – February 14 – 3:52 p.m.

Big Bear Lake, CA – Charred human remains located in the debris of the burned out cabin are those of Christopher Dorner.

The San Bernardino County Coroner has announced they made positive identification of Dorner’s remains through dental examination.

The cause of death was not released.

UPDATE: February 13 – 3:57 a.m.

Big Bear Lake, CA – Charred human remains have been located in the debris of the burned out cabin.

Identification of the remains found in the Seven Oaks Road cabin will be attempted by forensic means, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Homicide investigators responded to the cabin late Tuesday.

While speculation is that the remains are those of Christopher Dorner the department will await forensic information before making a positive identification.

FALLEN OFFICER

Two San Bernardino Country Sheriff’s deputies were injured during a  shootout with the suspect and transported to Loma Linda University Medical Center.

One officer — whose name has not been released — was pronounced deceased at 2:24 p.m. The second deputy wounded in the exchange of gunfire underwent surgery and medical personnel are optimistic that he will recover. However, several additional surgeries will be required, according to a media advisory from the department.

PRESS CONFERENCE

A press conference is scheduled for 4 p.m. today at Sheriff’s headquarters at 655 East Third Street in San Bernardino.

ROAD CLOSURE

Highway 38 from Lake Williams Road to Glass Road remains closed due to police activity. Only residents  are allowed in the area with identification. No traffic is allowed on Glass Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.

UPDATE: February 12 – 8:31 p.m.

Big Bear Lake, CA – Authorities have still not entered the burning cabin on Seven Oaks Road.

Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Cindy Bachman indicated the cabin was still too hot for investigators to enter the structure. She also emphasized that no body has been recovered.

Los Angeles Police Department Commander Andrew Smith told a press conference saying basically the same thing and emphasized that the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department was the lead agency in the Big Bear area.

Smith also indicated his department would continue the current security details of people listed in Christopher Dorner’s manifesto until he’s in handcuffs behind bars or a body has been identified as Dorner.

UPDATE – February 12 – 4:34 p.m.

Big Bear, CA – Highways 18 and 330 have reopened, according to scanner reports.

On Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 12:22 p.m, deputies working the Big Bear area search for Christopher Dorner responded to the 1200 block of Club View Dr. for a reported stolen vehicle.  The reporting party said the suspect took their vehicle and described the suspect as looking very similar to Dorner. Deputies immediately began a search on the ground and from the air for the vehicle.

The vehicle was located at Hwy. 38 and Glass Rd.  The suspect fled into the forest and barricaded himself inside a cabin.  A short time later there was an exchange of gunfire between law enforcement and the suspect.  Sheriff’s SWAT is on scene.

DEPUTIES DIES

Sheriff John McMahon has confirmed one deputy has died from injuries sustained in a gunfight with the suspect. Another was in surgery and expected to survive,

The cabin where Dorner is believed to be holed up was set on fire, according to television and scanner reports.

UPDATE – February 12 – 12:47 p.m.

Big Bear, CA – Highways out of Big Bear have been closed by police activity.

A maroon Nissan and more recently a white Dodge pick-up truck may be involved in the police actions.

The pick-up truck was carjacked from Glass Road.

Reports of gunfire and possibly two officers down have been monitored on scanners.

Visit ROTW ALERTS for updated information.

UPDATE: February 12 – 9:11 a.m.

Big Bear Lake, CA – Home surveillance video of fugitive Christopher Dorner is being sought from Big Bear residents.

This surveillance video shows Dorner just days before he became a most wanted fugitive. (Photo Courtesy Irvine Police)

The joint task force, seeking the whereabouts of Dorner, issued a media request asking local mountain residents to review surveillance video from home security cameras for possible images of Dorner between midnight on February 7  to the present time.

The request for video clips was issued for residential properties in Big Bear Lake, Moonridge, Sugarloaf, 7 Oaks Community (Converse Flats), Bluff Lake, Jenks Lake and Angelus Oaks.

CONTACT DORNER TASK FORCE

Individuals who have video that may include Dorner are urged to immediately contact the task force at (213) 486-6860 or (800) 222-8477.

ORIGINAL STORY

Los Angeles, CA – A $1 million reward for Christopher Dorner has prompted over 700 off the hill “sightings.”

The Los Angeles Police Department says it has received in excess of 700 leads from the public in the massive search for Dorner.

The reward was announced at a press conference in Los Angeles, by elected officials and law enforcement authorities, who said the money came from private citizens, labor unions, government, as well as private groups, and will be presented to the person or persons who provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of the 33-year-old Dorner.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa presided over the press conference announcing the reward at LAPD headquarters Sunday.

LOCAL EFFORTS

“There have been no sightings of Dorner in the Big Bear area,” according to Sheriff”s Department spokesperson Jodi Miller.

Miller’s media advisory indicates the search currently involves about 30 additional law enforcement personnel,

“They are continuing to search vacation homes and government lease cabins that are in an even more remote area,” Miller’s briefing stated. “Aerial support is readily available, if needed.”

RIVERSIDE COUNTY CHARGES

Riverside Police Officer Michael Crain (Contributed Photo)

Meanwhile, Riverside County District Attorney Paul Zellerbach has formally charged Dorner with murdering Riverside Police Officer Michael Crain and wounding his partner February 6.

Zellerbach said told a press conference he say no reason to withhold filing no-bail charges. The counts include murder and three counts of attempted murder.

“It is our opportunity as citizens,” Zellerbach explained to the media, “to assist law enforcement in the apprehension of this individual.”

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Crime statistics for the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station show a 12 percent drop in overall crimes reported in 2012. And car thefts dropped 15 percent. (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Twin Peaks, CA – Auto thefts dropped 15 percent last year, according to the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Office.

Twin Peaks Captain Rick Ells (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld)

“While other areas of the county showed increases in auto thefts,” Captain Rick Ells told ROTWNEWS, “Twin Peaks reduced the number of auto thefts from 53 in 2011 to 45 last year.”

Captain Ells explained that many of the so-called auto thefts involve trailers and jet skis.

“Highland had a 31 percent increase with 298 vehicles stolen,” Ells noted, “and Yucca Valley had a 30 percent increase and Rancho Cucamonga a 24 percent increase. We  filed reports of about one a week during 2012.”

Deputies in the Twin Peaks Station had 20,466 calls for service — an average of 1,204 per deputy — they filed 2,524 deputy reports and made 804 arrests, according to statistics released by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

There was a 12 percent decrease in part one and part two crimes in 2012, according to the department.

PART ONE CRIMES

Captain Ells explained that part one crimes — murder, burglary, rape, vehicle theft, robbery and assault — totaled 830 in 2011 and 829 in 2012.

“There was only one armed robbery,” Ells explained, “but an 11 percent increase in robberies with 9 in 2011 and 10 in 2012.”

The armed robbery involved the so-called Twinkies bandit — Charles Steve Ortiz, 62 — who allegedly robbed Mountain High Market, in Twin Peaks on October 1, reportedly stealing Twinkies, milk, Coke, whiskey and cash.

There was a 100 percent drop in murders in the 135-mile Twin Peaks service area, with 1 in 2011 and none last year. The previous year’s murder allegedly occurred on February 25, 2011, when Brandt Bailey Bater reportedly shot his wife. Bater’s case is currently making its way through the court system, with a trial readiness hearing scheduled for March 29.

There were seven rapes reported in both 2011 and 2012, 84 aggravated assaults compared to 89 in 2011, 269 burglaries in 2012 with 258 the previous year and 302 larceny reports compared to 287 in 2011.

PART TWO CRIMES

Captain Ells indicated part two crimes — forgery, fraud, embezzlement, drugs and vandalism –dropped 21 percent, with 1,405 reports compared to 1,916 in 2011.

ANTI-THEFT TIPS

“The best thing local residents can do is not leave valuables in their vehicles,” Captain Ells emphasized. “They should call us about suspicious persons and they should get to know their neighbors and keep an eye out for each other.”

Captain Ells cited the early release of prisoners, due to prison realignment, definitely accounts for an increase in certain crimes.

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The disposition/reset hearing for a 30-year-old rape suspect related to his arrest in February 2011 for allegedly raping an underage drugged victim has been delayed again. (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

UPDATE – Tuesday, April 2 – 2:31 p.m.

San Bernardino, CA – The hearing for the man accused of raping an underage drugged victim has been delayed again.

Judge J. David Mazurek granted a continuance for 30-year-old Brandon Louis Schilling after his attorney was unavailable due to a previous trial in Victorville. Attorney Rick Christianson appeared in court along with the suspect representing defense attorney Brandon Wood.

Judge Mazurek reset 5the disposition/reset hearing for May 6 at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-25.

ORIGINAL STORY

San Bernardino, CA – The man accused of raping an underage drugged victim returns to court April 2.

Brandon Louis Schilling, now 30, is accused of sexually assaulting  the 17-year-old daughter of his live-in girlfriend while the mother was at work, according to court and booking documents.The girl resides in Arizona and was visiting Lake Arrowhead at the time of the reported incident, which reportedly occurred on Christmas Eve 2010.

The disposition/reset hearing will be held at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-25. He remains in custody on $500,000 bail at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga and has entered not guilty pleas to four felony charges — including two counts of raping a drugged victim, sodomy and oral copulation. Schilling allegedly assaulted the teenager in February 2011, after giving the girl marijuana and alcohol.

RECENT APPEARANCE

Schilling’s most recent court appearance, on March 18, before Judge J. David Mazurek, was  delayed because Schilling’s attorney — Brandon Wood — was in trial in Victorville.

THE CASE

Schilling was arrested February 15, 2011, after being interviewed by investigators at the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station.

The unidentified victim reported the incident to relatives who notified law enforcement. Investigators in Mojave County, Arizona, as well as detectives at the Twin Peaks and Colorado River stations, participated in the investigation and obtained evidence leading to the defendant’s arrest. (210)

Arson suspect Jaried Michail Escobedo has a new attorney. His next court appearance will be April 16 for a disposition/reset hearing. He is accused of setting 5 arson fires March 21 in Waterman Canyon. (Photo by Tory Brumm-Ward)

\By Michael P. Neufeld

San Bernardino, CA – Arson suspect Jaried Michail Escobedo has a new attorney.

Escobedo, 27, who is accused of setting five arson fires in the Waterman Canyon area of San Bernardino on March 21, appeared before Judge Katrina West for a pre-preliminary conference on Wednesday (April 3). During the conference, the public defender was relieved and attorney R. T. Carter and Associates was retained to defend Escobedo.

Judge West granted a defense motion for continuance until Tuesday, April 16, at 8:35 a.m. in Department S-23 when a disposition/reset hearing will be held.

THE INCIDENT

Scanner reports of the incident on March 21 indicated Escobedo was allegedly spotted in the area of at least five spot fires by authorities, after tips and assistance from two citizens who also used a fire extinguisher to try and knock down the flames.

A San Bernardino County Sheriff’s helicopter spotted the suspect and deputies, San Bernardino Police and Forest Service law enforcement personnel joined the search and located the man hiding in thick brush. A foot pursuit up a steep hillside began. At one point, Escobedo started rolling down the hillside and was eventually captured as he tried to escape by San Bernardino Police officer Brett Murphy.

THE ARREST

Escobedo was arrested just before 4 p.m., transported to a hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in his roll down the hillside and then booked at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

The suspect was initially booked on a failure to appear warrant for being drunk in public, with bail set at $10,o000. He was then charged with arson with great bodily injury and bail raised to $250,000, according to booking documents. (382)

Jail overcrowding due to Governor Brown Prison Realignment under A.B. 109 is forcing San Bernardino County to release prisoners early. County supervisors will study the impacts of the realignment plan on Tuesday, April 16, at 10 a.m. (File Photo)

San Bernardino, CA – Overcrowded jails and a rise in property crimes.

Those are just two of the impacts of Governor Jerry Brown’s Prison Realignment plan (A.B. 109) on San Bernardino County that will be the subject of a special study session by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 16. The meeting begins at 10 a.m. in the Covington Chambers of the County Government Center, located at 385 North Arrowhead Avenue in San Bernardino.

REALIGNMENT PLAN

Sheriff John McMahon (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld)

Since A.B. 109 was implemented, San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon has been forced to early-release some jail inmates due to overcrowding.

“It’s a big challenge,” McMahon stated because the plan shifts responsibilities for the supervision of paroled prisoners to local jurisdictions rather than the state for non-violebnt and non sex-related offenses.

The new sheriff — who made prison realignment one of his top priorities following his appointment late last year — indicates his department is looking at ways to keep criminals out of jail and return them to productive life.

“It’s the best of the worst options,” is how Chief Probation Officer Michelle Scray described A.B. 109. Her department is utilizing existing programs to help those parolees released from state prisons from returning to jail.

Brown’s plan requires counties to manage non-serious, non-sexual, non-violent offenders in their jails, probation departments and courts.

“When we sentence people like that,” District Attorney Michael Ramos has stated, “they go into the front door of the jail – somebody’s got to come out the back door.” And that takes place because of jail overcrowding in San Bernardino County. (177)

A plea bargain reached by Travis William May, 22, includes a guilty plea to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. His vehicle struck a Jeep driven by Kevin Garland of Twin Peaks on Highway 18 on May 4, 2011. Garland died at the scene of the crash. (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

San Bernardino, CA – Travis May is guilty of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

Mountain Fifes & Drums co-founder Kevin Garland. (Contributed Photo)

May, 22, had been charged with three felonies related to death of Mountain Fifes & Drums co-founder Kevin Garland, 48, on May 4, 2011, on Highway 18, according to court documents. May’s Ford F-250 vehicle was traveling southbound on Highway 18 when it collided with Garland’s Jeep Wrangler, San Bernardino Police Department documents show. Garland, a resident of Twin Peaks, was pronounced dead on-scene.

PLEA BARGAIN

Under the plea bargain accepted before Judge R. Glenn Yabuno, May will be sentenced Friday, May 26, on the felony count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. The two additional felonies — driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs causing bodily injury and driving under the influence with blood alcohol  level of .08 or more causing bodily injury — will be dismissed at sentencing.

The plea bargain was reached by defense attorney H. Charles Smith and Deputy District Attorney, court documents show. The plea bargain was accepted March 28.

POSSIBLE SENTENCE

Under California law, Judge Yabuno can sentence May to four, six or 10 years in state prison when the sentencing occurs at 8:30 a.m. on April 26 in Department S-27. May has been in custody since his arrest by San Bernardino Police on August 14, 2011. That lengthy incarceration could impact May’s prison sentence should the judge grant credit for time served.

May, who remains in custody at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino, was referred to the County Probation Department for per-sentence investigation and report.

Judge Yabuno vacated several scheduled court dates including a trial slated to begin April 22.

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PLEA BARGAIN IN KEVIN GARLAND’S DEATH

Travis May, 22, has been sentenced to six years in state prison after accepting a plea bargain of guilty of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

San Bernardino, CA – Judge R. Glenn Yabuno has sentenced 22-year-old Travis May to six years in state prison after he accepted a plea bargain of being guilty of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. His Ford-250 pickup struck a Jeep driven by Kevin Garland of Twin Peaks. Garland, 48, died at the scene of the crash on Highway 18.

Kevin Garland

May, 22, had been charged with three felonies related to death of Garland — co-founder of the Mountain Fifes & Drums — on May 4, 2011, according to court documents.

The two additional felonies — driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs causing bodily injury and driving under the influence with blood alcohol  level of .08 or more causing bodily injury — were dismissed at sentencing.

THE SENTENCING

Judge Yabuno not only sentenced May to the mid-term sentence of six years but ordered the Department of Motor Vehicles to revoke May’s driver’s license.

May was given credit for time served of 622 actual days plus 622 days for good conduct for a total of 1,244 days. May requested consideration for Fire Camp and was remanded to the custody of the Sheriff’s Department for transfer to the California Department of Corrections at Chino.

The court also ordered several restitution payments — $70 to the Department of Corrections for criminal assessment and court operations, $505 through Central Collections for the costs of conducting the pre-sentence investigation and preparing the sentencing report,  a fine of $1,680 to be collected by the Department of Corrections and a $1,680 fine that will be stayed pending successful completion of parole.

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INVESTIGATION ONGOING

The investigation into the death of David Quijas continues and no charges have been filed to date against Christopher Batchelor or Joshua Kemp, according to sources close to the investigation. (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

UPDATE – Wednesday, May 1 – 2:05 p.m.

Sky Forest, CA – San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Detectives are still investigating the death of a 46-year-old Running Springs resident — David Quijas — on Wednesday, April 24. The District Attorney is reviewing the evidence but no formal charges have been filed against Christopher Batchelor, 40, or Joshua Kemp, 28, both residents of Lake Arrowhead.

Batchelor has been released from custody at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino pending completion of the investigation. At deadline, Kemp was still in custody, held on a warrant from Santa Barbara County and charges related to an arrest for driving under the influence.

ROTWNEWS talked with a source close to the investigation and was told the case is complicated, due to the fact Quijas went to the residence in Sky Forest and became involved in an altercation. Quijas’ wife was already at the residence when he arrived, according to the contact. The reason for the altercation was not immediately clear.

Once the investigation is complete, the District Attorney will make a decision on whether to file murder charges against Batchelor and Kemp.

UPDATE – Thursday, April 25 – 5 p.m.

Sky Forest, CA – Two Lake Arrowhead men have been charged with murdering a Running Springs man.

Christopher Batchelor, 40, and Joshua Kemp, 38, have been booked on murder charges at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino related to the death of 46-year-old David Quijas.

Deputies were dispatched to the 700 block of West Victoria Court ibn Sky Forest to the report of an assault. Arriving officers and fire personnel located Quijas suffering from upper body trauma, according to a media advisory issued by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. The Sheriff’s Department’s Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail responded to the scene to conduct the investigation. The investigation led to the arrest of Batchelor and Kemp.

The San Bernardino County Coroner will conduct an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Quijas was transported to Mountains Community Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

INFORMATION SOUGHT

Individuals with information regarding this investigation are urged to contact the Homicide Detail, Detective Daniel Rodriguez at (909) 387-3589.

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

ORIGINAL STORY

Sky Forest, CA – Twin Peaks Sheriff’s deputies responded to a possible homicide Wednesday evening.

Details of the 9 p.m. incident in the 700 block of Victoria Court in Sky Forest are sketchy as interviews were still being conducted by investigators Thursday morning.

However, Captain Rick Ells of the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station told ROTWNEWS the victim was pronounced at Mountains Community Hospital Wednesday night.

THE INCIDENT

The original call had deputies responding to an assault with scanner transmissions indicating one person was not breathing.

“We’re still doing interviews,” Captain Ells stated just before 11 a.m. “All parties are here at the station.”

Scanner reports indicate that two individuals had been detained.

ROTWNEWS will provide additional information as it becomes available.

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VENDORS SUFFER MAJOR LOSES

Jewelry and other items were stolen and booths vandalized at the Spring Arts & Crafts Show at the San Moritz Lodge in Crestline. (Contributed Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Crestline, CA – “When I walked in the door of the San Moritz Lodge it looked like a disaster area,” one vendor at the Spring Arts & Crafts Show told ROTWNEWS. “The door to the building was standing wide open and I can’t even begin to explain the scene I saw.”

“It looked like a disaster area,” one vendor reported when she arrived at the San Moritz Lodge. (Contributed Photo)

Lake Gregory Regional Park was hosting the May 4-5 Arts & Crafts Show, featuring everything from jewelry, stained glass, ceramics to wood art and more. The attendance at the Saturday show was pretty steady until the 5 p.m. closing. The San Moritz Lodge was secured and vendors looked forward to possibly an even better day on Sunday.

But overnight, one or more persons vandalized the building and trashed vendor booths, stole various items (mostly jewelry) and destroyed items in the various displays.

“In addition,” Captain Rick Ells from the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station told ROTWNEWS, “the subjects set off fire extinguishers throughout the lodge causing significant damage and requiring a major clean-up of the entire complex.”

THE INCIDENT

Pottery and other items were destroyed during a break-in at the Spring Arts & Crafts Show. (Contributed Photo)

The Sunday show, which had to be cancelled, was scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. But as vendors started to arrive they discovered the destruction and/0r theft of their merchandise.

Twin Peaks deputies arrived shortly after 9 a.m. and took reports from the vendors, who were in the process of checking what, if anything, was left of their homemade craft items.

“Staff members believe the subjects were hiding within the building when it was locked up,” Captain Ells stated. “Deputies report no entry point could be determined. However, the point of exit was the north door of the location.”

Authorities believe the theft and vandalism occurred sometime between 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday, when vendors began arriving for the show.

THE IMPACT

Several events at the San Moritz Lodge, including two senior lunches this week, had to be cancelled while crews scrambled to clean the lodge. Health officials also visited the complex to make sure it would be safe for occupancy this coming weekend for a wedding booked some time back.

“Damage from the fire extinguishers even caused me to lose items stored in sealed plastic storage boxes,” another vendor stated.

THE INVESTIGATION

The investigation is ongoing and no suspects have yet been identified. However, DNA samples were obtained from the location, along with plastic gloves from the kitchen, which appeared to officers to have been used by the subject(s).

Persons with information about the burglary and vandalism are urged to call the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station at (909) 336-0600. (213)

TRUCK AND ATV RECOVERED

A 26-year-old transient — Tracy Beth Lindberg — has been arrested for the theft of two vehicles and being in possession of stolen property. The vehicles were recovered in Baldwin Lake. (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Baldwin Lake, CA – Big Bear Sheriff’s Station deputies responded to a call of a stolen vehicle found in the driveway of a residence in the 1300 block of Madrona Lane in Baldwin Lake at about 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, May 9.

The Sheriff’s dispatcher was told by the reporting party that, when they arrived home, they found an unoccupied white truck in their driveway. The truck raised concerns that someone may be on their property.  The reporting party indicated a female subject had been seen leaving the vehicle.  Shortly thereafter, information was received that a female matching the description of the subject was driving an ATV in the area of Baldwin Lake Road and Madrona Lane.

While deputies were responding to that call, a neighbor of the owner of the ATV recognized the vehicle that the subject was driving it and stopped female subject after a short struggle.  The neighbor was ultimately able to remove the key from the ATV and waited with the subject for deputies to arrive.  Deputies made contact with the subject, identified as Tracy Beth Lindberg, 26, according to a media advisory.

THE INVESTIGATION

During the investigation, Big Bear deputies determined that, after burglarizing a residence in Lucerne Valley, Lindberg had stolen the truck in Lucerne Valley and driven it to Big Bear.  Lindberg allegedly abandoned the truck at the residence in Baldwin Lake and stole the ATV from a neighboring property. Lindberg had also taken items from another unlocked vehicle, a garage, and a residence at separate locations in the same vicinity of Baldwin Lake.

Officers recovered stolen property, including a laptop computer and other items, as well as the truck and ATV.  Detectives of the Lucerne Valley Sheriff’s Station are now reviewing reports of other burglaries in that area, and have identified Lindberg as the suspect of numerous crimes in the desert area.

THE BOOKING

Lindberg — identified by investigators as a transient — was booked into the Big Bear jail on felony charges of burglary and grand theft auto.  Lindberg remains in custody on the felony charges in lieu of $50,000 bail.  An arraignment hearing in this matter is set for May 13 in San Bernardino County Superior Court.

Lindberg was also booked on a charge for an outstanding warrant for not appearing at a scheduled court hearing on April 15 relating to a previous arrest for being under the influence of a controlled substance.  Bail on the misdemeanor warrant is set at $25,000. (281)

ALYCE LETISHA BIGGS

A revocation of parole hearing is set May 13 for bookkeeper Alyce Letisha Biggs, 44. (Photo by Wikimedia Commons)

By Michael P. Neufeld

San Bernardino, CA – The parole of the 44-year-old bookkeeper charged recently with grand theft and embezzlement involving a Lake Arrowhead rental agency is in potential jeopardy. Alyce Tisha Biggs returns to court at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-17 on Monday, May 13, for a probation revocation hearing related to her previous conviction on a single felony count of fraud to obtain insurance at a reduced rate and a second felony count of grand theft of property over $400. The plea bargain also included a felony conviction for a false, fraudulent or unfiled tax return.

Biggs, former owner of Tisha Biggs & Company in Cedar Glen, was originally charged on April 24, 2006, with 77 criminal counts for defrauding the state worker’s compensation system, defrauding clients of insurance premiums, embezzling funds from clients, committing workers’ compensation insurance premiums fraud and payroll tax evasion.

On May 10, 2010, Judge James Dorr granted 60 months of supervised probation for all charges and admonished Biggs to violate no laws. That probation is scheduled to terminate in May 2015, according to court documents.

NEW CHARGE

On Monday, April 8, Biggs was arrested after being accused of taking cash receipts over the past year in excess of $100,000 from AAA Resort Rentals, Inc.

She is scheduled to appear in court on that charge on Monday, May 20, at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-23.

Bail was originally set at $50,000 and has since been raised to $1,015,000, according to court documents. She remains in custody at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

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NO-BAIL PROBATION VIOLATION

The newest Most Wanted fugitive is Daniel Ryan Johnson, 31. from Crestline. Persons with information about the suspect should call (909) 336-0600. (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Twin Peaks, CA – Daniel Ryan Johnson, 31, is the mountain’s newest Most Wanted fugitive. The Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station wants the Crestline resident for a no-bail probation violation warrant issued March 1.

MOST WANTED Daniel Ryan Johnson

Detective Scott Thies indicates in  a media release that Johnson is currently on supervised probation for being in possession of stolen property, as a result of Assembly Bill 109 (Public Safety Realignment).

In November 2011, Judge Michael Dest sentenced Johnson to one year and four months in state prison for receiving stolen property and being in possession of a controlled substance.

Johnson also entered a guilty plea to the burglary of the Mountain Communities Recycling Center in Crestline in July 2012 and was sentenced to 16 months in county jail and charged a court assessment fee of $70.

As part of Governor Jerry Brown’s Prison Realignment Plan — under Proposition 109 — offenders with non-violent, non-sexual and non-serious convictions will serve reduced sentences in county jails and place some offenders on supervision through San Bernardino County Probation, as the state complies with a U. S. Supreme Court decision requiring a reduction in California’s prison population by 30,000 inmates.

NOTIFY AUTHORITIES

Individuals with information related to Johnson’s whereabouts are encouraged to call the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station at (909) 336-0600. Anonymous callers should dial the We-TIP hotline at (800) 78-CRIME (800-782-7463).

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SETH MICHAEL WHISNER

Nineteen-year-old Seth Michael Whisner has agreed to a plea bargain related to unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor more than three years younger. The former Rim High wrestler will be sentenced July 23. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

San Bernardino, CA – Former Rim High School wrestler Seth Michael Whisner, 19, has entered a plea of guilty to a felony count of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor more than three (3) years younger and a misdemeanor count of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor three (3) years older or younger. A second felony count of oral copulation with a person under 18 years of age will be dismissed, under the plea bargain, at the time of sentencing.

Seth Whisner (Facebook)

Whisner, who returned to court Monday, June 10, after entering the guilty plea on Friday, June 7, was released on his own recognizance by Judge Arthur A. Harrison after agreeing to appear for sentencing on Tuesday, July 23, at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-22.  He was ordered not to have contact with the victim(s) and ordered to report to the Probation Office by Wednesday, June 12.

THE CASE

Whisner was arrested at the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station on April 16, following an investigation, after several underage girls came forward claiming sexual relations with the 2011 Rim High graduate.

The case was brought to the attention of Twin Peaks detectives on March 31, after the parents of one of the victims came forward. During the investigation, several additional girls were identified as victims.

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LAKE ARROWHEAD MAN DIED JUNE 7

Murder charges have been filed against 33-year-old Brian Lynn Bohn related to the traffic crash on June 7 that claimed the life of Dr. Allen Newton, 66, from Lake Arrowhead. (Photo by Wikimedia Commons)

By Michael P. Neufeld

San Bernardino, CA – The driver of the pick-up truck — Brian Lynn Bohn, 33 — involved in the crash that killed a Lake Arrowhead anesthesiologist –  has been charged with murder and nine other felony counts, including kidnapping, false imprisonment, spousal abuse and willful cruelty to a child. He is being held  at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga on $2 million bail.

Brian Lynn Bohn (Facebook Photo)

The San Bernardino County District Attorney filed the 10 count complaint against Bohn in connection with the fatal crash which claimed the life of 66-year-old Dr. Allen Newton of Lake Arrowhead on Waterman Avenue at Marshall Boulevard on June 7. The crash also injured Guadalupe Ruiz and their 6-month-old son, who was was ejected from the truck still in his infant seat.

THE INCIDENT

Dr. Newton, who was affiliated with San Bernardino Anesthesia Medical Group, was driving southbound on Waterman Avenue in his green Ford Taurus when the northbound black Chevrolet Silverado pick-up, driven by Bohn, reportedly crossed the double yellow line at a high rate of speed and hit the car head-on, according to the San Bernardino Police Department.

Police report Dr. Newton was on his way to a family vacation in Ventura County at the time of the crash.

Witnesses told investigators Bohn was “having an altercation” with Ruiz at the time of the crash.

THE CHARGES

In addition to the murder charge, Bohn allegedly kidnapped Ruiz and their son just before the crash. A restraining/protective order had been issued in March prohibiting Bohn from “harassing, attacking, stalking, threatening” or coming within 100 yards of Ruiz, her oldest son and the youngster injured in the crash.

The 10 felony charges are: murder, kidnapping, false imprisonment, spousal abuse, child cruelty, burglary, 2 counts of inflicting corporal injury on spouse/cohabitant, buy or receive stolen property and receiving known stolen property in excess of $400, according to court documents.

READ: THE CRIMINAL COMPLAINT

COURT APPEARANCE

Bohn’s first court appearance on the criminal complaint will be at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, June 17, in San Bernardino County Superior Court in Department S-21.

On Friday, June 14, Judge Victor Roy Stull issued a warrant for Bohn’s arrest after reviewing the criminal complaint and information in support of the warrant. Bohn, who had been hospitalized, was arrested and booked at 6:05 p.m. , June 14.

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