San Bernardino County Sheriff’s investigators are cautioning mountain and county residents to be aware of a “kidnapping” phone scam currently make the rounds. (Contributed Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Mountain Communities – Residents of the mountain communities are being caution by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Specialized Investigations Division about telephone kidnapping scams.

KIDNAPPING SCENARIOS

A press release issued by the department outlined the typical scenario of the kidnapping calls — people receive a phone call from a person who says a family member is being held hostage, and the caller vows to hurt or kill the hostage unless the caller’s demands are met.

At this junction, the media advisory states family members will be ordered to collect personal items of value such as jewelry and money. Callers will demand items be left at a designated drop-off point or, to send money through a wire transfer.
The Sheriff’s Department advisory states that family members will be instructed to check into a local hotel nearest the drop off point and wait for further instruction.

Callers try to dissuade people from contacting their allegedly “kidnapped” relative.

WARNING SIGNS

There are several warning signs to a possible kidnapping scam.

* The calls will come from a non-local area code such as 775 or 664 or from out of the U.S., not from the phone of the kidnapped victim.

* Callers will try to keep people on the phone for as long as possible.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sheriff’s Department investigators suggest asking to speak to the kidnap victim and to “listen carefully” to verify whether it is a family member.

Mountain and county residents are urged not to send money or provide financial information to an unfamiliar person, especially unsolicited phone calls or emails.

Do not provide names of family members or cell phone numbers to callers.

Contact your local law enforcement agency or 911 immediately to report any incidents.

For further information, please contact the Public Affairs Division at (909) 387-3700.

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Two suspects are in custody and three stolen vehicles have been recovered by Twin Peaks Sheriff’s deputies. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Twin Peaks, CA – Two suspects are in custody following their arrest on suspicion of grand theft auto with priors. The three vehicles involved have been recovered.

Joseph Michael Leslie (Booking Photo)

The Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station has identified the suspects at 24-year-old Joseph Michael Leslie from Running Springs and 19-year-old Timothy Scott Lund from Pomona.

THE INITIAL INCIDENT

On Friday, November 26, at approximately 5:15 a.m., Twin Peaks Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 24000 block of Ocean View Drive in Crestline, regarding a vehicle theft.

Timothy Scott Lund (Booking Photo)

The victim called the sheriff’s department after he was woken up by the sound of his vehicle being driven away from his residence.

The unidentified victim provided responding deputies a description of his stolen black Nissan pick-up truck. While responding to the area, Deputy Maestas observed the victim’s vehicle heading west on Highway 18 near Lake Gregory Drive.

Deputy Maestas conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and contacted Lund and Leslie. Both were taken into custody without incident.

THE INVESTIGATION

During the investigation, Lund was found to be in possession of several sets of “shaved keys,” which are commonly used to gain access and steal vehicles, according to a media advisory.

The victim also informed deputies a second vehicle of his was stolen from his driveway the same time his Nissan truck was. The second vehicle was found a short distance away abandoned on Crest Forest Drive.

The press release stated Lund was found to be in possession of the keys belonging to the victim’s second vehicle.

A THIRD VEHICLE

Deputies also recovered a third stolen vehicle across the street from the victim’s Crestline residence.

The recovered vehicle was a gray, 1997 Toyota Camry, stolen from Chino on November 21.

Deputies report Lund was in possession of items linked to the stolen Camry.

Both suspects were booked at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino. (Photo by ROTWNEWS.com)

THE ARRESTS

Lund and Leslie were booked into the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino and charged with vehicle theft.

Lund is being held on $50,000 bail and without bail on a previous case.

Leslie’s bail was set at $50,000.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The release from the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station indicates both Lund and Leslie may be linked to recent vehicle thefts and burglaries throughout the Twin Peaks jurisdiction as well as the Inland Empire.

Anyone with further information about the case should contact Deputy Maestas at the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station (909) 336-0600. 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.

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A Twin Peaks man was killed in the 31000 block of Wagon Wheel Drive in Running Springs Friday night. The unidentified suspect is still at large. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Running Springs, CA – A homicide investigation is underway by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail following the death of a 45-year-old Twin Peaks man.

The victim has been identified as John Eastwood and there is no suspect in custody, according to a media advisory issued by the Sheriff’s Department. Investigators are seeking the public’s help to identify the murder suspect.

THE INCIDENT

On Friday, December 2, 2016, at approximately 9:06 p.m., Twin Peaks Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 31000 block of Wagon Wheel Drive in Running Springs for a report of a man suffering from trauma to his upper torso.

Eastwood was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

THE INVESTIGATION

Detectives from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail were requested to respond to the crime scene.

They are conducting the investigation.

INFORMATION SOUGHT

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Detective Troy Mooradian or Sergeant David Johnson 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.

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Utility scammers collected $900 from a Blue Jay business after threatening to immediately turn off power to the firm. SCE is alerting businesses and residents of the scam in an effort to avoid additional victims. (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Blue Jay, CA – With the holidays approaching, imposters have become more daring and creative in their attempts to deceive utility customers into paying non-existent bills with the threat of immediate service shut-off.

A Blue Jay business got shocked this past week by a utility scam to the tune of $900 after being told the firm “needed to make a deposit on their Southern California Edison account or they were shutting the electricity off,” according to the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station report.

THE SCAM

The business received a phone call on the evening of December 2 from a man identifying himself as a Southern California Edison employee and two the next day.

Twin Peaks Sheriff’s deputies were informed by the business owner that the caller ID read “SCE” and that the person on the phone gave “big wigs” names at Edison.

As directed, the business made two payments using Money Paks over the phone to avoid the power being shut off by the “Disconnection Department.”

Later, Southern California Edison confirmed the scam and a deputy was dispatched to the business to take the crime report.

ADVICE FROM SCE

Southern California Edison (SCE) reminds its customers:

• SCE employees will never ask that utility bills be paid with prepaid cash cards
• If customers receive a call demanding money by a prepaid cash card or other personal financial information, they should hang up and call the police immediately
• SCE does not maintain a disconnection department
• No credit transactions are conducted or processed on weekends or holidays

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

SCE explains that it does not wish to see its business or residential customers fall victim to utility scams like the firm in Blue Jay.

Any questions regarding bill payment should be directed to SCE customer service at 1-800-990-7788 (for business customers) or 1-800-655-4555 (for residential customers) or by visiting SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON online.

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Assemblyman Jay Obernolte — who represents the mountain communities — has introduced legislation that would make it a hate crime if a crime specifically targets a public safety officer. (Contributed Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Sacramento, CA – Recently, mountain residents and their fellow Americans have witnessed numerous reports of ambush-style shootings of police officers in Dallas, Baton Rouge and other communities. The news reports show how inherently vulnerable those working the beat are to violence.

Assemblyman Jay Obernolte represents the mountain communities. (Contributed Photo)

That public safety officials could be picked off while doing little more than monitoring a peaceful demonstration or responding to a routine call has created great alarm.

POLICE HATE CRIME BILL

Assemblyman Jay Obernolte (R-Big Bear Lake/33) has introduced a bill to protect peace officers and their immediate families under the California hate crime statute.

Obernolte’s legislation — Assembly Bill 2 — would permit additional criminal penalties if a crime specifically targets a victim as a peace officer.

Current laws state that conviction of a hate crime can result in an additional one to three years in state prison being added to an offender’s sentence.

OBERNOLTE’S COMMENTS

“Violence targeted specifically against public safety officers is a hate crime and should be treated as such,” Obernolte stated in a media release.

“Our police officers put their lives on the line every day and it’s deeply disturbing when they are intentionally targeted because of their profession,” Obernolte continued.

“Given the outbreak of the recent attacks against police officers, this law is necessary to send a message to these criminals that their reprehensible behavior will not be tolerated,” the Assemblyman emphasized.

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Bail has been set at $175,000 for a 37-year-old Cedar Glen man charged with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, burglary and causing great bodily injury on a person. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Cedar Glen, CA – A 37-year-old Cedar Glen man — identified as Ryan Richard Dischner — is being held on $175,000 bail, charged with two felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon, a count of causing great bodily injury on a person and burglary.

The suspect entered not guilty pleas to all charges during a video arraignment. (File Photo)

Dischner was arraigned via video on December 8 from the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga by Commissioner Ronald J. Gilbert who appointed the public defender.

The suspect entered a not guilty plea to all four counts and his next court appearance will be a pre-preliminary hearing at 8:30 a.m. on December 16 in Department S-4.

THE CASE

A media advisory from the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station offers this account of the case against Dischner.

On December 6, shortly after 6:30 p.m., Twin Peaks deputies were dispatched to an assault with a deadly weapon call at a bar in the 29000 block of Hook Creek Road in Cedar Glen.

The reporting party told 9-1-1 dispatchers that a patron struck another patron in the face with a 16-ounce drinking glass. Witnesses and video surveillance showed the incident was unprovoked, according to the news release.

The unidentified victim sustained approximately a half dozen superficial cuts to the left side of his face and a contusion to his left eyebrow as a result of the strike. The victim was treated at the scene by San Bernardino County Fire paramedics.

The suspect left the location prior to deputy’s arrival.

THE INVESTIGATION

While deputies were investigating the initial assault with a deadly weapon case, a disturbance call was reported just a short distance away in the 29100 block of South Lane. The reporting party called 9-1-1 after hearing neighbors yelling and breaking items.

Deputies arrived on scene at about 7 p.m. and contacted Dischner and an unidentified second victim. The release indicated that Dischner was heavily intoxicated at the time deputies contacted him on South Lane.

Dischner reportedly came home and began causing a disturbance and victim #2 went outside to see if he was okay. Dischner allegedly began attacking victim #2 with a metal folding chair.

Victim #2 attempted to protect himself however, he was struck numerous times to the head and body. The attack also appeared to be unprovoked.

Victim #2 sustained swelling to his right hand, laceration to his right inside upper lip, and redness/swelling to the back of his head. He was treated at the scene by paramedics.

Deputies found Dischner matched the description of the subject from the bar attack and conducted an in-field line up. He was positively identified by a witness as the suspect from the bar incident.

THE ARREST

Dischner was arrested for two charges of PC 245(a)(1), assault with a deadly weapon and transported to the West Valley Detention Center for booking.

INFORMATION SOUGHT

Anyone with additional information about the case should contact the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station (909) 336-0600.

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 WETIP.

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Assemblyman Jay Obernolte — who represents the mountain communities –authored 9 bills that were signed into law by the governor. (Contributed Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Mountain Communities – Assemblyman Jay Obernolte (R-Big Bear Lake/33)  — who represents the mountain communities — had a total of 9 bills signed by Governor Jerry Brown during the most recent legislative session in Sacramento.

This is the second article in a series of stories on new laws taking effect January 1. TOMORROW: Bills related to motor vehicles. (File Photo)

Obernolte’s bills were among the 898 pieces of legislation approved by Brown.

Of the 1,059 bills that reached the Governor’s desk, he vetoed 159 and allowed 2 to become law without his signature.

ASSEMBLYMAN JAY OBERNOLTE

Here are the details of some of Obernolte’s bills where he was the primary author. Each of the bills take effect January 1:

ASSEMBLY BILL 1593 – ATTENDANCE: Excused Absence For Naturalization Ceremony

Obernolte’s bill permits school districts to excuse the absence of a student who is going through the legal immigration process and is attending his or her own naturalization ceremony to become a citizen of the United States.

ASSEMBLY BILL 1651 – CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISION – Contract Transparency

The CPUC Contracting Transparency Act of 2016  seeks to improve transparency and accountability at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) by requiring contracts and audits to be posted on the CPUC website for the public to freely access.

ASSEMBLY BILL 1712 – CHILD CARE: Contractor’s Digital Signatures

The bill — sponsored by the California Alternative Payment Program Association (CAPPA) and KinderCare Education — allows child care centers that contract with the Department of Education to accept digital signatures in lieu of physical ones. The measure helps relieve record-keeping burdens for these centers and lead to better educational outcomes for our children and parents.

ASSEMBLY BILL 1734 – MINING CLAIMS: Recording

This new legislation amends the recording requirements for California mining claim documents to allow Federal Bureau of Land Management forms to be recorded. Existing law required, whenever labor is performed, improvements are made, or a maintenance fee is paid on a mining claim, that a specified affidavit be recorded in the county in which the mining claim is situated.
Existing law required that affidavit to include, among other things, the names, current mailing addresses, and current residential addresses of the person who makes the proof and the owner of the claim. This bill no longer requires the current residential addresses of the person who makes the proof and the owner of the claim.

ASSEMBLY BILL 1775 – TAX DUE DATE CONFORMITY

This measure conforms the California tax due dates to the recently changed federal due dates for partnership and C corporation returns. For returns for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2016, partnership returns will be due March 15, C corp returns will be due April 15 and S corp returns will continue to be due March 15. These new due dates for federal and state returns are expected to alleviate timing pressures and provide a more logical flow of information for a smoother and more efficient tax preparation process with less estimates, extensions, and amended returns.

ASSEMBLY BILL 1917 – QUALIFICATIONS OF HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS

The legislation revises educational requirements for specified marriage and family therapist (LMFT) license and registration applicants and licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) license and registration applicants and clarifies that the Board of Behavioral Services (BHS) may accept education from an out-of-state school, as specified.

ASSEMBLY BILL 1932 – VEHICLES: Motorcycle Safety Training/Traffic School

This measure gives motorcyclists the option of attending a California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) course to satisfy the requirements of traffic school. The CMSP offers safety courses for new and experienced riders that are more appropriate for motorcyclists, but until now, these courses have not been allowed to double as traffic schools. This bill updates California law to allow CMSP providers to become licensed traffic violator schools pursuant to DMV curriculum requirements. These new courses will offer riding instruction in addition to education on the state’s traffic laws, which would better equip motorcyclists to ride safely on highways throughout California.

ASSEMBLY BILL 2232 – COURT RECORDS: Misdemeanors

This new law decreases the time period that a court retains a record for misdemeanor speed contest convictions from 10 years to five (5) years, and increases the time period that a court retains a record for misdemeanor reckless driving convictions from five (5) to 10 years.

ASSEMBLY BILL 2746 – PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION:  Contracts Electronic Submissions

This measure authorizes the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to develop procedures for the submittal of electronic signatures on contracts involving the CPUC. Under existing regulations, all contracts are required to have original handwritten signatures (often from multiple parties) which is a costly and time consuming process.

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Twin Peaks Sheriff’s deputies arrested 26-year-old Joseph Cardenas on suspicion of attempted murder and arson. Bail has been set at $1 million. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Lake Arrowhead, CA – A 26-year-old man identified as Joseph Cardenas is facing attempted murder and arson charges following an incident in Lake Arrowhead early Friday morning, according to a media advisory issued by the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station.

THE INCIDENT

Deputies from the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station were dispatched to the 400 block of Merrimack Drive in Lake Arrowhead at about 3:12 a.m. on December 16, regarding an arson investigation.

The unidentified victim called 9-1-1 to report a fire at his residence. The fire was extinguished by the victim when he used a garden hose located at the Lake Arrowhead address.

The suspect, later identified as Cardenas fled the scene when he learned deputies were responding.

THE INVESTIGATION

Deputy Bullag arrived on scene and began an investigation discovering the residence was deliberately set on fire by Cardenas in multiple locations, according to the press release.

Two victims were in the residence and awake when the fires were started. They were able to extinguish the flames before they spread.

ADDITIONAL INCIDENT

While Deputy Bullag was inside a bedroom speaking to a victim, Cardenas allegedly ignited another fire inside residence using a propane tank and some paper.

The deputy noticed the smoke and reportedly saw Cardenas running away from the Merrimack Drive home. Cardenas was quickly detained by Deputy Bullag and the fire was put out by a garden hose.

San Bernardino County Fire units responded twice to the address at 3:15 a.m. and again at 5:14 a.m.

THE ARREST

Cardenas was arrested for Attempted Murder and Arson, and transported to the West Valley Detention Center for booking.

Cardenas was also booked for Attempted Murder of a Peace Officer due to Deputy Bullag being inside the residence when the fire was started.

He is being held on $1 million bail and is scheduled for a video arraignment at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 20.

Cardenas also has a $100,000 hold from Los Angeles County for a vehicle code violation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Anyone with additional information about the case should contact the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station at (909) 336-0600.

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.

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Bring in 2017 by celebrating responsibly. Celebratory gunfire is illegal and dangerous. . .DON’T SHOOT! (Contributed Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Mountain Communities – Mountain residents are urged to refrain from one dangerous end-of-year tradition. . . celebratory gunfire. Celebrate responsibly by starting 2017 with a bullet free sky!

Firing a gun at the stroke of midnight to bring in 2017 is prohibited by law. . .it’s against the law! DON’T SHOOT!(Contributed Photo)

Local law enforcement agencies will be on the lookout for mountain residents and visitors who try to ring in 2017 with celebratory gunfire.

The practice of firing a weapon in the air, not knowing where the bullet may fall, could ultimately take an innocent life.

Property damage is sometimes another result of celebratory gunfire; shattered windows and damaged roofs are often found after such celebrations.

One suggestion is to ring in 2017 with a bell or noisemaker. . . DON’T SHOOT!

LOCAL LAWS

In California, discharging a firearm into the air is a felony, punishable by three years in state prison. If the stray bullet kills someone, the shooter can be charged with murder. The California Penal Code prohibits “negligent discharging of firearms.”  In addition to a felony arrest, law enforcement officials may confiscate the firearm.

In addition, discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun in the San Bernardino National Forest is illegal, except for the lawful hunting or in areas designated as recreational shooting ranges.

FIREWORKS

Fireworks to bring in the New Year are also prohibited in the San Bernardino National Forest. In fact, fireworks are always outlawed in the San Bernardino National Forest.

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Joseph Cardenas, 26, charged with arson of an inhabited structure in Lake Arrowhead on December 16, remains in custody on $1 million bail at the West Valley Detention Center. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Lake Arrowhead, CA – Bail for the 26-year-old arson suspect Joseph Cardenas remains at $1 million following a pre-preliminary hearing at the San Bernardino Justice Center Thursday morning before Judge Richard V. Peel.

Cardenas — who is being represented by the Public Defender and remains in custody at the West Valley Detention Center — is charged with arson of an inhabited structure from an incident in Lake Arrowhead on December 16.

Court documents indicate that a preliminary hearing set for January 4 has been vacated. No additional information was immediately available.

THE INCIDENT

Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station deputies were dispatched to the 400 block of Merrimack Drive in Lake Arrowhead at about 3:12 a.m. on December 16, regarding an arson investigation.

The unidentified victim called 9-1-1 to report a fire at his residence. The fire was extinguished by the victim when he used a garden hose located at the Lake Arrowhead address.

Cardenas’ pre-preliminary hearing was held in Department S-4 of the San Bernardino Justice Center. (Photo by ROTWNEWS.com)

The suspect, later identified as Cardenas fled the scene when he learned deputies were responding.

THE INVESTIGATION

Deputy Bullag arrived on scene and began an investigation discovering the residence was deliberately set on fire by Cardenas in multiple locations, according to a Twin Peaks press release.

Two victims were in the residence and awake when the fires were started. They were able to extinguish the flames before they spread.

ADDITIONAL INCIDENT

While Deputy Bullag was inside a bedroom speaking to a victim, Cardenas allegedly ignited another fire inside the residence using a propane tank and some paper.

The deputy noticed the smoke and reportedly saw Cardenas running away from the Merrimack Drive home. Cardenas was quickly detained by Deputy Bullag and the fire was put out by a garden hose.

San Bernardino County Fire units responded twice to the address at 3:15 a.m. and again at 5:14 a.m.

THE ARREST/ARRAIGNMENT

Cardenas was arrested and transported to the West Valley Detention Center for booking.

Bail was set at $1 million and Cardenas entered a not guilty plea during a video arraignment at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 20.

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Sean Justin Lee, 23, a former counselor at a Cedar Glen Boy Scout Camp, has been charged with sexual assault involving a 16-year-old male camper. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Cedar Glen, CA – A former Boy Scout camp counselor has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old male camper while the victim was attending the campground in Cedar Glen.

Sean Justin Lee (Booking Photo)

The San Bernardino County Crimes Against Children Detail (CACD) identified the suspect as 23-year-old Sean Justin Lee from Fullerton.

THE INCIDENT

In October of 2015, the victim and his parents reported to the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station that Lee, an adult male, sexually assaulted the victim, a minor. The case was immediately transferred to the Specialized Investigations Division – Crimes Against Children Detail (CACD).

Detectives determined Lee worked as a camp counselor at the Boy Scout Camp in Cedar Glen during the summer months of 2015. The unidentified victim attended the same camp during June of 2015 when he was allegedly assaulted by Lee at the camp.

THE INVESTIGATION

Detectives conducted an extensive investigation and numerous interviews of persons who attended or worked at the camp during that time frame.

Following that investigation, an arrest warrant for Lee was obtained on December 30, 2016, for the charges of P.C. 288a(b)(1), oral copulation of a minor, and P.C. 286(f), sodomy of an unconscious victim.

THE ARREST

Lee surrendered to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Chino Hills Station on Sunday, January 1, and was subsequently booked at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

Lee’s bail was set for $100,000. At approximately 9:08 p.m., Lee was released from West Valley after posting bail.

No court appearance has been posted on the San Bernardino County Superior Court website.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department released Lee’s booking photograph in the event other camp staff or attendees witnessed Lee engaging in unlawful behavior.

Persons with information should contact Detective M.J. Higgins or Sergeant Dana Foster,Crimes Against Children Detail at (909) 387-3615.

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“San Bernardino County will not be used as a dumping ground for sexually violent predators,”District Attorney Michael Ramos stated as his office is working to keep a San Francisco Sexually Violent Predator from being placed in the county. (Contributed Photo)

By G. T. Houts

San Bernardino, CA – A 67-year-old violent sexual predator won’t be relocated at this time to San Bernardino County from the San Francisco Bay Area due to the efforts of District Attorney Michael Ramos and prosecutors.

Luther Benjamin Evans (Contributed Photo)

A news release from Ramos’ office indicated that for the past six months, prosecutors from the Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) and Appellate Services Unit have lobbied against placing Luther Benjamin Evans in San Bernardino County.

“San Bernardino County will not be used as a dumping ground for sexually violent predators,” Ramos stated.

PROPOSED RELEASE AREAS

The District Attorney’s office reports that in the Evans case, the proposed area of release included the communities of Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley and Morongo, as well as neighboring communities of the Morongo Basin.

“So far,” Ramos emphasized, “we have extended every resource at our disposal to stop this predator from entering our community.”

COURT PROCEEDINGS

In October 2003, Evans was committed as a Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) by the San Francisco Superior Court pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 6600.2. His commitment followed a 1976 criminal conviction for Residential Burglary, Rape and Assault with Intent to Commit Rape, and a second Rape in 1980. He further committed a Sexual Battery while attempting Rape in 1991. According to court records, Evans presented as a “wanton” and “lawless” psychopath.

In August 2015, Evans petitioned the court for conditional release, indicating that San Francisco was both his county of residence and his county of commitment. In November 2015, the court granted Evans’s petition, nominally releasing him to outpatient treatment. The SVP law required that Evans be placed in San Francisco County where he committed his crimes, unless it could find extraordinary circumstances, requiring specific notice to the county where he would be released.

Over the course of the next six months, Liberty Health Care (who was responsible for overseeing the placement) told the San Francisco court that it was unable to find a location in the nine Bay-area counties. Liberty indicated it was similarly unsuccessful when the search was expanded east of Santa Clara County and north to the state line. On May 18, the involved parties and Liberty appeared before the court in San Francisco and a proposed address of placement in San Bernardino County was presented.

OPPOSITION BRIEFS FILED

Upon receiving notice of the proposed placement, members of the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office SVP and Appellate Services Units filed multiple opposition briefs and appeared on behalf of the citizens of San Bernardino County in San Francisco Superior Court to successfully halt the release at this time.

During this process, SVP prosecutor Maureen R. O’ Connell discovered that the San Francisco Court had never actually had a hearing in which Evans received a civil commitment to the State Mental Hospital as a sexually violent predator, a prerequisite to any outpatient release and supervision.

“As a result of this discovery, the applicable law provided to the court and our arguments, the San Francisco Superior Court rescinded the outpatient placement order and set the case for trial to determine whether Mr. Evans remained a Sexually Violent Predator, subject to placement at the State Hospital,” O’Connell said.

UPCOMING HEARING

A 9 a.m. hearing is scheduled for further proceedings on the case on Wednesday, January 18, in Department 22 in San Francisco Superior Court.

“While California law permits a court to place an SVP in a remote location that has no connection to that individual, it was important for our office to ensure our citizens had a voice before the San Francisco court,” according to Supervising Deputy District Attorney Robert Brown, who participated in the San Francisco litigation.

“When the safety of the community could be placed at risk, we felt it was important to do all that we could to argue against the placement,” Brown concluded.

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A video of three burglary suspects has been released by the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station in hopes someone can identify one or more of the trios. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Twin Peaks, CA – The Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station has released a video showing three suspects breaking into a Twin Peaks residence on Friday, December 23.

Deputies are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the three suspects who alleged ly broke into a residence in the 500 block of Fern Drive in Twin Peaks.

INFORMATION SOUGHT

Persons with information regarding the identity of the individuals shown in the video are encouraged to call the Twin Peaks Station (909) 336-0600.

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By G. T. Houts

UPDATE: Monday, January 9 – 5:14 a.m.

Big Bear Lake, CA – While details of the reported stabbing in the 41000 block of Park Avenue in Big Bear Lake are still sketchy, ROTWNEWS.com has learned Big Bear Sheriff’s deputies did make an arrest of a suspect and the individual was charged with assault with a deadly weapon.

Additional details to follow.

ORIGINAL STORY

Big Bear Lake, CA – Big Bear Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 41000 block of Park Avenue at 12:42 p.m. Sunday to a report of a stabbing.

Details of the incident are still sketchy, however Big Bear Fire personnel were directed to stage near Meadow Park and await the arrival of law enforcement.

Several patrol units arrived at the scene in the vicinity of South Eureka Drive and South Oriole Drive.

A media request has been submitted to the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station and details of the incident will be released as they become available.

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A 30-year-old Texas man — Carl Anthony James — was cited and released by Big Bear Sheriff’s deputies after a firearm reported stolen from Tennessee was recovered during an armed robbery investigation. (RFile Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Big Bear Lake, CA – A firearm reported stolen out of Tennessee was recovered during the investigation of a possible armed robbery at a residence in the 300 block of Starlight Circle in Big Bear Lake.

On Saturday, January 7, just after midnight, Big Bear deputies were dispatched to the residence where the crime allegedly occurred. The victim told deputies where the incident took place and the interior of the residence was searched and officers located the stolen Glock .45-caliber firearm.

THE INVESTIGATION

Deputies also located evidence linking Carl Anthony James, 30, from Missouri City, Texas, to possession of the stolen firearm.

He was arrested and booked at the Big Bear Jail for PC 496(a), Possession of a Stolen Firearm.

He was cited and released at 9:27 a.m. the same day.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The robbery investigation is ongoing and it is unknown at this time if the recovered firearm was used during the commission of the reported robbery.

Anyone with information about the crime is urged to contact Sergeant Matthew Collins at (909) 866-0100.

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A not guilty plea has been entered for 18-year-old Brendan Patrick Grogan to a count of assault with a deadly weapon. Bail was raised to $150,000. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Big Bear Lake, CA – Brendan Patrick Grogan, 18, entered a not guilty plea to a felony count of assault with a deadly weapon during a video arraignment presided over by Commissioner Ronald M. Christenson.

Grogan is accused of stabbing an adult male relative following a verbal altercation in a residence in the 41000 block of Park Avenue in Big Bear Lake on Sunday.

The court entered the not guilty plea to the assault charge, entered a deny plea to an enhancement for causing great bodily injury, appointed the public defender and raised bail from $50,000 to $150,000.

Grogan remains in custody at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

THE INCIDENT

A media release issued by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station showed that deputies responded to the reported stabbing at 12:42 p.m. Sunday and identified Grogan as the suspect. He was was located in the residence.

The unidentified victim was treated at the scene by Big Bear Fire paramedics, and later transported by helicopter for further treatment of a stab wound to the abdominal area.

Grogan was arrested without incident and booked into the Big Bear Jail on a felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon and later transferred to the West Valley Detention Center.

NEXT COURT APPEARANCE

Grogan’s next court appearance will be for a pre-preliminary hearing on Thursday, January 19 in Department S-4 of the San Bernardino Justice Center.

A preliminary hearing was also scheduled. That hearing will be Monday, January 23, at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-4.

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A 56-year-old man is under arrest on an assault with a deadly weapon charge and for manufacturing an explosive device that brought the Bomb and Arson Unit to a Cedarpines Park residence. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Cedarpines Park, CA – Deputies from the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station were dispatched to a Cedarpines Park residence about 8:40 p.m. on Thursday, January 12. Dispatch operators had received several calls of gun shots and explosion sounds coming from the 22000 block of Mojave River Road.

Multiple neighbors reported the loud bangs in the area and were concerned.

THE INCIDENT

Neighbors discovered 56-year-old Timothy Gene Almeroth was reportedly lighting off explosives and fireworks as deputies were converging on the Cedarpines Park residence and made additional calls to report the incident.

Almeroth allegedly became confrontational with the neighbors when they asked him to stop lighting fireworks, according to a Sheriff’s Department release. The suspect reportedly struck one of the neighbors on the hand with a large flashlight during the incident. After striking the victim and realizing deputies were on their way, Almeroth went into his residence.

THE INVESTIGATION

Deputies Mascetti and Perez arrived on scene and contacted Almeroth inside his home. While talking to Almeroth about the incident, Deputy Perez observed a large quantity of explosive making components inside the residence. Due to the explosives being in the home, Deputy Mascetti notified the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Bomb and Arson Division.

Detectives from the Bomb and Arson Division responded to the scene and a search warrant was authored for Almeroth’s residence to seize the explosive components and the flashlight used in the reported assault.

The news release stated that deputies and detectives recovered over 56 pounds of liquid ammonium nitrate and other substances used for explosive manufacturing.

THE ARREST

Almeroth was arrested and booked into the West Valley Detention Center for Penal Code 245(a)(1), Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Penal Code 18720, Manufacturing an Explosive Device. His bail was set at $150,000 for the explosives charge at $50,000 for the assault count.

He is due for a video arraignment on the charges on Tuesday, January 16, at 12:30 p.m.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Anyone with information about the case should contact the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station at (909) 336-0600.

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

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By Joe Tunnel

Big Bear Lake CA. – A 21 year-old Big Bear Lake man was arrested on Saturday, April 1, 2017 after forcing his way into a home in the Moonridge area of Big Bear Lake, and assaulting a 60 year-old victim in the residence.

The suspect, Cody Lynn Mortensen, allegedly entered the residence on or about 10:00 p.m. and made contact with a 13 year-old female in the home. He was then confronted by the girl’s 60 year-old grandmother, who struggled with the suspect to keep him from getting to a bedroom where the 13 year-old had gone to hide. The grandmother continued to fight with the suspect, including defending herself with her cane, and at some point during the altercation the suspect sexually battered the woman.

As local law enforcement responded to the incident, a number of residents took to social media to report a large contingency of SBSO units with “lights and sirens” racing into the Moonridge area.

Deputies from the Big Bear Station arrived at the residence during the struggle and took Mortensen into custody. Mortensen reportedly told Deputies he had entered the home looking for his girlfriend, whom he believed to be in the residence.

Mortensen was booked into West Valley Detention Center with bail set at $125,000. He was arraigned on April 4, with a bail amount set at $175,000. He is charged with Sexual Battery PC243.4(A); Intent to commit great bodily harm or death upon an elder or dependent adult PC368(B); Assault With A Deadly Weapon with intent to inflict great bodily injury PC245(A); False Imprisonment PC236; attempt to Annoy or Molest Victim Under 18 PC647.6(A) and Trespassing by cutting down or injuring wood or standing timber on the property of another PC602(A).

Mortensen is scheduled to appear in San Bernardino County Superior Court on April 12, 2017 for further action.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station at (909) 866-0100.

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By Susan A. Neufeld

Crestline, CA – On Tuesday May 16, 2017, Deputy Cavender of the Twin Peaks Multiple Enforcement Team (MET) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the community of Crestline for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop Deputy Cavender contacted the driver and sole occupant of the Vehicle, Jeremy Johnson, a 27 year old resident of Valley of Enchantment. A records check was conducted and Johnson was found to be on felony probation of HS 11378, Possession of Narcotics for Sale. During a probation search of the vehicle, approximately 21 grams of methamphetamine, 58 grams of heroin and 11 grams of suspected cocaine were located.  Numerous small zip lock packaging baggies and a large amount of US currency in various denominations consistent with the sales of narcotics were found. Johnson was out on bail for previous HS 11378, Possession of Narcotics for Sales violation.

Johnson was arrested for HS 11378, Possession of Narcotics for Sale, HS 11379, Transportation of Narcotics for Sale, PC 12022.1(B), Committing a Felony while out on bail and PC 1203.2, Violation of Probation.  Johnson was booked into the Central Detention Center and is currently being held without bail.

The case will be submitted to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office for review.

If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Deputy Jonathan Cavender at the Twin Peaks Station, (909) 336-0600, or WeTip 1-800-78-CRIME.

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By G. T. Houts

Twin Peaks, CA – On Sunday May 21, 2017 at approximately 8:18 p.m. deputies from the Twin Peaks Station responded to a 911 call in the 25800 block of Mil Pine Road, the victim made the call.

The victim stated he know the two subjects that robbed him at gun point. The victim told the deputies that Jonathan Huskey, and Travis Yonkers took his car keys, $380 cash and other personal belongings from him. After taking the victim’s items, Yonkers and Huskey fled the scene.

Deputies from the Twin Peaks Station’s Multiple Enforcement Team (MET) and detectives took over the investigation. They were able to obtain information on Yonkers and Huskey’s whereabouts, the investigation led deputies and detectives to a residence in the Sugarloaf area of Big Bear Lake. A search warrant was obtained for the resident. Due to the severity of the crime, and the fact that a weapon was involved, members of Sheriff’s Specialized Enforcement Division (SED) assisted with contacting Yonkers and Huskey . During the service of the search warrant, deputies located and contacted Huskey and Yonkers. Deputies also located a .45 caliber handgun, heroin and the victim’s stolen property.

Travis Yonkers, 27 of Sugarloaf, CA and Jonathan Huskey 28 of Green Valley Lake were arrested for PC 211 — Armed Robbery — and transported to the Big Bear Jail for booking. Their bail was set at $200,000 each

Any one with additional information about this case should contact the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station (909) 336-0600. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the WE-Tip Hotline at 1-800–78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information information on the We-Tip Hotline at :http://www.wetip.com

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