By Michael P. Neufeld

Big Bear Lake, CA -Several Big Bear area businesses have been the victim of a short change scam initiated by a black male adult and possibly a black female adult.

Male Suspect (Contributed Photo)

The Big Bear Sheriff’s Station has released several photographs in an effort to locate and apprehends the two suspects.

THE SCAM

Investigators report the suspect’s typical modus operandi is to hand a store clerk five (5) $20 bills, requesting that the clerk change them for a $100 bill.

Suspect walking in store. (Contributed Photo)

The Big Bear Sheriff’s Station media advisory indicates that the suspect then walks away from the clerk, but quickly turns back with a $10 bill in hand and states he only received a $10 bill.

In most cases, the release reports, clerks have exchanged the $10 bill for another $100 bill.

SUSPECT INFORMATION

The male adult is reportedly in  his mid-30′s with short black hair and roughly 6-feet tall and weighs between 200 and 225 pounds.

Suspect Vehicle (Contributed Photo

The suspect allegedly drives a red Ford Explorer with shiny chrome rims and paper license plates.

The female suspect — who has been seen in the identified vehicle — has curly red shoulder length hair.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Possible female suspect (Contributed Photo)

The Big Bear Sheriff’s Station encourages local business owners to immediately call (909) 866-0100 if the suspect or suspects are seen or has been in their store. (346)

The Crestline man facing assault with a deadly weapon and kidnapping charges after his arrest related to an incident in Lake Arrowhead on Valentine’s Day has entered a not guilty plea to all charges. (File Photo)

By G.T. Houts

UPDATE – Friday, February 21 – 1:42 p.m. 

San Bernardino, CA - The 350-year-old Crestline man facing assault with a deadly weapon and kidnapping charges after his arrest related to an incident in Lake Arrowhead on Valentine’s Day has entered a not guilty plea to all charges.

Chad Marcus appeared before Judge Kenneth Barr via video from the West Valley Detention Center on  February 21 and was arraigned on three felony counts after allegedly striking a female victim in the head with a crowbar.

Judge Barr raised Marcus’ bail from $250,000 to $375,000 and set a pre-preliminary hearing for 8:30 a.m. on  March 3, in Department S-23.

A request to be released on his own recognizance was denied.

ORIGINAL STORY

Twin Peaks, CA – A 35-year-old Crestline man is in custody at the West Valley Detention Center, charged with assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly striking a female victim in the head with a crowbar. Chad Marcus was arrested at 9 a.m. February 19 on Highway 18 by Twin Peaks deputies.

THE INCIDENT

Chad Marcus (Photo by San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department)

Sheriff’s Department records indicate that at about 10 a..m. on Valentine’s Day (February 14), a private citizen was driving ion Highway 173, with of Grass Valley Road, in a remote area near the Lake Arrowhead Shooting Range. The woman was flagged down by an injured unidentified female who claim ed someone had tried to kill her.

Twin Peaks deputies responded to the area and determined the victim had met the suspect in San Bernardino and the two had agreed to have sex, with the suspect paying $100, according to a media release.

The woman told officers she got into the suspect’s vehicle and they began driving into the San Bernardino mountains Deputies were told the victim became fearful as the suspect drove into the remote are of Lake Arrowhead and asked the man to stop.

The press release indicates the suspect stopped the vehicle, pulled a crowbar from beneath the seat and struck the female in the head. The victim struggled with the suspect and, during the alleged assault, sustained a knife wound.

The female managed to flee from the suspect’s vehicle and ran into the woods.

THE INVESTIGATION

During the investigation of the incident, Detective Justin Long obtained surveillance video from multiple locations which led to the suspect being identified.

A search warrant was served at Marcus’ Crestline residence and property belonging to the victim was recovered.

Officials believe Marcus may be involved in similar crimes and his photograph was released by the Sheriff’s Department.

Persons with information about the case or any previous incidents are urged to contact Detective Long at (909) 336-600.

COURT APPEARANCE

Marcus’ first court appearance on the assault with a deadly weapon charge is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on Friday, February 21. (214)

Twin Peaks resident Brandt Bailey Bater, 64, will now be sentenced March 21 after Judge Annemarie Pace granted a defense motion for a continuance. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

UPDATE – Friday, February 21 – 1:29 p.m.

San Bernardino, CA - Brandt Bailey Bater, 64, a Twin Peaks resident, will now be sentenced March 21 after Judge Annemarie Pace granted a defense motion for a continuance.

Bater, who had entered a nolo contendre plea to a charge of voluntary manslaughter involving the shooting death of his wife, Faith, appeared briefly in court February 21.

Sentencing is now set for March 21 at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-17.

Bater remains in custody on $1 million bail at the Adelanto Detention Center in Adelanto.

ORIGINAL STORY

San Bernardino, CA – Brandt Bailey Bater, now 64, has accepted a plea bargain of voluntary manslaughter involving the shooting death of his wife in their Twin Peaks residence and will be sentenced on Friday, February 21, according to court records.

Brandt Bailey Bater (Booking Photo)

Judge Annemarie Pace will dismiss the original charge of murder at sentencing. Sentencing will take place at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-17.

THE CASE

On February 25, 2011, Bater shot his wife while reportedly trying to shoot  the family dog in the family residence. Twin Peaks Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the home after Bater called 9-1-1 and told operators he had accidentally shot his wife.

Emergency responders arrived at the Twin Peaks home and found 61-year-old Faith Ellen Bater deceased from a single gunshot wound to the head, according to a media release issued by the Sheriff’s Department.

IN CUSTODY 

Until he appears in court, Bater is in custody on $1 million bail at the Adelanto Detention Center in Adelanto.

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Tammy Jonnele Ahumada, 47, has been arrested in Crestline on suspicion of federal tax fraud in excess of $250,000. (File Photo)

By G.T. Houts

Crestline, CA – A 47-year-old Crestline woman — identified as Tammy Jonnele Ahumada — is in federal custody following her arrest on suspicion of federal tax fraud in excess of $250,000.

The Internal Revenue Service issued a press release late Thursday indicating that Ahumada was charged with 30 counts of making false claims against the U. S. government and 14 counts of identity theft.

Ahumada is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Riverside on February 28, according to the media advisory.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

IRS Special Agent Linda Lowery cited a 44-count indictment in the release revealing that between 2007 and 2010, Ahumada reportedly filed fraudulent tax returns exceeding $250,000.

“The tax returns claimed fraudulent tax refunds in the range of $6,789 to $9,336,” the press release stated. “In some instances, Ahumada used the identities of other individuals, without their knowledge or consent, to submit the tax returns to the IRS.”

ARREST AND CONVICTION

The IRS reported Ahumada was arrested on Wednesday, February 26.

The release states that, should Ahumada be convicted of the charges, she faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison and an $11 million fine.

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A 22-year-old Lake Arrowhead man has entered a plea of not guilty, during a video arraignment, to a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm (File Photo)

By G.T. Houts

Lake Arrowhead, CA – A 22-year-old Lake Arrowhead man faces charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and is a suspect in stolen vehicle case, according to information received from the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Office.

Bryan Scott Ricks is being held at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga on $150,000 on the felony firearms charge. But the case is still under investigation.

Ricks entered a not guilty plea to the weapons charge in a video arraignment before Judge Kenneth Barr. Judge Barr appointed the public defender and denied Ricks’ request to be released on his own recognizance. A pre-preliminary hearing has been set for 8:30 a.m. on March 12 in Department S-22.

THE INCIDENT

Twin Peaks deputies located a Jeep Cherokee on February 28, at 3:08 p.m. in the 800 block of North Grass Valley Road in Lake Arrowhead that had been reported stolen out of Fontana. Law enforcement officials in that community have listed Ricks as a suspect.

Deputies attempted to contact Ricks but he reportedly fled from officers. When located, Ricks was allegedly found with a Smith and Wesson .38-caliber revolver. The revolver contained five .38-caliber bullets.

He was arrested at 1:48 a.m. on March 1, and transported to the West Valley Detention Center. Deputies reported that Ricks refused his seat belt following his arrest. (181)

Bookkeeper Alyce Letisha Biggs will serve 11 years in prison after being sentenced for committing workers’ compensation insurance fraud, tax fraud and grand theft. (File Photo)

By G.T. Houts

San  Bernardino, CA – Lake Arrowhead bookkeeper Alyce Leticia (Tisha) Biggs, 44, has been sentenced to 11 years in state prison for committing workers’ compensation fraud, tax fraud and grand theft.

The sentence was handed down by Judge Annemarie Pace on Friday.

CASE INFORMATION

Biggs, former owner of Tisha Biggs & Company in Cedar Glen, was convicted in 2010 of workers’ compensation insurance fraud, tax fraud and grand theft. Judge James Dorr granted 60 months of supervised probation for all charges and ordered her to serve a year in custody.

Following completion of her custody time and, while on probation, the San Bernardino County District Attorney reports Biggs continued to steal from at least two of her clients.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S COMMENTS

“Biggs would take bank deposits from the victims that consisted of cash and checks, and, on the way to the bank would pocket the cash and only deposit the checks,” according to Deputy District Attorney Michael Chiriatti, Jr. stated.

Chiriatti, who prosecuted the case, reported that Biggs’ criminal activity continued for at least three years.

“As a result,” Chiriatti stated in a media release, “she was rearrested, her probation revoked, and a new criminal case was filed.”

GUILTY PLEA

Biggs entered a guilty plea on Friday, January 17, to six new counts of grand theft, admitted a white collar crime enhancement, and admitted that she was in violation of her prior probation.

Biggs also agreed, when she entered the guilty plea, that she would pay back the victims all of the money she took from them.

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Jury selection begins March 11 in the vehicular manslaughter case against Marie Antoinette Villarruel. The incident in question occurred August 1, 2008 resulting in the death of James Mainer, 61. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

UPDATE – Monday, March 10 – 6:42 p.m.

San Bernardino, CA – Jury selection  begins Tuesday, March 11, in the vehicular manslaughter case against Marie Antoinette Villarruel from Crestline. Villarruel is charged with the death of James Mainer, 61, on August 1, 2008.

The jury selection process of the trial — which is expected to last five (5) days — will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Department S-19.

ORIGINAL STORY

San Bernardino, CA – The vehicular manslaughter case against Marie Antoinette Villarruel from Crestline related to the 2008 death of James Mainer, 61, is finally ready for trial.

On Friday, March 7, Judge Douglas Gericke presided over a trial readiness hearing and set Monday, March 10, for Villarruel to return to court at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-14-R on the recall calendar. The trial is estimated to last five days.

Judge Gericke allowed the defendant to remain free on her own recognizance. Villarruel, now 66,  was directed to appear as previously ordered. She was not present for the trial readiness hearing.

THE INCIDENT

Mainer died about a month after the incident on Lake Drive in Crestline from injuries sustained when he was allegedly struck by the defendant’s black Mercedes Benz SUV after buying a soda at a nearby liquor store.

The incident –which happened at 8:25 p.m. on August 1, 2008 – was partially caught on the store’s security camera, but CHP investigators reported the actual impact was not recorded.

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Green Valley Lake burglary suspect Evan George Hadjes, 21, will have two court appearances this week, according to court documents. (File Photo)

By G.T. Houts

San Bernardino, CA – Evan George Hadjes, 21, heads to court twice this week including a preliminary hearing on five felony counts of burglary and a felony count of possession of a controlled substance.

Hadjes — who is incarcerated in the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga — is being held on $500,000 bail. He was arrested at 2:50 p.m. on February 21 in the 600 block of Oak Knoll Drive in Green Valley Lake and charged with a series of burglaries, according to the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station.

Deputies contacted Hadjes in his vehicle and he allowed deputies to search the car. They reportedly found a weed pipe and booked him on a December 2013 burglary case.

FIRST APPEARANCE

Hadjes’ first court appearance on Monday, March 10, at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-22, will be for a disposition/reset hearing related to his November 9, 2013 arrest for being in posession of a controlled substance. He has entered a plea of not guilty to that charge.

Judge Katrina West will preside over the hearing and will also deal with a vehicle code violation arrest on January 22, 2014, for violating the basic speed law.

SECOND APPEARANCE

On Tuesday, March 11, Hadjes will have a preliminary hearing on the five felony burglary counts at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-23-P. Last Friday (March 7), Hadjes appeared before Judge Dwight W. Moore for a preliminary hearing. However, witnesses were not available and the proceedings were continued until this week.

He has entered a not guilty plea to all charges. (145)

Over 30 home burglaries have been reported in Green Valley Lake in the past four months. ROTWNEWS begins a series of articles about the spike in crime and what the community is doing about it. (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Green Valley Lake, CA – Green Valley Lake bills itself as, “The Best Kept Secret in the San  Bernardino Mountains.” But burglars have discovered more than a fully stocked lake with trout and bass. They’ve discovered that five out of six homes are vacant a great part of the year and have invited themselves to break in and rob the unoccupied homes.

In the last four months, the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station has logged over 30 home burglaries in Green Valley Lake, including seven reported in a recent week (February 24-March 2). Burglars are taking everything from flat screen televisions and tools to musical instruments and even six replica (inoperable) guns.

In many cases, the burglars are leaving doors and windows wide open. Deputies have also found items left behind including a prying tool. In one break-in, the thief or thieves left two bags of items on the front deck next to the front door. The property was recovered and the property owner identified the items and they were released to the victim.

SCARED AND FRUSTRATED

“People are scared and frustrated,” Green Valley Lake part-time resident Joan  Christy told ROTWNEWS. “It’s gotten to the point that we have had a town meeting,  started a Neighborhood Watch with cell captains and periodic cabin  checks, started a NEXTDOOR Green Valley Lake website to keep all residents involved in what’s going on and contacted the Sheriff’s Department.

“The deputies at the Twin Peaks Station and Captain Rick Ells are well aware of what’s going on,” Christy stated. “but they just don’t have enough manpower to stop what is going on.”

Christy described the rash of residential burglaries as “an out of control crisis.” She explained that new security systems have been installed by many of her neighbors along with surveillance cameras. “Our small little community is being ruined by crime. ”

One resident who declined to be identified reports several individuals are suggesting vigilante methods including proposing the posting of SHOOT TO KILL signs in addition to the Neighborhood Watch signs.

 TUESDAY – PART 2: Law Enforcement Response

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Ronald Michael Hitchcock, accused of the 2012 murder of Deborah Ann Crouch, has a disposition/reset hearing set for 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12.. (File Photo)

By G.T. Houts

San Bernardino, CA – Big Bear murder suspect Ronald Michael Hitchcock, 58, returns to court at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12, for a disposition/reset hearing in Department S-27.

Hitchcock, who is charged with the murder of Erwin Lake resident, Deborah Ann Crouch, 53, has entered a not guilty plea to murder and cruelty to another’s animal.

THE CASE

Deborah Ann Crouch (Contributed Photo)

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

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

Two deputies, members of the department’s dive team, went into Big Bear Lake and found the vehicle, which contained the body of the female victim and a dog.

Homicide detectives were summoned to the scene and following their investigation  — which included a search of Crouch’s residence on E Lane — placed Hitchcock under arrest.

IN CUSTODY

Hitchcock remains in custody at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. Bail is $1 million.

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Captain Rick Ells of the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station points out the areas in Green Valley Lake where over 30 burglaries have occurred in the last four months. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Green Valley Lake, CA – Captain Rick Ells of the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station addressed the recent hike in residential burglaries in Green Valley Lake indicating his deputies are working to clear as many of the break-ins as possible.

“It’s a difficult crime to stop,” Captain Ells, “because there are so many homes empty during the week,  no fences, no streetlights and it’s easy for individuals to identify the vacant residences.”

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

Ells explained that in the last four months there have been over 30 residential break-ins in Green Valley Lake including SEVEN (7) the first week of this month.

“I have assigned two deputies to help solve the incidents,” Ells explained. “They’re spending about half their time working the cases, doing a lot of drivearounds and creating a high profile in the area. We’re working to get a handle on it.”

PRISON REALIGNMENT

Captain Ells reported the burglars are “nothing but drug addicts” who are on the street because of prison realignment that transfers what prison officials describe as “low-risk” state inmates to county jails.

San  Bernardino County, already facing crowded jail conditions, has been forced to allow non-violent and non-sexual inmates to be released with little or no jail time.

“The heroin addicts committing these burglaries, ” Ells emphasized, “are candidates for release because of the nature of their crimes. In the past, they would be jailed for 90 days or more and dried up before they were released. That isn’t happening under realignment.”

OTHER CRIMES

Green Valley Lake has not had a violent crime in well over 10 years, according to Sheriff’s Department records. That list includes armed robberies and serious assault.

“They aren’t coming into homes at night,” Captain Ells reported. “It just hasn’t happened.”

Ells was responding to a ROTWNEWS question about reports Green Valley Lake residents were arming themselves to protect their property and families.

CRIME TIPS

Captain Ells urged residents to pay attention to what’s going on in their community and report suspicious activity like people walking in neighborhoods at 3 a.m. Such activity should be reported.

“We will come up,” he noted.

Ells suggested people get to know their neighbors and know when someone should be in the home next door.

“Installing motion detection lights are also a good idea,” Captain Ells explained.

 WEDNESDAY – PART 3: The Political Response

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Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, Supervisor Janice Rutherford, Sheriff John McMahon and Sheriff Candidate Paul Schrader weigh in on the recent jump in residential break-ins in Green Valley Lake. (File Photos)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Green Valley Lake, CA – Concerned Green Valley Lake residents — up in arms about the dramatic increase in residential burglaries in  their community — have been reaching out to elected officials to try and find additional ways to halt the break-ins.

“This is an out of control crisis,” part-time resident Joan Christy told ROTWNEWS, “so we’re contacting as many people in elected office as we can and asking the news media to help bring public notice to this situation.”

STATEMENTS ISSUED BY ELECTED OFFICIALS

ASSEMBLYMAN TIM DONNELLY

“Our communities — like Green Valley Lake — face an influx of criminals thanks to Governor Brown’s disastrous AB 109 prisoner realignment scheme. These people belong in jail and not out on our streets. In addition, the state hasn’t provided the necessary funding to house the criminals being dumped on the counties.”

SUPERVISOR JANICE RUTHERFORD

The increase in break-ins is very disturbing.  Capt. Ells is dedicating resources to Green Valley Lake to solve these crimes. In the meantime, active and engaged residents are one of the best crime-prevention resources we have because they know their communities so well and because they don’t hesitate to report something or someone suspicious in their neighborhood.

SHERIFF JOHN McMAHON

“We are taking these crimes very seriously and I’m confident the folks in Twin Peaks will be making more arrests in the coming weeks. I have spoken with Captain Ells and assured him the Department’s resources are available to him should they need more assistance”

SHERIFF’S CANDIDATE PAUL SCHRADER

“The residents installing security systems and surveillance cameras are a great start to combat the burglaries. Another great place to help Green Valley Lake is the Neighborhood Watch. Getting the public involved to call in any suspicious activity and to communicate with their neighbors. There should also be additional deputies in the area to work with the Neighborhood Watch group and be very visible in the town while on patrol.”

 PART FOUR: What Is NEXTDOOR Green Valley Lake?

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The jury trial of vehicular manslaughter suspect Marie Antoinette Villarruel continues Tuesday, March 18, in Department S-19. (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

San Bernardino, CA – The vehicular manslaughter trial of Marie Antoinette Villarruel from Crestline – charged with the death of James Mainer, 61, on August 1, 2008 — returns at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 18., in Department S-19.

MONDAY, MARCH 17

Judge Michael Smith called the third day of the trial to order shortly after 9:30 a.m.  Several hearings were held related to people’s exhibits.

At 1:41 p.m., people’s witness Sheriff’s deputy R. Warrick was sworn and testified and he was excused at 2:51 p.m. CHP officer R. Jedlick was sworn and testified starting at 3:13 p.m. 

At 4:02 p.m., court was adjourned for the day, officer Jedlick was ordered to be present March 18 along with the defendant, and the jury was admonished.

THURSDAY, MARCH 13

Thursday’s session began at 9:30 a.m. with Judge Michael A. Smith presiding. Numerous peoples’ exhibits were marked for identification purposes.

Then at 9:50 a.m., court reconvened with all parties present including all jurors and alternate jurors, according to court documents.

Two individuals testified and were cross-examined and a DVD of the incident was played twice, just 20 minutes apart.

The jury was admonished at 11:19 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12

Jury selection (voir dire) continued at 10:35 a.m. after Judge Smith marked numerous people’s exhibits for identification.

Shortly after the trial resumed, both sides gathered at the bench and Judge Smith granted a motion to preclude the prosecution from referring to insurance in questioning during voir dire.  Jury selection resumed.

At 11:05 a.m., an off the record meeting in the judge’s chambers was held before court reconvened at 11:08 a.m.

At 11:44 a.m., counsel advised Judge Smith that they were satisfied with the 12 jurors. A recess was declared at 11:49 a.m.

At 1:45 p.m., the court reconvened outside the presence of the jury. At 2:03 p.m., two alternate jurors were selected followed at 2:16 p.m. by the swearing in of the jury and alternates.

At 3:01 p.m., opening arguments were given by the people and ten minutes later by the defense. The people’s first witness was sworn and testified and cross examined.

The jury was admonished at 3:52 p.m. and a recess was declared.

 TUESDAY, MARCH 11

The first day of the trial began about 9:30 a.m. and the jury panel was summoned. Following roll call, the jury panel was sworn regarding their qualifications to act as trial jurors.

Several people’s exhibits were marked for identification and voir dire was conducted by court and counsel.

At 4:13 p.m., the jury pool was admonished and the trial recessed.

THE INCIDENT

Mainer died about a month after the incident on Lake Drive in Crestline from injuries sustained when he was allegedly struck by the defendant’s black Mercedes Benz SUV after Mainer purchased a soda at a nearby liquor store.

The incident –which happened at 8:25 p.m. on August 1, 2008 – was partially caught on the store’s security camera, but CHP investigators reported the actual impact was not recorded. (103)

A not guilty plea — entered during a video arraignment — has been entered by a 44-year-old child care provider on multiple counts of child abuse. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Big Bear City, CA – A 44-year-old Big Bear City man who was employed as a child care provider is facing multiple sex abuse charges after allegedly orally copulating a 7-year-old victim.

The man — identified as Mark Curtis Marcum — has entered a not guilty plea to the charges via video from the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. Bail has been set at $1 million.

During the video arraignment on Monday, M arch 17,  Judge Kenneth Barr denied the suspect’s request to be released on his own recognizance and appointed the Public Defender to represent Marcus.

THE CASE

Big Bear Sheriff’s deputies began investigating the allegations of child molestation on Wednesday, March 5. Officers determined the molestation’s had taken place in Big Bear City between August 2013 and February 2014, according to a media advisory.

Big Bear Sheriff’s detectives conducted the investigation and placed Marcus under arrest at 3:20 p.m. on March 13, according to booking documents released by the Sheriff’s Department.

NEXT COURT APPEARANCE

A pre-preliminary hearing will be held for Marcus on Tuesday, March 25, at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-21. A preliminary hearing has also been scheduled for Thursday, March 27, at 8:30 a.m. in the same courtroom.

INFORMATION SOUGHT

Big Bear Sheriff’s Detective Jeremy King is seeking additional information regarding the investigation. He can be contacted at (909) 866-0100.

Information can also be reported anonymously by calling the We-TIP Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or online at WE-TIP. (156)

Big Bear Sheriff’s detectives have arrested a 17-year-old Big Bear City youth on multiple criminal charges related to sexting explicit pictures and messages. (File Photo)

By G.T. Houts

Big Bear City, CA – At least 13 victims have been identified in a sexting case that led to the arrest of a Big Bear City teenager on multiple criminal charges.

On Monday, March 17, Big Bear Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call for service related to a 17-year-old male juvenile who was alleged to have sent sexually explicit pictures and messages via social media and text messages to several female juveniles ranging in age from 14 to 17 years of age.

THE INVESTIGATION

Detectives from the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station conducted the investigation and identified over a dozen  victims, to date.

The unidentified teenager was contacted by deputies, interviewed and taken into custody without incident. The suspect is currently on felony probation on unrelated charges.

Following his arrest, the 17-year-old male was booked at San Bernardino County Juvenile Hall. He remains in custody, according to a media advisory issued by the Sheriff’s Department.

Criminal charges were filed by the District Attorney on Wednesday, March 19. The District Attorney reportedly filed 10 counts of making annoying phone calls against the young man.

SEXTING INFORMATION

Sexting, for those unaware, is the sharing of sexually explicit material or images via text message. Federal law prohibits the “production, distribution, reception, and possession of an image of child pornography.”

The legal definition of sexually explicit conduct does not require that the image depict a minor engaging in sexual activity.

Parents in the mountain communities are encouraged to talk with their children about the importance of immediately reporting obscene materials received via social media and/or text messaging.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Individuals with additional information about the case are encouraged to contact the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station at (909) 866-0100.

Information may also be reported anonymously by contacting WE-TIP at (800) 78-CRIME. (118)

Transient parolee Edgar Alvin Haines is facing several charges — including possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of parole — after his arrest in Sugarloaf. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Sugarloaf, CA – A transient parolee is in custody at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga after being arrested in Sugarloaf by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station’s Multi-Enforcement Taskforce.

Edgar Alvin Haines, 40, made contact with MET officers at 8:20 a.m. on Thursday, March 20. Deputies conducted a pedestrian check on  Haines at the intersection of Wabash Avenue and Laurel Lane. Because Haines is a parolee, he was subject to search as a condition of his parole, according to a press release issued by the Big Bear Station.

During the search, deputies determined Haines was in violation of his parole because they found him to be in possession of drug paraphernalia, the release indicated.

THE ARREST

Haines was arrested at 8:48 a.m., according to booking documents.

During the investigation, deputies felt Haines matched the description of a suspect wanted in connection with a March 18 burglary in the same neighborhood.

After searching the location where Haines was staying, officers determined the suspect was in possession of stolen property from the burglary.

ONGOING INVESTIGATION

The case remains under investigation and MET officers have forwarded the case to the District Attorney’s office for review and filing of a criminal complaint.

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Bookkeeper Alyce Letisha Biggs will serve 11 years in prison after being sentenced for committing workers’ compensation insurance fraud, tax fraud and grand theft. (File Photo)

By G.T. Houts

San  Bernardino, CA – Lake Arrowhead bookkeeper Alyce Leticia (Tisha) Biggs, 44, has been sentenced to 11 years in state prison for committing workers’ compensation fraud, tax fraud and grand theft.

The sentence was handed down by Judge Annemarie Pace on Friday.

CASE INFORMATION

Biggs, former owner of Tisha Biggs & Company in Cedar Glen, was convicted in 2010 of workers’ compensation insurance fraud, tax fraud and grand theft. Judge James Dorr granted 60 months of supervised probation for all charges and ordered her to serve a year in custody.

Following completion of her custody time and, while on probation, the San Bernardino County District Attorney reports Biggs continued to steal from at least two of her clients.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S COMMENTS

“Biggs would take bank deposits from the victims that consisted of cash and checks, and, on the way to the bank would pocket the cash and only deposit the checks,” according to Deputy District Attorney Michael Chiriatti, Jr. stated.

Chiriatti, who prosecuted the case, reported that Biggs’ criminal activity continued for at least three years.

“As a result,” Chiriatti stated in a media release, “she was rearrested, her probation revoked, and a new criminal case was filed.”

GUILTY PLEA

Biggs entered a guilty plea on Friday, January 17, to six new counts of grand theft, admitted a white collar crime enhancement, and admitted that she was in violation of her prior probation.

Biggs also agreed, when she entered the guilty plea, that she would pay back the victims all of the money she took from them.

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John Wayne Thomson, 54, has been sentenced to death by Judge Michael A. Smith for the 2006 murder of Charles Ray Hedlund in the Cajon Pass. (File Photo)

By G.T. Houts

San Bernardino, CA – Judge Michael A. Smith has sentenced Cajon Pass murderer John  Wayne Thomson, 54, to death for the 2006 fatal stabbing of Charles Ray Hedlund, 55. Hedlund, a Beaumont businessman, stopped on the side of the road in the Cajon Pass to assist Thomson.

JURY’S DECISION UPHELD

Convicted  Cajon Pass murderer John Wayne Thomson. (File Photo)

Despite motions for a new trial and a request for life in prison, Judge Smith upheld decisions by the jury following a lengthy trial. The first decision — released October 16, 2013 — found Thomson guilty of murder with special circumstances during the commission of second degree robbery, aggravated mayhem, carjacking and attempted carjacking.

The jury’s second decision came during the penalty phase — December 19, 2013 — recommending the death penalty.

PROSECUTOR’S STATEMENT

“John Thomson is the reason why the death penalty is still relevant,” Supervising Deputy District Attorney Robert Bulloch stated in a press release.

“He has served time in state prison repeatedly. While incarcerated, he was given every opportunity to be rehabilitated, but each time he got out, he committed even more violent and serious felonies. As this case demonstrated, even when he was locked up and facing murder charges and the death penalty, he continued to prey on society by soliciting the murders of three innocent people from jail,” Bulloch’s statement continued.

“There is nothing else that society can do to stop Thomson, other than to give him the harshest punishment,” Bulloch — who prosecuted the case — concluded.

ADDITIONAL CHARGES PENDING

Cowlitz County (Washington) Prosecutor Sue Baur told the Longview Daily News says she will now start the paperwork to bring Thomson back to stand trial here for the July 16, 2006, death of Longview native Lori Hamm, 36.

Thomson has also been linked to the death of James Francis Ehrgott, 73, a few weeks before Hamm’s death. Ehrgott was from Spokane and had been reported missing since July 2, 2006.

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By G.T. Houts

Sugarloaf, CA – A report of two subjects rummaging through vehicles in a Sugarloaf residential area brought a quick response from the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station. The numerous callers told Sheriff’s Department Dispatch the two men were taking property from vehicles in the area of Barton Lane and Maple Lane.

Units arrived at about 6:45 a.m., April 9, and located the suspects — Matthew Mark Nett, 19, and Tyler Scott Jackson , 22 —  in possession of property allegedly stolen  from the vehicles. Nett is a transient and Jackson a resident of Big Bear City.

THE INVESTIGATION/ARREST

During the investigation, deputies determined a total of five vehicles had been broken  into.

Deputies explained in a media release that the suspects had also unsuccessfully attempted to steal one of the vehicles.

The two were placed under arrest April 9 at 5:30 p.m. and remain in custody at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.  Bail was initially set at $25,000.

Nett and Jackson face a variety of charges including petty theft, possession of stolen property and attempted auto theft. In  addition, Jackson was booked on an  outstanding warrant for shoplifting.

ARRAIGNMENT SCHEDULED

Video arraignments are scheduled for both suspects at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, April 11. (95)

Alleged abuse of inmates at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga is being investigated by the FBI and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Rancho Cucamonga, CA – The Federal Bureau of Investigation has assumed the lead into allegations of of mistreatment of inmates at the West Valley Detention Center (WVDC) in  Rancho Cucamonga by members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

West Valley Detention Center (Contributed Photo)

Three deputies assigned to the jail facility are no longer employed by the Sheriff’s Department.

California law prohibits the release of details regarding personnel investigations and the Sheriff’s Department can

not release the names of involved parties.

CHAIN OF EVENTS

On Wednesday, March 5, members of the Sheriff’s Department command staff received information regarding possible misconduct by department personnel at the West Valley Detention Center and immediately launched an investigation.

As department officials delved into the issue deeper, they learned of a similar inquiry by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

By Thursday, March 6, the FBI and Sheriff’s Department were in full cooperation in order to ensure a comprehensive investigation is completed, according to a media release issued by the Sheriff’s Department.

“I will not tolerate any misconduct by department personnel,” Sheriff John McMahon stated in a media release. “These allegations are being taken very seriously and this department is determined to get answers.”

THE INVESTIGATION

The FBI is the primary investigative agency in regard to any possible criminal charges.

A statement from the FBI indicated it is investigating alleged civil rights violations of inmates at the jail facility and that the U.S. Attorney’s office in Los Angeles would be provided details of the investigation for possible filing of criminal charges.

The investigation is ongoing, and no further information has been released. (101)