Ronald Michael Hitchcock, accused of the 2012 murder of Deborah Ann Crouch, will now have a disposition/reset hearing on Tuesday, November 4, after the defense counsel requested a continuance in August.. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

San Bernardino, CA – After a three month delay, Big Bear murder suspect Ronald Michael Hitchcock, 58,  returns to court Tuesday, November 4. Hitchcock, 58, who is charged with the murder of Erwin Lake resident, Deborah Ann Crouch, 53, will be have a disposition/reset hearing at 8:30 a.m. in San Bernardino County Superior Court Department S-16.

Hitchcock has already entered a not guilty plea to murder and cruelty to another’s animal.

THE CASE

Deborah Anne Crouch (Contributed Photo)

Court documents indicate 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.

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

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

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

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department homicide detectives were summoned to the scene and, following their investigation  — which included a search of Crouch’s residence on E Lane in Erwin Lake — placed Hitchcock under arrest.

IN CUSTODY

Bail remains at $1 million.

Hitchcock is currently in custody at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

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The 44-year-old child care provider charged with multiple counts of child abuse,– Mark Curtis Marcum — fired his attorney prior to a scheduled disposition/reset hearing. The action delayed the hearing until December 11, (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

UPDATE: November 5 – 3:55 p.m.

San Bernardino, CA – The disposition /reset hearing for 44-year-old Mark Curtis Marcum from Big Bear City — a former child care provider facing numerous sex abuse charges — took an unusual turn Wednesday when he fired his attorney.

Judge Michael M. Dest convened the hearing in Department S-17 only to be informed by attorney Cynthia Dunning that she had been terminated by Marcum.

Dunning was relieved by the court after returning discovery materials to Judge Dest.

HEARING RESCHEDULED

The court advised Marcum that if he has not retained counsel by the next hearing date — December 11 at 8:30 a.m. — the court will appoint counsel to represent him.

ORIGINAL STORY

Big Bear City, CA – The 44-year-old Big Bear City man, who was employed as a child care provider, facing multiple sex abuse charges after allegedly orally copulating a 7-year-old victim, returns to court on Wednesday, November 5, for a disposition/reset hearing.

The man — identified in court documents as Mark Curtis Marcum — has entered a not guilty plea to the charges. During his last court appearance on September 10, Marcum’s attorney Cynthia Dunning was granted a continuance by Judge Annemarie G. Pace.

He remains in custody at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga with bail set at $1 million.

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. (287)

The suspect in the murders of the McStay family — Charles “Chase” Merritt — has entered a not guilty plea to four murder counts in Victorville Superior Court. (Photo by Sheriff’s Department)

By G. T. Houts

UPDATE: Wednesday, November 12 – 3 p.m.

Victorville, CA – Judge Raymond Haight arraigned  57-year-old Charles “Chase” Merritt in Victorville Superior Court Wednesday afternoon related to the deaths of the four members of the McStay Family. He entered a plea of not guilty to all charges and denied special allegations.

Defense attorney Robert Ponce was retained and the case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Sean Daugherty.

NEXT COURT APPEARANCE

Merritt’s next court appearance is for a pre-preliminary hearing on November 20 at 8:30 a.m. in Department V-8.

UPDATE: Friday, November 7 – 3:13 p.m.

Victorville, CA – The formal arraignment of  McStay family murder suspect — 57-year-old Charles “Chase” Merritt — has been postponed until 1:30 p.m.  on Wednesday, November 12, according to court documents.

Merritt made a brief court appearance Friday afternoon with relatives from both the McStay and Merritt families in attendance.

Still photographs were allowed in the courtroom. However, Merritt’s attorney requested that no additional photographs be allowed indicating photos could prohibit Merritt from receiving a fair trial.

ORIGINAL STORY

San Bernardino, CA – “Last year, I promised the family that our department would do everything in our power to solve this case,” San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon told a press conference announcing the arrest of a suspect in the killing of four members of the McStay family.

McMahon explained that 40-year-old Joseph McStay, his wife 43-year-old Summer, and their children, Gianni, 4, and Joey, 3.  were killed in their Fallbrook residence on February 4, 2010.

Their remains were found November 11, 2013, in two shallow graves in the county area near Victorville, near I-15.

An off-road motorcyclist discovered the remains and notified authorities who located the graves.

THE SUSPECT

The suspect — identified as 57-year-old Charles “Chase” Merritt — was a former business partner of Joseph McStay.

Joseph McStay owned Earth Inspired Products. The firm specialized in interior water features, according to information released by the Sheriff’s Department.

Merritt and McStay were business partners in the San Clemente-based business.

Merritt was arrested at a home in Chatsworth on Wednesday, November 5.  He was transported to the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamionga where he was booked for the McStay family murders.

He was scheduled for arraignment Friday afternoon in Victorville Superior Court.

THE INVESTIGATION

Charles “Chase” Merritt (Photo by Sheriff’s Department)

During the course of the investigation, Sheriff McMahon explained, 60 search warrants were served and over 200 interviews were conducted.

McMahon also thanked the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department for providing over 4,500 pages of investigative materials that was reviewed by homicide detectives.

The cause of death was revealed to be “blunt force trauma.” However, detectives declined to disclose a motive for the killings.

SUSPECT FACES FOUR MURDER COUNTS

During the news conference,  carried live on several television stations,  it was disclosed that investigators believe Merritt acted alone in the murders.

San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos also announced that four murder counts have been filed against Merritt.

Merritt is being held without bail.
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A 19-year-old Big Bear City man — Hany Basem Gatas — has entered a not guilty plea to three counts of sexual molestation of two boys under the age of 10. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

San  Bernardino, CA – Hany Basem Gatas, 19,  has entered a plea of not guilty to sex abuse charges via video from West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. The Big Bear City resident is charged with sodomy on a child under the age of 10 and sexual penetration with a child under the age of 10.

Bail has been set at $500,000 related to the sexual molestation of two boys, ages 5 and 8.

THE CASE

Detectives from the Big Bear Station arrested Gatas on Friday, November 7, at 2 p.m.,  following an ongoing molestation investigation.

The San Bernardino County District Attorney filed the felony charges following review of the case as submitted by the detectives.

If convicted of the three felony counts, Gatas could be required to register as a sex offender.

ON PROBATION

Gatas is already on probation for 36 months following a plea of nolo contendre to a felony burglary charge stemming from an incident on July 9, 2013.

On August 23, 2013, Judge William Jefferson Powell pronounced sentence — 90 days in a county jail with credit for time served of 90 days — and placed Gatas on 36 months of supervised probation.

The court retained jurisdiction  on the issue of restitution and ordered Gatas to pay $26 per month through Central Collections.

Protective orders were also issued in that case. (936)

A 39-year-old Big Bear Lake resident has been charged with a residential burglary that took place in Twin Peaks, four additional burglary cases and two cases of grand theft auto. (File Photo)

By G.T. Houts

Mountain Communities – Jason Daniel Hernandez, 39, a resident of Big Bear Lake has been charged with a residential burglary that took place in Twin Peaks, four additional burglary cases and two cases of grand theft auto. With all those charges, it’s going to take five court dates to arraign Hernandez this coming week.

THE CASE

Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Hernandez at 1:23 p.m. on November 13 on Big Bear Boulevard near Fox Farm and booked him at the Big Bear Jail.

That arrest was for his alleged role in the Twin Peaks residential burglary.

The Multiple Enforcement Team (MET) of the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station conducted an additional investigation and linked Hernandez to the additional burglaries and grand theft auto cases, according to a media release. Those cases occurred in the Big Bear Lake residential neighborhood off Catalina Road.

PROPERTY RECOVERED

Deputies report that, with Hernandez’ arrest, they were able to recover multiple stolen items including a vehicle and electronic devices.

The owners of the recovered property have been identified.

COURT APPEARANCES

Here is a list of the five court arraignment hearings appearances scheduled at 12:30 p.m. this week for Hernandez:

* Monday, November 17 – BURGLARY – $75,000 bail

* Tuesday, November 18 – BURGLARY – $25,000 bail

* Wednesday, November 19 – BURGLARY – $25,000 bail

* Thursday, November 20 – GRAND THEFT AUTO/BURGLARY – $50,000 bail

* Friday, November 21 – GRAND THEFT AUTO/BURGLARY – $50,000 bail

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Last April, a manager of the Big Bear Lake McDonald’s was arrested on suspicion of sex crimes involving an under age employee. On October 23, he entered a plea of nolo contendere to a single count of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor and is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday, November 21. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

San Bernardino, CA - Judge Steve Malone is scheduled to sentence Scott Michael Ross. 33, a former restaurant manager on Friday, November 21, after he entered a plea of nolo contendere to a single count of sexual intercourse with a minor. Sentencing is on the court calendar for 8:30 a.m. in Department S-12.

Ross had faced five felony counts of sex-related charges involving a 16-year-old female employee of the Big Bear Lake McDonald’s where he was a manager before the court accepted his plea bargain on October 23.

Judge Malone released Ross on his own recognizance and was referred to the Probation Office for a pre-sentence investigation and report. That report was filed with the court on November 17.

THE CASE

A media advisory indicates that at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 28, the 16-year-old female victim and family members went to the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station to report incidents of unlawful sexual acts against the juvenile.

Detectives made contact with all involved parties and determined that Ross had sexual relations with the teenage female, according to the department release.

Through investigation, detectives also determined that Ross had sent sexually explicit photographs to the victim via cell phone.

THE ARREST

Ross was arrested without incident and booked at 10:57 p.m. at the Big Bear Jail on April 28., according to booking documents. (395)

By G.T. Houts

San Bernardino, CA – A 32-year-old Sugarloaf mother — Melissa Diane Epperley — accused of kidnapping her 3-year-old son from the child’s father has plead guilty to felony child abduction charges.

The defendant’s mother, Wanda Darlene Epperley, 64, of Sugarloaf, who was charged with aiding and abetting in the abduction, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor child abduction.

Melissa Diane Epperley and Anthony Tummarello, Jr. (Contributed Photo)

BOY’S RECOVERY

On Thursday, November 6, investigators from the Child Abduction Unit of the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office recovered 3-year-old Anthony Joseph Tummarello, Jr. at the Calexico Border Patrol Station.

District Attorney investigators were able to reunite the child with his father, Anthony Tummarello, Sr., 29, of Mount Baldy, later that same night.

THE ARREST

On November 6, investigators arrested the young boy’s mother who was wanted on charges of kidnapping and child abduction.

Melissa Epperley had withheld Anthony, Jr. from his father since February 2013 without the father’s consent and evaded law enforcement.

Melissa Epperley was sentenced to 6 months in County Jail and 5 years’ probation. Judge Dwight Moore gave the mother credit for 14 days served and ordered her to make restitution to the boy’s father for all recovery expenses.

WANDA DARLENE EPPERLEY

The defendant’s mother was sentenced to 36 months conditional and revocable release and to pay a fine of $1,235 to the victim’s restitution fund.

THE INVESTIGATION

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Big Bear Station, assisted in the investigation. In addition, the California Department of Justice assisted in the recovery of the child from Mexico. (140)

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is advising mountain residents of a series of phone scams that are currently being utilized by scammers. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

San Bernardino, CA – Everyone residing in the mountain communities is a potential target of phone scammers. Fraud isn’t limited to race, ethnic background, gender, age, education, or income.

However, some scams seem to concentrate in certain groups. For example, older people may be targeted because the caller assumes they may live alone, have a nest egg, or may be more polite toward strangers.

LOCAL PHONE SCAMS

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is currently reminding citizens of the increasing frequency of telephone scams occurring throughout our county and others.

One of the recent local scams involves a person impersonating an official from a government agency, typically the sheriff’s department, requesting payment for alleged outstanding warrants or jury absences.

“Please understand that neither the Sheriff’s Department nor its representatives will call or email requesting any such payments,” according to a press release issued by the Sheriff’s Department.

In previous cases, the caller will request personal information such as birth dates and Social Security numbers for verification purposes.

These types of scams usually include payment options such as Green Dot Money Pak or other prepaid debit or credit cards, Money Orders, or Cashier’s Checks.

“These requests are not legitimate and do not originate from our courts or any other official agencies. Court officers never ask for confidential information over the phone,” the media advisory emphasized.

SCAM TIPS

The following tips may help protect you from being a victim of these scams:

• Never reveal any personal information when speaking to an unsolicited caller.

• Court staff will never call to collect fines over the phone. Court correspondence will occur through the mail.

• Verify the person’s identity. Ask for their name and other pertinent details. If they claim to work for a specific county or city, hang up and call the alleged organization at a number you know is correct. The caller is likely to hang up as you begin asking these details.

• Caller ID numbers can be spoofed. Scammers are spoofing caller ID numbers to make them seem more legitimate, making their phone numbers seem like they are calling from a local phone number.

CONTACT AUTHORITIES

Mountain residents receiving calls similar to the one described above are encouraged to call the local Police / Sheriff’s Department to report the incident.

The Twin Peaks Station can be reached at (909) 336-0600 and the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station at (909) 866-0100.

Individuals may also contact the courts to verify that there are no pending matters in their name. (526)

The 39-year-old Big Bear Lake resident charged with a residential burglary that took place in Twin Peaks, four additional burglary cases and two cases of grand theft auto, returns to court December 2. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

San Bernardino, CA - Jason Daniel Hernandez, 39, a resident of Big Bear Lake charged with a residential burglary that took place in Twin Peaks, four additional burglary cases and two cases of grand theft auto, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, December 2. He has entered a not guilty plea to all charges.

The hearing  is  set to begin at 8:30 a.m  in Department S-12.

THE CASE

On November 13, Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Hernandez at 1:23 p.m. on Big Bear Boulevard near Fox Farm and booked him at the Big Bear Jail.

That arrest was for his alleged role in the Twin Peaks residential burglary.

The Multiple Enforcement Team (MET) of the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station conducted an additional investigation and linked Hernandez to the additional burglaries and two grand theft auto cases, according to a media release. Those cases occurred in the Big Bear Lake residential neighborhood off Catalina Road.

IN CUSTODY

Hernandez remains in custody at the Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center in Devore.

Bail is currently set at $225,000, according to booking documents. (22)

The California Highway Patrol arrested a Crestline man for allegedly being in possession of stolen property after the officer observed suspicious activity in and around the cell tower site off Highway 18 at Upper Waterman Canyon Road.(Photo by ROTWNEWS.com)

By G.T. Houts

San  Bernardino, CA – A California Highway Patrol officer observed alleged suspicious activity at a cell phone tower site on Highway 18 at Upper Waterman Canyon Road and stopped to investigate. The officer observed a 42-year-old Crestline man in and around the cell tower disguised as a pine tree and began to ask questions.

The cell tower site is well marked with NO TRESPASSING signs. (Photo by ROTWNEWS.com )

While the officer was at it, wants and warrants were issued on the man — identified as Shawn Anthony Handley — and data on the vehicle parked at the site.

THE INCIDENT

The Thursday, November 30 incident, led to the eventual arrest at 3:55 p.m. of Handley on an initial charge of being in possession of stolen property. But it had nothing to do with any items that may have been removed from the cell tower site.

The vehicle at the site had been reported stolen.

Handley was also wanted on a warrant issued July 8 for another incident involving attempted theft of personal property dating back to April 28. That warrant was issued by Judge Michael A. Smith.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Handley was booked at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino where he is being held on $50,000 bail.

The booking charges were for being in possession of stolen property and grand theft auto.

Handley is scheduled to be arraigned on the new charges at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2.

A Sprint employee at the site on December 1 showed ROTWNEWS.com several boxes that had been forced open. However, it was not immediately clear whether the damaged boxes were related to the incident involving Handley. (Photo by ROTWNEWS.com )

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By G. T. Houts

UPDATE: Wednesday, November 5 – 4:11 p.m.

Twin Peaks, CA – Most Wanted suspect Matthew Richard Ricksecker, 39, has entered not guilty pleas to one felony count of attempted grand theft of personal property, and two misdemeanor counts of trespassing with the owner’s consent and stalking.

Court Commissioner Ronald J. Gilbert conducted Ricksecker’s arraignment Tuesday via video and heard the defendant plead not guilty to all counts.

The court appointed the Public Defender to represent Ricksecker.

Ricksecker remains in custody at the West Valley Detention Center and is being held on $100,000 bail.

NEXT COURT APPEARANCE

A -pre-preliminary hearing was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. in Department S-17 on Thursday, November 13.

UPDATE: Monday,  November 3 – 4:20 p.m.

Twin Peaks,  CA – The Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station has announced that the latest Most Wanted Fugitive — Matthew Richard Ricksecker, 39 — is in custody at the West Valley Detention Center and being held on $125,000 bail.

Ricksecker is scheduled to appear in San Bernardino Superior Court at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, related to a variety of warrants including burglary, stalking and robbery.

THE ARREST

Ricksecker was apprehended in the 100 block of Grizzly Road in Lake Arrowhead at 2:30 p.m. on November 1, according to documents supplied by the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station.

Narcotics found at the Lake Arrowhead location, during the service of a search warrant, field tested for heroin and deputies also found controlled pills and glass meth pipes, information supplied to ROTWNEWS.com revealed.

ORIGINAL STORY

Twin Peaks, CA – Matthew Richard Ricksecker, 39, has been named to the Mountain’s Most Wanted List by the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station,  according to Captain Rick Ells.

Captain Ells told ROTWNEWS.com that Ricksecker is wanted on a variety of warrants including burglary, stalking and robbery.

He described Ricksecker as being about 5-foot, 9-inches tall and weighing about 180 pounds. The fugitive has brown hair and blue eyes, as stated in a media release issued by the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

In March, Ricksecker was convicted of a misdemeanor count of carrying a dirk or dagger with pronouncement of judgment ordered withheld and conditional and revocable release granted for a period of 36 months.

In September, a warrant for Ricksecker’s arrest was issued after he failed to appear for arraignment on a charge of using or being under the influence of a controlled substance.

During that scheduled September 29 court date,  Ricksecker was also scheduled to be arraigned on a second misdemeanor count of possessing a controlled substance–instrument/paraphernalia, according to San Bernardino County Superior Court documents.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Persons with information about Ricksecker’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) or visit WE-TIP online. (824)

Ronald Michael Hitchcock, accused of the 2012 murder of Deborah Ann Crouch, will now have a disposition/reset hearing on Tuesday, January 27, after the case was continued by stipulation. (File Photo)

San Bernardino, CA – The case against Big Bear murder suspect Ronald Michael Hitchcock, 58, has been continued until Tuesday, January 27, by stipulation. Hitchcock, who is being held at the West Valley Detention Center on $1 million bail, appeared in court December 4 before Judge J. David Mazurek for a pre-trail hearing.

The fact the January 27 a disposition/reset hearing was scheduled rather than a pre-trial hearing could once again signal a plea bargain may be close in the murder of Erwin Lake resident, Deborah Ann Crouch, 53. That hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. in Department S-16.

THE 2012 CASE

Hitchcock is facing 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.

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

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

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

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

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Charles Steve Ortez, who allegedly stole Twinkies and other items from a Twin Peaks Market at gunpoint, returns to court on Tuesday, December 9. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

San Bernardino, CA – The so-called Twinkies bandit — Charles Steve Ortez, Jr. — returns to San Bernardino County Superior Court for a disposition/reset hearing at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-9, on Tuesday, December 9. Ortez is accused of robbing a Twin Peaks convenience store at gunpoint of Twinkies and other items.

On Wednesday, November 12, Judge Lorenzo Rafael Balderrama continued the case against Ortez after hearing there is possible resolution in the works.

Judge Balderrama was informed during the previous hearing by Deputy District Attorney Laura Robles and Public Defender Derrick Smith that a plea bargain is close to be accepted by both parties and requested a continuation to complete the deal.

Ortez remains in custody at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino on $500,000 bail. He has entered a not guilty plea to all charges.

THE TWINKIES CASE

Mountain High Market in Twin Peaks. (Photo by ROTWNEWS.com)

Ortez, Jr., now 64, is charged with allegedly robbing Mountain High Market in Twin Peaks on Monday, October 1, 2012, of Twinkies, milk, Coke, whiskey and cash.

The armed robbery, utilizing a Taurus .38-caliber revolver,  took place about three minutes before the market was scheduled to close for the night, according to documents released by the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station. The robber was carrying a black duffel bag and he utilized it to carry the items taken after he ordered the female cashier to lie on the floor while he added money from the register.

The gun believed used in the robbery was recovered when Ortez was arrested at 9:30 a.m. on October 31, 2012. It was his 62nd birthday. (64)

Steve Michael Baumgartner, 53 — who is accused of the murder of Michael Paul Clark in Crestline on June 30 — heads back to court for a preliminary hearing on December 19. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

UPDATE: Wednesday, December 17 – 12:05 p.m.

San Bernardino, CA – The preliminary hearing for Crestline murder suspect — Steve Michael Baumgartner — has been confirmed for 8:30 a.m. on  Friday,  December 19,  in Department S-17.

Baumgartner,  who  is accused of the murder of Michael Paul Clark in Crestline on June 30, appeared briefly Wednesday (December 17) before Judge Annemarie G. Pace. The judge was notified all parties are ready for the preliminary hearing and ordered the defendant to appear on the hearing date.

The 53-year-old Baumgartner is being held on $1.75 million bail at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino.

ORIGINAL STORY

San Bernardino, CA – Crestline murder suspect Steve Michael Baumgartner, 53, returns to court Wednesday, December 17, for a pre-preliminary hearing at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-17. A preliminary hearing is set for Friday, December 19. He is accused of the murder of Michael Paul Clark in Crestline on June 30.

Steve Michael Baumgartner (Contributed Photo)

Superior Court Judge Annemarie Pace granted a continuance on October 14, because Baumgartner’s attorney — Charles Kenyon — was involved in another trial. Kenyon is a Riverside criminal defense attorney and joined Baumgartner’s defense team on August 26.  He is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Rosa Clark.

Baumgartner is being held on $1.75 million bail at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino.

A preliminary hearing for Baumgartner is on the court calendar for Friday, December 19, at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-17-P.

THE CASE

The Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station and Homicide Detectives indicate that Baumgartner reportedly shot Clark — his next door neighbor in the 23000 block of Wildwood Lane in Crestline — in the face with a .357 Magnum after the two men got in an argument outside Clark’s home.

Sheriff’s Dispatchers were told by numerous 9-1-1 callers about the incident that occurred about 5:14 p.m., June 30. First responders transported Clark to St. Bernardine Medical Center in San Bernardino where he was pronounced dead at 6:09 p.m.

Baumgartner, a former Riverside County Deputy Sheriff, is accused of Clark’s shooting death in the 23000 block of Wildwood Lane in Crestline.

He has entered a not guilty plea and also denied special allegations, according to court documents reviewed by ROTWNEWS.com.

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Jessica Stella Mindivil (aka Mendival) is the mountain’s newest MOST WANTED fugitive. (Contributed Photo)

By G.T. Houts

Twin  Peaks, CA – The Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station has listed Jessica Stella Mendivil (aka Mendival) as the mountain’s newest MOST WANTED fugitive. She is sought on a no bail warrant for being in possession of stolen property.

A warrant for Mendivil was issued by San Bernardino County Superior Court Judge William Jefferson Powell on December 22 at 3:21 p.m. after he revoked her probation. The warrant indicates she failed to comply with term 002 006 of her probation order.

Mendivil was found guilty December 17, 2013, for receiving known stolen property valued in excess of $400.

She is described by Twin  Peaks detectives as being 5-foot 4-inches tall, weighing about 126 pounds and having brown eyes and black hair.

CONTACT TWIN PEAKS

Individuals with information about Mendivil are urged to contact the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Department at (909) 336-0600. Anonymous callers should dial the We-TIP hotline at (800) 78-CRIME (800-782-7463) or visit WE-TIP online.

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Edgar Alvin Haines, a 40-year-old parolee from Sugarloaf faces multiple court hearings on Tuesday, January 13, including a disposition/reset for burglary and three modification of sentence hearings for being in violation of his parole. (File Photo)

By G.T. Houts

San  Bernardino, CA – A 40-year-old transient parolee from Sugarloaf — Edgar Alvin Haines — returns to San Bernardino County Superior Court on Tuesday, January 13, for three modification of sentence hearings and a disposition reset hearing on a burglary charge. The hearings are set for 8:31 a.m. in Department S-19.

During his most recent court appearance — on Tuesday, January 5 — Judge R. Glenn Yabuno continued the suspension  of criminal proceedings to consider a Penal Code 1368 trial motion contending Haines is not in any mental condition to participate meaningfully in his own defense.

SUGARLOAF BURGLARIES 

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

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

HAINES’ ARREST

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

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

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Haines is currently in custody at the Adelanto Detention Center in Adelanto and is being held at $500,000 bail. (111)

Charles Steve Ortez, 64, who allegedly stole Twinkies and other items from a Twin Peaks Market at gunpoint, returns to court on Wednesday, January 14. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

San Bernardino, CA – Charles Steve Ortez, Jr. — the so-called Twinkies Bandit — returns to San Bernardino County Superior Court for a disposition/reset hearing at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-9, on Wednesday, January 14. Ortez, now 64,  is accused of robbing a Twin Peaks convenience store at gunpoint of Twinkies and other items.

Mountain High Market in Twin Peaks. (Photo by ROTWNEWS.com)

On Wednesday, December 10, Judge Elia V. Pirozza continued the case against Ortez — at the request of interim defense counsel Samra Roth after hearing full-time counsel Derrick Smith was working on a possible resolution to the case.

Ortez remains in custody at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino on $500,000 bail. He has entered a not guilty plea to all charges.

THE TWINKIES CASE

Ortez, Jr. is charged with allegedly robbing Mountain High Market in Twin Peaks on Monday, October 1, 2012, of Twinkies, milk, Coke, whiskey and cash.

The armed robbery, utilizing a Taurus .38-caliber revolver,  took place about three minutes before the market was scheduled to close for the night, according to a media release issued by the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station.

The robber was carrying a black duffel bag and he utilized it to carry the items taken after he ordered the female cashier to lie on the floor while he added money from the register.

The gun believed used in the robbery was recovered when Ortez was arrested at 9:30 a.m. on October 31, 2012. (76)

A police pursuit closed Highway 330 for a short period Wednesday afternoon. It ended after a spike strip was utilized to stop a red Nissan Pathfinder, (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

UPDATE: Wednesday, January 14 – 4:06 p.m.

Mountain Communities – A 25-year-old man — identified as Michael Gillespie — is in custody following a vehicle pursuit that started in the 41000 block of Big Bear Boulevard in Big Bear Lake about 1 p.m., Wednesday. It ended without incident at the U.S. Forest Service Ranger Station when a spike strip was utilized at the lower passing lanes to halt Gillespie’s red Nissan Pathfinder.

THE INCIDENT

Big Bear Sheriff’s deputies responded to a disturbance at Big Bear Resort Management at the aforementioned address. Deputies learned Gillespie had reportedly become agitated when he was asked to vacate a rental property. Arriving officers observed Gillespie speeding away from the business in a red Nissan Pathfinder.

A media release from  the Sheriff’s Department indicates officers recognized Gillespie from prior law enforcement contact.

THE PURSUIT

A traffic stop was initiated, according to deputies, and Gillespie refused to yield. The red Nissan was pursued into a nearby parking lot where it became unsafe due to the amount of pedestrians in the area.

Visual contact was lost,  but deputies believed Gillespie would attempt to make his way down the hill.

With the assistance of the Sheriff’s Aviation Division and deputies from the Twin Peaks and Highland Sheriff’s Station, Gillespie was located on Highway 330 in the Running Springs area.

Gillespie’s red Nissan was reported to be heading down the mountain erratically at speeds up to 50 miles per hour.

Deputies successfully engaged the use of a spike strip on Gillespie’s vehicle near the Ranger Station on Highway 330, puncturing three tires on the vehicle and causing it to stop. Gillespie was taken into custody without further incident and was to be booked at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

Bail has been established at $100,000.

ORIGINAL STORY

Mountain Communities – A police pursuit Wednesday afternoon closed Highway 330 between  Running Springs and Highland for a short period. A spike strip was utilized near the U.S. Forest Service Ranger Station at the lower passing lanes to end the pursuit of a red Nissan Pathfinder.

The incident began in Big Bear Lake at about 1 p.m. and involved Sheriff’s Aviation, and deputies from the Big Bear, Twin Peaks and Highland Sheriff;’s Stations.

Additional details will be released shortly.

  (339)

About 60 wooden crosses are still missing from in front of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Big Bear City, and the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station is asking the public for assistance in solving the crime. (Contributed Photo)

By G.T. Houts

Biog Bear City, CA – The Big Bear Sheriff’s Station is seeking the public’s assistance to help solve the disappearance of about 60 wooden crosses from the front of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Big Bear City.

The crosses — which have been missing since just before Christmas — were taken from the church property at 42242 North Shore Drive.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A media advisory requesting assistance indicates that sometime between December 20 and December 21, an unknown suspect stole the wooden crosses from the front of the church complex.

Anyone with information regarding this theft is requested to contact Detective Justin Giles at the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station at (909) 866-0100. (92)

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

By G. T. Houts

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

Brenda Sierra (Contributed Photo)

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

PERSONS OF INTEREST

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

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

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

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

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

VOE WITNESSES SOUGHT

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

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

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

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

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