Woman Sentenced For ID Theft

District Attorney Jan Scully announced today that Jennifer Chavez was sentenced by the Judge Judy Hersher to three years and four months in state prison for her role in an identity theft ring. Chavez was on probation for similar offenses when she committed these crimes.

From March 28 through April 16th of 2009, Chavez used the name of one victim and the bank routing number of a second victim to forge and cash 13 counterfeit checks. She obtained the personal information needed to create the checks by “dumpster diving” and stealing mail.

A search of her home revealed additional counterfeit checks, computers, printing equipment and stolen mail from several victims. Detectives were able to retrace the fraudulent transactions and obtained surveillance footage of the defendant committing several of the crimes.

The investigation led detectives to connect at least three other persons to the crimes. Two have been arrested and are pending charges. A third remains at large.
Deputy District Attorney Robert Clancey stated, “Criminals will go to any length to attain personal information and commit ID theft. Today’s sentencing reflects the seriousness of these financial crimes and brings this repeat offender to justice.”

Homicide On Sunnyslope Drive

On June 22, 2009, at 10:50 p.m. Sacramento County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call regarding gunshots being heard in the apartment complex located in the 6700 block of Sunnyslope Drive. Deputies arrived and found a 26-year-old male resident of the complex lying on the ground suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedics transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

Investigators were unable to locate any witness to the shooting during their canvass of the apartment complex. Therefore, neither a motive for the shooting nor a suspect has been identified.

Anyone with information about this murder is urged to call Sheriff’s Homicide detectives at (916) 874-5115, or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00.

Task Force Investigation Results

On Friday, June 12, 2009, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department’s multi-agency drug task forces (HIDTA & CAL-MMET) concluded a 2-month investigation into a Sacramento/Bay Area cocaine-distribution network when detectives served a search warrant at a home in the 6000 block of Belleau Wood Lane in Sacramento. Taken into custody and booked into the Sacramento County Mail Jail were Sacramento residents Fidel Raymundo (64), his son, Abel Raymundo (30) and Bay Area resident, Martin Campos (35).

As a result of the investigation local and federal task force investigators (representing the Drug Enforcement Agency, Sacramento County Probation Department, Folsom Police Department, Sacramento Police Department, Citrus Heights Police Department and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department) seized 5 kilos of cocaine (11 pounds) with an estimated street value of $750,000.00; 223 grams marijuana; one semi-automatic handgun; and nearly $9,000.00 in cash.

The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program is a federally funded anti-drug program that enhances and coordinates drug control efforts among local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies. The program provides agencies with coordination, equipment, technology, and additional resources to combat drug trafficking and its harmful consequences in critical regions of the United States.

The California Multijurisdictional Methamphetamine Enforcement Team (CAL-MMET) Program works in conjunction with the federally funded Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (CV HIDTA) to intensify the current methamphetamine eradication efforts of those participating law enforcement agencies by providing additional resources for investigators and prosecutors specializing in methamphetamine offenses, as well as support staff, equipment, training and facilities. The Central Valley region has been identified as an area of the state where there is a high concentration of methamphetamine activity.

Fidel Raymundo was booked on the charge of transportation, sale, distribution of a controlled substance. He is being held without bail and is scheduled to be arraigned on June 16, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. in Department 63. Abel Raymundo was booked on the charges of transportation, sale, distribution of a controlled substance; possession or purchase for sale of a controlled substance; and possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm. He is being held without bail and is scheduled to be arraigned on June 16, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. in Department 61. Martin Campos was booked on the charges of transportation, sale, distribution of a controlled substance and possession or purchase for sale of a controlled substance. He is being held without bail and is scheduled to be arraigned on June 16, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. in Department 61.

Grandfather Arrested For Child Molestation

On June 11, 2009, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Child Abuse detectives arrested 57-year-old Lorenzo Jimenez, Sr. on child molestation charges. The victim is a young family member who had been staying with Jimenez, Sr. and his wife during the summer of 2008. Jimenez, Sr. has been a registered sex offender in the County of Sacramento for the past 30 years.

In April 2009, the victim told her mother Jimenez, Sr. had molested her. The victim’s mother notified the Sheriff’s Department and an investigation was initiated. Following the lengthy investigation, Child Abuse detectives submitted the case to the District Attorney’s office for review and a warrant was issued for the arrest of Jimenez, Sr.

Jimenez, Sr. was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on the felony charges of Sexual Acts with a Child 10-years-old or Younger and Engaging in Three or more Acts of Substantial Sexual Conduct With a Child Under Age 14. He is being held in lieu of $1,000,000 bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned on June 15, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. in Department 63.

According to detectives there is nothing that leads them to believe Jimenez, Sr. may have victimized other children. However, detectives are interested in finding and interviewing other local estranged Jimenez family members. Anyone with information regarding this case, or the prior bad acts of Lorenzo Jimenez, Sr., is urged to call Sheriff’s Child Abuse Detective Darin Pometta at (916) 874-5203, or (916) 874-5191.

Two “Sovereign Citizens” Convicted in Illegal Insurance Scheme

Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that a federal jury convicted JAMES S. KALFSBEEK, 71, of Arbuckle, and DONNA JEAN ROWE, 58, of Lodi, of conspiracy, mail fraud, and money laundering in connection with a fraudulent insurance scheme. KALFSBEEK was also convicted of related wire fraud counts. AMY LYNN POLNOFF, 51, of Lathrop, and KURT LAKOTA, 61, of Galt, previously entered guilty pleas in connection with the scheme.

This case is the product of an extensive investigation by the Sacramento Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Insurance.

According to Assistant United States Attorneys R. Steven Lapham and Russell L. Carlberg, who tried the case, KALFSBEEK, a Colusa County supervisor from 1987 to 1991, was the founder, president, and chairman of the board of Puget’s Sound Agricultural Society, Limited (PSASL), which operated from approximately 1994 to 2002. While claiming not to be an insurance company and not to be selling insurance, PSASL nevertheless sold a product that for all intents and purposes was automobile insurance. For a lifetime membership fee of $500 and an additional lifetime fee of $250 per vehicle, PSASL agreed to pay accident claims involving the PSASL member. PSASL paid those claims by assessing its members after the fact for the money needed to pay claims. Between 1996 and 2002, many states, including California, where PSASL was based, issued cease and desist orders, and other regulatory action, against PSASL for illegally engaging in the business of insurance. Two Canadian provinces also took regulatory action against PSASL.

KALFSBEEK and ROWE are self-avowed “sovereign citizens,” claiming that the United States and state governments are “alien corporations” with no authority over the “organic, Christian people.” They put their beliefs into action by operating PSASL completely outside of state insurance regulatory authorities. Yet, they issued insurance identification cards through PSASL that purported to be “in compliance with all state law.” Against state law and public policy, PSASL’s “policies” excluded coverage if alcohol was involved. Also contrary to state law, they did not pay for pain and suffering associated with car accidents because they considered pain and suffering part of “God’s plan.”

“Through their actions, the defendants defrauded their own members as well as, state departments of motor vehicles, and law enforcement. And they victimized innocent third parties who were injured by PSASL members,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Brown.

From 1994 through 2002, PSASL collected millions of dollars in fees. The evidence at trial showed that PSASL paid the smaller automobile insurance claims, but ignored large claims. For instance, they claimed that PSASL did not have to pay a $20 million Michigan judgment stemming from a crash that killed one person and left another person gravely injured for life. In the end, the defendants “paid” the grieving families the $20 million judgment, plus $5 million in interest, with a bogus financial document called a “Bill of Exchange.” That document fraudulently purported to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to pay $25 million to the families. After less than five hours of deliberation, the jury convicted on all counts of conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.

KALFSBEEK and ROWE are out of custody and are scheduled to be sentenced on August 25, 2009, by United States District Judge Lawrence K. Karlton. They face a statutory maximum penalty of up to 20 years on each mail fraud and wire fraud count, 20 years for each count of money laundering, and five years for the conspiracy count. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables and any applicable statutory sentencing factors.

Roseville Man Pleads Guilty to “Lasering” Police Helicopter

Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that BALTAZAR VALLADARES, 30, of Roseville, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge William B. Shubb to interference with the safe operation of an aircraft.

This case is the product of a joint investigation by the Federal Air Marshals, the FBI, the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department, the Roseville Police Department, and the Sacramento Police Department.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Matthew D. Segal, who is prosecuting the case, VALLADARES pleaded guilty to shining a laser at STAR 5, a Sacramento Sheriff’s Department helicopter. STAR 5 was in the area of VALLADARES’s residence investigating an earlier incident involving the lasering of a passenger airliner that had been on approach to Sacramento International Airport. VALLADARES, who had been drinking, shined a laser at the helicopter and then ran inside his residence. Investigating officers on the ground arrested him and found his laser.

Authorities have recognized that the lasering of aircraft is an increasingly serious problem and are formulating strategies to investigate and prosecute more offenders. The focused beams of a laser remain powerful even at a long distance, and even brief exposure to a laser beam can cause discomfort and temporary visual impairments, such as glare, flash blindness, and afterimages. Such impairments can have very grave consequences for pilots and for the safety of their aircraft in flight.

“Shining a laser at an aircraft is both dangerous and reckless. It is a serious violation of federal law and will be treated accordingly,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Brown.

VALLADARES is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Shubb on August 17, 2009 at 8:30 a.m. The maximum statutory penalty for interference with the safe operation of an aircraft is 20 years in prison. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables and any applicable statutory sentencing factors.

Dr. Scott Takasugi pled no contest to two felony counts of

Sacramento District Attorney Jan Scully announced today that Dr. Scott Takasugi pled no contest to two felony counts of sexual exploitation of a patient by a physician. Takasugi faces a possible three years and eight months in state prison and has agreed to surrender his medical license. He will also be required to register as a sex offender for life. The plea involved two counts relating to two different victims. Takasugi was a Kaiser Permanente plastic surgeon.

The first victim became a patient of Takasugi’s and was scheduled for cosmetic surgery in March of 2006. Just prior to surgery, she was placed in a pre-op room and
given medication to relax her in preparation for her procedure. Takasugi entered the room soon after and sexually assaulted the victim.

The second victim was scheduled for a cosmetic procedure in May of 2006. At her pre-op visit, Takasugi told the victim to remove her underwear and proceeded to sexually assault her and take graphic pictures during the offense.

Deputy District Attorney Keith Hill stated, “This is a case where a doctor used his trusted profession to sexually exploit his patients. With the defendant’s medical license revoked and the requirement for him to register as a sex offender, he can never again use his position to victimize future patients.

Takasugi will be sentenced on October 9, 2009 in Department 21 of the Sacramento County Superior Court.

Anatomy Of a Trial: An imperfect, but resilient, witness

Posted with permission from Notable Trials


Victim and witness SA held up OK under brutal cross-examination by defense attorney Charles Smith. She must come back Tuesday for more of the same.

The tepid prosecutor John Vacek ended his questioning just before the afternoon the noon break in People v. Joseph Patrick Griesa.

Smith came on strong, showing enough sympathy for witness SA so as not to alienate the jury, but not much more.

He immediately launched into the out-of-court settlement SA almost reached.

“You were going to get $100,000,” Smith said, implying that she was fabricating her story in her sex offense against case Mitchell Towing Service company manager Joseph Griesa upon the advice of her attorneys.

“The only thing they told me was to tell the truth,” prosecution witness SA replied.

There followed a grueling afternoon of Smith grilling SA. She generally held up under the questioning. Her memory failed from time to time and by late in the day she was visibly flagging. She asked for what appeared to be a restroom break about 4 p.m.

During the questioning, more details on what Griesa allegedly did. Suffice to say, he allegedly would call SA – 16 at the time – into his office, fondle her, pull down his gym shorts and jerk off. Griesa is reportedly in his mid-40s.

Smith showed no lack of energy in questioning SA over the details of her complaint against Griesa. He went into the photos she had of herself and of a facial bruise, the cell phone records, her previous testimony and other details.

A photo of her taken of her Oct. 26, 2007 showed no bruise, but the one taken of her shortly after that did, according to SA.

Smith challenged that by questioning the California Department of Motor Vehicles photo taken of SA and the plausibility of the follow-up photo provided of the bruise.

Frankly, as a spectator, the bruise photo of the bruise was so close up that it was impossible to know if it was taken of SA, or someone else.

“I alone can say it’s me,” Smith noted.

How was the picture taken, Smith wondered? She took it herself using a digital camera and using a bathroom mirror.

Where was the original film? It was on a simcard a toddler somehow got hold off and it disappeared, SA said.

Smith later got into why her family members didn’t notice all the bruises that peppered her body.

She wore long sleeves, SA said.

It got more intense.

Smith moved on to the incidents in which defendant Joseph Vacek allegedly sexually accosted SA. They involved touching, exposing himself, masturbating in his towing truck office and one strange incident in which he was a supposed to have transported a drunk SA to a Township countryside location, raped her and then transported her back to the office.

Defense produced photos of the physically layout of the dispatch office and Griesa’s private office.

If the incidents took place, how could they have gone unnoticed by co-workers and why didn’t SA shout out, Smith wondered?

These “sexual attacks (allegedly) took place when others were present, including Robert Griesa (the defendant’s father) were only 10 yards away,” Smith asked.

Smith furthermore warned SA that cell phone records would shout where she and the defendant were when suggestive text messages were recorded.

“You know we can subpoena your phone records,” the aggressive questioner, Smith, said.

He also asserted that records would show that SA initiated cell and text messages with Griesa.

One of the claims defense makes is that Griesa was out of town when some of the sexual offenses SA alleges took place and credit card records will show that.

“Not even feasible, you know that,” Smith said in his vigorous cross examination.

If SA was getting suggestive cell phone calls and text messages, why didn’t she just ignore them, rather than respond to them, Smith asked.

SA said she was afraid not to, because Griesa had mad threats against her and her family.

OK, Smith reasoned, then why did she take side jobs with Griesa cleaning houses and as a greeter at his poker games with police officers?

She was afraid, she said.

Smith got more detailed, asking more questions about when these in-the-boss’s-office sexual encounters took place.

Did they all take place in his office, how often, how many times, etc., Smith asked?

“Not every weekend, but frequently,” SA said.

Not all of the alleged offenses came out in the police report compiled by Marysville Police Department detective Randall Elliott, Smith noted.

Griesa claimed to be tight with the cops and she did not want to reveal all to them out of fear of retaliation, SA said.

Smith also wondered why SA would respond to cell phone calls from Griesa.

You’re phone had caller ID and you knew that “if I picked it up, I’d get molested,” so why did you just ignore the call, Smith wondered.

But, “He would call and you would show up.” Smith said.

Smith also interrogated SA on an alleged event in which Griesa allegedly drugged her, put her in his black Hummer, transported her to a remote area in the Township are south of Yuba City, exposed himself, exerted “pressure on her rectum” and then drove her back to an apartment, all in broad daylight.

Smith then got into an incident in which two teenage runaway girls, 14 and 15 years old, spent most of the night at Griesa’s home but were transported to the Mitchell Towing Service office.

SA asked why they were there. Griesa told her to say they were there for “training.” When the cops showed up looking for them, that’s what she did.

The cops didn’t believe her and one patrolman called her a liar. She knew something about the patrolman’s background, swore at him and reminded him that he had previously been bounced out of the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office.

She called Griesa and asked him what to do. He said, essentially, go with the flow.

The insulted officer yanked her downtown and booked her on minor charges. Charges were later dropped.

In the contest of that incident, Smith said in his question, so “When someone something you don’t like, you say bad things about them.” This clearly implied to the jury that the bad things SA was saying about Griesa were done out of revenge.

Interestingly, SA, who was close to or at tears while under prosecution questioning, held up fine while being quizzed by the defense.

The trial of People v. Joseph Patrick Griesa resumes Tuesday.

‘Bad Wig Bandit,’ Accomplice Sentenced for Bank Robberies

Two residents of San Jose, Calif., were sentenced in United States District Court in San Francisco yesterday for their involvement in a series of bank robberies last summer, United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced.

Matthew Charles Dehn, 47, and Lisa Monique Zamorano, 32, were indicted by a Federal Grand Jury on Oct. 16, 2008. Dehn was charged with 10 counts of bank robbery and one count of attempted bank robbery, all in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a). He was also charged with one count of conspiracy in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. Zamorano was charged with one count of bank robbery and one count of attempted bank robbery, both in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a). She was also charged with one count of conspiracy in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. Dehn pled guilty on February 4 to all the robbery counts and attempted robbery counts. That same day, Zamorano pled guilty to both the robbery and attempted robbery counts in which she had admitted her involvement.

Yesterday, United States District Court Judge Phyllis J. Hamilton sentenced Dehn to 146 months in prison, and ordered him to pay $26,907 in restitution to the victim banks. Zamorano was sentenced by Judge Hamilton to 48 months in prison and ordered to pay $5,712 in restitution.

From March 2008 to August 2008, Dehn robbed 10 banks in eight California cities: San Mateo, Redwood City, Danville, Los Altos, Dublin, Burlingame, Newark, and San Bruno. He was apprehended by the FBI after his attempt to rob a bank in San Rafael, Calif. During the robberies, Dehn demanded money from bank tellers while disguising his features with a baseball cap, sunglasses, and a coarse, brown wig tied in a ponytail. His disguise earned him the nickname of the “Bad Wig Bandit.” Zamorano assisted Dehn during the last two incidents by driving him to and from the banks.

Dorothy Chou Proudfoot, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and Philip J. Kearney, Assistant U.S. Attorney, prosecuted the case with the assistance of Rosario Calderon and Rawaty Yim. The prosecution was the result of a seven-month investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, San Mateo Police Department, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, Danville Police Department, Los Altos Police Department, Dublin Police Department, Burlingame Police Department, Newark Police Department, San Bruno Police Department, Redwood City Police Department, and San Rafael Police Department.

Stockton Gang Member Sentenced to More Than 12 Years for Methamphetamine Trafficking

Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that CARLOS MARTINEZ Jr., 34, of Stockton, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Lawrence K. Karlton to 12 years and seven months in federal prison to be followed by four years of supervised release for distributing methamphetamine. MARTINEZ pleaded guilty on December 16, 2008.

This case is the product of a joint investigation by the FBI’s Stockton Violent Crime Task Force, the San Joaquin County Metropolitan Narcotics Task Force (METRO), the Stockton Police Department, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). The collaboration of law enforcement agencies in this case was possible as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF Program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multi-level attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Jason Hitt, who prosecuted the case, MARTINEZ admitted that on January 17, 2007, he sold four ounces of crystal methamphetamine during two separate drug deals conducted using a confidential source (CS) in Stockton. MARTINEZ first sold two ounces of crystal methamphetamine to the CS for $1,500 from his home in Stockton.

A few hours later, MARTINEZ sold two more ounces of crystal methamphetamine to the CS for an additional $1,500 at Gibson Park located at Hammer Lane and Alexandria Place in Stockton. In all, he was responsible for distributing more than 55 grams of methamphetamine on January 17, 2007.

In sentencing, Judge Karlton said the long sentence was warranted by MARTINEZ’s lengthy criminal history and the seriousness of his drug trafficking offenses. Judge Karlton also noted MARTINEZ’s validated membership in a Norteño street gang as a factor warranting a severe sentence.

Anatomy of a Trial: Santana, Vasquez Delayed Again; Griesa Begins

Posted with permission from Notable Trials


The arraignment of attorneys Jesse Santana and David Vasquez was again delayed to give Judge John Darlington time to read through two lengthy grand jury transcripts, it was decided Monday, June 1.

In the same hearing, Yuba County Deputy District Attorney John Vacek agreed to provide additional prosecution documents the defense side says it needs in order to adequately answer the charges.

Santana and Vasquez allegedly conspired in a bribery scheme against Joseph Patrick Griesa, who now faces trial on multiple sex offenses against minor girls.

The prosecution’s basic claim is that Santana, who represented one of the alleged victims, and Vasquez, who represented Griesa, participated in deal to have Griesa pay $100,000 to keep Santana’s young client quiet.

But every day all across California and the nation lawyers are always reaching such out of court civil settlements so it is difficult to understand what out of the ordinary Santana and Vasquez are supposed have done.

“We still don’t know what we’re being accused of,” said Santana’s attorney, Roberto Marquez.

The defense also contended that the judge must read through the two grand jury transcripts to properly rule in the case. The transcripts run to about 3,000 pages.

“Do I have to read all of the transcripts?” Darlington asked, plaintively.

Darlington agreed to the reading, but needed some time to plow through the pages. He ordered the parties to return 10:30 a.m. June 29.

This case is not as simple as it sounds. In fact, it arguably may be one of the most convoluted political intertwining of cops, courts, DAs and judges in Yuba County history.

When the charges were brought against Santana, he was a lead figure in a short field of candidates for appointment to a superior court judgeship in Sutter County, just across the Feather River from Yuba County.

As soon as his indictment was announced his chances of were killed and another candidate – generally considered much more likely to be prosecution-friendly – was named to the post, instead.

It gets more complicated.

Before the grand jury indicted Griesa had a tow truck service with contracts with the Marysville Police Department and had previously been a county probation officer.

He allegedly bragged to the girls he is accused of molesting about his political and law enforcement connections, apparently to make them believe it would do them no good to complain.

In fact, one of the key claims in the Santana-Vasquez matter is that MPD Detective Randall Elliott investigating complaints first encouraged Santana’s client and her mother to reach a civil, then lied to the grand jury about it.

Some of the records the defense seeks from the DA and police will allegedly reveal what other news sources have called “a pattern of dishonesty” by law enforcement and the DA’s office.

Griesa was also in court yesterday, June 1, to prepare for jury selection, which begins today, June 2.

People v. Joseph Patrick Griesa, case number CRF-08458, carries 18 criminal counts. Fourteen allege felony sex offenses against minor girls The remainder relate to his alleged failure to pay taxes.

Judge Kathleen R. O’Connor is presiding in the case. Deputy DA John Vacek is also the prosecutor in this case.

O’Connor revealed to the parties that she was previously married to former Sutter County Superior Court Judge Timothy Evans and that Evans had briefly represented Griesa.

If Evans were to be called as a witness, would that present a present a judicial conflict, this case, O’Connor asked.

Neither Vacek nor Charles J. Smith, the Redwood City attorney representing Griesa, objected to her continuing as the presiding judge.

Redwood City is 148 miles and 2.5 hours away from Marysville, so you can see how far out of town Griesa had to go to get a lawyer to handle this extremely controversial case.

This case is so controversial and publicized an unusually large number of potential jurors are to be called. Figures as low as 114 and as high as 200 were mentioned. They will begin filing out their juror questionnaires this morning.

Mid-day, the attorneys and the judge will go through the questionnaires and sort out the ones seeking excusal for further questioning.

Fatherhood Conference To Be Held in Elk Grove

On June 20, 2009, the first Northern California Fatherhood Conference will held in Elk Grove. As such, the Elk Grove City Council will declare June 20 as Fatherhood Day and will be presenting a proclamation to the organizers at their June 10, 2009 council meeting.

In part the proclamation states, "The City Council of the City of Elk Grove hereby proclaims June 20, 2009 as Elk Grove Fatherhood Day and encourages Elk Grove fathers to commit themselves to the continuing love and care of their children, and for all its citizens to value responsibility and recognize the importance of fatherhood." The conference will be hosted and facilitated by Mayor Pat Hume and featured speakers include Council members Gary Davis and Steve Detrick and Dr. Chris West.

Whether you are a father or not, it does take village to raise a child. We hope that you will be able to join us for this conference.


The conference will be held in the Elk Grove City Council chamber from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Attendance is free. RSVP by June 10. Call (916) 753-8326.

Sex, Cops and Lawyers

Legal procedures are expected to begin in Yuba County Superior Court Monday, June 1, on two complicated and interlocked law cases involving two prominent attorneys suing a well-connected local businessman over alleged sexual abuses of teenage girls.

In a matter that has risen to felony level People v. Jesse Santana and David Vasquez accuses the two attorneys – Santana specifically – of improperly demanding a $100,000 payoff for settling a civil suit that was threatened against Joseph Griesa, a prominent businessman and former Sutter County probation officer.

Specifically, in People v. Santana, Vasquez, Yuba County Superior Court case #CFR-08-825, Santana’s attorney, Roberto Marquez, asked that visiting Superior Court Judge John H. Darlington order the district attorney’s office to provide important information not previously provided to the defense.

The former Nevada County judge agreed. A deputy DA assured Darlington that the information would be located and revealed.

Meanwhile, allegations proceed against Griesa, who is financially connected with the highly visible Mitchell Towing Service, which is a significant contractor with the Marysville Police Department.

The alleged sexual abuses Griesa is accused of took place between 2006 and 2007.

Griesa is alleged to have "sexually and physically abused young girls." The four victims mentioned in the documents were all teenagers at the time. They were only identified by pseudonyms.

Griesa’s alleged behavior included masturbating in front of the girls, court documents and news reports stated.

The matter became the focus of a grand jury probe in 2008. Santana and Vasquez have yet to enter pleas in the case. The whole matter could prove a serious professional embarrassment.

Court documents and news reports report that Griesa bragged about being immune to the cops because he was connected, as the saying goes. This could prove to be a possible a criminal conviction with lifetime penalties for Griesa.

“In typical child molester fashion, Griesa selects young girls, who are poor, neglected or runaways, and ‘grooms’ them to until he sexually abuses his young victims. Griesa then either showers them with money or gifts and or he threatens to kill them or their family, sometime using a firearm or knife,” according to a Marquez.

Defense filings April 20, 2009 specifically accused Griego of sexual abuse and investigating Marysville Police Department Detective Randall Elliot of “not being truthful” in his reports in order to give Griesa a free pass on his alleged behavior.

Santana’s attorney, Roberto Marquez, maintains that Elliott “has a pattern of dishonesty, of filing false report and or filing dishonestly.”

The long-running case became the focus of a Yuba County Grand Jury investigation that drew considerable controversy

Marquez has additionally alleged that Elliott not only attempted to persuade one girl and family who pursued a legal action not to sue Griesa but also lied to the grand jury about it.

While the Yuba County DA has accused Santana of attempting to prevent one of the victims from telling police and prosecutors about sexual and physical abuse by her employer in 2006 and 2007, it must recalled that this was at the time a civil suit and it is not uncommon for seeking a discreet out-out-court settlement.

The question remains whether the DA’s office and the MPD (and the Marysville City Department which contracts with the towing company) were attempting avoid the embarrassment of the settlement.