Trio Charged with Defrauding Caltrans

Scheme Alleges Bribes, Bid Rigging, and Contracting Fraud

United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner and FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Drew Parenti announced that a federal grand jury indicted Clint Gregory, 48, of Sacramento, Siavash “Mike” Poursartip, 56, and Sara Shirazi, 52, both of Walnut Creek, today, charging them with bribery, bid rigging, and fraud in connection with contracts issued by the California Department of Transportation. As a result of this fraud, Caltrans is alleged to have incurred a loss of more than $1.2 million. Caltrans receives more than $2 billion in federal funds annually.

This case is the product of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office with assistance from Caltrans. Assistant United States Attorney Robin R. Taylor is prosecuting the case.

According to the indictment, Gregory was a Senior Transportation Engineer Supervisor for Caltrans District 10 in Stockton. Poursartip and Shirazi operated a company known as Infotek Associates, a California Corporation. Poursartip and Shirazi offered, and Gregory accepted, bribes of money, a Persian rug, a cellular telephone, and other gifts in exchange for being awarded “Minor B” contracts by Caltrans. “Minor B” contracts were those used by Caltrans for projects valued at less than $131,000. Gregory deposited the bribe payments into bank accounts held in the names of business entities he controlled.

The indictment also alleges that the defendants circumvented Caltrans’ competitive bidding process that requires bids from at least two certified vendors before awarding Minor B contracts. Poursartip, Shirazi, Gregory, and others, arranged for third party companies to submit straw bids for Minor B contracts, on which Infotek was bidding. Then they set the bid amount of the straw bids, and Infotek’s bids, to predetermine the “winners.” The straw companies, who performed no work, were paid a commission for their assistance, and this arrangement was not disclosed to Caltrans.

It is alleged that Poursartip submitted false and misleading invoices to Caltrans regarding the work that Infotek and the straw companies performed, and Gregory used his authority at Caltrans to approve payment of these invoices. On one occasion, Gregory requested that Infotek provide him with a fictitious invoice to conceal an unauthorized purchase of airplane parts he made using a Caltrans credit card. Shirazi prepared the invoice that Gregory submitted for reimbursement.

If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison for the mail fraud offense, up to 10 years in prison for the theft and bribery offenses, up to five years in prison for the conspiracy charge, mandatory restitution, and fines up to twice the value of the victim’s losses. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any

applicable statutory sentencing factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

Elk Grove Juvenile Arrested for Burglary

Elk Grove Police arrested at 15-year old juvenile male yesterday on burglary charges.

According to police reports, the suspect was contacted at his home on the 8800 block of Halverson Drive regarding a recent burglary. A search of the suspect’s bedroom revealed stolen property taken in a vehicle burglary as well as property taken during a residential burglary in Sacramento.

The suspect was transferred to juvenile hall.

Property Owner of Villa Capri and Arden Villa Apartments Charged

District Attorney Jan Scully announced today that a misdemeanor charge of allowing a public nuisance to exist at the Villa Capri and Arden Villa Apartments has been filed against the property owner, Emily Chen, General Partner of the E/H First Family Limited Partnership.

Penal Code section 373a makes it unlawful for property owners to allow public nuisances on their property, including conditions which are harmful to health, obstructs the free use of property and interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property by an entire community or neighborhood.

The maximum penalty is six months in the county jail and a $1000 fine.

In January 2010, two innocent bystanders were shot and killed while standing on the grounds of the Villa Capri Apartments. The apartments have inadequate security and have long been plagued by disproportionately high calls to the Sheriff’s Department due to violence perpetrated by tenants and visitors. In addition, the apartments did not have an on-site manager as required by the California Code of Regulations.

With the lack of property supervision, the apartments attracted frequent loiterers who intimidated neighbors and committed crime. Good property management is a necessity in keeping property crime free and safe for law abiding tenants.

Arraignment is scheduled for August 25, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. in Department 4 of the Sacramento County Superior Court.

Sacramento Man Ordered to Pay Victims and Government Responders for Costs Related to Anthrax Hoax

United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that Marc M. Keyser, 68, of Sacramento, was ordered today by United States District Judge Frank C. Damrell Jr. to pay nearly $7,000 in costs that various victims and government agencies incurred in response to Keyser’s fake anthrax mailings in October 2008.

On April 26, 2010, Judge Damrell sentenced Keyser to 51 months in prison and three years of supervised release for sending anthrax hoax letters but deferred until today the determination of the amount of restitution to be paid back.

Keyser admitted mailing over 100 packages containing fake anthrax to media outlets and politicians throughout the country and to Starbucks and McDonalds in Sacramento. Keyser was convicted by a jury on September 17, 2009, of charges relating to three specific victims—the Office of Congressman George Radanovich in Modesto, a Sacramento Starbucks, and a Sacramento McDonalds. He was specifically convicted of three counts of committing an anthrax hoax and two counts of mailing threatening communications. The restitution ordered today was divided as follows:

Modesto Fire Department—costs of response to the scene: $2,438.79

Modesto Police Department—costs of response to the scene: $748.29

Office of U.S. Congressman George Radanovich—costs of office closure: $1,200.00

Sacramento Fire Department—costs of response to the scenes: $609.06

Sacramento County Public Health Lab—costs of testing packages: $1,681.56

Total: $6,677.70

This case was the product of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jean Hobler prosecuted the case.

Elk Grove City Council Showdown This Wednesday

Call it The Showdown at the Elk Grove City Council with this question - Who'll blink first.

On Wednesday, July 28 the Elk Grove City Council will conduct a special meeting to consider whether or not Council Member Sophia Scherman's title of Mayor be stripped from her for the remainder of the year. This meeting comes as a result of a meeting Scherman hastily scheduled on Tuesday, July 20 for Wednesday, July 21.

The July 21 meeting's stated purpose was to form an ad-hoc committee of council members to explore options on dealing with group homes housing juvenile sex offenders. Council members Jim Cooper, Gary Davis and Steve Detrick were unable to attend the meeting citing scheduling conflicts.

Aside from citing scheduling conflicts, Cooper, Davis and Detrick had a joint letter read into the record questioning Scherman's scheduling of the meeting at an early hour, the need for the meeting given the item would appear on the following regular meeting agenda and Scherman's unwillingness to reschedule the meeting given her knowledge all three were unavailable.

Scherman's 'deceitful' behavior

Movement Afoot to Oust Scherman as Elk Grove Mayor

Scherman could be ousted as Mayor

A special meeting called by Elk Grove Mayor Sophia Scherman yesterday afternoon may end up costing her position as mayor on the Elk Grove City Council.

Scherman had scheduled the special meeting to start at 5:00 pm and because only two members were present, the meeting was unable to officially convene. Vice Mayor Steve Detrick and council members Jim Cooper and Gary Davis were unable to attend citing the short notice given by Scherman and previously scheduled obligations.

After the opening statement, City Manager Laura Gill read a joint letter from Cooper, Davis and Detrick saying they convene a special meeting on Wednesday, July 28 to discuss removal of Scherman from her position as mayor. Below is the complete statement:

Joint statement by Vice-Mayor Steve Detrick, Council Member Jim Cooper, and Council Member Gary Davis:

“The residents of our great city have high expectations of their City Council. One of these expectations is that we work together, as a Council, on their behalf to move the City of Elk Grove forward. This is particularly true when it comes to protecting our residents against sex offenders. We must have a united front against these criminals in keeping the community safe.

“As you can imagine, we were surprised when we received notice last night that Mayor Scherman had called a Special Meeting of the City Council - for consideration of a matter that is already on the agenda next week. Furthermore, the meeting is being held at 5 p.m., while most residents are just leaving work. Calling last minute special meetings at times inconvenient to the public is a deceitful behavior of the past. It must not be repeated.

“Had the Mayor consulted with the rest of the City Council, as every Mayor has done the past 10 years, she would have known we are out of town or unavailable. In fact, each of us asked her to reschedule this meeting and she has refused. This act not only impedes our ability to work together as a Council, but oversteps the bounds of the office of the Mayor. And, frankly, does a major disservice to the public we are sworn to represent.

“Therefore, in conjunction with the Brown Act and Elk Grove City Policy, we are calling a Special Meeting of the Elk Grove City Council for Wednesday, July 28th, 2010 at 6 p.m. The purpose of the Special City Council Meeting is to discuss the role of the Mayor and also to consider the appointment of the Mayor for 2010.”

If the council does move to remove Scherman as Mayor, she would still retain her position as a council member.

After hearing Gill's reading, Scherman was visibly shaken and said little other than "I don't believe in threats."

Although the meeting was adjourned, several people in the audience were given the opportunity to speak on the reason behind the special meeting - concern over a residential facility on Cheer Court housing juvenile sex offenders.

While extensive testimony was offered by city officials including Elk Grove Police Chief Robert Lehner and City Attorney Susan Cochran, no actions could be taken.

Bicyclist Stuck and Killed by Motorist in Rancho Cordova

On July 19, 2010, at 8:03 a.m., Rancho Cordova Police Department officers responded to the report that a bicyclist had been struck by a car in the area of Whiterock Road and Quality Drive. Officers arrived and found a 61-year-old male lying in the street and suffering from severe injuries. Paramedics transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

The driver of the white Saturn, that struck the victim, remained at the scene and was detained by the officers. The officers quickly determined the 23-year-old male resident of Rancho Cordova did not possess a valid driver’s license and he was taken into custody. The motorist will be booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on the misdemeanor charge of driving without a license when the detectives have completed their interview process.

Witnesses have told investigators both the car and bicyclist were traveling eastbound on Whiterock Road when the bicyclist turned into the car’s path and was struck. The RCPD Major Accident Investigation Team will investigate this fatal collision and attempt to determine what caused the bicyclist and motorist to collide. The team will forward their report to the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office who will determine what additional charges, if any, will be filed in this case. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision, and who did not talk to officers at the scene, is urged to call RCPD Traffic Unit detective Ron Brazell at (916) 875-9623.

Rancho Cordova Street Race Leads to Dead Motorcyclists

Read entire story below

Schatz trial set; no word on venue change

by Tom Nadeau

There is no word yet on whether an alleged child killer couple will try to move their scheduled November trial out of Butte to another California county – possibly Yuba, Sutter or Tehama – due to intense local publicity.

Kevin Paul Schatz and Elizabeth Hazel Schatz of Paradise were arraigned June 24 on a charge of murder in connection with the Feb. 6 death of a 7-year-old adopted daughter.

The girl died from injuries the Schatzes allegedly inflicted after she mispronounced a word. The pair also faces separate criminal allegations of torturing another adopted girl, aged 11, causing great bodily harm.

Both defendants have pleaded innocent to all charges. If convicted, they both face life terms in state prison. Their case file numbers are #CM032008 for Elizabeth and #CM032009 for Kevin.

Their case has drawn keen media interest, ranging from CBS television news and local newspapers to a slew of religion-related Internet blogs.

Grim details ...

Elk Grove Police Conducting DUI Checkpoint Tonight

The Elk Grove Police will conduct a drivers licence and sobriety enforcement checkpoint this evening in Elk Grove from 8:00 pm to 3:00 am.

As a matter of policy, the department does not reveal where the checkpoint will be conducted.

Funding for the enforcement checkpoint will be funded provided through a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant that was made available by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“Make no mistake. Our message is simple. No matter what you drive—a passenger car, pickup, sport utility vehicle or motorcycle—if we catch you driving impaired, we will arrest you. No exceptions. No excuses,” Elk Grove Police Chief Robert Lehner said. “We will be talking to drivers, making sure they are not impaired, arresting those who are, and getting the word out that impaired driving and driving without a proper license is not acceptable in Elk Grove.”

Johnson Enters No Contest on Two Murder Charges

sacramento District Attorney Jan Scully announced today that Jay Patrick Johnson pled no contest to two counts of first degree murder for two consecutive life without parole terms. Each count carried the special circumstance of personally using a gun causing death and having committed multiple murders.

Johnson also pled no contest to two counts of attempted murder, with the allegation of personally using a gun causing great bodily injury and one count of arson. The defendant has a history including mental issues and drug abuse.

On February 18, 2007, Johnson tried to enter a Valero gas station at the intersection of Stockton Boulevard and 65th Street, but the door was locked. Johnson became enraged and demanded cigarettes and wallets from a group of transient men standing outside of the market.

Johnson then immediately opened fire on the men with a .45 caliber handgun. One victim was shot four times and a second victim was shot once.

A few minutes after the Valero shootings, witnesses at a nearby apartment complex heard a verbal disturbance and/or shots fired at the residence of a man and a woman who lived in the complex.

Within minutes of the shots being fired, Johnson’s apartment was on fire. When officers arrived on scene, they found the man and woman dead inside their apartment.

Johnson was seen standing in the parking lot of the apartment complex. When approached by an officer, Johnson immediately laid on the ground face down with his arms spread out to be handcuffed.

The officer also noted that Johnson matched the description of the gunman at the Valero gas station and took him into custody for both shootings.

Formal sentencing is scheduled for August 6, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. in Dept. 21 of the Sacramento Superior Court.

McGinness, Nottoli Discuss Sheriff's Department Cuts in Wilton

Sacramento County Sheriff John McGinness and District Five Supervisor Don Nottoli addressed concerns of Wilton residents during a meeting held tonight before a standing-room-only audience at the Wilton Fire Department.

The meeting, which was organized in the last two days, specifically addressed concerns of local residents on the elimination of staffing at the sheriff department’s Wilton Service Center. As a result of the county’s ongoing budget problems, the department’s budget for the current fiscal year was reduced by $19.8 million.

McGinness opened the presentation by giving a brief history of the county’s budget woes since the onset of the recession. He pointed out that on top of the cuts for the current fiscal year, the department’s budget was cut by $60 million last year. “We have been decimated in terms of funding,” he said.

Top Priority for McGinness

McGinness to Conduct Wilton Meeting over Planned Service Center Closure

Sacramento County Sheriff John McGuiness will hold a meeting in Wilton tomorrow night regarding the planned closure of the Service Center according to information provided by the Wilton Action Group.

The planned closure of the office, which is staffed primarily by unpaid volunteers, is part of the sheriff’s department budget slashing efforts. In addition to closing the Wilton office, the sheriff’s department is closing and consolidating county correctional facilities.

The meeting is scheduled to start at 6:00 pm at the Wilton Fire Deprtment located at the corner of Dillard and Wilton Road.

Teeanger Killed on Auburn Boulevard

On July 11, 2010, at 10:17 p.m., Sacramento County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the report of a shooting at the Venue 4 Rent private event facility located at 2902 Auburn Boulevard. Deputies arrived and found two female juvenile victims; one 14-years-old and one 17-years-old. The 14-year-old was found lying in the doorway of the facility; she had been shot once in the upper body.

The 17-year-old was found lying in the parking lot; she had been shot once in the upper body and once in the arm. Paramedics transported both victims to local hospitals. The 14-year-old was pronounced dead shortly after she arrived; the 17-year-old is expected to survive.

Investigators have learned the victims, along with nearly two hundred other young people, were attending an “under 21” dance party at the location. The organizer had hired private security guards to work during the event. An argument broke out between party goers just prior to the shooting.

The security guards were attempting to calm the situation by having everyone leave the facility. The suspect, who was standing near the street, fired multiple shots into the air with a handgun and then fired indiscriminately into the crowd as the party goers were gathering in the parking lot.

The suspect, described only as a Black male dressed in dark clothing was last seen walking westbound on Auburn Boulevard.

Sheriff’s Homicide detectives have not identified the suspect, nor have they determined a motive for this shooting. Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to call Sheriff’s Homicide detectives at (916) 874-5057, or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP. Tipsters may also send a text message tip by texting to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Former Airman Sentenced for Possession of Child Pornography

SACRAMENTO, CA—United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that Douglas William Howay, 31, of Olivehurst, was sentenced Friday by United States District Judge Edward J. Garcia to eight years and two months in prison to be followed by a 10-year term of supervised release for possession of child pornography. He pleaded guilty on March 19, 2010.

This case is the product of an extensive investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Yuba County Sheriff’s Department, and the Chesterfield (Virginia) County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Reardon prosecuted the case.

According to court documents, in 2008, undercover detectives in Chesterfield County, Virginia posed as a 13-year-old girl and communicated online with Howay through a Yahoo chat room. At the time, the defendant was an airman stationed at Beale Air Force Base in Yuba County. He was arrested on September 12, 2008 while he was online with the Virginia detectives.

A forensic search of the Howay’s computer and other computer equipment found 399 visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The forensic search also discovered that Howay had communicated in explicit sexual terms with persons who identified themselves as minors.

Howay separated from the military following his arrest and is no longer a member of the Armed Forces.

In sentencing, Judge Garcia said that Howay was more than a child pornography collector. Rather, according to Judge Garcia, Howay “had taken a sexual interest in children beyond the level of simple viewing” and was “actively fantasizing about [having sex with minors].”

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC mobilizes federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov or call the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California and ask to speak with the PSC coordinator.

The Two Faces of PG&E

Funny how the public face of a corporation can quickly change.

Just a little more than a month ago San Francisco-base Pacific Gas and Electric was dealt a major fiscal and public relations setback with the defeat of Proposition 16.

If passed, 16 would have made it next to impossible for municipalities to organize not-for-profit utilities. Even though PG&E sponsored the initiative and funded a $46 million dollar advertising against opponents who had only $100,000 in campaign funds, voters did not take the bait and defeated what many voters viewed as an anti-consumer initiative.

PG& was roundly criticized for their power grab, if you’ll excuse the pun. But now many of those who criticized the investor owned utility, are just as likely to praise it.

Prop 23 - The anti-AB32 initiative

Man Robbed by Armed Gunman While Chatting on Cell Phone

A man who pulled over to make a call on his cell phone was robbed by armed gunman yesterday.

According to Sacramento City Police reports, the victim pulled over his vehicle near Crystal Hill Way and Calvine Road to make a cell phone call when he was by two men who asked if they could use his phone. After making the call, the victim got his phone back and both suspects moved around to the passenger side of the vehicle.

One of the suspects opened the front passenger door and the other opened the sliding passenger door. One of the suspects had a handgun protruding from his waistband.

One of the suspects then took money from the victim who then fled and hid nearby bushes. The victim returned to his car after the assailants fled the area on foot.

The two suspect were described as two male Black adults in their late 20’s.

Red Light Camera System Goes Live Today at El Camino and Eastern

The Sacramento Metropolitan Red Light Photo Enforcement Detail has placed a new digital red light photo enforcement camera system at the intersection of El Camino Avenue and Eastern Avenue.

The new camera system is being tested and is scheduled to go “live” on Thursday, July 8, 2010, at 12:01 a.m. For a period of thirty days, red light violators will be mailed a warning notice. On August 7, 2010, red light violators will begin to receive actual citations by mail from this intersection. When a citation is issued and received by the violator through the mail, they will be referred to a website where they can review the still and/or video images of their violation. The violator will be able to clearly see where their vehicle is in relationship to the intersection’s limit line, and the green, yellow and red lights. The fine is currently $436 for red light running violations.

Increased traffic safety is the number one priority of the county’s Red Light Photo Enforcement Program. There has been as much as a 76% reduction in red-light related crashes at the photo enforced intersections in the city and county since the implementation of the program. Furthermore, there has been a 28% reduction in red-light running related crashes at all signal-controlled intersections in the city and county of Sacramento.

Attempted Robbery of a John Leads to Arrest of Suspected Prostitute, Accomplices

A would be John was robbed while meeting a suspected prostitute at the Gold Star Inn at 6610 Stockton Boulevard in Sacramento.

According to Sacramento Police reports, the robbery victim was meeting a prostitute at the motel when three men entered and robbed him at gunpoint. After being robbed, the victim called police.

Responding officers located the four suspects still in the same room. Police arrested four suspects; 23-year old Heather Rush, 18-year old Michael Briton, 18-year old Terry Lopp and 19-year old Terrence Moore.

Items stolen from the victim were recovered along with an airsoft gun.

Elk Grove Police Seek Help in Bank Robbery

The Elk Grove Police Department is asking for the community’s help in identifying a suspect involved in a bank robbery that took place on Tuesday,July 6, 2010 at the U.S. Bank located at 5000 Laguna Boulevard. 

At approximately 1:08 p.m., the suspect pictured approached a teller and presented a note demanding money.  The suspect handed the teller a white plastic bag and told her to place the money inside the bag.  

The teller complied and placed an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency inside the plastic bag. The unidentified suspect took the bag from the teller then exited the location on foot.  

According to witnesses, the suspect was last seen riding away from the bank on a metallic green “cruiser” style bicycle. 

The suspect is described as an African-American male, approximately thirty years of age, five feet six inches tall (5’6”), one hundred forty pounds (140 lbs.).  The suspect has a short full beard and was wearing a tan baseball cap, black hooded zippered sweat jacket, white shirt and light blue jeans.  

Anyone with information regarding this robbery is asked to call the Elk Grove Police Department Detective Bureau at (916) 478-8060 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357).  Callers to Crime Alert can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00.  Tips can also be sent via SMS text message by entering CRIMES (274637) on a cell phone, followed by Tip732 (agency identification number) and the message.

Police Arrest Duo for Medical Marijuana Theft

Two people were arrested in Elk Grove yesterday morning after they were found to be in possession of stolen marijuana plants.

According to Elk Grove Police reports, officers responded to a call of a suspicious vehicle driving away from a residence. A witness reported they had observed two individuals in the rear yard of a nearby residence.

Patrol officers located the described vehicle near Bruceville Road and Elk Grove Boulevard and initiated an enforcement stop. The vehicle was occupied by 18-year old Octavio Ruiz of Sacramento and 21-year old John Maldonado Salazar of Elk Grove.

A search of the vehicle revealed several small marijuana plants that appeared to be uprooted. Upon further investigation, officers found the backyard where the plants were believed to have been stolen from.

The owner of the house where the plants were taken from was found to be in possession of a valid medical marijuana card. Both suspects were arrested and transferred to the county jail.

It is not know if either of the suspects had consumed any of the stolen crop.

Aided by Security Guard, Lady Resists Purse Snatcher; Suspect Arrested

A would-be robbery victim resisted a purse snatcher last night that resulted in the arrest of the suspect.

According to Sacramento Police Department reports, a security officer hailed patrolling officers on the 1400 block of Broadway after he saw the would be robbers try to steal a purse from a lady who had just left the retail establishment. The victim held on to her purse and shouted for help.

When the security officer arrived, the suspect punched the security guard. Officers observed the suspect leave the area and stopped him.

48-year old Paul Jarvis was arrested and booked on suspicion of attempted robbery.

Scottsdale Drive Homicide Suspect Arrested

On July 6, 2010, at 12:20 a.m., Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau detectives arrested 18-year-old Imari Malik Powell for the July 4, 2010 murder of 21-year-old Dewayne Douglas. Powell was arrested at a motel located in the 8400 block of Edes Avenue in Oakland, California.

On July 4, 2010, at 9:13 p.m., Sacramento County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the report of a shooting in the area of Scottsdale Drive and Florinda Way. Deputies arrived and found Douglas lying in the middle of the street on Florinda Way just south of Scottsdale Drive. Douglas was suffering from at least one gunshot wound to his upper body. Deputies performed cardio pulmonary resuscitation until paramedics arrived and transported him to a local hospital. Douglas was pronounced dead a short time after he arrived at the hospital.

Sheriff’s Homicide detectives learned Powell was acquainted with Douglas through a prior dating relationship Douglas had with Powell’s mother. Detectives believe both Powell and Douglas were attending a large 4th of July block party in the area of Scottsdale Drive and Florinda Way when they became involved in an argument that led to the shooting.

Major Crimes Bureau detectives transported Powell to Sacramento and booked him into the Sacramento County Main Jail after his arrest. He was booked on the charge of murder as well as another outstanding warrant. Powell is ineligible for bail and is scheduled to be arraigned on July 8, 2010, at 1:30 p.m. in Department 62

Public Notice of Sacramento County Elections

PUBLIC NOTICE


Jill LaVine, Registrar of Voters for Sacramento County Elections, announces that the following positions are up for election in Sacramento County for the November 2, 2010 General Election.

SEE ALL COUNTY ELECTIONS BELOW:

Elverta Man Sentenaced to 27 Months in Home Invasion

Marcus Charles Hagins, 19, of Elverta was sentenced to what figures to be about 27 months in state prison for the home invasion and attack on a girl in Plumas Lake Yuba County about a year ago.

The victim and her parents lobbied Yuba County Superior Court Judge Kathleen O’Connor for a harsher sentence, but the specific verdicts by the jury limited O’Connor on what she could impose.

In fact, O’Connor levied the maximum possible sentence, despite defense attorney Michael Bowman’s persuasive argument for a lighter term.

Victim's parents ask judge to consider victim's trauma ...

Guest Editorial: The Gulf Between Us and Dan Lungren

By Dr. Ami Bera, M.D.

Dan Lungren is out of touch.

Read more....

Del Paso Man Bludgeons Brother, Convicted of Murder One

Upset over denied access to childhood home

District Attorney Jan Scully announced today that Calvin Lynn was convicted by jury of first degree murder in the beating death of his brother.

On August 22, 2007, the decomposed body of the defendant’s 54 year old brother Lawrence Lynn was found tightly wrapped in a blanket and concealed amongst the weeds in the backyard of a vacant house in Del Paso Heights. The victim had been bludgeoned to death with a baseball bat.

A blood trail led down the sidewalk directly to the victim's nearby home. The victim was living in the house, where he and his siblings were raised. For several years, 51 year old Calvin Lynn had tried to gain possession of the house and remove his brother from the home.

Crime Scene Investigators from the Sacramento Police Department discovered that the defendant had attempted to clean up the house after the murder and had used paint to conceal the bloody carpet.

During a subsequent search of the defendant's house, a pair of his shoes had paint and blood on them. DNA analysis confirmed that the blood on the defendant's shoes was the victim's and trace evidence examination by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Crime Lab found a microscopic purple fiber embedded in a dried spot of the victim's blood on the defendant's shoe.

Fiber analysis confirmed that the fiber matched the blanket used to conceal the victim's body. Deputy District Attorney Sheri Greco states, “Today’s conviction is the result of the strong evidence presented to the jury. I commend the Sacramento Police Department’s CSI unit and the Sacramento County District Attorney Crime Lab for their good work in this case.”

Sentencing is scheduled for July 30, 2010, at 1:30 p.m. in Dept. 25 before the Honorable Kevin McCormick.

Sacramento Regional Parks Prepares for 4th of July Weekend

The popularity of Regional Parks facilities increases dramatically during holiday weekends, along with the cost to maintain and patrol the parks. In an effort to offset these costs and to provide maximum staffing and enforcement, Regional Parks is implementing temporary entrance fee increases of $8 for single vehicles and $13 for cars towing watercraft at all County Parks. This increase will not affect annual pass holders. Also during the 4th of July weekend the customary ban on alcohol will be in force.

“Funds generated from our kiosks go directly to the operation and maintenance of the American River Parkway, Mather Regional Park, Gibson Ranch, and other regional parks in the County’s system,” said Janet Baker, Regional Parks Director.

“These extra funds will help off‐set ranger and maintenance costs, which is a big help during these tough budget times.”

Consumption of alcohol and possession of open containers will be prohibited on the shore and the river within the Parkway between Watt and Hazel Avenues. Violations of the alcohol ban may result in citation or arrest, and the ordinance will be strictly enforced.

“Leave the alcoholic beverages at home,” said Steve Flannery, Chief Park Ranger. “You can still have a great time by obeying the law.”

Parkway visitors are reminded that all children aged 13 and under, in or around waterways, must wear a life jacket. It’sthe law in Sacramento County. The Park Ranger dispatch line will be operated through the Sheriff’s Department. Call

916‐875‐PARK (7275) to report any accidents or law enforcement issues.

Temporary Alcohol Ban - In effect from when the gates open before sunrise to gate closure after sunset

Saturday, July 3, Sunday, July 4 and Monday, July 5,

Fee Increase Dates - In effect from when the gates open before sunrise to gate closure after sunset

Saturday, July 3, Sunday, July 4 and Monday, July 5,

Park Ranger Front Office at 4040 Bradshaw Road closed –

Ranger Dispatch number 875-PARK (7275) monitored from

6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 3, Sunday, July 4 and Monday, July 5,

Gibson Ranch – Fee increase in effect from when the gates open before sunrise to gate closure after sunset

Open Saturday, July 3 and Sunday, July 4

Closed Monday, July 5.