Lady Robbed at Gunpoint in Apartment

An Elk Grove lady residing in an apartment on the 8500 block of Elk Grove-Florin Road was robbed at gunpoint yesterday afternoon.

According to police reports, two unknown suspects entered the apartment through an open bedroom window. Once inside the unit, one of the suspects displayed a handgun at the victim while the other suspect searched the apartment.

After removing undisclosed property, the suspects fled on foot in an unknown direction. Both suspects were described as African-American males in the 20’s.

The first suspect was wearing an orange shirt with dark pants and armed with a handgun. The second suspect was wearing a black shirt with red/white stripes and black pants.

Responding Elk Grove Police officers were unable to locate the suspects.

Caltrans Employee Pleads Guilty to Bribery, Bid Rigging, and Contracting Fraud

SACRAMENTO—United States Attorney Benjamin Wagner and FBI Special Agent in Charge Drew Parenti announced that Clint Gregory, 48, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Lawrence K. Karlton to bribery, bid rigging, and fraud in connection with contracts issued by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).

Gregory admitted that as a result of the fraud, Caltrans incurred a loss of more than $1.2 million. Co-defendants Siavash “Mike” Poursartip, 56, and Sara Shirazi, 52, both of Walnut Creek, were arraigned on August 27, 2010, before the United States Magistrate Judge Kimberly Mueller. They pleaded not guilty to the charges and were released on $50,000 unsecured bonds.

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

Continued....

Mutiple Arrests Following Skateboard Assault

What started as an assault with a skateboard Sunday afternoon turned into a a family fight that led to the arrest of three Elk Grove residents.

According to Elk Grove Police reports, two male juveniles aged 14 and 17 were involved in a verbal altercation on the 9600 block of Elk Grove-Florin Road that escalated into a physical confrontation. Reportedly the 17 year old struck the 14 year old over the head with a skateboard and fled. Police later apprehended the juvenile suspect and transferred him to juvenile hall.

While officers were on hand at the scene of the assault, two relatives of the 14-year old assault victim, 18-year old Thomas Ewing and a 16-year old male juvenile, both from Elk Grove, confronted the brother of the suspected attacker.

The two suspects entered the brother's car and began hitting him with closed fist causing visible injuries. The victim signed a citizen's arrest form and the two attackers were taken into custody. Ewing was transferred to the county jail and the juvenile was transferred to juvenile hall.

Man Stabbed at Howe Avenue Red Lobster

At approximately 9:00 p.m. Saturday night a patron of Red Lobster located at 1400 Howe Avenue was stabbed in the neck by another patron while in the restroom. The suspect also stole the victim’s cell phone.

The suspect fled the restaurant and was captured about twenty minutes later by Sheriff’s Deputies at a nearby apartment complex. The victim was transported to the UC Davis Medical Center where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The suspect is identified as Brian Soule, a 30-year-old White male. Soule was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and robbery.

His booking photo is not immediately available.

Suspicious Death on Watt Avenue

On August 28, 2010, at 3:18 p.m., Sacramento County Sheriff’s deputies responded to an apartment complex located in the 7700 block of Watt Avenue to check on the welfare of a tenant after a neighbor noticed an apartment door ajar and a subject lying on the floor.

Deputies arrived and discovered who they believe to be the 69-year-old resident of the apartment dead on the floor. The cause of his death and how long he had been dead were not obvious.

Sheriff’s Homicide detectives believe foul play was involved but, have not yet established a motive in this case. The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office will determine the cause and manner of death, and release the victim’s identity upon notification of his next of kin.

During the course of their investigation, detectives determined the victim’s car was missing. The victim owns a 1999 Black Toyota Solara (see photos of similar vehicle below) with a California license plate number 4FRH715.

Anyone with information regarding this suspicious death, or the whereabouts of the victim’s car, 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.

Two Suspects Arrested in Gang Related Murder

Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau detectives have arrested two Sacramento-area residents in connection to the homicide which occurred on 42nd Street early Sunday morning.

Detectives arrested 34-year-old Chai Choy Saechao, and 22-year-old Jensen Jordan Yoro after questioning them about their connection to the case. Both suspects were among the group of subjects detained in the area shortly after the shooting occurred.

On Sunday morning at 3:18 a.m., Sacramento County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the report of a shooting in the 5600 block of 42nd Street. Deputies arrived and found a vehicle which had crashed into a light pole at the corner of 42nd Street and Apostolo Circle.

The driver of the vehicle, identified as 23-year-old Alonzo Haynes, had suffered a gunshot wound to the chest. Fire department paramedics arrived a short time later and pronounced Haynes dead at the scene.

Deputies quickly detained several subjects who were found walking in the area and from nearby residences. Detectives now believe the shooting was gang-related and that the suspects and the victim had argued earlier in the evening.

The victim was shot and killed when he confronted the suspects in front of a home in the area of Apostolo Circle.

Both suspects were booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on the charge of murder and are ineligible for bail. Saechao is scheduled to be arraigned on August 31, 2010, at 1:30 p.m. in Department 62. Yoro is scheduled to be arraigned on August 31, 2010, at 1:30 p.m. in Department 61.

‘Stay Away’ Hearing Could Become Problematic for Hume’s Reelection

Elected official, others to be called for hearing

Elk Grove City Council Candidate Issues Campaign Finance Challenge

During the Wednesday, August 27 meeting of the Elk Grove City Council a challenge was issued by one of those hoping to have a seat on the next council.

Candidate Jimmie Johnson, who is running for the District 4 seat currently occupied by Gary Davis, issued a campaign finance challenge to all Elk Grove City Council candidates. To see what the challenge is, watch the video below.

Tomorrow EGN will post a story on the reaction of other city council candidates to Johnson's challenge.

Police Investigating Possible Connection between Child Annoyance and Attempted Rancho Cordova Kidnapping

On August 24, 2010, at 11:52 a.m., Rancho Cordova Police Department (RCPD) officers responded to Williamson Elementary School to speak to two students who told school officials they had been offered a ride by a stranger as they were walking home from school on Pinturo Way. The students, one 8-year-old girl and one 10-year-old boy, described the suspect only as a white male adult in a white van. The officers were unable to locate the suspect or his vehicle.

Folsom Cordova Unified School District administrators notified parents of the incident using the Edulink Message system.

On August 27, 2010, at 8:12 a.m., RCPD officers responded to Williamson Elementary School regarding the attempted kidnapping of a 9-year-old female student who was walking to school in the area of Rosado Way and Benito Drive when a white van driven by a white male adult stopped near her. She told officers a Hispanic male, who was a passenger in the van, got out of the van and grabbed her by the wrist.

The young girl was able to break free from the suspect’s grasp and run to the school where she immediately reported the incident. She described the Hispanic male as being between 18- and 25-years-old, with a long black ponytail. He was wearing a white tank top and dark sweatpants. The school district also notified parents of this incident using the Edulink Message System.

Police are investigating the possible link between the two incidents because of the similar descriptions of the suspect vehicle in each case.

Anyone with information regarding these cases is urged to call the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department at (916) 874-5115, or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP; or 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

Leary countersues in continuing romance, real estate, crime drama

by Thom Nadeau
of Notable Trials

Former Elk Grove City Council member Michael P. Leary has filed a civil lawsuit claiming a cabal of women notary executives cheated him of thousands of dollars through an improper transfer of title.

In the suit filed Aug. 18 in Sacramento County Superior Court, Leary alleges that Abby Patneaud, Catherine Picton, Alyce Maselli and “Does 1 through 15” conspired via North American Title Company to defraud him of an unspecified amount in excess of $25,000.

Leary is currently facing a criminal trial on four charges he defrauded Maselli of an unspecified amount in a disputed transfer of title for a residence at 3301 Marina Cove Circle, Elk Grove valued at $610,000.

Leary was arraigned in October 2009 on charges of grand theft fraud and forgery related to the title transfer between himself and his former girlfriend Maselli in 2006. The trial in People v. Leary, #09F07685 is now slated to start Sept. 14.

If convicted in that case, Leary could be sentenced to as many as 12 years in state prison and fined up to $75,000. He currently remains free on bail.

This new civil lawsuit, Michael Leary v. North American Title Company et al, case #34-2010-00085705,was filed in propria persona, or “in pro per,” as courthouse slang would have it.

That simply means Leary filed the civil complaint as an individual acting on his own behalf without the benefit – or the expense – of an attorney.

What the suit claims ...

Sacramento County Couple Convicted of Insurance Fraud

District Attorney Jan Scully announced today a jury convicted Joanne and Steven Fawcett of felony insurance fraud. Both were found guilty of making false statements regarding an insurance claim and Joanne Fawcett was also found guilty on two counts of falsifying insurance claim documents.

In April 2007, Joanne Fawcett claimed that while walking in a parking lot she was hit by a vehicle that injured her left knee. Fawcett told insurance representatives that as a result, she suffered constant “knife-like” pain, walked with a limp and would never be able to work again. Steven Fawcett confirmed his wife's claims, making numerous false statements to insurance company representatives.

An investigation produced video of Joanne Fawcett showing no signs of physical debilitation as she worked for two property management companies cleaning rental properties. The video shows her walking briskly, climbing stairs and carrying boxes of cleaning supplies with full use of her left leg.

She is also shown with a younger man moving a refrigerator without a dolly or hand truck. Staff from the property management companies testified they saw Joanne perform these physical tasks, and also that she insisted all paperwork and income be in her husband’s name.

The Department of Insurance investigation found Joanne Fawcett has filed at least 24 injury claims since the mid-1990s, costing insurance companies in excess of $450,000.

"Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime," Deputy District Attorney Sue Wilson said. "Serial offenders make their living stealing from insurance companies and everyone else ends up footing the bill."

Sentencing is scheduled for October 1, 2010 in Department 16 of the Sacramento Superior Court.

Sacramento Police to Conduct DUI Checkpoint Friday Night

"Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest"

The Sacramento Police Department will conduct a sobriety and drivers license checkpoint on Friday, August 27, 2010, at J and 51st Street.

It will begin at 8:30 p.m. and run for 5-7 hours. Traffic flowing through the checkpoint will be contacted by uniformed officers, who will be checking for alcohol and/or drug-impaired drivers. Officers will also check to make sure all drivers have a valid driver's license.

The purpose of the checkpoint is to promote public safety; increase awareness of the dangers associated with drinking and driving, and serves as a deterrent to potential impaired and unlicensed drivers.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Rancho Cordova to Conduct DUI Checkpoint Firday Night

The Rancho Cordova Police Department will be conduct  a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Sobriety and Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday August 27, 2010, in the city of Rancho Cordova. The checkpoint will be operational that day from 8:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m., the following morning.

Officers will be checking drivers for signs of impairment, providing educational materials outlining the dangers of driving while impaired, and checking for driver’s licenses. This checkpoint operation will be conducted utilizing funds from a grant provided to the “Avoid the Capital 15” program and the Rancho Cordova Police Department by the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).

Rancho Cordova Child Dies After Being Struck By Vehicle

On August 23, 2010, at 7:18 p.m., Rancho Cordova Police Department officers responded to the report that a child had been struck by a vehicle in the 2500 block of El Cerco Court.

When officers arrived they learned fire department paramedics had transported the 2-year-old boy to a local hospital. At 7:41 p.m. officers were notified the child had been pronounced dead.

Investigators have learned the child was struck by a friend of the child’s father who had just dropped off the father at his home. The friend, a 42-year-old male, was driving a full-size pick up truck and did not see the child who had run in front of the truck. The driver was also transported to a local hospital with complaints of chest pain.

The RCPD Major Accident Investigation Team will investigate this fatal accident and attempt to determine how it occurred. Anyone who may have witnessed the accident, and who did not talk to officers at the scene, is urged to call RCPD Traffic Unit detective Ron Brazell at (916) 875-9623.

Leary hearing today likely last before trial

by Thom Nadeau
of Notable Trials

Former Sacramento County sheriff’s Lt. Michael P. Leary’s last last pre-trial hearing is set for 1:30 p.m. today in Sacramento County Superior Court.

He has pleaded innocent to all of the four felony fraud charges authorities have brought against him.

His trial is currently expected to start at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 8 in the court’s Department #9.

Several times the defense has hinted an eleventh-hour settlement might be in the offing, but, as pre-trial hearings dragged out over months of delays, none materialized.

However, Elk Grove News will be on the scene today and will report if a settlement is announced.

Love, loot lost ...

Anthrax Hoaxer Gets 20 Years

SACRAMENTO, CA—United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that Timothy Cloud, 63, a transient, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb to 20 years in prison. Cloud pleaded guilty in May to sending anthrax hoax letters, threatening President Obama, and failing to register as a sex offender.

According to Cloud’s plea agreement, he admitted sending hoax mailings addressed to Social Security Administration (SSA) offices in Baltimore, Md.; Kansas City, Mo.; and New York, NY. Each of these mailings contained a white powdery substance to simulate anthrax and an index card with the words “you stole my money” and “die.” As a result of the mailing to the New York office, all employees were evacuated, and four were quarantined.

Cloud also admitted to sending a letter to President Obama contained a white powder to simulate anthrax and an index card with the words, “You are just another lying politision,” [sic] with cross hairs between “not this time” and “maybe next time,” and a newspaper photo of President Obama with cross hairs hand drawn over his face.

Cloud also admitted that, by virtue of a conviction in Texas, he was required to register as a sex offender in California and that he did not do so.

In addition to the 20-year prison sentence, Judge Shubb ordered that Cloud, upon his release from prison, serve a 10-year period of supervised release.

Eight Charged in Sacramento Real Estate Investment Fraud Scheme

SACRAMENTO, CA—United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner, FBI Special Agent in Charge Drew S. Parenti, and IRS Special Agent in Charge Scott O’Briant announced that a federal grand jury in Sacramento returned an indictment on Thursday, charging eight persons in a real estate investment fraud scheme operated under the name of Heaven Investments. The following individuals are charged in the indictment:

• Akbar Bhamani, 56, of Carmichael, CEO, Heaven Investments
• Aly Khan Bhamani, 28, of Carmichael, Vice President, Heaven Investments
• Zainulabidin Akbar Bhamani, 30, of Sherman Oaks, Vice President, Heaven Investments
• Laila Bhamani, 57, of Tracy, Finance Department, Heaven Investments
• Feroza Bhamani, 55, of Carmichael, Finance Department, Heaven Investments
• Ken Sarna, 46, of Vallejo, Director of Operations, Heaven Investments
• John Pierre Quintana, 30, of Dixon, Director of Marketing, Heaven Investments
• Shaun Bhamani, 26, of Valencia, Loan Officer, Global Financial & Assets Inc.

 

The first seven defendants are charged with 15 counts of mail fraud and wire fraud in connection with the scheme to defraud investors of over $11.4 million through a company called Heaven Investments Holding Co. (HIHC). HIHC was a family-run real estate development company in Sacramento that offered investors two principal types of investments. The first was called the Planned Income Program that promised to use investor money to acquire residential single-family dwellings that would be renovated and resold for a profit. The second was the Tenants in Common program that promised to use investor money to develop four pieces of property known as Mission Manor, Alder Heights, Walnut Acres, and the Hegenberger Hotel. Investors were promised a 12 - 15 percent annual return.

 

How the scheme worked...

 

Elk Grove City Attorney, Clerk Scoff at Citizens Conerns over Hume's Ballot Statement

Cochran, Lindgren approve public official's endorsement on ballot statement, dismissive of concerns; ignoring ethical considerations?

Elk Grove City Attorney Susan Cochran issued an opinion late Friday afternoon that dismissed concerns expressed by Elk Grove citizens over the ballot statement of incumbent Elk Grove City Council Member Pat Hume's that uses an endorsement from an official an agency that the City of Elk Grove directly funds.

Joining Cochran in the opinion was interim Elk Grove City Clerk Jason Lindgren who gave a green light to Council Member Pat Hume’s use of Tim Moran's endorsement of his candidacy. Moran, who is President of Methodist Hospital in Sacramento, is also the chairman of the Elk Grove Economic Development Corporation (EFEDC) which received a $750,000 five year grant from the city in February, 2008.

Cochran and Lindgren’s opinion was issued after several citizens enquired with the Sacramento County Board of Elections to determine if Moran’s ballot statement endorsement of Hume was appropriate. Brad Buyse of the county elections board referred the matter to Cochran and Lindgren.

In the joint statement, Cochran said that Lindgren had determined that Moran’s statement was factual and not misleading.

The statement said “Mr. Lindgren is mindful of Elections Code section 13313(b)(2), which provides that a writ or injunction shall be issued only upon the presentation of clear and convincing proof that the challenged content is false, misleading, or inconsistent with the requirements of the Election Code AND that issuance of the writ or injunction will not substantially interfere with the printing or distribution of the election materials."

“With this standard in mind, Mr. Lindgren has determined that the content in question, a quote by Mr. Tim Moran, does not fall within the type of content outlined in section 13313(b)(2). In specific, the use of the quote by Mr. Hume was authorized in writing and signed by Mr. Moran; that authorization is on file with the Office of the City Clerk. The quote is permission granted by Mr. Moran, and is not stated as an endorsement by the Elk Grove Economic Development Corporation. Mr. Moran is factually the Chair of the Elk Grove Economic Development Corporation. The Elk Grove Economic Development Corporation is not a partisan political organization. Therefore, Mr. Lindgren has determined that no further restrictions exist to preclude the inclusion of this information in a Candidate Statement.”

Although Cochran narrowly tailored Lindren’s opinion permitting Hume’s use of Moran’s endorsement on a factual basis that only address whether Moran submitted a factual statement (there seems to be no disagreement on that matter), there is a substantial body of case law and legal opinions that cast doubt on Moran’s endorsement.

Most notably is the case of Stanson v. Mott.

Elk Grove City Attorney, Clerk Scoff at Citizens Conerns over Hume's Ballot Statement

Cochran, Lindgren approve public official's endorsement on ballot statement, dismissive of concerns

Elk Grove City Attorney Susan Cochran issued an opinion late yesterday afternoon that dismissed concerns expressed by Elk Grove citizens over the ballot statement of incumbent Elk Grove Council member Pat Hume's that uses an endorsement from an official an agency that the City of Elk Grove directly funds.

Joining Cochran in the opinion was interim Elk Grove City Clerk Jason Lindgren who gave a green light to Council Member Pat Hume to use Tim Moran's endorsement of his candidacy. Moran is the chairman of the Elk Grove Economic Development Corporation which received a $750,000 five year grant from the city in February, 2008.    

Continued tomorrow

Is Elk Grove's Pat Hume Breaking Campaign Laws?

Elk Grove Economic Development Corporation Chair Endorses Hume

Is the EGEDC Chair's endorsement ethical?

Several months ago in the heated debate surrounding the location of the St. Marie Goretti Roman Catholic Church, Council Member Steve Detrick made an off-cuff comment that the Sacramento Diocese should look at other sites within the Elk Grove community. One of those sites, Detrick suggested, was a vacant lot across the street from his home that at one point was being considered for a Super Wal-Mart.

Critics of Detrick seized on the comment and urged an ethics  violation investigation saying the first term council member was trying to make an economic gain by urging the sale of the vacant parcel. Mayor Sophia Scherman agreed and single-handedly approved an independent investigation in the matter.  

Unfortunately for Detrick, not to mention the struggling taxpayers of Elk Grove, that comment undoubtedly caused him lots of indigestion, taxpayers thousands of dollars and yet another embarrassment for the city. 

Scherman's rouge ethics investigation turned out to be nothing but a red herring and did nothing but damage the already sagging reputation of city council and Elk Grove as a whole. To paraphrase one council members' comments at the time, the whole incident may work to keep businesses from locating in the city. 

  

Since Scherman's strange saga, ethics violation accusations amongst council members have been tossed around like a hot potato. 

Nevertheless, failure of the smell test seems to be permeating from the city council again. The latest incident comes from council member Pat Hume and his ballot statement.

Endorsement from city funded board member; Does it pass the smell and Four Way Test?

Two Sacramento Men Indicted for Defrauding City of Sacramento

SACRAMENTO—United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that on July 22, 2010, a federal grand jury returned a 13-count indictment charging Peter Scott, 47, of Roseville, California, and Robert “Robbie” Scott, Jr., 32, of Sacramento, California, with conspiracy and making false contractor’s bonds, bids, and public records. The indictment alleges that Peter and Robbie Scott submitted fraudulent bid and surety bonds on behalf of Advantage Demolition and Engineering (ADE) in connection with the City of Sacramento’s water meter retrofit project. The bonds guaranteed execution, payment, and performance of two multi-million-dollar contracts with the city of Sacramento for the replacement of water meters.

Phony Bonds

Oroville Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Robbery

SACRAMENTO, CA—United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that Shawn Victor Webber, 35, of Oroville, pleaded guilty this morning before U.S. District Judge Frank C. Damrell Jr. to four bank robberies.

 

This case is the product of an investigation by the Grass Valley Police Department, Chico Police Department, Lincoln Police Department, the Yuba City Police Department, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Rodriguez is prosecuting the case.

 

According to court documents, Webber robbed four banks:

See what banks were robbed below...

Elk Grove Man Tied-Up For 12 Hours by Home Robbers

A 58-year old Elk Grove man was robbed and tied-up for close to 12 hours in his own home yesterday by two or three robbers.

According to Elk Grove Police reports, officer responded to a call for a robbery on the 8700 block of Agave Way where the victim had been tied up. The victim said he had been tied up in a rear room by two or three suspects who entered his house around 7 or 8 AM.

The victim was able to partially free himself after several hours and worked his way into the front of the house where he yelled for help. A neighbor heard the calls and discovered the victim when the police were called.

The victim described the suspects as possibly being African-American. One of the suspects was armed and wearing a white/blue stripped polo style shirt.

The victim was examined by paramedic and did not suffer any injuries.

The suspects fled in the victim’s 2005 Chevy Corvette, plate 5NKJ166. In addition to the vehicle, two LCD televisions and other personal property were stolen

Scully to Legislature: Don’t Soften Sentencing for Juvies

Yee says rehab still possible

Sacramento County District Attorney Jan Scully announced her opposition yesterday to a pending bill in the state assembly that would loosen sentencing for juveniles convicted of first degree murder with special circumstances.

The legislation, SB399, would allow first degree murderers with special circumstances aged 16 to 18 sentenced to life without parole the chance of having their sentience modified to permit parole.

“The penalty of life with parole is reserved for the worst crimes, by the worst criminals” Scully said. “This bill would re-victimize the murder victim’s family, forcing them to re-live the events through court hearings and the parole process.”

Scully said that current law offer judges discretion the offer parole in murder cases even when a jury found special circumstances to be true. This, along with prosecutorial discretion, provides sufficient safeguards against overly harsh sentences’.

'Children have a greater capacity for rehabilitation than adults'