Denise Nix: August 2010 Archives

The Westchester man suspected of being the flasher who harassed El Segundo girls was sentenced to a year in jail after pleading no contest to two charges.

Jeffrey Freeman, 39, must also stay away from El Segundo, register as a sex offender for the rest of his life and complete five years of probation, prosecutors said Thursday.

Freeman pleaded no contest to a felony child pornography possession charge and a misdemeanor indecent exposure count on Aug. 12 at the Airport Courthouse.

He was facing 15 counts for incidents involving 16 teenage girls that began on Nov. 6, 2008.

He was arrested on March 8 by an off-duty police officer who thought he seemed suspicious and matched descriptions of the man who drove around and confronted girls with his pants down.

Imagine watching a thrilling murder mystery. Now imagine that, about half-way through, you get up and walk out of the theatre. In essence, this is what I feel like I am doing this week when, after nine years at the Daily Breeze, I am leaving the newspaper and the court beat behind.

Journalism has always been my passion and, on the court beat, I have found people and issues to write about that are really interesting, entertaining, sad, dramatic and horrific. Leaving with so many cases pending - cases relating to people I may have never met but feel compassion and sympathy for - was one of the things I considered in making this very, very difficult decision.

I think about Cori Desmond, Lauren Sarene-Key, Casie Hyde, Lynne Knight, Cheryl Green and so many others daily. My heart goes out to their grieving families, many of whom have let me share, and share in, their sorrow. I always hoped my stories would prevent further senselessness, but I really know people will continue to do wretched things to each other no matter how many stories I write.

Many of you readers have been awfully supportive over the years with your compliments and questions. I thank each of you. Many of you readers have been just awful over the years with your unwarranted criticisms, racial rants and vile, hate-filled user comments. I have nothing for any of you.

My career path is veering off course, but I feel confident that I will find fulfillment and challenge in my new endeavor working as a writer and editor for a children's advocacy agency. I believe in the justice system and I believe in the Daily Breeze. I will miss them both deeply.

Farewell, readers.

"We don't give our criminals much punishment, but we sure give 'em plenty of publicity."  ~Will Rogers

Three teenagers suspected of lighting a trash can on fire were arrested early Monday in the Hollyglen area of Hawthorne, according to the police.

Before the arrests, officers tried to speak with three people they saw walking near Isis Avenue and 142nd Street around 1:10 a.m., according to Lt. Gary Tomatani.

But two of the men immediately fled as the officers approached, Tomatani said.

One of them dropped a backpack that allegedly contained two Molotov cocktail incendiary devices and a container of gasoline, Tomatani said.

Officers from neighboring cities and police dogs searched the area for two hours before finding the two suspected of running. They came out from a residence where one of them lived and surrendered, Tomatani added.

During the search, fire officials were called to a trash can fire in the 5500 block of 142nd Place. A resident was able to extinguish the blaze.

The man who didn't run was identified as Timothy Laney, 18, of Torrance.

 The other two are a 16-year-old from Lomita and a 17-year-old from Hawthorne. Their names are being withheld because of their ages.

All three are being held on suspicion of arson and conspiracy to committ arson.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Hawthorne Police Department Detective Bureau at 310-349-2920.

Carson Sheriff's Station Gears up for Community Night Out

Carson Sheriff's Station, in partnership with the City of Carson and the Community Advisory Committee, will host the "Community Night Out, March and Rally Against Crime and Violence," in front of Carson Station on August 11, 2010, from 6:00-9:00 PM. Carson Station is located at 21356 South Avalon Boulevard, Carson, California, 90745.

Community Night Out will feature live jazz music by "Buck's Vibe," food, local officials, children activities, the "Kid Print" program, various law and fire exhibits, highlighting the Special Enforcement Bureau (S.E.B.), and the Sheriff's Department helicopter.

The evening will commence with a ½ -mile march, with Captain Bernice Abram, city officials, faith-based organizations, local business leaders, and members of the community to show our solidarity against crime and violence in the community.

The event is in conjunction with the "27th Annual National Night Out," which involves over 15,000 communities across the country, from all 50 States, U.S. Territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide.

 Admission is free. Parking will be available at the Juanita Millender-McDonald Community Center (directly across the street).

The event is sponsored by the Target Corporation, Sony Electronics, Inc., Shell, JC Flag Corporation, Double Tree Hotel, Slim Concept Weight Control, and the World of Freemasonry-Gardena Moneta Lodge #372.

That's per CNN. Having trouble getting the ruling to load myself. It's supposed to be at the court's website.