UPDATED: Rookie Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy accused of molesting girl in Orange County

1030_NWS-WDN-L-DEPUTY-ARRESTED

WHITTIER >> A rookie Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy is accused of molesting a 12-year-old girl he met through an online video game over the course of a year, officials said Thursday.
Costa Mesa police, aided by Los Angeles county sheriff’s officials, arrested Jovanni Argueta, 26, of Los Angeles at a sheriff’s training facility in Whittier Wednesday afternoon, Costa Mesa police Lt. Greg Scott said.
Police first began investigating Argueta Oct. 22 after responding to a report of a “suspicious male” seen on the campus of Costa Mesa Middle School, police said in a written statement. The man had left the campus when officers arrived, but was quickly identified as Argueta, a deputy in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Detectives learned that Argueta and the victim, now-13 years old, had met a year earlier via an online fantasy computer game, officials said.
“Over the course of the year, when the female student was 12 years old, Argueta met with her on numerous occasions,” according to the police statement. “Argueta reportedly performed sexual acts with the girl. Argueta would meet the girl both on campus and away from school.”
Scott said Argueta has been a sworn Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy for less than a year.
Argueta was hired by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in August of 2013, Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials said in a written statement. He was assigned to a men’s jail facility.
“The 26-year-old deputy was immediately relieved of duty, pending the outcome of the criminal investigation,” according to the LASD statement.
“We will be monitoring the criminal proceedings closely and will take appropriate and swift action when the outcome of the judicial process has concluded,” the statement continued.
“The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department expects all of its members to hold themselves to the highest ethical and professional standards at all times,” according to the statement. “Allegations of this magnitude are disturbing and disappointing. Any proven criminal, or other acts of misconduct that violate public trust will not be tolerated and immediate appropriate remedies will be taken by the Department as permitted by law.”
Argueta was booked on suspicion of child molestation and child annoyance.
Argueta posted $100,000 bail Thursday and was released from jail pending his initial court appearance, according to Orange County booking records.
Anyone with information was asked to contact the Costa Mesa Police Department at 714-754-5281. Orange County Crime Stoppers can also be reached anonymously at 855-847-6227.

 

BOOKING PHOTO of Jovanni Argueta, 26, of Los Angeles courtesy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Facebook Twitter Reddit Tumblr Linkedin Email

Police: Driver found asleep at wheel with 100 grams of methamphetamine in Covina

1030_NWS_SGT-L-METH1

COVINA >> Police jailed a San Gabriel man found passed out behind the wheel of his car in Covina early Thursday after discovering nearly a quarter-pound of methamphetamine, along with some heroin, in his vehicle, officials said.
Officers first responded about 4:15 a.m. to reports of a solo-car crash in the 900 block of North Grandview Avenue, Covina police Lt. Tim Doonan said.
“When officers got there, the driver-side tires were up on the sidewalk with the passenger side tires on the street,” the lieutenant said. “The vehicle was running with the suspect asleep behind the wheel.”
Police woke the suspect, who was believed to be under the influence of heroin and appeared “lethargic and confused,” Doonan said.
Upon searching the 2002 Lexus, he said, police found 100 grams of 1030_NWS_SGT-L-METH2methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of more than $1,500, as well as a vial of heroin and a pipe and a “shaved” car key often used to steal or burglarize cars.
Binh Chi Ly, 33, of San Gabriel, was booked on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine for sales, possession of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a burglary tool, according to Covina police and Los Angeles County booking records.
He was being held in lieu of $30,000 bail pending his initial court appearance.

PHOTOS: [TOP] – Binh Ly, 33, of San Gabriel. [BELOW] – 100 grams of seized methampetamine

Facebook Twitter Reddit Tumblr Linkedin Email

Sexual predator charged with two cold case child murders denies charges

Rasmuson_Kenneth

POMONA >> A convicted sex offender awaiting trial for the 1981 slaying of a 6-year-old boy pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a second murder charge stemming from the 1986 slaying of a second young boy, authorities said.
Kenneth Kasten Rasmuson, 53, who was living in Idaho when arrested by cold case investigators in March after DNA evidence linked him to the killing of 6-year-old Jeffrey Vargo of Anaheim. Vargo’s body was discovered in Pomona the day after he disappeared while riding his bicycle in Anaheim on July 2, 1981.
After more than 30 years, Rasmuson was linked to the crime by DNA evidence and arrested, Pomona police Lt. Eddie Vasquez said at the time.
As the legal process moved forward in the murder case, DNA evidence linked Rasmuson to another slaying, that of 6-year-old Miguel Antero of Agoura Hills, Los Angeles County sheriff’s and district attorney’s officials said.
Prosecutors amended the felony complaint already filed against Rasmuson for Vargo’s killing to include Antero’s slaying as well, district attorney’s office spokeswoman Sarah Ardalani said.
His body was found in a wash on April 8, 1986, the same day he went missing from outside his home, prosectors allege.
He pleaded not guilty to the new charges Wednesday in Pomona Superior Court, officials said. He was ordered back to court for another hearing in the case on Jan. 14.
Rasmuson now stands charged with two counts of murder, along the special circumstances that both killings were committed during the commission of lewd or lascivious acts on children, as well as the special circumstance of multiple murders.
Prosecutors are yet to decide whether to seek the death penalty in the case, or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Rasmuson was previously convicted of sex crimes against children in California in the 1980s.

PHOTO: Kenneth Rasmuson, 53. (courtesy)

Facebook Twitter Reddit Tumblr Linkedin Email

One suspect jailed, another sought following La Canada Flintridge burglary


LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE >> Deputies jailed one suspect and sought another after interrupting a residential burglary Wednesday morning, authorities said.
A resident of the 5500 block of Castle Rock Drive called 9-1-1 about 10 a.m. after seeing two men breaking into neighbor’s house, Los Angeles County sheriff’s Lt. Bill Jaeger said.
“We were there within a minute,” Jaeger said. “As a result of that response, we were able to quickly apprehend one suspect running from the location.”
The second suspect got away, prompting a neighborhood search that continued for more than three hours, the lieutenant said.
The second suspect remained at large, he said.
Deputies recovered items stolen from the home that were dropped by the suspects as they fled, Jaeger said. Investigators also recovered the car the suspects had driven to the neighborhood.
Deputies withheld the name of the arrested suspect Wednesday as they continued searching for his alleged accomplice, Jaeger said.

Facebook Twitter Reddit Tumblr Linkedin Email

3 teens arrested after Pasadena burglary, chase


PASADENA >> A tip from a neighbor led police to arrest three teenagers following a Pasadena home break-in and a short car chase Wednesday afternoon, officials said.
The break-in was first reported about 12:45 p.m. at a home in the 1600 block of Paloma Street, Pasadena police Lt. Mark Goodman said.
“A citizen reported three suspects were in the process of burglarizing a residence, Goodman said.
Officers arrived to see three teenage boys driving away from the home in a 1994 Acura Integrta, the lieutenant said. The driver refused to pull over, starting a 90-second chase that ended when the driver lost control and crashed into the side yard of a home along nearby Allen Avenue.
The young suspects continued fleeing on foot, Goodman said. Police quickly apprehended two of them, but the third eluded immediate capture.
Police found him hiding behind a shed, but he refused to surrender, Goodman said. Police dog “Figo” helped subdue the 17-year-old burglary suspect, who was taken to a hospital for treatment of a dog bite to his arm before being booked.
Electronics and jewelry stolen from the Paloma Street home were found inside the suspects’ car, which had been reported stolen to Los Angeles police Tuesday, Goodman said.

Facebook Twitter Reddit Tumblr Linkedin Email

Man wounded in shooting at Villa Park in Pasadena


PASADENA >> An unknown shooter or shooters opened fire on a group of people congregated at Villa Park early Wednesday morning, leaving one man wounded, police said.
Officers responded to reports of “shots fired” about 6:15 a.m. in the park just north of the Villa Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa Street, Pasadena police Lt. Mark Goodman said.
Police encountered a Pasadena man in his 40s who told officers that someone had opened fire on a group of people gathered at the park, the lieutenant said. The man had not been struck by the gunfire, and the others at the park had left before police arrived.
But a hospital notified police about 15 minutes later that a 19-year-old man had arrived at an emergency room with a gunshot wound to his abdomen, Goodman said. He was hospitalized in stable condition.
No description of the shooter or shooters was available.

Facebook Twitter Reddit Tumblr Linkedin Email

Altadena man charged in connection with 3-hour car chase

PASADENA >> Prosecutors filed criminal charges Wednesday against an Altadena man who led authorities on a three-hour chase throughout Los Angeles County over the weekend following a dispute with a neighbor, officials said.
Karnik Kendirian, 48, is accused of evading police, making criminal threats and five counts of vandalism in connection with Sunday’s lengthy, high-speed pursuit and the alleged crimes that preceded it, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Officials said in a written statement. He was arrested at his home Monday morning, hours after Pasadena police called off the wild pursuit as it passed through their city.
An arraignment hearing scheduled for Wednesday was postponed to Thursday, court officials said.
The incident series of events began Saturday, when Kendirian scrawled graffiti on his neighbor’s property in Altadena, district attorney’s officials said. He then allegedly threatened his neighbor for reporting the incident to authorities.
“In addition, (Kendirian) is charged with smashing a car windshield, scratching another car door and two other acts of vandalism,” according to the district attorney’s office statement.
California Highway Patrol officers found Kendirian driving about 5 p.m. Sunday and began pursuing him on the 210 Freeway in Altadena when he refused to pull over, officials said.
Traveling at speeds of up to 100 mph, the fleeing suspect led several police agencies on a chase along the 210, 134, 2, 605, 10 and 57 freeways, as well as surface streets.
Pasadena police took over the chase when it returned to their city for the second time after a lap around much of the county. Officers cancelled their pursuit, electing to follow-up with their investigation later instead.
Sheriff’s deputies arrested Kendirian about 8:35 a.m. Monday at his Altadena home, according to officials and Los Angeles County booking records.
If convicted as charged, Kendirian could face more than three years in state prison.
He was initially held in lieu of $50,000 bail, records show. Prosecutors planned to ask that bail be increased to $125,000.

Facebook Twitter Reddit Tumblr Linkedin Email

UPDATED: Man killed, woman wounded in shooting near Duarte


DUARTE >> A man died and a woman was wounded in a shooting in a residential neighborhood in an unincorporated county area between Duarte and Monrovia late Sunday, authorities said.
Deputies responded to a report of a shooting about 7:05 p.m. at Lincoln and Shrode avenues, Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials said in a written statement.
“Upon their arrival, they found a victim, a male Hispanic adult, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the upper torso,” according to Deputy Kelvin Moody. “The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.”
A woman had also been struck by gunfire, he said. She was hospitalized in stable condition with a gunshot wound to her leg.
No further details regarding the circumstances of the shooting were available.
“There is no suspect information at this time,” Moody said.
Anyone with information was asked to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

Facebook Twitter Reddit Tumblr Linkedin Email

UPDATED: Chase speeds along Los Angeles County freeways

A man described as a Pasadena resident and wanted on suspicion of making criminal threats led California Highway Patrol officers on a high-speed chase that began in Altadena and looped around Los Angeles County freeways and surface streets for nearly three hours Sunday, officials said.
Eventually, Pasadena police called off the pursuit and the black Honda slipped into the night.
The chase began about 5:07 p.m. on the 210 Freeway in Altadena, CHP Officer Michelle Bond said. The vehicle was wanted in connection with a criminal threats investigation, however further details were not available.
The fleeing motorist accelerated to speeds of more than 100 mph as the driver fled east beneath the lenses of television news camera, using multiple freeways, before making his way back toward the east via the 210 Freeway.
The fleeing car then headed south on the 605 Freeway before going east on the 10 Freeway through the San Gabriel Valley and transitioning onto the northbound 57 Freeway through Diamond Bar.
CHP officers followed closely behind as the sedan got back onto the 210 Freeway westbound.
The car briefly exited the 210 Freeway in Arcadia shortly after 7 p.m. The driver drove on the wrong side of the road along Foothill Boulevard for several blocks, narrowly avoiding head-on collisions.
Pasadena police, who took over the pursuit once it reached surface streets in their city, cancelled the chase shortly before 8 p.m., Pasadena police Lt. Jason Clawson said.
No further details were not available.
Police declined to discuss what their tactics will be in proceeding with the investigation.

Facebook Twitter Reddit Tumblr Linkedin Email

Repeat felon found sleeping in car with loaded gun in Pasadena

PASADENA >> Police arrested an armed ex-convict with a long criminal history early Sunday after finding him asleep in a parked car with a loaded handgun, authorities said.
Hayrapet Oganesyan, 29, of Glendale is accused of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm about 9 a.m. in the 400 block of South San Rafael Avenue, Pasadena police Lt. Jason Clawson said.
Someone called police to report a suspicious person in a vehicle parked in the residential neighborhood, the lieutenant said.
Officers arrived and found Oganesyan, along with a woman, asleep inside a car, he said.
As police tried to get Oganesyan’s attention and ask him what he was doing, an officer saw a loaded .40-caliber handgun sitting on the vehicle’s floorboard, Clawson said.
Police took Oganesyan into custody without a struggle, he added. The woman was not arrested.
According to county booking record, Oganesyan’s criminal record dates back to 2004, when he was 18 years old.
He has casing pending for accusations of drug possession and possession of paraphernalia, according to Los Angeles County Superior Court records.
He was convicted of drug possession, drug sales, possession of drugs for sales, being a felon in possession of a firearm in December of 2014, records show. He was sentenced to 180 days in county jail, but released less than three months later in late-February.
Oganesyan was also has conviction including domestic battery, drug-related crimes, false impersonation and forgery, court records show.

Facebook Twitter Reddit Tumblr Linkedin Email