Posts Tagged :

2020

DEFUNDED HOMICIDE DETECTIVE CAUGHT THE KILLER FROM 1996 MURDER. 920 696 SIB Staff

DEFUNDED HOMICIDE DETECTIVE CAUGHT THE KILLER FROM 1996 MURDER.

After the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and Los Angeles County CEO defunded Detective Division, LASD Homicide Bureau’s cold-case detective Purcell worked for free to catch the 1996 killer of Covina grandmother in a nursing home. Detective Purcell was one of the first detectives on the scene on January 19, 1996. Mary Lindgren, 67, had been brutally beaten, raped, and murdered at a retirement home in Covina. Click on the link below to view the full story.

LASD Homicide – Unsolved Unit Solves 24 Year Old Case 1011 1024 SIB Staff

LASD Homicide – Unsolved Unit Solves 24 Year Old Case

LASD Homicide – Unsolved Unit Solves 24 Year Old Rape/Murder Case of a 67-Year-Old Female Victim

On January 19, 1996, Mary Lindgren was discovered brutally beaten, raped, and murdered inside her 1ST-floor bedroom at the “Covina Villa Retirement Home,” an assisted living center for senior citizens. Mary Lindgren lived alone in her room and was discovered by facility staff at approximately 7:30 am. Rescue personnel responded to the location and pronounced Mary Lindgren dead at the scene. Mary Lindgren was 67 years old at the time of her murder.

Homicide investigators from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene and assisted the Covina Police Department with the murder investigation. Sheriff’s Homicide investigators, along with a Department crime lab scientist and forensic identification specialist, conducted a thorough and exhaustive crime scene investigation. Several items of evidence, including DNA, were collected and held for forensic analysis. Investigators conducted extensive interviews with facility staff members, residents, and their families, outside vendors, contractors, delivery personnel, as well as neighbors living near and around the facility. All were cleared and excluded as potential suspects in this case.

DNA evidence, believed to belong to the suspect, was recovered from the crime scene and analyzed by the forensic biology section of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Crime Lab. Although the suspect DNA profile was developed, the unidentified male offender’s DNA profile did not match any profiles within the state or federal criminal justice DNA databases.

Homicide investigators, in this case, initiated state and national crime broadcasts to participating law enforcement agencies, detailing Mary Lindgren’s murder. Throughout the years, investigators continued to send out the crime broadcasts, which resulted in several leads of possible suspects connected with similar criminal behavior. All leads were thoroughly investigated by Homicide investigators but failed to lead to a suspect in Mary Lindgren’s murder.

In 2019, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office collaborated with LASD Homicide Investigators assigned to the Unsolved Unit, to submit the unidentified offender’s DNA profile to the California State Department of Justice a state-of-the-art DNA search and identification process. In July of 2020, California Department of Justice officials notified investigators from the Sheriff’s Homicide Unsolved Unit and the District Attorney’s Office of their results. Utilizing the results provided by the California Department of Justice, detectives focused their investigation on the probable suspect. Subsequently, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Investigators assigned to the Unsolved Unit, along with Sheriff’s Crime Lab personnel, identified David Adolph Bernal, a 46-year-old El Monte resident. His DNA was a match collected from the body of Mary Lindgren and was the suspect in her murder. On August 6, 2020, members of the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau served an arrest and search warrant for David Bernal in the city of El Monte and arrested him for the 1996 murder of Mary Lindgren.

Bernal is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday, August 7, 2020, in the Los Angeles Superior Court. His bail was set at $2 Million.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.

If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/

Sheriff Alex Villanueva infront of media giving a conference
Sheriff Villanueva – Year in Office 900 472 SIB Staff

Sheriff Villanueva – Year in Office

Sheriff Villanueva’s Year in Office Video

Sheriff Villanueva outlines his achievements over the last 1 1/2 years in fulfilling campaign vow to reform, rebuild and restore #LASD.  “I look forward to us continuing to achieve our collective goals,” said Sheriff Villanueva.                                 

Watch the commemorative video here:

Video Production Crew Receives Third Emmy Award 1024 768 SIB Staff

Video Production Crew Receives Third Emmy Award

Video Production Crew Receives Third Emmy Award

And the award goes to…the Video Production Unit! Nominees chosen by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards included a public service Announcement category, for which the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department “Drive Baked, Get Booked” production was selected the winner for the Los Angeles area. We wish to recognize the following professionals who received the prestigious award, as well as their talented support crew who helped put the production together:

Sergeant Harry Drucker (retired), Producer
Eric King, Producer
Deputy Yury Polissky, Director, Writer
Video Production Specialist Vance Kotrla, Graphic Designer

The things we see in television, movies and commercials are powerful influencers. Broadcasts can be informative, evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, sway us to make purchases, and persuade us to action. Public service announcements present messages through words and scenarios to raise awareness about a variety of topics and compel change, which the “Drive Baked, Get Booked” piece does in less than a minute.

Because of recent changes to regulations for medicinal and adult-use cannabis in California, people may not realize that, although smoking marijuana may be legal for some, driving impaired is illegal and dangerous for everyone. The intent of the video was to improve public awareness and safety regarding the dangers of driving under the influence of marijuana, presented in a true-to-life scenario with a hint of dry humor. A driver who is clearly inhibited finds himself face-to-face with a deputy as water rains down on them. The seasoned deputy comments flatly on the wet weather to the sleepy-eyed driver sitting inside of a smoke-filled car. It is only when the driver looks upward through the windshield that the viewer realizes he struck a fire hydrant, which is blasting a waterfall. You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEdUCUYWWFU.

This is the third Emmy award received by the Video Production Unit. Their expert crew produced the gripping “Surviving an Active Shooter” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFQ-oxhdFjE and a four-part public safety announcement series on gun safety, “If They’re Not Secured, They’re Not Safe,” which you can watch here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVfej3WzYgk,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOtRFqqEiU4,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-iyCryuM0Q,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxA78dHRp7U.

The Video Production Unit, which falls under the umbrella of Training Bureau, is an in-house video production unit staffed by sworn and professional personnel with experience in the film and television industries. They produce public service announcements, training videos, and livestream ceremonial events, academy graduations and press conferences for the entire Department.

Prepared by:
Deputy Lillian Peck
Sheriff’s Information Bureau
211 West Temple Street,
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Website LASD HQ: http://www.sheriff33.lasd.org

“If You See Something, Say Something”
L.A. Crime Stoppers: Partner to prevent or report crime by contacting your local Sheriff’s station. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you may call “L.A. Crime Stoppers” at 800-222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 MOBILE APP” on Google play or the App Store, or use the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Text and email, register for LASD Nixle messages: To receive more detailed, up-to-date information via E-MAIL and/or TEXT directly from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), sign up for Nixle alerts at http://www.Nixle.com and register for “LASD- Headquarters Newsroom (SHB), Los Angeles County Sheriff” and your local LASD station area. To receive URGENT TEXT ALERTS ONLY, text your zip code to 888777. Standard text messaging rates may apply depending on your calling plan.

Alex Villanueva, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

Fake warrant calls from unknown persons 900 900 SIB Staff

Fake warrant calls from unknown persons

Fake warrant calls from unknown persons

“Hello, there is a warrant issued for your arrest!”

On Friday, July 17th, 2020, one of our deputies from the San Dimas Sheriff’s station was called out to take a “Fraud by False Pretenses” report. See, the victim received a phone call from an unknown person and number indicating he was a “Drug Investigator.” This so called Drug Investigator told the victim she had “warrants for her arrest” and there was fraudulent activity with her social security number which she needed to rectify immediately. Thankfully the victim did not believe him, but the unknown caller then asked her if she would feel more comfortable speaking with someone from the San Dimas Sheriff’s station.

To her dismay, a second person called her and identified himself as the someone from San Dimas Sheriff’s station. This second person told her to do everything the “Drug Investigator” asked of her. The “Drug Investigator” then called her back and requested gift cards from her. Sadly, this victim fell into their trap and bought gift cards totaling over $4,000 to “pay” for the clearing of the warrants and the fraudulent activity associated with her social security number.

After discussing this with others, the victim realized she had fallen for this scam and was out $4,000.00.

Please know the following: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reminds you that we will never call you about any of the following:

*Monetary requests such as gift cards of any type to pay for “warrants”
*Delivery of such monies via telephone
*COVID relief payments/checks — very common now a days

“Threatening Impersonator Phone calls” are not new but they seem to be more common now especially with COVID related charities.

If you are unsure of who you are speaking with, please ask the caller for their information, hang up and call the specific agency in question. DO NOT GIVE ANY OF YOUR INFORMATION over the phone.

Do your homework and be aware of all the possible scams and those who prey on innocent people!

For more information related to tax scams please visit:

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-unveils-dirty-dozen-list-of-tax-scams-for-2020-americans-urged-to-be-vigilant-to-these-threats-during-the-pandemic-and-its-aftermath

CORONER BREAKS PROTOCOL BY RELEASING AUTOPSY RESULTS 680 380 SIB Staff

CORONER BREAKS PROTOCOL BY RELEASING AUTOPSY RESULTS

CORONER BREAKS PROTOCOL BY RELEASING AUTOPSY RESULTS – JEOPARDIZING INVESTIGATION

July 10, 2020

The unprecedented release of the Andres Guardado autopsy report today by the Medical Examiner-Coroner, Dr. Jonathan Lucas, has the potential to jeopardize the investigation, the filing of the case, and any possible future criminal or administrative proceedings. This move will now force the Sheriff’s Department to use court orders to enforce security holds that exist for only one purpose – to prevent tainting witness testimony prior to interviews.  Dr. Lucas has acknowledged succumbing to pressure from the Board of Supervisors and the Office of Inspector General, and has now made the astonishing admission that he sacrificed the integrity of the investigation in a bid to satisfy public curiosity.

In a coordinated release, Supervisor Ridley Thomas lauded the coroner’s efforts, unwittingly demonstrating a poor grasp of both the investigative responsibilities of the Sheriff’s Department and the lack of authority the politically-appointed Inspector General has to interfere with and jeopardize the integrity of criminal investigations.  As Sheriff of Los Angeles County, I find it deeply troubling that an elected supervisor would use the authority of his office to bully the coroner and sow mistrust of law enforcement in the community.  While these apparent goals may satisfy Supervisor Ridley Thomas’ narrow political aspirations, it does nothing to advance the public’s interest.

The Sheriff’s Department will not be providing any commentary on the Andres Guardado case until the investigation has been completed.  To do so prior would establish a poor precedent that can threaten the integrity of all future criminal investigations, including deputy involved shootings.  832.7 PC does provide for public access to officer involved shooting investigations, however the law does not provide for public dissemination prior to the completion of the investigation.  

Sheriff Alex Villanueva

If you have concerns regarding the above, share your voice.  You may contact your Board of Supervisors at the below:
 County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors

Hilda L. Solis
Supervisor, First District
Phone: (213) 974-4111
[email protected]

Mark Ridley-Thomas
Supervisor, Second District
Phone: (213) 974-2222
[email protected]

Sheila Kuehl
Supervisor, Third District
Phone: (213) 974-3333
[email protected]

Janice Hahn
Supervisor, Fourth District
Phone: (213) 974-4444
[email protected]

Kathryn Barger – CHAIR
Supervisor, Fifth District
Phone: (213) 974-5555
[email protected]

Not sure who your Supervisor is?  Click Link to Find Out: http://bos.lacounty.gov/About-Us/Board-of-Supervisors

THREAT-BASED IMPERSONATION SCAM 468 613 SIB Staff

THREAT-BASED IMPERSONATION SCAM

THREAT-BASED IMPERSONATION SCAM

If you receive a demand for payment by telephone, email, or other means of communication, to be made in any form for any reason, from someone portraying themself as a deputy sheriff or other Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department employee, do not comply.  Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department personnel will never ask for payment over the phone or by email.
  
Here are some tips to identify a potential threat-based impersonation scam and how to prevent yourself from falling prey to this scam or similar scams:
 
TACTICS:

  • Scammers conduct social media and Internet reconnaissance on their potential victims.
  • Scammers call and deceive their victims into thinking the callers are law enforcement officers or from a government agency.
  • Scammers may spoof a law enforcement phone number, falsely showing on the victim’s caller ID.
  • They threaten victims with arrest for outstanding warrants or other legal issues.
  • They instruct the victims to “resolve” the matter by “posting bail” with gift cards or Bitcoin.
  • Once a victim makes the purchase, the scammer instructs them to read the gift card numbers or bitcoin key over the phone.
  • Once the scammer is satisfied they received the necessary information, the line is disconnected.

 
PREVENTION METHODS:

  • If you are unsure if a call or email is real, verify the identity of the contact through an independent source, such as a phone book or online search.  Do not use the contact details provided by the caller or in the message they sent.
  • Do not feel pressured by a threatening caller.  Hang up and verify their story.
  • Never send money, or give bank account, credit card, or personal information to anyone you do not know or trust.
  • Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department personnel or any government agency will never ask for any type of payment over the telephone.  Financial transactions with our agency are handled at patrol stations, courthouses, and custody facilities.

If you believe you were a victim of this type of crime, contact your local law enforcement agency and report the incident. You can find the contact information for your local law enforcement agency at www.sheriff33.lasd.org/stations.

If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google Play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org


LASD Sheriff's Department Logo
Department statement regarding the arrest of a Non-Sworn Employee 800 170 SIB Staff

Department statement regarding the arrest of a Non-Sworn Employee

Department statement regarding the arrest of a Non-Sworn Employee

Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Internal Criminal Investigations Bureau (ICIB) conducted an investigation into an allegation of a department employee engaging in sexual misconduct with a detainee(s) at the Century Regional Detention Facility between August of 2017 and January of 2018.  The allegations occurred under former Sheriff Jim McDonnell’s tenure as Los Angeles County Sheriff. 

Pursuant to this investigation, 29-year-old Roy’ce Bass surrendered to ICIB investigators on July 7, 2020.  Mr. Bass was assigned to the Century Regional Detention Facility as a custody assistant.  He was charged with four counts of Engaging in Sexual Activity with a Detainee, 289.6(h) PC. He was booked at Marina Del Rey Station by ICIB investigators and released after posting a $100,000 bail. His next court date is November 13, 2020.

The Sheriff’s Department finds these allegations deeply troubling. We are committed to transparency and holding our employees fully accountable.

Alex Villanueva, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

stock graphic of handcuffs on a wrist
Arrest of suspect and safe recovery of 7 month Old Child 600 338 SIB Staff

Arrest of suspect and safe recovery of 7 month Old Child

The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau (MCB) announces the arrest of Gianni Winters, for Home Invasion Robbery, Burglary, Child Abduction and Child Endangerment and the safe recovery of a seven month old child.

On July 1st, 2020, Major Crimes Bureau – Metro Detail detectives were notified by of a home invasion robbery in the city of Paramount, that resulted in the abduction of a seven month old baby.  Upon contacting the mother of the baby, detectives learned that her ex-boyfriend (Suspect Winters) and biological father of the baby, was recently arrested for domestic violence, but had since been released on a Bond.  Suspect Winters came to her residence and forced his way inside by kicking the door open.  Once inside the residence, Suspect Winters forcibly grabbed the baby from a family member who was holding him.   

The suspect then placed the baby in the rear seat of his vehicle unsecured by any type of car seat or restraint device, and sped off away from the residence.  As the family member went back inside the residence, they noticed money and jewelry missing that had been apparently stolen by Suspect Winters during the encounter.

Lakewood station deputies and MCB Metro Detail detectives determined the baby was possibly in serious physical danger based upon the suspects reported violent actions and recent and past criminal history.  Information was developed that led them to an apartment in the 12200 block of Heritage Springs Drive in the city of Santa Fe Springs.  Believing the baby was inside the apartment, detectives forcibly entered the residence where the suspect was found to be hiding.  Suspect Winters was taken into custody and the baby was safely recovered unharmed and reunited with the mother.  

Suspect Winters was arrested for several felony charges, including child abduction, child endangerment, burglary, and home invasion robbery.  He is being held on $150,000 bail and has a next court date of July 6, 2020 at the Compton Superior Court.  

The baby was examined at the scene by Santa Fe Springs Fire Department paramedics and found to be uninjured.      

If convicted of the criminal charges, Suspect Winters would be facing significant time in state prison. 

The MCB Metro Detail works closely in support of all Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Station’s detective bureaus, as well as other Southern California local and federal law enforcement agencies.  
Forwarded by:  

Deputy James Nagao 
Sheriff’s Information Bureau – Newsroom   
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department  
211 West Temple Street,  
Los Angeles California 90012  
   
Website: http://www.sheriff33.lasd.org    
 
*Text & Email, Register for LASD Nixle messages: To receive more detailed, up-to-date information via E-MAIL and/or TEXT directly from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), sign up for “Nixle” alerts at http://www.Nixle.com and register for “LASD – Headquarters Newsroom (SHB), Los Angeles County Sheriff” AND your local LASD station area. Or, to receive URGENT TEXT ALERTS ONLY, text your zip code to 888777. Standard text messaging rates may apply depending on your calling plan.  
 
Alex Villanueva, Sheriff  
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department 

Identity Theft, Fraud & scams.
Elder Abuse Awareness Month – Public Education Video 1024 576 SIB Staff

Elder Abuse Awareness Month – Public Education Video

Elder Abuse Awareness Month – Public Education Video

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors proclaimed June 2020 as “Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month.”

The importance of acknowledging and recognizing Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse cannot be understated. Throughout the County of Los Angeles, thousands of elder and dependent adults are financially victimized by family members, caretakers, scam artists, and strangers every year. These people who are part of the Greatest Generation is among the most deserving of our protection, care and tradition of service.

In ongoing efforts to protect our Greatest Generation, The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Fraud and Cyber Crimes Bureau – Elder Fraud Detail personnel put together a short, educational video for elders, their families, friends, and neighbors to learn what to watch out for and what to do if they know someone who may be a victim of elder abuse.

Victims or informants alleging elder fraud should contact their local sheriff’s station or police agency, or adult protective services agency to report the crime.

Along with this news release is a link to a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Public Education video concerning elder abuse.

OTHER PUBLIC REFERENCE MATERIAL:
The Elder Fraud Detail has compiled resources for citizens to reference on this topic:

Project Lifesaver & LA Found
https://lafound.lacounty.gov/
F.A.I.R. Pamphlet (PDF attached)
Adult Protective Services website with online reporting:
https://cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/adult-protective-services
Federal Trade Commission educational material:
http://www.ftc.gov/PassItOn.com
California Department of Business Oversight:
https://dbo.ca.gov/preventing-and-reporting-elder-financial-abuse/
Or http://www.dbo.ca.gov and search keyword “elder” for additional information
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/recognizing-elder-financial-abuse/
http://www.consumerfinance.gov” www.consumerfinance.gov and search keyword “Elder” for additional information