Date and Time of Release: 8 July 2014

Date and Time of Incident: 7 July 2014 at 10:22 am

Subject: Stolen Property Arrest
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7 July 2014, at approx. 10:22 am, Officers responded to a reported suspicious person and vehicle parked in the area of 940 Sylva Lane. A male subject had been observed exiting a Chevrolet Blazer, which was parked behind some brush, towards the rear of a medical office.

When officers arrived, they contacted Klinton Gregson, 35 of Sonora. A check on the vehicle revealed it was stolen out of Tuolumne County. During the officer’s contact with Gregson, Gregson admitted to stealing the vehicle.

Gregson was taken into custody without incident and booked at the Tuolumne County jail for felony possession of stolen property.

Date of Release: 20 June 2014

Date of Incident: 18 & 19 June 2014

Date of Original Crime: 16 February 2014

Subject: Homicide Arrest
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18 June 2014, a Detective from the Sonora Police Department and a Sergeant from the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Department contacted Cheryl Lucero, 45 of Twain Harte, who was a person of interest in regards to the Ricky Roberts homicide investigation. Lucero was also an acquaintance of Roberts.

During their contact with Lucero, Lucero admitted to her involvement in the Roberts homicide. Following the interview with Lucero, she was arrested without incident and booked into the Tuolumne County Jail for homicide. Bail has been set at one million dollars.

19 June 2014, a search warrant was acquired and served at Lucero’s residence in Twain Harte, where items of evidence were seized. These items have been submitted to the California Department of Justice Lab in Ripon for forensic analysis.

Because this is an ongoing and sensitive investigation, no further information is being released at this time.

Date and Time of Release: 17 June 2014

Date and Time of Incident: 16 June 2014, at approx. 11:22 pm

Subject: Counterfeit Access Card Arrest
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16 June 2014, at approx. 11:22 pm, Officers responded to the Inns of California, as the clerk reported smelling marijuana coming from a room she had recently rented.
When officers arrived, they contacted the clerk. The clerk told officers that the male subject renting the room in question presented her with a debit card, which was declined. He then presented her with a second card, which was accepted. The subject also used a New York driver’s license for identification to rent the room. The clerk was suspicious of all the items, as they were flimsy.
Officers contacted three subjects inside the room in question. The officers could smell a strong odor of burnt marijuana inside the room. It was determined none of the occupants in the room had a medical recommendation to possess or use marijuana.
One of the subjects in the room was identified as Mark Hyder, 21 of Twain Harte. Hyder also claimed to have rented the room. When asked to see the card he used to rent the room with, Hyder claimed it was outside.
A records check showed Hyder was on probation out of Tuolumne County for resisting a public officer. Hyder was also wearing an ankle bracelet monitor. A search of Hyder’s wallet revealed a New York identification card, with someone else’s name and photo on it, along with three (3) counterfeit money cards. It was determined that the other two occupants in the room had no knowledge that Hyder had used a counterfeit card or false identification to rent the room.
Hyder was taken into custody without incident. He was transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked for felony false impersonation of another; felony using a forged access card; felony burglary; and felony violation of probation.

Date and Time of Release: 9 June 2014

Date and Time of Incident: 7 June 2014, at approx. 1:15 pm

Subject: Vehicle vs. Pedestrian Accident
________________________________________________________________________

7 June 2014, at approx. 1:15 pm, emergency personnel responded to the east entrance/exit of the Sonora Plaza for a reported vehicle vs. pedestrian accident.

Diana Greener, 54, and Arthur Greener, 69, both of Sonora, were walking northbound on the west sidewalk of Greenley Road, at the east entrance/exit of the Sonora Plaza. Charlene Chapman, 32 of Jamestown, was driving a 1999 Jeep Cherokee eastbound through the parking lot of the Sonora Plaza.

When Chapman reached Greenley Road, she stopped momentarily to check for traffic, but she failed to see the pedestrians crossing in front of her. As Chapman moved forward to enter Greenley Road, she struck Dianna Greener, knocking her down, then running her over. Dianna Greener was forced into Arthur Greener as she fell, and Arthur was knocked to the ground as well.

Dianna sustained major injuries to her head and legs. Because of the extent of her injuries, Dianna was flown to a Modesto hospital for treatment. Arthur was transported to Sonora Regional Medical Center for treatment for injuries to his side and back.

This matter is still under investigation.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving Madd.org/ Ca
California State Office
4629 Whitney Avenue, Ste. 7 Sacramento, CA 95821
916.481.6233 Direct 916.485.9623 Fax 888.919.6233 Toll Free

NEWS RELEASE
June 3, 2014

MADD California Salute Heroes At
2014 Law Enforcement & Community Recognition Dinner

SACRAMENTO – Individuals, agencies and organizations from across the state were honored Saturday by MADD California for their work and dedication to Eliminate Drunk Driving. The 17th Anniversary of the MADD California Statewide Law Enforcement & Community Recognition Dinner – “Together We Make the Difference”, was held on May 31, 2014, at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento. MADD recognized law enforcement officials, government agencies and community advocates from throughout the state, who have gone beyond the call of duty to combat drunk driving, educate the public on the effects of this violent crime and who have done their part in maintaining safer roadways and communities.

Over 550 people were in attendance from 50 of California’s 58 counties to attend this prestigious gala. Awards are given to individual officers, departments, state park agencies, media, and community partners whose actions and policies are aligned with our mission to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.

“The officers recognized with the MADD California Hero Award are experts in the field of impaired driving enforcement. They are leaders in the department in arrests, prevention efforts, and training. Over 130 officers were recognized for the efforts over the last year and we believe that all of the officers have certainly saved lives by removing impaired drivers from California’s roads,” said Aaron Wade, MADD California Program Specialist.

Officer Jonathan Ma of the Sonora Police Department. Officer Ma was recognized for his positive impact he had in his community during 2013, by his focus on removing impaired drivers from the streets of Sonora. Officer Ma made 38 impaired driving arrests during 2013.

Unfortunately, Sonora has one of the highest impaired driving accident rates in the State of California for cities with a population of 25,000 or less. In 2011, Sonora was ranked as having the third highest impaired driving accident rate, out of 64 cities, in this category.

The California Statewide Law Enforcement & Community Recognition event is not just an awards ceremony; it is a powerful medium acknowledging the courage and strength of the members of our community who stand up every day to make us safer. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

MADD is a non-profit organization with approximately 2 million members and supporters and 600 affiliates nationwide. MADD’s mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. To learn more, contact your local MADD affiliate or visit www.madd.org.

Please remember—DUI crashes are not “accidents.”

Date and Time of Release: 28 May 2014

Date and Time of Incident: 28 May 2014, at approx. 8:00 am

Subject: Vehicle VS. Pedestrian Accident
________________________________________________________________________

28 May 2014, at approx. 8:00 am, emergency personnel responded to Church Street near Barretta Street for a reported vehicle vs. pedestrian accident.
Staci Criswell, 47 of Sonora, was operating a 2004 Hyundai eastbound on Church Street between 20-25 miles per hour, when she failed to see Thomas Belcher, 51 of Sonora, who was crossing the roadway in front of her.
Belcher uses a cane to assist him in walking and had crossed three quarters of the roadway before being struck by Criswell’s vehicle. Criswell stated she didn’t observed Belcher in the roadway until the last second because he sun was in her eyes.
Belcher sustained moderate injuries and was transported to Sonora Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Date and Time of Release: 28 May 2014

Date and Time of Incident: 26 May 2014, at approx. 2:26 pm

Subject: Injury Accident
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26 May 2014, at approx. 2:26 pm, emergency personnel responded to Mono Way, in the area of Timberhills shopping center, for a reported injury accident.
During the investigation, it was determined that Georgiana Rogers, 71 of Sonora, was exiting the Timberhills Shopping Center in a 2007 Saturn SUV, and was preparing to make a left turn onto Mono Way to travel westbound.
Steven Olley, 23 of Sonora, was traveling eastbound on Mono Way in a 1991 Acura sedan. As Rogers pulled onto Mono Way, she failed to see Olley’s vehicle approaching and she collided with it.
Because of the extensive damage both drivers had to be extricated from their vehicles by fire personnel. Both drivers were transported by ambulance to Sonora Regional Medical Center for treatment.
It has been determined that Rogers caused this collision by not yielding the right of away to oncoming traffic.

Date and Time of Release: 23 May 2014

Date and Time of Incident: 22 May 2014, at approx. 5:30 pm

Subject: Two Arrested For DUI Following An Injury Accident
________________________________________________________________________

22 May 2014, at approx. 5:30 pm, Officers from the Sonora Police Department responded to Stewart Street, near the intersection of Lytton Street, for a reported injury accident.
Officers determined that Paula Lopez, 61 of Sonora, was driving northbound on Stewart Street in a 2006 Chevy sedan, and her son, Zachary Lopez, 21 of Sonora, was sitting in the front passenger seat.
While traveling down the roadway, they started arguing over how fast Paula Lopez was driving. Zachary Lopez then grabbed the steering wheel and jerked it to slow the vehicle down. This caused their vehicle to go out of control and collide with a parked vehicle on the eastside of the roadway. Several witnesses stated Lopez’s vehicle was traveling erratically prior to the collision.
Both Paula and Zachary Lopez were showing signs of being under the influence of a controlled substance at the scene of the accident. They also complained of pain as a result of the accident. Both were transported to Sonora Regional Medical Center where they were treated and released.
Barbara Lopez was arrested and booked at the Tuolumne County Jail for driving under the influence of a controlled substance, and for operating a vehicle without a valid drivers’ license. Because Zachary Lopez grabbed the steering wheel, causing the vehicle to crash into a parked vehicle, he too was arrested and booked for driving under the influence of a controlled substance.

Date and Time of Release: 23 May 2014

Date and Time of Incident: 22 May 2014 at approx. 9:30 pm

Subject: Drug & Stolen Property Arrest
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22 May 2014, at approx. 9:30 pm, an Officer was dispatched to a residence on the 400 block of Snell Street regarding a suspicious vehicle parked in a driveway. When the officer arrived, they contacted Barbara Deckert, 52 of Snelling, who was sitting in the driver’s seat of the vehicle.
During the Officers contact, he noticed that the front license plate on the vehicle didn’t match the rear license plate. Later, the Officer was able to determine the back license plate was stolen and that Decker had an outstanding warrant out of Merced County for a drug violation.
Also, during the Officers contact with Deckert, she attempted to remove a white plastic grocery bag from inside the vehicle and conceal it on her person. However, the Officer observed this and seized the bag. The bag was determined to contain 4.2 grams of methamphetamine.
Deckert was taken into custody without incident. She was transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked for; felony possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of stolen property.

Date and Time of Release: 15 May 2014

Date and Time of Incident: 14 May 2014

Subject: Warrant Arrest & Search Warrant
________________________________________________________________________

3 April 2014, The Sonora Police Department served a search warrant on a residence located on Birch Street in Tuolumne City. The warrant was the result of the Police Department receiving information that Dean Bennett 49, was staying at the location and was in possession of several firearms, which he was restricted from owning or having access to as the result of a felony conviction.

The search warrant resulted in several firearms being seized. Methamphetamine was also located inside the residence. Bennett was not at the residence at the time, but Janice Ednes 58, was and she was taken into custody for possession of methamphetamine. Later, a felony arrest warrant was issued for Bennett, as a result of the search warrant.

14 May 2014, the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Department received information that Bennett was back at the Birch Street residence. The Sheriff’s Department surrounded the residence and after approximately half an hour, Bennett exited the residence and was taken into custody on the outstanding felony warrant. Also arrested was Ednes for harboring Bennett.

Another search warrant was obtained for the residence by the Police Department. Items located inside the residence this time were; a sawed off shotgun with a sling full of shotgun shells, a walking cane concealing a knife, a large amount of ammunition, methamphetamine, and glass methamphetamine smoking pipes.

Bennett was booked on the arrest warrant from the April search warrant, along with fresh charges of; being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a sawed off shotgun, felon in possession of ammunition, and felony possession of methamphetamine. Bennett’s total bail is 225,000.

Date and Time of Release: 7 May 2014

Date and Time of Incident: Saturday, 10 May 2014

Subject: Round-Up Parade Street Closures and No Parking Zones
________________________________________________________________________
Saturday, 10th May 2014, will be the annual Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse, Mother Lode Round-Up Parade. This event draws thousands of visitors to the downtown area of Sonora each year.

Several streets will be closed before and during the parade, which people need to keep in mind if they are planning on attending the parade or trying to get through town. Detours will be posted for those streets that are closed. The following are the major street closures;

South Washington Street at State Highway 108 will be closed at 8:00 am.

North and South Washington Street will be closed at 9:30 am.

Stockton Road at Green Street will be closed at 9:30 am.

Snell Street at Bonanza Street will be closed at 9:30 am.

School Street between Washington Street and Snell Street will be closed at 9:00 am.

“No parking” will be allowed on Washington Street from Elkin Street to Toby Street, between 5 am and the end of the parade. “No parking” will be allowed on Stockton Road between Washington Street and 70 Stockton Road between, 5 am and the end of the parade. Special signs have been posted for these “No parking” zones. Unfortunately, if you park in these areas your vehicle will be towed.

If you are planning on attending the parade, the Sonora Police Department encourages you to arrive prior to 9:00 am to save yourself some aggravation and allow you timeRound-Up Map to find parking.

Once again this year, there will be “No Parking” allowed on the side streets between Washington Street and Green Street and between Washington Street and Stewart Street. This will include Elkin Street, Dodge Street, Jackson Street, Yaney Street, Bradford Street, Theall Street, Linoberg Street Church Street, June Street, Gold Street, Williams Street and Lytton Street. These restrictions will start at 5:00 am and will conclude at the end of the parade. Vehicles parked in these areas will be towed.

Following the conclusion of the parade, the parade route will remain closed for approx. 10-15 minutes to allow spectators to leave the area. Motorists can expect heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic at the conclusion of the parade resulting in delays.

If you have any questions, you may call the Sonora Police Department at 532-8141.

Date and Time of Release: 6 May 2014

Date and Time of Incident: 5 May 2014, at approx. 5:58 am

Subject: Burglary Arrest
________________________________________________________________________
5 May 2014, at approx. 5:58 am, the owner of a business located on S. Forrest Road, called the police department and reported he had located a male subject inside his business.

When officers arrived, they detained Jesse Newton, 22 of Sonora. Officers then spoke with the business owner. The owner related when he entered the business, he could smell a strange odor inside the business office, which smelled like an un-kept person.

As he walked further into the office, he located a male subject sleeping in a chair. Most of the office had been ransacked and some items had been placed in a pile, including two checkbooks. The business owner woke Newton up, who walked towards the door, but then sat back down, never saying anything.

Newton was placed under arrest for felony burglary and felony possession of heroin, and transported to the Tuolumne County Jail. At the jail, a set of keys from inside the victim’s business was located inside one of Newton’s socks. Newton was booked for the above charges and for felony possession of stolen property.

It is believed that while Newton was inside the business, he ingested some heroin which made him drowsy and caused him to fall asleep.

Date and Time of Release: 5 May 2014

Date and Time of Incident: 3 May 2014, at approx. 10:57 am

Subject: Drug Arrest
____________________________________________________________________
3 May 2014, at approx. 10:57 am, an Officer responded to the Inns of California for a report that a wanted person was staying at the hotel. The wanted person was Gina Cook, 34 of Jamestown, who had two felony warrants for her arrest, one being a no bail warrant for narcotic violations.

When the officer arrived, Cook was in the backseat of a cab preparing to leave the area. Cook attempted to run to avoid arrest, but was quickly apprehended. Cook was found to be in possession of 3.1 grams of methamphetamine, a pipe used for smoking methamphetamine, and scales.

Cook was transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked for felony possession of methamphetamine with the intent to sell, felony violation of probation, felony committing a felony while out on bail, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia and misdemeanor resisting arrest, along with the two outstanding felony warrants.

Date and Time of Release: 29 March 2014

Subject: Burglary Suspects & Counterfeit Update
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On 15 April 2014, at approx. 1516 hours, two men entered Tia’s Tubs and Toys located at 716 Mono Way. While one of the suspects distracted the employee, the other removed 16 packages of flea medication worth $960.

Both the suspects were caught on store surveillance video. The quality is not great, but the police department is releasing the photographs of the suspects in hopes to identify them. The below photographs depict each of the suspects separately and one with them together.

UPDATE:

Recently, the police department released photos of three people involved in the passing of several counterfeit $20 bills at Wal Mart. Within a few minutes of posting the photos on our facebook page, someone called and identified one of the male subjects. Approximately a week later, another person called and identified the female subject.

The male was identified as Brandon Birdsong, 37 of Modesto. Birdsong is currently on probation for the same offense. The female was identified as Shiray Muna, 36, who is believed to be in the Modesto or Lodi area. The report on this incident has been forwarded to the Tuolumne County District Attorney’s Office for review.

Date and Time of Release: 14 April 2014

Date and Time of Incident: 11 April 2014

Subject: Stolen Vehicle Arrest
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11 April 2014, at approx. 2:20 pm, the Sonora Police Department received a call from an auto dealership in Redding, stating they had a vehicle stolen and the vehicles GPS tracking device was indicating it was parked in front of the courthouse in Sonora. The vehicle was described as a maroon 2001 Mitsubishi.

Officers responded and located the vehicle, which had different license plates on it. A female subject approached the vehicle and was identified as Teresa Castillo, 45. Castillo claimed her husband had purchased the vehicle for $200 earlier in the day in Redding for they could drive to Sonora so her husband could make a court appearance.

Castillo’s husband, who was identified as James Manning, 49, was contacted inside the courthouse and asked to step outside. At first Manning denied knowing the vehicle was stolen, but later admitted he knew it was stolen. Manning was in court for a possession of a control substance charge.

During a search of the vehicle, methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia was located. Both Castillo and Manning were taken into custody without incident. They were transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked for felony possession of stolen property and felony possession of a controlled substance.

Date and Time of Release: 8 April 2014

Date and Time of Incident:

Subject: Wanted Person
________________________________________________________________________
The Sonora Police Department developed information that Dean Ray Bennett, 49 of Tuolumne, was in the possession of stolen firearms and was selling them. Bennett is a convicted felon and is restricted from possessing firearms.

On 3 April 2014, a search warrant was served at the location where Bennett was staying at in Tuolumne. Bennett was not at the residence when the search warrant was served. Located inside the house were several firearms and methamphetamine.

Another occupant of the residence, Janice Edens, 58 of Tuolumne was taken into custody. Edens was transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked for felony possession of a controlled substance.

A felony warrant has been issued for Dean Ray Bennett for being a convicted felon in possession of firearms and being a restricted person in possession of ammunition. Bennett is 5-10, 140, black hair, green eyes. Anyone with information regarding Bennett’s whereabouts is asked to call the Sonora Police Department at 532-8141.

Date and Time of Release: 27 March 2014

Date and Time of Incident: 26 March 2014

Subject: Counterfeit 20 dollar bills
________________________________________________________________________

26 March 2014, the Sonora Police Department was contacted by the management of Wal-Mart regarding several counterfeit 20 dollar bills being passed at their Sonora store.

The first incident occurred on 24 March 14, at approx. 6:46 pm. A male subject, with a large build and between 30-40 years old, paid for his purchase of $240 in counterfeit 20 dollar bills.

On 25 March 2014, there were two incidents. The first occurred at approx. 10:25 pm. A male subject with dark hair and facial hair paid for his purchase of $300 in counterfeit 20 dollar bills. The second occurred at approx. 10:40 pm. A female subject in her mid 30’s, with a heavy build, long dark hair, wearing glasses, paid for her purchase of $480 in counterfeit 20 dollar bills. This person wore a hooded sweatshirt and concealed her face near security cameras.

All the bills looked and felt authentic. However, they lacked water marks and the embedded security strip. Most of the bills also had the same serial number and the boarders were uneven. Some type of sent had been applied to the fake bills in an attempt to make them smell like real money.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to call the Sonora Police Department at 532-8141.

Date and Time of Release: 25 March 2014

Date and Time of Incident:

Subject: Press Release
________________________________________________________________________

The Sonora Police Department is pleased and honored to join forces with Tuolumne County Friday Night Live in the State wide Target Responsibility for Alcohol Connected Emergencies (TRACE) program. The Sonora Police Department will be implementing the new TRACE investigative protocols soon. This rewarding program will assist the police department in the investigation of alcohol related events, which involve juveniles and/or minors, in an effort to determine whom they obtained alcohol from.

The Sonora Police Department has already contacted the California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control and obtained; the proper protocols, the types of incidents they will investigate and/or respond to, and the qualifying parameters of cases in which they will investigate.

The Sonora Police Department is looking forward to this rewarding new program, as well as working with Tuolumne County Friday Night Live, the California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control, and other allied Tuolumne County Law Enforcement agencies as this program moves forward in Tuolumne County.

Date and Time of Release: 20 March 2014

Date and Time of Incident: 18 March 2014

Subject: Drug Arrest
________________________________________________________________________
18 March 2014, at approx. 1:04 pm, an officer observed a GMC pick-up, with expired registration, in the area of Shepherd and Jackson Streets, so the officer conducted an enforcement stop on the vehicle.

When the officer approached the vehicle he recognized the passenger as Gina Cassettari, 25 of Sonora. The officer also knew that Cassettari had an active warrant for her arrest for vehicle theft. Cassettari was taken into custody. A search of her person revealed five hydrocodone pills, which she didn’t have a prescription for. Cassettri was also restrained by the court from being in contact with the driver of the vehicle.

The officer then contacted the driver, Jamie Forrest, 46 of Sonora. During a search of Forrest, a bindle of methamphetamine was located. Then during a search of Forrest’s pick-up, a bag containing 65 Norco pills was located, which Forrest didn’t have a prescription for.

Both Cassettari and Forrest were transported to the Tuolumne County and booked.

Cassettari was booked for felony possession of a controlled narcotic, misdemeanor violation of a court order and for the outstanding vehicle theft warrant.

Forrest was booked for felony possession of methamphetamine and felony possession of a controlled narcotic

Date and Time of Release: 18 March 2014

Date and Time of Incident: 17 March 2014, at approx. 4:57 pm

Subject: Felony DUI Accident
________________________________________________________________________

17 March 2014, at approx. 4:57 pm, emergency personnel responded to the area of Stockton Road and Woods Creek Drive for a reported vehicle accident with injuries.

When officers arrived they determined that Nancy Nelson, 61 of Copperopolis, was westbound in a 2010 Nissan SUV, when she slowed to make a right turn onto Woods Creek Drive. Gary Armstrong, 45 of Coulterville, was also westbound in a 1983 GMC pick-up and struck Nelson’s vehicle as it slowed. Nelson complained of pain in numerous areas of her body. Nelson declined to be transported to the hospital.

Armstrong was contacted and determined to be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage following field sobriety tests. A breath test showed Armstrong’s blood alcohol level to be more than twice the legal limit to be operating a vehicle. It was also learned that Armstrong is on probation in Mariposa County for misdemeanor driving under the influence.

Armstrong was arrested and transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked for felony driving under the influence resulting in an accident and injury, and for misdemeanor violation of probation.