Date and Time of Release: 30 September 2013

Date and Time of Incident: 26 September 2013

Subject: Major Injury Accident
________________________________________________________________________

26 September 2013, at approx. 5:47 pm, emergency personnel responded to the area of Stockton Road and Ponderosa Way, for a reported vehicle vs. motorcycle accident with injuries.

During the investigation it was determined that Michael Cowley, 51 of Sonora, was westbound on Stockton Road, on his Honda XR650 motorcycle, when Katherine Allen, 42 of Sonora, pulled out from a private driveway in front of Cowley, in her Chevy Suburban.

Cowley didn’t have time to react when Allen pulled out in front of him, and he struck the side of Allen’s vehicle. The force of the collision spun Allen’s vehicle around in the roadway and ejected Cowley from his motorcycle.

Cowley suffered numerous broken bones front both colliding with Allen’s vehicle and the pavement. Cowley was transported to Sonora Regional Medical Center by ambulance.

Date and Time of Release: 19 September 2013

Date and Time of Incident: 17 & 18 September 2013

Subject: Felony Arrests
________________________________________________________________________

17 September 2013, at approx. 2:05 pm, Officers from the Sonora Police Department responded to the bus stop outside of Wal-Mart, regarding a subject threatening to damage a bus if he wasn’t provided free transportation to Tuolumne City.

When officers arrived, they contacted transit authorities, along with the suspect, who provided officers with a false name and date of birth. Transit authorities and witnesses related that when the suspect was refused a ride for free, he became verbally abusive towards the driver and made threats to burn the bus, which frightened the passengers on the bus.

As officers were placing the subject under arrest he took off running, leaving his backpack behind. A foot chase ensued through the Crossroads Shopping Center. The chase ended when the subject ran into Radio Shack and into a back store room where he became trapped.

The subject was taken into custody and identified as Jay Whittle, 30 of Mi Wuk. There was a felony warrant for Whittle’s arrest for numerous crimes, including auto theft, possession of stolen property, possession of assault weapons, possession of a loaded firearm, grand theft and evading. The warrant was the result of a high speed chase in Calaveras County a few weeks ago. Whittle is also the suspect in several other crimes in Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties.

When Officers arrived back at the location where the foot pursuit had begun, they noticed that Whittle’s backpack was missing. Whittle was transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked on the felony warrant and for the new felony charge of criminal threats and several misdemeanor crimes.

18 Sept. 2013, an officer returned to Wal-Mart and viewed the surveillance footage of the incident. The officer recognized the two subjects who had retrieved Whittle’s backpack and walk away with it. They were identified as Joshua Murray, 33 of Jamestown and Christopher Mills, 22 transient. Mills currently has two other active felony warrants for his arrest.

A search warrant was obtained for Murray’s Jamestown residence and served. Murray was not at his residence when the search warrant was served, but he was later taken into custody without incident. Whittle’s backpack was recovered.

Murray was transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked for felony theft with three prior convictions, felony aiding and abetting a felon, and felony conspiracy.

At this point Mills has not been located and his whereabouts is unknown.

Date and Time of Release: 10 September 2013

Date and Time of Incident: 10 September 2013, at approx. 2:36 pm

Subject: Vehicle VS. Building Accident
________________________________________________________________________

10 September 2013, at approx. 2:36 pm, Officers responded to Bob’s Greenley Pharmacy, located on the 800 block of Delnero Drive, regarding a report of a vehicle into a building.

When Officers arrived, they noticed that a vehicle had struck and broke off an owning support, causing the roof to sag. The vehicle then ran into the north/west side of the building causing major damage to the wall.

The driver, Gertrude Fueg, 92 of Sonora, stated she had stepped on the accelerator when she intended to step on the brake. No one was injured as a result of the accident. Fueg’s 2000 Saturn station-wagon sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene.

Date and Time of Release: 10 September 2013

Date and Time of Incident: 6 September 2013, at approx. 8:08 pm

Subject: Injury Accident
________________________________________________________________________

6 September 2013, at approx. 8:08 pm, emergency personnel responded to the area of Hospital Road, in front of the old Tuolumne General Hospital, for a reported solo motorcycle accident with injuries.

During the investigation, it was determined that Kauty Thurman, 55 of Jamestown, was riding her motorcycle eastbound on Hospital Road, when she allowed the front wheel to drift off of the paved roadway and strike a railroad track. The impact with the railroad track caused the motorcycle to overturn and eject Thurman from her motorcycle.

Thurman suffered moderate leg and shoulder injuries as a result of the accident. She was transported by ambulance to Sonora Regional Medical center for treatment.

Date and Time of Release: 9 September 2013

Subject: Police Officer Recruitment
________________________________________________________________________

The Sonora Police Department is recruiting for the position of Police Officer. The position is open to Police Academy graduates and lateral Officers. The final filing date is Friday, 18 October 2013, with tentative testing dates of 6 & 7 November.

The base salary is $4,292-$5,210, with additional pay incentives available for Intermediate & Advanced POST certificates (2.5% each); educational incentive of 2.5% for an Associates, Bachelors and Masters degree; 5.0% for special assignments (FTO, Investigator, Computer Network Manager and Traffic Officer.)

For more information about this career opportunity, log onto www.sonoraca.com and obtain a job flyer and download a job application; or you may stop by the Sonora Police Department (100 S. Green Street) or the City of Sonora (94 N. Washington Street) and pick-up a flyer and application in person.

Date and Time of Release: 26 Aug. 2013

Date and Time of Incident: 26 Aug. 2013, at approx. 2:04 pm

Subject: Armed Robbery Arrest
________________________________________________________________________

26 Aug. 2013, at approx. 2:04 pm, Officers responded to a gas station/convenience store located on the 300 block of Stockton Rd., regarding a possible battery in progress. When an Officer arrived, they contacted a male subject exiting the store who was carrying a large chain with a padlock attached to the end of it.

When the Officer approached the subject, the Officer asked the subject what had just occurred inside the business. The subject responded, “I just tried to rob the store.” At this point the subject was detained. The subject was identified as Dustin Freitas, 36, transient.

Officers contacted the on duty clerk inside the business. The clerk stated Freitas entered the store and exited with a soda he had no money to pay for. Freitas then hung around the outside of the store until all the customers had gone. Freitas then re-entered the store and walked directly to the register and told the clerk to give him all the money and that he had a gun.

Freitas then removed a chain, with a padlock on it, from his pocket and struck the clerk with it. The clerk then backed away from the register and Freitas started beating the register with the chain and lock in an attempt to break it open. After destroying the resister and being unable to open it, Freitas exited the store. The clerk denied medical attention, the damage to the register is estimated at over $5,000.

A records check showed that Freitas is on parole out of Calaveras County for battery with serious bodily injury. Freitas was transported to the Tuolumne County jail and booked for felony robbery, felony burglary, felony vandalism and felony violation of parole.

Date and Time of Release: 20 August 2013

Date and Time of Incident: 18 August 2013

Subject: Drug Manufacturing Arrest
________________________________________________________________________

18 August 2013, at approx. 12:22 am, an Officer stopped a Jeep in the parking lot of Save Mart on Stockton Road for having a defective windshield. The Officer contacted the driver who was identified as Alexandro Xavier, 20 of Farmington.

A records check showed that Xavier had two active felony warrants for his arrest. One was out of Escalon for felony possession of a controlled substance; and for a felon being in possession of a firearm. The other warrant was out of Ripon for felony possession of Hash oil.

Xavier was taken into custody on the felony warrants without incident. During a search of Xavier’s vehicle, a piece of PVC pipe with caps on both ends was located. One of the caps had a hole drilled in it and there were several smaller holes drilled in the body. It was determined that the device was being used to manufacture hash oil and contained marijuana.

Xavier was transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked for the two felony warrants. He was also booked for felony possession of a device used to manufacture concentrated cannabis/hash oil.

Reminder, all booking photos can be viewed at spd.crimegraphics.com, or by going to the Sonora Police Department’s web page and clicking on the Crime & Arrest Info section located under the General Information tab at the top of the page.

Date and Time of Release: 19 August 2013

Date and Time of Incident: 19 August 2013

Subject: Vehicle Pursuit
________________________________________________________________________

19 Aug. 13, at approx. 12:15 pm, the Sonora Police Department received a report of a motorcyclist wearing a red helmet, riding a red BMW motorcycle, driving recklessly on Mono Way. Officers’ checked Mono Way and the surrounding area and was unable to locate the motorcyclist.

At approx. 12:45 pm, while Officers were conducting field sobriety tests on an unrelated traffic stop, a motorcyclist matching the early description drove up to their location and abruptly turned around.

One of the Officers was able to return to their patrol vehicle and get behind the motorcycle. When the Officer activated his emergency lights to stop the motorcyclist, the motorcyclist accelerated and took off. The Officer pursued the vehicle on City streets at speeds reaching 50 MPH. The motorcyclist failed to stop for numerous stops signs while the Officer was pursuing him.

When the motorcyclist reached the intersection of Columbia Drive and Stewart Street, it failed to stop for the stop sign at the intersection. The motorcycle was traveling at such a high rate of speed it was unable to turn left or right at the T intersection.

The motorcyclist drove onto the front lawn of a residence at the intersection; and attempted to make a U-Turn around a tree. While doing so, the rider lost control as he started to turn around the tree. The Officer positioned his vehicle on the opposite side of the tree and the motorcyclist collided with the police vehicle.

The motorcyclist then took off running north on Columbia Way, then turned and started running through the yards of residences. The Officer chased the ride until losing him after the rider climbed over a fence towards an open wooded area.

The motorcycle was determined to have been stolen from behind the Murphy’s Hotel sometime after midnight on the 19 Aug. The ride is described as a white male adult, approx. 5-9, slim build, shaved head, wearing dark colored shorts and a dark colored shirt and carrying a red motorcycle helmet.

Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to call the Sonora Police Department at 532-8141.

Date and Time of Release: 24 July 2013

Subject: Opening for Relief Part-Time Police Dispatch-Records Specialist
________________________________________________________________________

The Sonora Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Relief Part- Time Police Dispatch-Records Specialist. This is for both trainee and journey level positions.

The principal function of a Dispatch-Records Specialist is to receive and dispatch calls for emergency and non-emergency services and to perform the full range of clerical and customer service duties involved in the maintenance, processing, and distribution of Police records. The work is performed under the supervision and direction of an assigned supervisor. The nature of the work performed requires an employee in this class to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all others contacted in the course of work.

The principal duties of this class are performed in a law enforcement environment. The City of Sonora’s Dispatch Center is equipped with a computerized dispatch system, with coverage being maintained on a 24-hour per day, 7-day per week basis. Dispatchers are expected to work holidays, week-ends, overtime and sometime have to hold-over. Employees who work in Part-Time Relief positions have shift assignments that consist of the same duties as Full-Time Employees with a varying number of shifts worked.

The final filing date is Friday, 30 Aug. 2013, with a tentative State (Peace Officer Standards and Training) testing date set for Tuesday, 10 September 2013.

Applications are available on line at the City’s website www.sonoraca.com; or an application may be picked up at either the City of Sonora, 94 N. Washington St.; or at the Police Department 100 S. Green St. Inquires or questions can be directed to the Cities Human Resource Department at (209) 588-8946, or the Police Department at (209) 532-8141.

Date and Time of Release: 18 July 2013

Date and Time of Incident: 18 July 2013, at approx. 1:22 am

Subject: Drug Arrest
________________________________________________________________________

18 July 2013, at approx. 1:22 am, Officers where conducting a patrol check of the Mountain Shadow Cemetery, located at the intersection of Greenley Road and Lyons Street when they observed a Chevy Trailblazer parked inside the cemetery. Inside the vehicle were two male subjects.

The Officers contacted the subjects who were identified as Russell Robinson, 49 of Delhi, and Steven Spearman, 58 of Turlock. A records check showed that Robinson was on searchable felony probation out of Stanislaus County for a drug violation.

A probation search was conducted of the vehicle, which resulted in the discovery of heroin, a syringe loaded with heroin and an empty syringe. Both Robinson and Spearman were arrested without incident and transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked. At the jail, it was discovered that Robinson also had hash in his possession which he had failed to disclose to Officers before entering the jail.

Spearman was booked for felony possession of a controlled narcotic and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Robinson was booked for felony possession of a controlled narcotic, felony possession of concentrated cannabis (hash), felony brining a controlled substance into a jail, felony violation of probation and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

Date and Time of Release: 15 July 2013

Date and Time of Incident: 14 July 2013 at approx. 4:15 pm

Subject: Burglary Arrest
________________________________________________________________________
14 July 2013, at approx. 4:15 pm, Wal-Mart loss prevention called the Sonora Police Department and reported they were watching two subjects who had performed some suspicious behavior.

The subjects had placed a large amount of merchandise in a shopping cart. They then removed some shopping bags from a closed checkout area and walked to another part of the store where they placed all the merchandise inside the cart into the shopping bags.

Officers responded to the area and stood by. The two subjects went through an open checkout stand and paid for one pack of cigarettes and made no attempt to pay for the items they had placed inside the shopping bags.

When the two subjects exited the store they were contacted by Officers. The subjects were identified as Charles Bowers, 23 of Sonora and Bart Salazar, 40 of Sonora. Both were taken into custody without incident. The merchandise in the cart that Bowers and Salazar had failed to pay for totaled over $744. It was also learned that Bowers had two outstanding warrants for his arrest, one for theft and another for vandalism.

Bowers and Salazar were transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked for burglary and conspiracy. Bowers was also booked on the two outstanding warrants.

Date and Time of Release: 5 July 2013

Date and Time of Incident: 3 July 2013

Subject: Presentation
________________________________________________________________________

3 July 2013, 1St Vice President, David Kelly of the Native Sons of the Golden West, Columbia Parlor 258, presented Chief Stinson with T-Shirts from this year’s National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, which was held in Washington D.C. during National Police Week in May.

In May 1963, President John F Kennedy signed a proclamation designating 15 May as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week which falls after as National Police Week.

The shirts read, “25th Annual Candlelight Vigil”, on the front. On the back is the entire Roll Call of 321 names of the fallen Officers from 2012, and honorary members from years past, which were honored and added to the National Peace Officers Memorial Wall this year.

The Native Sons of the Golden West recognized the efforts of Chief Stinson to identify John J Sheldon, who is believed to be the first Officer in the history of the Sonora Police Department to be killed in the line of duty. Sheldon was ambushed and stabbed by two criminals on 29 April 1855, at approx. 3:30 am, while he was walking his beat near the United States Hotel on North Washington Street. Ironically, Sheldon’s name can be found on the back of the T-Shirt in row five and the fifth name down from the top (55).

The Native Sons of the Golden West felt it was fitting that each Officer of the Sonora Police Department receive one of the shirts with Officer Sheldon’s name on it, so they purchased a shirt for each Officer of the Department. The Officers of the Sonora Police Department are very appreciative of the genius gesture by the Native Sons of the Golden West and of 1st Vice President David Kelley for coordinating such an effort.

Date and Time of Release: 25 June 2013

Date and Time of Incident: 23 & 24 June 2013

Subject: Three Members of Golden State Cab Arrested
________________________________________________________________________

23 June 2013, at approx. 10:00 pm, a member of Golden State Cab made threats to harm the owner of a competing cab company, while they were inside a restaurant. The owner of the other cab company has been assaulted by this individual in the past and feared for his safety when the threat was made.

The member of Golden State Cab who made the threats was identified as Ronald Paul, 46 of Sonora and is the ex-business partner with the other cab company owner. Paul was located a short time later and taken into custody without incident. Paul was transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked for felony criminal threats.

At approx. 11:00 pm, the owner of Golden State Cab, Michael Schaff, 32 of Sonora, went to the restaurant where the threats had been made and caused a disturbance. Schaff accused the management of the restaurant of having Paul arrested. Schaff then left the restaurant in one of his cabs, after causing a disturbance and disturbing the customers inside the restaurant.

At approx. 11:15 pm, the Officer handling the call of the disturbance at restaurant saw a Golden State Cab in the area. Thinking it might be Schaff, the Officer stopped the cab and contacted the driver.

The cab was being operated by Lawrence Rodriquez, 50 of Sonora and not Schaff. While speaking with Rodriquez it was determined that Rodriquez was intoxicated. Rodriquez was taken into custody without incident. He was transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked for driving under the influence.

24 June 13, at approx. 1:35 am, Schaff arrived at the Police Department to pick up a release form for the cab which Rodriquez had been driving when he was arrested for DUI. Schaff was taken into custody for causing the disturbance at the restaurant. Schaff was transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked for disturbing the peace.

SONORA POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE

Date and Time of Release: 24 June 2013

Date and Time of Incident:

Subject: Introduction of Citizen RIMS
________________________________________________________________________

The Sonora Police Department, in cooperation with Sun Ridge Systems, is pleased to introduce Citizen RIMS. Today, the public is used to being able to look up just about anything on the Internet, which includes “government” information. The Sonora Police Department knows publishing such information is good public relations. There is also the benefit of saving personnel time, by reducing the number of requests for information they must handle.

The Citizen RIMS software lets the public view crime data available via the Internet. The idea is to make as much information available to the public in an easy to use and attractive web site.

Some of the features of the program are;

Live incident mapping: This shows what’s going on, mapping active calls for service. Clicking on the map icon for an incident displays (limited) data available for the incident. This function also has a feature that lets the user “slide” a control on the screen to move through what occurred at any point in the past 24 hours. For example, news media or citizens can locate an incident that happened earlier in the day. When mapped, an incident location is deliberately blurred to the nearest hundred block level.

Incident mapping: This is a pin mapping for historical RIMS data with the user picking the date span to be mapped. It is otherwise similar to the Live Incident Mapping function using the same mapping.

Crime mapping: This is the common crime pin mapping feature where the user picks a date frame and the crime types/categories to be mapped. For RIMS, crime data equates to cases. Clicking on a mapped case icon shows more info about the case.

Arrests: An arrest log displays arrests for the past 30 days. The log displays basic information, but rolling the cursor over a listed arrest shows personal data (allowed by statute/law) and the mug shot of the arrestee.

Crime Charts: This function summarizes crime data in easily understood charts, with year to year comparisons.

Stolen Vehicles: This lists recently stolen vehicles.

Alerts: This feature lets site visitors subscribe to a free service that emails new incident/crime data on a daily or weekly basis to them.

The link to the site is located at; spd.crimegraphics.com. The link can also be located on the Sonora Police Department’s web page under the General Information or Links tabs located at the top of the web page. Under these tabs the program is titled, “Crime and Arrest Information.”

Date and Time of Release: 18 June 2013

Date and Time of Incident: 14 June 2013, at approx. 9:19 pm

Subject: Drug Arrest
________________________________________________________________________

14 June 2013, at approx. 9:19 pm, Wal-Mart Loss Prevention called the Sonora Police Department and reported that a theft had just occurred. They gave a description of the responsible male, who had exited the store and was walking eastbound through the parking lot.

A subject matching the description of the theft suspect was observed walking into Safeway by police department personnel. Officers entered Safeway and located the subject hiding inside a locked stall of the women’s restroom. Also located in the stall was a Marlboro box containing 13.7 grams of heroin.

The subject was identified as Nicholas Rios, 20 of Sonora. Rios stated he saw the Officers in the parking lot so he ran and hide, because he knew he had several outstanding warrants for his arrest. Rios was placed under arrested and transported to the Tuolumne County Jail.

Rios was booked for felony possession of a controlled substance. He was also booked on four warrants; one was a no bail warrant for felony hit and run; another felony warrant for violation of probation; and two misdemeanor warrants for theft.

12 June 2013

How to shop safer and smarter online

Shopping online is now easier than ever. It seems that practically all retailers have some form of an online store ready to show and sell their wares. From PCs to tablets to smart phones, we’re able to kick back and browse in comfort. But this shopping bonanza also presents a productive field of opportunity to cybercriminals.

When you’re ready to buy, cybercriminals may be poised to steal your personal information or your account information. Before you give up on the great deals you have found on online, here are some tips for online shopping to help keep you (and your finances) safe when you click the buy button.

Make sure the online checkout is secure – When you add an item to an online store’s checkout, you should be taken to a secure page. This allows you to enter your payment information with SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption. You can find this in the site’s web address. Look for “https” at the beginning of the URL. This is the same encryption that many banks use. You can also check for verification by clicking on a security certification seal, like the Norton Secured Seal. These certificates are more than just images; they allow you to click on them and verify the site’s security in real time.

Be wary of unknown sites – Amazon and other high-profile ecommerce sites know the value of ensuring their site security for their valued customer. They also have the funding to insure their site maintenance remains safe. Anyone can set up an Internet site today, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe and secure.

If you’re thinking about buying from an unknown retailer, do a sanity check first. Search for reviews on the retailer. Are there any? Are they positive? If so, look for the security signs we discussed above. If you see none, it could be the site’s designer doesn’t know what he’s doing (someone’s 12-year-old nephew, perhaps?). Or worse—it’s a cybercriminal who knows exactly what they are doing. Either way, point your browser elsewhere—fast.

Keep your antivirus software up to date – What does malware have to do with online shopping? Maybe plenty if you’re infected with a “key-logger.” This insidious software can record every keystroke and secretly send back information to the cybercriminals who made it. This includes any credit card or other payment information you’ve tapped out into the most secure shopping sites.

Can a secure site prevent this from happening? No. The malware is on your computer. Make sure you have the active security installed to detect it, or better yet, prevent it from being installed in the first place.

Want to help ensure you stay safe online? Norton™ Internet Security is one of many companies that offer several layers of defense to prevent cybercriminals from infecting your PC with malware or luring you and your credit card into an unsafe site. These safeguards help keep you and your family secure while you’re shopping online or just enjoying the Internet.

Do your homework and decide which company offers the best program for you and your family’s needs. Also, know what your family’s needs are when it comes to internet safety and security. This will help you make a more educated decision when selecting what internet safety features you want to purchase.

The above information is brought to you by the Sonora Police Department and Norton. If you should have any questions regarding internet safety, please call the Sonora Police Department at 532-8141.

PRESS RELEASE
6 June, 2013
Contact: Silas Miers – 916-709-2289

MADD California Salute Heroes At
2013 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 15th Anniversary of the MADD California Statewide Law Enforcement & Community Recognition Dinner – One Step at a Time, was held on June 1, 2013, at the Hyatt Regency 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 500 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.

Andrew Theodore from the Sonora Police Department was awarded with the MADD California Hero Award for his contribution to help MADD achieve its mission to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime, and prevent underage drinking.

Officer Theodore attended Drug Recognition Expert Training at the California Highway Patrol Academy. Upon his return from the Highway Patrol Academy, Officer Theodore made 40 driving under the influence arrests. Most of the arrests were for driving under the influence of controlled substances and prescription medications.

“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 160 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 Silas Miers, MADD California Program Manager.

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: 29 May 2013

Date and Time of Incident: 28 May 2013

Subject: Identity Theft Arrest
________________________________________________________________________

28 May 2013, at approx. 7:07 pm, a vehicle on the 700 block of Mono Way attracted the attention of an Officer, as the license plate had been altered by using Whiteout to alter one of the letters on the license plate.

The Officer stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver and passenger who were identified as Thomas Maloy, 36 (Driver) and Kenny Henson, 25 (Passenger), both of Modesto.

A checked revealed that Maloy’s driver’s license was suspended. During a search of Henson, a checkbook was located with the name Brandon Lee on it. All the checks inside the checkbook had different account and routing numbers on them for several different accounts, along with the driver’s license numbers of the victims for each account.

During a search of the vehicle, false identification cards were located with both subject’s photographs on them with the name Brandon Lee. It was determined that at least one local business had accepted one of the fraudulent checks under the name of Brandon Lee. Additional items of evidence indicating identity theft was located inside the vehicle.

Both Maloy and Henson were placed under arrest and transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked.

A search was conducted of their hotel room located inside the City. Located inside the room was equipment to manufacture fictitious checks and identification cards, completed fictitious checks and identification cards, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Some of the charges that Malony and Henson were book for were; felony making or passing fictitious checks; felony using another person’s identification for credit or services; felony conspiracy to commit a crime; felony burglary; felony possession of a controlled substance; misdemeanor manufacturing deceptive government identification cards or documents.

15 May 2013

SONORA POLICE DEPARTMENT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR MISSING & EXPLOITED CHILDREN HOSTS TAKE 25 EVENT TO COMMEMORATE NATIONAL MISSING CHILDREN’S DAY

Sonora – The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC), in partnership with the Sonora Police Department, will be observing National Missing Children’s Day this year by participating in the national Take 25 child safety campaign.
May 25 has been observed as National Missing Children’s Day since it was first recognized in 1983. National Missing Children’s Day serves as an annual reminder that there are thousands of children who are still missing and stresses the importance of making child protection a national priority. The Take 25 campaign is a national child safety public awareness campaign created in 2007 by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. The campaign encourages parents to take 25 minutes to talk to their children about safety and ways to prevent abduction. The campaign begins on May 1 and continues through May 25 every year in communities throughout the country.
“Every day we hear stories about children who escaped a would-be-abductor because someone talked to them about what they should do in that type of situation”, said CEO John Ryan.
Chief Stinson said, “Education and open communication are key to keeping children safer. Take 25 minutes and talk to your child, as this could be the most important 25 minutes of their life.”
Every year in America, an estimated 800,000 children are reported missing. Of that number, it is estimated that 200,000 are abducted by family members and approximately 58,000 are abducted by non-family members. Each year, it is estimated that 115 children are the victims of the most serious abductions; they are taken by non-family members and either murdered, ransomed or taken with the intent to keep.
An analysis of attempted abduction cases by NCMEC found that in 84% of cases, the child escaped would-be abductors through their own actions. Teaching children about safety works. It saves lives.

Date and Time of Release: 13 May 2013

Date and Time of Incident: 12 May 2013, at approx. 12:05 am

Subject: Police Department Struck by Drunk Driver
________________________________________________________________________

12 May 2013, at approx. 12:05 am, Officers were inside the Police Department when they heard a loud crash. When they looked outside, they noticed that a 1995 Ford truck had struck the south/east corner of the department, damaging the recently remodeled structure.

The driver then drove off southbound on South Green Street. Officers were able to catch the vehicle and stop it on Stockton Road, near West Bradford. Officers contacted the driver who as identified as Steven Lavine 59 of Sonora.

Lavine asked the officers if they didn’t have anything else better to do, like chase criminals. When asked to perform field sobriety tests, Lavine replied he was too intoxicated to try the tests. A preliminary alcohol screening test showed Lavine’s blood alcohol level to be almost three times the legal limit.

Lavine was taken into custody without incident. He was transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked for misdemeanor driving under the influence and misdemeanor hit and run.