Date and Time of Release: 9 May 2012

Date and Time of Incident: Saturday, 12 May 2012

Subject: Round-Up Parade
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Saturday, 12th May 2012, 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.

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 for the parade;

South Washington St. at State Highway 108 will be closed to all traffic at 8:00 am.

North and South Washington St. will be closed to all traffic at 9:30 am.

Stockton Rd. at Green St. will be closed to all traffic at 9:30 am.

Snell St. at Bonanza will be closed to all traffic at 9:30 am.

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

“No parking” will be allowed on Washington St. from Snell St. to Williams Street, between 5 am and the end of the parade. “No parking” will be allowed on Stockton Rd. between Washington St. and Lower Save Mart 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 around 9:00 am to save yourself some aggravation and allow you time to find parking.

The only new street closure for the 2012 Round-Up Parade is the closure of School Street. School Street is being closed to provide the parade participants a safe place to disembark from their floats and entries.

Following the conclusion of the parade, parade spectators can expect heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the downtown area for about 40-50 minutes.

Date and Time of Release: 3 May 2012

Date and Time of Incident: 3 May 2012, at approx. 11:10 am

Subject: Injury Accident
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3 May 2012, at approx. 11:10 am, emergency personnel responded to a reported multiple vehicle accident, with multiple injuries, on Stockton Rd., near Ponderosa Rd., in the area of a Cal Trans construction zone.

When Officers arrived, they determined four vehicles were involved and that five (5) people were injured. These five (5) people were transported to Sonora Regional Medical Center for complaints of pain. There appeared to be no major injuries.

Several vehicles were westbound on Stockton Rd. and stopped for traffic control being conducted as part of Cal Trans road maintenance. While the vehicles were stopped they were struck from behind by a 2002 Chrysler Town and County Van being driven by Arlene Sprague. Sprague failed to see that traffic was stopped and struck the first car at approx. 30 miles per hour.

This set off a chain reaction involving a 2006 Toyota P/U driven by Nola Pettitt, a 1987 Cadillac Eldorado driven by Irene Garcia and a 2008 Subaru Legacy driven by Brian Payne. All the involved vehicles sustained major damage.

The investigation into this matter is continuing.

Date and Time of Release: 2 May 2012

Subject: Officer John Sheldon added to Peace Officer Memorials
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On Monday, 7 May 2012, Officer John Sheldon will be added to the California Peace Officer Memorial in Sacramento. Then on Wednesday, 16 May 2012, his name will be added to the National Peace Officer Memorial in Washington D.C.

The Sonora Police Department nominated Officer John Sheldon to be added to the California Peace Officer’s Memorial. Officer Sheldon is believed to have been the first Officer killed in the line of duty, while serving the City of Sonora in 1855. A copy of the letter appears below.

Sonora is one of the oldest Cities in California, being established 1 May 1851.
The most accurate information available regarding Officer Sheldon’s death was obtained, by using official documents such as City records, Coroner’s Inquest, and local news articles.

Officer Sheldon was involved in a shooting, in Sonora, on 15 June 1851, which was covered in a Coroner’s Inquest. It appears Officer Sheldon was assisting the City Marshall at the time, when he shot and killed a Chilean. A statement in the inquest refers to Sheldon as “John Sheldon one of the police.” If John Sheldon was an officer, working for the City of Sonora at the time, he may have been one of the first Police Officers for the City of Sonora.

During a City Council meeting on 5 April 1855, John Sheldon was appointed as a Police Officer for the City of Sonora. It is unknown if Officer Sheldon had worked for the City in 1851, then his employment was severed for some reason, then he was reappointed again in 1855. But the records clearly indicate he was appointed as an Officer for the City on 5 April 1855.

There are some conflicting dates on Officer Sheldon’s death, as they range from April to May 1855. However, we are basing Officer Sheldon’s death on the Coroner’s Inquest into his death, which is dated 29 April 1855. In this inquest, the coroner refers to being called upon to view Officer Sheldon’s body on that date, at the United States Hotel, where he had died. There is also a local paper article dated 29 April 1855, which refers to the murder of Officer Sheldon.

It is believed Officer Sheldon’s murder was the result (retaliation) for the shooting that he was involved in during 1881, where he shot and killed a Chilean. There are several articles inferring the correlation between the two incidents. In fact, during the execution, one of the convicted men addressed the crowd and stated, “…Sheldon was a bad man, and killed a Chileno…”

SYNOPSIS OF INCIDENT:
On the morning of 29 April 1855, at approx. 3:30 am, Officer John Sheldon was attacked (ambushed) while walking his beat in the downtown area of Sonora. Two subjects approached him from behind and fatally stabbed him in the side. The suspects also took Officer Sheldon’s Colt pistol, serial number 3035, from him before fleeing the scene.

Officer Sheldon made his way to the United Stated Hotel and contacted the keeper. The keeper allowed him inside, where Officer Sheldon collapsed on the floor. Officer Sheldon was able to give an account of what had occurred before dying.

The assailants were identified as two Chilean’s named Banancio Escobar and Jose Sebada. The assailants were tracked by Sheriff P.L. “King” Solomon and were located in Tuttletown. At the time of their arrest, they were in possession of Officer Sheldon’s pistol and Sebada was sharpening a large knife, which was believed to be the murder weapon.

Both Escobar and Sebada were taken into custody and transported back to Sonora to stand trial. Evidence was presented at their trail, which lead to a verdict of “guilty of murder in the first degree.” Both men were sentenced to death. Then on 3 Aug. 1855, both men were executed by hanging, with approx. 4,000 people in attendance.

ITEMS REVIEWED:

A: Journal entry showing John Sheldon being appointed as a Police Officer date 5 April 1855, one page

B: Coroner’s Inquest date 15 June 1851, shooting by Officer Sheldon, one page

C: Coroner’s Inquest date 29 April 1855, regarding the murder of Officer Sheldon, seven pages

D: Daily Alta article regarding the murder of Officer Sheldon, two pages

E: Chronicles of Crime CHISPA showing the murder of Officer Sheldon, one page

F: Entry into CHISPA regarding the murder of Officer Sheldon, one page

G: Coroner’s log showing the shooting Officer Sheldon was involved in, in 1851, one page

H: Coroner’s log showing the murder of Officer Sheldon in 1855, one page

I: Sacramento Daily Union 10 July 1855, regarding sentence of Escobar and Sebada

J: Sacramento Daily Union 6 Aug. 1855, regarding the execution of Escobar and Sebada

Date and Time of Release: 24 April 2012

Date and Time of Incident: 24 April 2012, at approx. 1:50 am

Subject: Drug Arrest
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24 April 2012, at approx. 1:50 am, an officer stopped a vehicle for speeding on Stewart Street. The vehicle was traveling 40 MPH in a 25 MPH residential zone. The Officer contacted the driver, who was identified as Roger Davis 42 of Coulterville.

While talking with Davis, the Officer noticed the smell of marijuana on Davis’ breath. Davis admitted to smoking medical marijuana and produced a recommendation. Davis was found to be under the influence of marijuana and was placed under arrest for driving under the influence of marijuana.

Davis’ medical marijuana was retrieved from his vehicle, upon his request. When the Officer looked inside the container, which contained the medical marijuana, the Officer located a baggie of methamphetamine. Also inside the same container was some hashish.

Davis was transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked for felony possession of a controlled substance and for misdemeanor driving under the influence.

AMGEN 2012 STREET CLOSURES AND PARKING RESTRICTIONS

The following streets will be closed on Tuesday, 15 May 2012, at 3:00 pm through Wednesday, 16 May 2012, at 2:00 pm for scheduled AMGEN events.

• Green Street between Dodge and Bradford Streets.

• Yaney Avenue between Washington and Norlin Streets.

• Jackson Street between Washington and Green Streets.

The following streets will be closed on Wednesday, 16 May 2012, between 4:30 am and 2:00 pm.

• State Route 49 (Washington Street) southbound traffic lane between School Street and Stockton Road.

• State Route 49 (Washington Street) northbound traffic lane from Stockton Road to Elkin Street.

The following street will be closed on Wednesday, 16 May 2012, between 10:00 am and 11:00 am.

• South Washington Street from State Route 49 (Stockton Road) to State Route 108.

No parking will be allowed at the following locations.

• There will be no parking on the east and west sides of Washington Street from Elkin Street to Stockton Road on Wednesday, 16 May 2012, between 2:00 am and 2:00 pm.

• There will be no parking on the east and west sides of Stewart Street from Elkin Street to Church Street on Wednesday, 16 May 2012, between 2:00 am and 2:00 pm.

• There will be no parking on the north and south sides of State Route 49 (Stockton Road) between South Washington Street and Green Street on Wednesday, 16 May 2012, between 8:00 am and 11:00 am.

• There will be no parking on the east and west sides of South Washington Street from Stockton Road to Williams Street on Wednesday, 16 May 2012, between 8:00 am and 11:00 am.

• The Fountain parking lot at the intersection of the intersection of South Washington Street and Church Street will be closed and reserved for disabled parking, with a valid placard only on Wednesday, 16 May 2012, between 8:00 am and 11:00 am.

Parking will be allowed at the following location.

• The “No Parking” shoulder area on the east side of South Washington Street north of State Route 108 may be used as parking for the general public.

Detours for State Route 49 (Washington Street) on Wednesday, 16 May 2012, between 4:30 am to 2:00 pm.

All southbound traffic on State Route 49 (Washington Street) will be detoured at the intersection of State Route 49 (Washington Street) and School Street. Traffic will travel on School Street to Snell Street, then from Snell Street to Bonanza Road, then from Bonanza Road to Forrest Road, then Forrest Road to State Route 49 (Stockton Road).

All northbound traffic on State Route 49 (Washington Street) will be detoured at the intersection of Washington Street and Stockton Road. Traffic will be detoured to Church Street and then northbound on Stewart Street. Traffic will travel on Stewart Street to Elkin Street, then Elkin Street to State Route 49 (Washington Street).

The following parking lots will be closed to the public on Wednesday, 16 May 2012.

• The ground floor of the Terzich Parking Structure on Washington Street.

• The Sonora Fire Station Parking Lot on Shepherd Street.

• The City Hall Parking Lot on Green Street, levels one and two.

• The Red Church Parking Lot on Snell Street.

• The Green Street Parking Lot south of Linoberg Street.

The following parking lots will be open to the public on Wednesday, 16 May 2012.

• The Drabkin Parking Lot at Theall and Stewart Street.

• The Balestra Parking Lot on Stewart Street south of Mehun Street.

• The Shepherd Street parking Lot north of Mehun Street.

• The Oneto Parking Lot at Stewart and Lyons Street.

• The Woods Creek/Rotary Park Parking Lot.

Date and Time of Release: 30 March 2012

Date and Time of Incident: 29 March 2012, at approx. 9:57 pm

Subject: Drug & Possession of Stolen Property Arrest
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29 March 2012, at approx. 9:57 pm, Officers responded to Wal-Mart regarding two subjects in the process of shoplifting several items from the store. When Officers arrived, they contacted one of the subjects as they were getting into their vehicle. This subject was identified as Samantha Evans, 32 of Sonora.

Evans was in possession of several items from the store, which she had failed to pay for. A search of her vehicle revealed controlled narcotics, a methamphetamine pipe, wig, mask, and burglary tools. Also located inside the vehicle was property which had been stolen in the Twain Harte area the day before.

Evans partner was identified as Nathan Nevarez, 36 of Sonora. The store’s Loss Prevention staff had observed Nevarez remove several items of merchandise from its packaging and conceal the items on is person. Nevarez was contacted inside the store and the merchandise was recovered.

Both Evans and Nevarez were placed under arrest and transported to the Tuolumne County Jail. They were booked for felony conspiracy to commit a crime; felony possession of a controlled substance; felony possession of stolen property; misdemeanor shoplifting; misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia; misdemeanor possession of burglary tools.

Date and Time of Release: 30 March 2012

Date and Time of Incident: 29 March 2012, at approx. 7:38 pm

Subject: Drug Arrest
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29 March 2012, at approx. 7:38 pm, Officers from the Sonora Police Department responded to the parking lot of Wal-Mart regarding a report of two subjects smoking marijuana inside a parked vehicle.

Officers arrived and observed evidence of drug use inside the vehicle. One of the subjects inside the vehicle was identified as Adam Hoskins, 25 of Sonora. Hoskins is currently out on his own recognizance from an arrest in January 2012 for being in possession of controlled substances; possession of stolen property; giving false information to a police officer; bringing a controlled substance into the jail; and possession of drug paraphernalia.

A search of the vehicle produced a large amount of vicodin and other controlled narcotics that Hoskins didn’t have a prescription for. Also located were heroin, hypodermic needles, and spoons used in the injection of narcotics.

Hoskins was taken into custody and transported to the Tuolumne County Jail. Hoskins was booked for felony possession of controlled narcotics; committing a felony while out of jail on his own recognizance; and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

Date and Time of Release: 29 March 2012

Date and Time of Incident: 28 March 2012 at approx. 6:07 pm

Subject: Robbery Arrest
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28 March, 2012, at approx. 6:07 pm, a Loss Prevention Officer from Wal-Mart approached a subject who had exited the store. The Loss Prevention Officer observed the subject remove empty Wal-Mart bags from his person then place merchandise inside the bags. The subject had also put on a new pair of boots before exiting the store and not paying for the approximate $300 in merchandise he had collected.

The subject refused to return to the store with the Loss Prevention Officer. When the Loss Prevention Officer removed his cell phone to call the police department, the suspect knocked the cell phone out of the Loss Prevention Officers hand and a short physical altercation insured before the suspect ran from the area.

The suspect was later located behind a business on the east side of the shopping plaza and was taken into custody. The suspect was still wearing the boots he had stolen from Wal-Mart. The Suspect was identified as Danny Rhorer, 45 of Sonora. Rhorer has an extensive criminal history involving violence and theft and was recently released from parole.

Rhorer was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked for; felony robbery, felony burglary, felony possession of stolen property; felony destruction of a phone; misdemeanor possession of burglary tools.

Date and Time of Release: 21 March 2012

Date and Time of Incident: 21 March 2012, at approx. 1:03 pm

Subject: Subject Attacks Officer
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21 March 2012, at approx. 1:03 pm, the Sonora Police Department received a report of a male subject dressed in black with a white cowboy hat yelling at passing vehicles. An Officer responded and contacted the subject on Highway 49, across from Vic’s Towing.

When the Officer exited his vehicle, the subject immediately stated telling the Officer that he was going to kill him. The subject then charged the Officer for no apparent reason. The Officer deployed an electronic control device, but the device had little impact on the subject. However, it did stop the subject’s advancement towards the officer.

The Officer called for assistance on his portable radio. After calling for assistance the subject ripped the Officer’s radio off the Officer’s belt and threw it approx 30 feet away. The subject then made a statement to the Officer, now who are you going to call. The subject then charged the Officer a second time. This time the subject reached the Officer and started punching the Officer.

The Officer was able to push the subject off of him and deployed his service weapon. At this point an Officer from the California Highway Patrol arrived. Shortly after the second Officers arrival the subject started complying with verbal commands from both of the Officers and he was taken into custody without any further incident.

The subject was identified as Kevin Hepstall, 43 of Columbia. Hepstall is currently on felony probation for assaulting a Tuolumne County Deputy Sheriff in 2009. Hepstall was also arrested in 2008 for assaulting another Officer.

Hepstall was transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked for felony assault on a Police Officer; felony violation of probation; felony threats; and felony theft. The Officer sustained minor injuries from the attack and refused medical treatment.

Date and Time of Release: 20 March 2012

Date and Time of Incident: 19 March 2012, at approx. 11:55 pm

Subject: Drug Arrest
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19 March 2012, at approx. 11:55 pm, an Officer from the Sonora Police Department stopped a Toyota Camry for traveling 50 MPH in a 35 MPH zone on Stockton Road. The Officer contacted the driver, who was identified as Kenneth Summers, 53 of Sonora. Summers had an open alcohol container between his legs and was exhibiting signs of being under the influence of a controlled substance.

During a search of Summers, a large rock of methamphetamine was located, along with a glass pipe which contained a heavy amount of methamphetamine residue. Summers was placed under arrest and transported to the Tuolumne County Jail. Summers was booked for felony possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor driving under the influence of a controlled substance, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

Date and Time of Release: 15 March 2012

Date and Time of Incident: 15 March 2012

Subject: High School Theft
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During the investigation into the thefts from Sonora High School, an employee by the name of Jakob McMurray, 24 of Coulterville, was identified as the suspect. McMurray remained cooperative throughout the investigation.

The investigation was completed and the report was forwarded to the Tuolumne County Districts Attorney’s Office for review. The District Attorney’s Office filed a complaint with the Court. The Court issued a warrant for McMurray’s arrest charging him with felony grand theft. McMurray was contacted and he surrendered himself on the warrant and he was booked into the Tuolumne County Jail.

Date and Time of Release: 12 March 2012

Date and Time of Incident: 6 March 2012

Subject: Theft Suspect Identified
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6 March 2012, Sonora High School reported the theft of $3,700 in cash. During the investigation into this matter a person of interest was developed. The day following an interview with this person, they returned all of the cash, along with a letter of resignation.

11 March 2012, this subject was interviewed again, this time regarding other stolen property from the high school. The subject admitted to taking other property and returned $6,700 worth of stolen property, which had been taken over the past six months from the high school. The items included new digital cameras and lenses, new tools taken from the auto shop, wireless microphones, and amplifiers.

The suspect is remorseful for their actions and is cooperating with the Sonora Police Department in this investigation. The investigation into this matter is ongoing.

Date and Time of Release: 2 March 2012

Date and Time of Incident: 2 March 2012, at approx. 1:36 am

Subject: Drug Arrest
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2 March 2012, at approx. 1:36 am, an Officer from the Sonora Police Department stopped a 1990 Chevy pick-up for traveling 45 miles per hour in a posted 25 mile per hour zone.

The Officer contacted the driver who was identified as John Vires, 34 of Columbia. The Officer determined Vires was on searchable probation, as the result of a drug conviction in Tuolumne County, and that his driver’s license was suspended.

A search of Vires person and vehicle revealed methamphetamine, marijuana, straws with methamphetamine residue inside them, glass smoking pipes with methamphetamine residue inside the bowls, 14 baggies containing methamphetamine residue and other paraphernalia used in the ingestion of controlled narcotics. It was also learned that Vires had an active warrant for his arrest out of Florida for grand theft. However, Florida wouldn’t extradite Vires from California on the warrant.

Vires was placed under arrest and transported to the Tuolumne County Jail where he was booked for; Felony possession of a controlled substance; Felony violation of probation; Misdemeanor possession of controlled substance paraphernalia; Misdemeanor driving on a suspended driver’s license.

Date and Time of Release: 21 February 2012

Date and Time of Incident: 18 February 2012

Subject: Burglary Arrest
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18 Feb. 12, the Sonora Police Department responded to a reported burglary at a residence on the 500 block of S. Stewart Street. A large amount of property was removed from the residence including a laptop, jewelry, cell phone, collectable coins and other items.

Officers spoke with neighbors, who reported seeing Lisa Beaty, 31, who is homeless, in the area during the time of the burglary. Neighbors also reported that Beaty was carrying a large bag which appeared to be full of items.

Officers contacted Beaty at her campsite in Columbia. Beaty was in possession of a large amount of property which had been stolen during the burglary. She was also in possession of methamphetamine, controlled narcotics, methamphetamine pipes and hypodermic needles used to inject methamphetamine. Beaty also had an outstanding arrest warrant for theft.

Beaty was placed under arrest and transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked for; felony possession of stolen property; felony possession of a controlled substance; felony possession of a controlled narcotic; misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia; misdemeanor possession of hypodermic needles; and the outstanding arrest warrant.

Road rage is a growing problem in Sonora. This is an event which no one is immune from. You may have witnessed a case of road rage, caused it, or even been a victim of it. Do your part to minimize road rage by respecting other drivers and recognizing signs of rage in yourself and others.

What is road rage? It’s when one driver reacts angrily towards another driver. In expressing that anger, the driver might make an obscene gesture, yell, honk their horn, abruptly brake, tailgate, cut off or force a vehicle off the roadway, become physical or even display or use a weapon.

Why is road rage on the rise? Part of it is sensory overload. Our roads are becoming more and more congested just as we’re feeling more and more stressed in our lives. People may feel powerless or frustrated in their lives, but behind the wheel of their 3,000 pound vehicle, there’s an urge to vent their stress and aggression toward an anonymous driver.

While there are no sure ways to avoid becoming the victim of road rage, experts offer these suggestions;

• Be a courteous and defensive driver. Maintain a safe speed and safe following distance. Signal your moves. Use your horn and lights appropriately. Try not to offend other drivers by cutting them off, tailgating or driving slowly in the fast lane.

• Concentrate on your driving, not on passengers, cell phones, I-Pods or other distractions.

• Don’t overreact to other drivers’ errors. Don’t challenge them by speeding up, slowing down or blocking lanes.

• Don’t engage an angry driver. Avoid eye contact. Ignore rude gestures and the temptation to return them. Get out of their way, but don’t pull off the roadway and try to settle things.

• If you think a driver is harassing you or trying to start a fight call the Sonora Police Department at 532-8141 or 911. Remember, if you dial 911 from your cell phone, you will be calling the Merced CHP office, which in turn, will transfer you to the Sonora Police Department.

• If you’re being pursued, drive to a safe, well light, populated area, such as a shopping plaza, or the police department. Keep your doors locked and wait for help to arrive. Don’t drive home, as the aggressor will then know where you live.

You can’t control other drivers but you can control yourself. Monitor yourself. Most road rage involves displaced anger. If you think you have a problem, get help. If you’re tense and stressed, avoid taking it out on others on the road. Forget winning. Driving to and from work or the store is not a contest. Give yourself extra time, control your behavior and help keep rage off the road.

If you need any further information regarding this topic, please call the Sonora Police Department at 532-8141.

Date and Time of Release: 6 February 2012

Date and Time of Incident: 6 February 2012, at approx. 7:09 am

Subject: Burglary Arrest
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6 February 2012, at approx. 7:09 am, the Sonora Police Department received a silent burglary alarm from Earth & Ocean Board Shop located on the 1000 block of Mono Way.

When officers arrived on scene, they located the back door to the business open and a subject getting into a vehicle, which was backed in alongside the business. Officers contacted the subject who was identified as James Werner, 41 of La Grange.

Werner told officers he had just stopped behind the business to check for boxes, as he was preparing to move. However, cash from the business was located inside of Werner’s vehicle. Werner claimed he had found the money alongside the business, so he picked it up and put it inside his vehicle.

A records check showed Werner was currently out of bail from Stanislaus County on several felony charges ranging from possession of stolen property to possession of drugs. Werner also had a large amount of burglary tools inside his vehicle, including bump keys, master keys and porcelain chips. Also in Werner’s vehicle was stereo equipment in which the serial numbers had been removed from.

Werner was taken into custody without incident. He was transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked for; felony burglary; felony possession of stolen property; felony committing a crime while out on bail; misdemeanor possession of burglary tools; misdemeanor possession of property with the serial numbers removed.

Date and Time of Release: 3 February 2012

Date and Time of Incident: Past three days

Subject: Counterfeit update
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The investigation into the passing of counterfeit $100 bills is continuing and additional information has been learned. The suspect is operating a 2011, silver in color, Dodge Dakota P/U, 4 door, 4×4. California license 12726A1.

The vehicle was rented from Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Modesto several days ago. The money order used to rent the vehicle was purchased with counterfeit $100 bills. The vehicle is beyond its return date and is believed to be stolen at this point.

The subjects who rented the vehicle are Timothy Ferguson, 31 of Modetso and Lori Price, 38 of Modesto. Ferguson doesn’t match the person seen in surveillance videos passing the counterfeit bills. However, the Sonora Police Department would like to speak with him regarding the vehicle.

If you have information regarding the vehicle, either two subjects, or this case in general, please contact the Sonora Police Department at 532-8141.

Date and Time of Release: 2 February 2012

Date and Time of Incident: Past Two Days

Subject: Counterfeit $100 Bills
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During the past two days the Sonora Police Department has been contacted five times regarding the passing of, or the attempted passing of, counterfeit $100 bills. The bills appear to be acid washed $5 bills with a $100 bill image printed over it. Because the bills are printed on real currency paper, counterfeit pens and markers will show the bill to be good. However, the pens and markers only test the paper and not the content of the bill.

The Sonora Police Department would like to encourage merchants not to rely on the pens and markers alone and to check a few of the security features on the bills. A couple of things you can look for on the new $100 bills are;

Look for a blue ribbon on the front of the bill. Tilt the note back and forth while focusing on the blue ribbon. You will see the bells change to 100’s as they move. When you tilt the bill back and forth, the bells and 100’s move side to side. If you tilt it side to side they move up and down. The ribbon is woven into the paper and not printed on it.

Look for an image of a color shifting bell, inside the copper-colored inkwell on the front of the new $100 bill. Tilt it to see the bell change from copper to green, an effect which makes the bell seem to disappear within the inkwell.

There are several other security features on the new $100 bills and there are also several security features on the older $100 bills as well. You can learn more about the security features by logging onto http://www.newmoney.gov/currency/100.htm or to http://www.treasury.gov/services/Pages/coins-currency

The person passing the bills is described as a white male adult, with brown hair, approx. 5-10, having a medium build. He normally purchases items of low value and receives a large amount of change. If you have any information on the possible responsible or if you believe you have accepted one of these counterfeit bills, please contact the Sonora Police Department at 532-8141.

Date and Time of Release: 1 February 2012

Date and Time of Incident: 31 January 2012, at approx. 7:40 pm

Subject: Stolen Property Arrest/Drug Arrest
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31 January 2012, Officers from the Sonora Police Department responded to the Intensive Care Unit of Sonora Regional Medical Center regarding a stolen I phone. Officers contacted an employee of the hospital, who related their phone had been stolen. They also related they felt the responsible was someone who was at the hospital visiting a patient.

Officers responded to the possible suspect’s residence located on the 400 block of S. Stewart St. While one officer was contacting the possible responsible at the front door of the residence, another officer stopped a second subject, who was running out the back door with the stolen phone.

The Officer at the front door could see a large amount of drug paraphernalia on a table inside the residence. The Officer entered the residence and noticed hypodermic needles, burned spoons and zip lock bags. During a search of the residence heroin was located along with more drug paraphernalia used for injecting narcotics.

The responsible was identified as Charles “Taylor” Bowers, 21 of Sonora. Bowers admitted to taking the I phone while visiting someone at the hospital. He also admitted to giving the phone to another subject when he saw an Officer at the front door. Bowers was placed under arrest and booked at the Tuolumne County Jail for; felony possession of a controlled substance; felony possession of stolen property; misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia; misdemeanor possession of a hypodermic.

Date and Time of Release: 25 January 2012

Date and Time of Incident: 24 January 2012, at approx. 2:30 pm

Subject: Warrant Arrest
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24 January 2012, at approx. 2:30 pm, Sonora Police Department assisted Tuolumne County Child Welfare Services on a welfare check of a 4 month old boy. The mother and father of the boy were located at a residence on the 300 block of Hospital Road. This is the same residence Officers removed some other children from on 4 January 2012.

The Officers contacted the father, Pedro Velazquez, 32 of Sonora; and the mother Niccole Davis, 30 of Sonora, along with their 4 month old child. Velazquez originally identified himself as being someone else. The Officer speaking with Velazquez became suspicious when he ran a warrants check on the name that Velazquez gave and there was a warrant for a person with a similar name and date of birth out of Santa Ana, CA., where Velazquez claimed he had spent some time.

The Officer had the dispatcher call Santa Ana to obtain the tattoos they had listed for the person they had the warrant for. These tattoos matched the ones Velazquez had. Velazquez was placed under arrest for the outstanding felony possession of a controlled substance warrant. It was also learned that Velazquez had been arrested for the same charge in 2003 and had been deported because he was in the Country illegally.

Davis was found to be in possession of controlled substance paraphernalia. She was also placed under arrest. Their child was turned over to Child Welfare Services for protective custody.

Velazquez and Davis were transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and book. Velazquez was booked for the felony drug warrant out of Santa Ann and for being in the Country illegally; Davis was booked for misdemeanor possession of controlled substance paraphernalia.