LASDHQ

graphic of The great shakeout event
The Great Shakeout 900 900 SIB Staff

The Great Shakeout

THE GREAT SHAKEOUT

300 miles away, on October 15, 2019, a 4.8 mag #earthquake hit Northern California. Now is the perfect time to prepare & participate in the #InternationalShakeOut drill on Oct 17th! Don’t wait until it’s too late! Join #LASD and register at https://shakeout.org

crime time Tuesday: suspect sentenced 1024 1024 SIB Staff

crime time Tuesday: suspect sentenced

CRIME TIME TUESDAY: SUSPECT SENTENCED

#LASD #CrimeTimeTuesday Man Sentenced for Killing Woman and Hiding her Body in a Wall, Unincorporated #Lomita 37 year-old, Raven Campbell, missing since July 2009, will finally be able to Rest in Peace. On Tuesday, October 8, 2019 Suspect Garbutt was sentenced to 11 years in state prison for her 2009 murder. Thursday, July 2, 2015, at 6:30 a.m., Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau detectives discovered human remains on the 26800 block of Western Avenue, Unincorporated Lomita. Detectives along with the Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner – Coroner personnel responded to a tip that human remains were hidden in a residence. Cadaver dogs alerted and detectives assisted Coroner’s Special Operations Response Team in excavating and removing the human remains. Thursday, July 9, 2015, officials from the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner – Coroner conducted a post mortem examination and identified the cause of death as blunt force trauma. Wednesday, February 3, 2016, deputies arrested Randolph Garbutt, male, Black, 43 years-old, for a traffic warrant. At the time of Victim Campbell’s disappearance the suspect and victim shared the residence on Western Avenue. Suspect Garbutt was booked for the murder of Raven Campbell on Thursday, February 4, 2016. Link to press conference re: http://bit.ly/2Mjgrqz

Vintage image of Deputy and kids
LASD and Kids 900 900 SIB Staff

LASD and Kids

#ThrowbackThursday #LASD and Kids

The #LASD deputy response spectrum varies from horrific violent crimes, fatal car accidents, domestic violence, resolving neighbor disputes, and welfare checks to just helping a parent explain to his/her child the importance of wearing the seat-belt. These men and women wearing the badge are serving in a capacity that few others can match. These qualities are exemplified in an LASD recruitment pamphlet from #1970:

“We need you if you will become involved in your work. The Deputies’ work shapes and regulates their lives and its influence extends beyond the normal eight hours limit of most ordinary jobs. A law enforcement career requires life commitment and dedication. It offers you a unique chance to become professionally involved with your community…..”

This summer, West Hollywood Sheriff’s Deputies welcomed 11 kids from the West Hollywood Park Tot Time program. The deputies conducted the Station tour and answered some hard-hitting questions such as, “Do you guys have a dog?” and “Where do the bad guys sleep?”………. After our deputies tried hard to answer these hard hitting questions by the group of five year olds, they were requested to take a photo with fun faces. Well, most of the deputies passed the final test and became fast friends!

Small things count. And we do not underestimate them. One badge has unlimited possibilities, become part of the positive energy brought to our communities. 

credit card over laptop
#FraudFriday-Credit Bureau scam 900 900 SIB Staff

#FraudFriday-Credit Bureau scam

#FraudFriday-Credit Bureau Scam

We’ve all seen well known Credit Bureau Companies are being affected by data breaches. Wouldn’t you know it? People may have already started putting up fake websites meant to look like the official Equifax settlement claims website.
With these types of breaches, fake websites are popping up, making themselves look like legitimate credit bureau companies offering reimbursement for being a victim of a data breach. But beware these offers are fake, and you will be at risk of becoming a victim of identity theft or scammed straight out of your money.

How this scam works:

• Advertisements are posted throughout social media instructing people to file a claim to get money for possibly being a victim of a data breach
• Once a person is convinced, they are directed to click onto a link that will instruct them to enter personal information
• Once the personal information is entered, the scammers will have your information which can be used to open fraudulent bank accounts or credit cards.
• Once the claim has been submitted, the victim might get a response indicating they have not been a victim of a data breach.
There are three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

If you receive an email, advertisement, or phone call advising you may be a victim of a data breach, do not provide personal information until you verify the notification is legitimate.
You may be sure you’re going to the right site by going directly to the actual credit bureau websites or calling the credit bureau directly.

A couple more things to remember. You’ll never have to pay to file a claim for these benefits. And anyone who calls and tries to get you to file a claim is almost certainly a scammer.

#LASD

Vintage Search Rescue Pic
SEARCH AND RESCUE – TBT 900 900 SIB Staff

SEARCH AND RESCUE – TBT

SEARCH AND RESCUE – TBT

#ThrowbackThursday #LASD The Search and Rescue teams function as the Sheriff’s Department’s official emergency response unit. The unit provides services to those citizens who become stranded, lost, or injured in the mountainous areas of Los Angeles County.

There are eight individual teams: Altadena Mountain Rescue Team, Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team, Antelope Valley Search and Rescue, Malibu Search and Rescue Team, Santa Clarita Valley Search and Rescue Team, Montrose Search and Rescue, San Dimas Mountain Rescue Team and Avalon Search and Rescue Team.

Most of the team members are Los Angeles County Sheriff Reserve Deputies, while others are dedicated volunteers from the local communities to assist in search and rescue operations. All teams are under the direction of the local Sheriff’s Stations.

Because team members would go into steep and treacherous terrain, possibly at night or in the rain, it is imperative that all members are well trained. In addition to academy training, Search and Rescue Team members undergo extensive mountaineering training. Also, they must hold a current Emergency Medical Technician license and usually must live within a fifteen or twenty minute response time of the station where they serve. 

Each team member is selected for his or her physical capabilities, maturity, and willingness to respond at a moment’s notice in emergency search and rescue situations. The men and women of the team are highly trained in technical rope rescue, swift water, snow and ice operations search theory and tracking.

As a part of the state of California mutual aid system, the teams also provides support search and rescue efforts throughout California and the United States.

They are ready to respond to emergency 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, to “anywhere in the wilderness that someone needs help”!

**#1951 picture from LASD museum

** Malibu search team picture from their facebook.

Impostor Posed #LASD Extort Money 1024 683 SIB Staff

Impostor Posed #LASD Extort Money

IMPOSTOR POSED #LASD EXTORT MONEY

Between March, 2019 and April, 2019, an imposter posing as a Los Angeles County deputy sheriff stole thousands of dollars from numerous victims.  The imposter called residents, told them he was a deputy sheriff with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) and demanded payment of a fine for failing to respond to a jury duty summons. 

In fear of being arrested, victims paid the fine in the form of gift cards.  The truth was, the imposter lied about the jury summonses, and used a fraudulent sense of emergency and pressure to coerce hard-earned money from unsuspecting people, many of them elderly. 

Several reports with similar characteristics were received and investigation of the crime spree was assigned to detectives from the Fraud and Cyber Crimes Bureau-Emerging Cyber Trends team.  As the investigation proceeded, it became clear the imposter used a sophisticated set of techniques to hide his location and identity, including telephone number spoofs and the use of names of real LASD personnel. 

Detectives identified the suspect as Nicolas Brady Kennedy, 29, of Loganville, Georgia.  They travelled to Georgia, where they worked with investigators from the Loganville Police Department and the U.S. Marshalls Service, to obtain and serve a search warrant at the suspect’s residence.  During service of the warrant, the suspect and additional evidence were located, as well as a second suspect, Ashley Marie Walker, 28, of Loganville, Georgia. 

Kennedy was charged with six counts of Extortion, California Penal Code Section 518, and three counts of Attempted Extortion, California Penal Code Sections 664 and 518, by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.  Kennedy is being held in the Gwinnett County Jail in Georgia on a probation hold, pending extradition to California.

Walker was charged with three counts of Extortion, California Penal Code Section 518, and three counts of Attempted Extortion, Penal Code Sections 664 and 518, by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.  Walker is currently out of custody.  A warrant was issued for her arrest.

During a press conference held Monday, September 16, 2019, Sheriff Alex Villanueva announced the investigation. 

Chief Pat Nelson outlined the investigation and presented methods of preventing falling prey to similar scams.  “The main focus…is to make sure we try to avoid additional victims,” he said.  “It’s much better if we’re able to warn the public of the danger, to begin with.”

If you receive a demand for payment by telephone, email or other means of communication, to be made in any form for any reason, from someone portraying themself as a deputy sheriff or other Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department employee, do not comply.  Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department personnel will never ask for payment over the phone or by email.

If you believe you were a victim of this type of crime, contact your local law enforcement agency and report the incident.  

Here are some tips to identify a potential threat-based impersonation scam and how to prevent yourself from falling prey to this scam or similar scams:

TACTICS:

  • Scammers pretend to be from a government agency.
  • They threaten victims with arrest for outstanding warrants or other legal issue.
  • They pressure victims to purchase various types of gift cards or instruct them how to purchase bitcoin.
  • Once a victim makes the purchase, the scammer instructs them to read the gift card numbers or bitcoin key over the phone.
  • Once the scammer is satisfied they received the necessary information, the line is disconnected.
  • Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department personnel will never ask for any type of payment over the telephone.  Financial transactions with our agency are handled at patrol stations, court houses and custody facilities.

PREVENTION METHODS:

  • If you are unsure if a call or email is real, verify the identity of the contact through an independent source, such as a phone book or online search.  Do not use the contact details provided by the caller or in the message they sent.
  • Do not feel pressured by a threatening caller.  Hang up and verify their story.
  • Never send money, or give bank account, credit card or personal information to anyone you do not know or trust.
  • A government agency or trusted business will never ask for payment by unconventional methods, such as gift or store cards, iTunes, cards, wire transfers, or bitcoin.
#throwBackThursday 900 900 SIB Staff

#throwBackThursday

#THROWBACKTHURSDAY

#ThrowbackThursday LASD has a competitive athletic tradition. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Semi Annual “World Serious” & Sgt. Brian Wilson Memorial Softball Tournament is held twice a year to honor Sgt. Brian Wilson.

This year, on September 6-8, 2019, the tournament took place at Cerritos Regional County Park in the city of Cerritos. There were 25 teams that participated in this event.

Congratulations to the Norwalk Station Softball Team for taking the championship!  After 8 games, they had beaten several teams throughout the County over the weekend-long tournament.  It was a great time to watch the good talent on the field, cheer them on, decompress and meet and enjoy each other’s families.  Deputy Travis Jaime was awarded the MVP for his outstanding defense and solid hitting! It’s the 3rd consecutive time that this team won the championship of this game. Well done Norwalk!

It is an honor to continue a tradition that Wilson had such a passion for. The tournament brings unit/station pride, as well as LASD camaraderie. We would like to thank all those who participated in this event, as well as the family and friends who came out to support the players.

*Carson ball team picture from lasdretired.org

*Norwalk picture from Norwalk Station

Graphic For Crime Time Tuesday 091019
Crime Time Tuesday: In Custody 960 960 SIB Staff

Crime Time Tuesday: In Custody

CRIME TIME TUESDAY: IN CUSTODY

#CrimeTimeTuesday Investigation by #LASD & Help of Several Law Enforcement Agencies, ends in Prison for Kidnapping Suspect that Lead Police on Motorhome Pursuit

An incident that started last year, ended with a man being sentenced to more than 88 years and four months in state prison for kidnapping his two young children and fleeing from law enforcement in a motorhome.

On Tuesday, May 1, 2018, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Major Crimes Bureau (MCB) detectives attempted to detain a parolee at large, Suspect Stephen Merle Houk, who was believed to be armed and wanted for evading, child abduction, child endangerment, and weapons violations.

The suspect fled the area in a motorhome and MCB initiated a pursuit. Command of the pursuit was assumed by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and then by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The pursuit came to an end in an Orchard in Bakersfield.

After a two day man hunt with the joint efforts of the US Marshals Service, Kern County Sheriff’s Department, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Barstow Police Department, and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF Railway) Police the suspect was located in a rail yard on the 200 block of North Avenue H, Barstow.

MCB detectives were able to take the suspect into custody without further incident.

Due to the collaborative efforts between many law enforcement agencies spanning several counties the suspect was successfully prosecuted, by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Child Abduction Section, for failing to register as a sex offender, kidnapping, child abuse, injuring a spouse, child detention, assault with a firearm, criminal threats, fleeing a pursuing peace officer’s motor vehicle, and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Throwback Thursday Image
#Throwbackthursday: lasd band 900 900 SIB Staff

#Throwbackthursday: lasd band

#THROWBACKTHURSDAY: LASD BAND

#Throwbackthursday #LASD As early as 1939, Sheriff Biscailuz established the Sheriff’s Boys Band. Today, the band is made up of professional musicians as well as avid amateurs who travel the country to serve our communities through music!  Listen here!

Later in the 1960s, during Sheriff Peter J. Pitchess’ tenure, another band was formed with sworn officers as the musicians. Under the direction of the late Dr. Don Holcomb, and continuing under the baton of Dan Glass, the band has become a premiere concert band, and the pride of Los Angeles County.

As a group, the band has played for presidents, kings and queens. As the role of musical ambassador, they played in venues as far away as Sweden, Italy, Mexico and Washington, D.C., Ohio and Sacramento. The band has played for events such as the dedication ceremony of the California State Police Memorial and the dedication ceremony of the National Police Memorial in Washington, D.C.

LASD Band is made up of professional musicians as well as avid amateurs. The composition is diverse, hailing from all walks and stages of life. The 75 members are formed by active/retired law enforcement officers, accountants, judges and teachers. There is only one common goal —- a desire to serve our communities through music. The band will continue to flourish as it represents the County of Los Angeles and the Sheriff’s Department whenever it is needed, helping to build and improve relations between law enforcement and the public at large.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

For more, visit: http://lasdband.org/

Great day this weekend at the LACounty Fair 1024 683 SIB Staff

Great day this weekend at the LACounty Fair

GREAT DAY THIS WEEKEND AT THE LACOUNTY FAIR

#ICYMI Great day this weekend at #LACountyFair!

Good food & Great people!

The parade during the fair featured LASD personnel, including Sheriff Alex Villanueva, and was a very special occasion. #LASD thanks every community member who came out! It wouldn’t have been the same without you. The fair runs until September 22, 2019. for more: https://lacountyfair.com/