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Los Angeles County Sheriff and other Officials Announce Crack Down on Illegal Marijuana Operations 1024 1024 SIB Staff

Los Angeles County Sheriff and other Officials Announce Crack Down on Illegal Marijuana Operations

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva and other Officials Announce Crack Down on Illegal Marijuana Operations

In the early morning hours of Tuesday, May 17, 2022, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), the California National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife conducted a joint operation to take down multiple illegal marijuana grows in the Antelope Valley.

Almost a year after the most extensive drug operation in the history of the Sheriff’s Department took place, Sheriff Alex Villanueva returned to let everyone know that the operation continues to this day. In the first four months of 2022, the Marijuana Eradication Team (MET) served 116 marijuana cultivation-related search warrants. One hundred seven people were arrested, 100 were misdemeanors, and seven were felony arrests. Approximately 101,090 marijuana plants were seized, 53 firearms were confiscated, and 14,980 pounds of harvested marijuana were destroyed. 

Continuing in the spring of 2022, LASD narcotics investigators conducted aerial reconnaissance with the California National Guard Counterdrug Task Force. They identified 350 outdoor cultivation sites in the Antelope Valley, down from over 750 locations in 2021. This reduction in cultivation sites is directly related to increased enforcement efforts in the Antelope Valley.

MET investigators served search warrants at 80% of the identified sites and anticipate they will have 100% eradicated by the end of the fall of 2022. Most of these sites are connected to Mexican Cartels, Asian organized crime, and other organized crime groups. These illegal cultivation sites threaten the safety of communities, the environment, and wildlife. The unpermitted water wells being drilled to water the illegal crops affect underground aquifers. 

“We’ve already identified the problems that this causes here in the Antelope Valley. Downstream, illegal cannabis dispensaries in the basin are a source of extreme amounts of violence. You have robberies, you have murders that we’re handling. Other agencies have to handle in the basin, and they’re all tied to the cash trade down in these illegal dispensaries. In fact, illegal dispensaries outnumber the legal one 50 to 1. That will give you the size of the magnitude of the problem that we’re handling right here,” said Sheriff Villanueva.

“Supervisor Barger is thankful to the partners that are gathered here today for their diligent efforts to keep combatting illegal cannabis cultivation. Please know that you can continue to count on Supervisor Barger’s support,” said Helen Chavez on behalf of Supervisor Barger.   

“To any of those who are engaged in the illicit grows, I want you to know that there is a collective effort, and we’re coming after you. You can see, right here in these trailers, where your product is going to end up, and it’s not going to be on our streets. You’ve come after a very sacred thing: our community, you’ve come after our desert, and you’re stealing our water, you’re poisoning our land, and enough is enough! Said Assemblymember for CA 36th District, Tom Lackey.

In July of 2021, the LASD Narcotics investigators created the email address MarijuanaTips@lasd.org. This was done to facilitate and expedite the ability of residents to provide information directly to the detectives investigating marijuana cultivation cases. Detectives strongly encourage the public to use this email address to help eradicate this problem by the fall of 2022.

Press Conference Video

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Los Angeles Superhero 5K Run and Walk Health & Safety Expo

Los Angeles Superhero 5K Run and Walk Health & Safety Expo

On April 2, Sheriff Villanueva and countless joined Crime Survivors in the Los Angeles Superhero 5K Run and Walk Health & Safety Expo. Congratulations to Patricia Wenskunas, Crime Survivors, Sheriff’s Special Victims Bureau, and all the organizers on a successful event. Together we can keep helping raise awareness, prevention, advocacy, and healing throughout Los Angeles County.

We are better and stronger together! Survive & Thrive!!!

Thank you to all the Sheriff’s Department personnel and the Sheriff’s Community Advisory Council who participated in this great event.

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Public Service Recognition Week

Sheriff Alex Villanueva and other Department Members Highlight Public Service Recognition Week

On Wednesday, May 4th, 2022, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva held a press conference to thank the members of the Sheriff’s Department for the remarkable work they do for the community. He also highlighted various accomplishments from 10 different Sheriff Stations and Bureaus of the department.  

Every year since 1985, during the first week of May, time is set aside to celebrate Public Service Recognition Week. It is a time when the men and women of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are recognized for their resilience and dedication as public servants. 

Lieutenant Annadenise Briz from the Mental Health Evaluation Team (MET) gave a brief summary of the team of highly trained deputy Sheriffs that respond to calls that involve mental health crisis. The team was formed in 1993 with five teams and they’re now t 34 teams countywide. The team not only provides services to the public, but they also train other first responders at a local and national level. Britz also reminded the public about the Special Alert, a form that family members or caregivers can fill out alerting the Sheriff’s Department about a family member or loved one with special needs. By filling out the form, deputies will know how to better serve individuals when they experience a mental crisis.   

Lieutenant Geoffrey Deedrick from the Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST) gave a brief summary of HOST. Since its inception, the team has had interaction with at least 70,000 people experiencing homelessness and to this date, has never used force or made an arrest during the interactions. The team not only brings safety and security to a homeless encampment, but in the end, the community is given back a clean and safe area.      

Sergeant Henry Ramirez from the Organized Crime Task Force discussed an investigation that started on April 7 in the Los Angeles County jails. A total of three inmates died from a fentanyl overdose, five other inmates overdosed but survived, five inmates were part of taking or selling the narcotics, and one primary suspect was identified.       

Lieutenant Anthony Easter from the Narcotics Bureau talked about 19 search warrants that took place on April 19 and 20, 2022, in the unincorporated area of East Los Angeles. The search warrants were done in marijuana dispensaries operating illegally. A total of 72 individuals were arrested, 1,200 lbs. of cannabis edibles were recovered, 761 lbs. of marijuana, a large amount of methamphetamine, U.S. currency, and firearms were recovered including an assault rifle and ghost guns. Easter thanked his team for its commitment to the job and he also thanked Sheriff Villanueva for his support.  

Deputy Adnan Ahmed from the Carson Station shared a touching story about a call for service involving an elderly resident. During the encounter, Deputy Ahmed found out the person was blind, had no food in her fridge and had no means of transportation. He talked to neighbors and they confirmed the lady lived alone. Carson station contacted the local Walmart and they donated groceries that were delivered in person. The lady asked the deputies: “Who is going to pay for this?” Deputies told her it was free and she was extremely thankful for their actions. 

Deputy Moises Montes from the East Los Angeles Station shared another heart-warming story about an incident that happened in early April. While patrolling in the city of Cudahy, he observed a homeless individual sleeping on the sidewalk. The individual stated that he had been evicted two weeks before and had been sleeping on the streets. Deputy Montes made several phone calls and was able to get him housing at the Salvation Army Shelter in the City of Bell. The individual is very happy, but he wants to go back to South Korea and enjoy the rest of his life there. 

Captain James Powers from the Lomita Station shared an incident of effective communication and working relations with other law enforcement agencies that led to the arrest of individuals driving a stolen vehicle. The suspects had previously been involved in an assault with a deadly weapon shooting in the LAPD’s jurisdiction.   

On April 27, Deputy Olmos from the Palmdale Station stopped a vehicle because the license plate belonged to another vehicle. During the investigation, three stolen catalytic converters were discovered, battery-powered “Sawzall’s”, multiple blades, a floor jack, and other tools used to cut catalytic converters from vehicles. The occupants of the vehicle were arrested on various felony charges and their vehicle was impounded.

Deputy Arthur Valenzuela from the Temple Station and other deputies from the Youth Activity League participated in cleanup activity at Pamela Park in the city of Duarte to celebrate Earth Day. The goal of these activities is to provide the role models and mentoring for young adults, changing lives in many cases and improving public safety at the same time. 

Assistant Director Mike Leum from the Reserve Forces Detail, spoke about the program he oversees and praised the civilian volunteers and reserves that selflessly donate their time in the department. There are currently 484 reserve deputies, and their work equates to an approximate savings of $7 million dollars to the Los Angeles County. The 2,500 civilian volunteers volunteered 121,000 hours at a value of $3.4 million dollars to the county. Last year, the Search and Rescue Team conducted 715 missions. Leum also shared his own recent experience in Ukraine where he helped rescue special needs orphans and brought them to their new families in the United States. The mission was done as a private citizen, but he acknowledged that his will and skills are the result of more than 30 years of doing search and rescue in the department.

Lastly, Sheriff Villanueva shared his experience at the California Peace Officers Enrollment Ceremony where he provided support for the family of Deputy Thomas Albanese. Deputy Albanese was killed in 2021 during a collision in a Lakewood intersection while attempting to make a traffic stop. The two-day event started with a candlelight vigil where new additions to the memorial were unveiled, honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 

Sheriff Villanueva thanked again all of the members of the department who perform acts of great bravery and heroism, above and beyond the call of duty, to help and serve others while placing their own lives at risk.

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Press Conference Slides – PDF

Homicide Detectives ask for the Publics Help in the Murder of Reginald Thompson Sr. 791 1024 SIB Staff

Homicide Detectives ask for the Publics Help in the Murder of Reginald Thompson Sr.

Homicide Detectives and Family Members will ask for the Public’s Help for Information in the Murder of Reginald Thompson Sr.

On Tuesday, May 3, 2022, Homicide Bureau Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) held a press conference to announce a $20,000 reward in exchange for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder of Reginald Thompson Sr. The reward is sponsored by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Second District.

On Tuesday, January 11, 2022, a little before 9:00 p.m., 34-year-old Reginald Thompson, Sr. was talking to friends in the parking lot of a shopping center, located in the 11400 block of South Vermont Ave., in the southwest corner of Imperial Highway and Vermont Avenue, in the unincorporated area of Los Angeles.  As they were talking, four suspects parked their vehicle on Vermont Avenue just south of the shopping center. The suspects exited a dark-colored sedan, approached and fired several times at Thompson and his friends. Thompson was struck by gunfire and later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. The suspects fled the location in the vehicle and headed south on Vermont Ave.

“My son was a father, he was a brother, he was a friend. He was fun, he was loving, and he did not deserve to be tragically struck. This could be anybody standing here, and I don’t want to see other mothers suffer the pain and sorrow that I’ve had to endure from my family. We are devastated and if you saw something, please say something,” said Reginald’s mom, Caren Stephens.

On April 19, 2022, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a reward in the amount of $20,000 in exchange for information leading to the apprehension and/or conviction of those responsible for the death of Reginald.

“I wish to share my heartfelt condolences with the family of Reginald Thompson, Sr. for their tragic loss,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Holly J. Mitchell, author of the motion that established this reward. “I encourage anyone who may have information that could help with this investigation to please come forward so that justice can be achieved for Reginald and his family.”

“My kid’s father was a very loving man. He was a great D.J., an amazing writer, he had a beautiful voice that was out of this world. I pictured my life, my whole future raising my kids with him in it. I never imagined that I would have to lose him so soon,” said a tearful Daysharee Vallier.    

LASD Homicide detectives believe there are witnesses who may have seen the suspects leave the area and/or know their identities. If you have information about Reginald’s murder, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500, or if you prefer to provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile App on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or use the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

Press conference video

press conference material

Surveillance Video

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Sheriff awards two Pastors for community Support

Sheriff awards two Pastors for community Support

This morning, Sheriff Alex Villanueva recognized Pastor Marvin Rodriguez from “City of Refuge” and Pastor Eric Tietze from “Heart of Compassion Ministry” for their dedication to assist the community and improve their quality of life.

Pastor Rodriguez recruits at-risk children within the city of Pico Rivera and outlying areas into his boxing organization, “Marvin Nation” where he provides them with free lessons, life skills, and a strict moral compass. In 2020, he joined the CAC and had since donated 25,000 boxes of food since the onset of the pandemic.

Pastor Tietze tirelessly serves the Los Angeles County community and his ministry. Over the past three years, Pastor Eric has donated over 40 million pounds of food to community members in need.

Pastors Rodriguez and Tietze were awarded for their humanitarian efforts in feeding thousands of families in need throughout Los Angeles County. 

deputy is walking out of a business door holding two paper bags full of confiscated drugs.
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Multilocation search warrant in operation 4-20

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Bureau Serves Multi-Location Search Warrant in Operation 4-20

Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Narcotics Bureau, executed search warrants in furtherance of an investigation based on information from citizen informants regarding a multi-location illegal cannabis dispensary.
 
During the last few days, detectives served search warrants at nineteen different locations within the Unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County (East Los Angeles, Florence-Firestone and Walnut Park).  Approximately ninety people were arrested and a dozen firearms, including an assault rifle and a ghost gun were recovered.
 
According to Narcotics Bureau Acting Captain Lieutenant Anthony Eastern, detectives recovered 1,000 pounds of cannabis concentrate, 800 pounds of cannabis flower, a large amount of methamphetamine and thousands of dollars in U.S currency.
 
These operations have been conducted since October 2021 to eradicate illegal marijuana dispensaries operating within the aforementioned areas.  Since October 2021, over 122 search warrants have been executed, over 277 arrests made and approximately 4,000 pounds of marijuana, 3,300 pounds of marihuana edibles, 29 pounds of mushrooms and 1,000 pounds of fentanyl have been seized.
 
These operations are a testament to the hard work of the men and women of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Sheriff Alex Villanueva’s commitment to keeping communities safe by eradicating illegal marijuana dispensaries.
 
Anyone who sees activity that appears to be suspicious or criminal in nature should contact their local sheriff’s station or remain anonymous and call “Crime Stoppers” at (800) 222-TIPS.

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LASD Undersheriff Robert Allen Edmonds

Today, we were deeply saddened to hear former LASD Undersheriff Robert Allen Edmonds passed away.  He was “recruited” to the Department by a Lennox Station Detective when Edmonds, an Assistant Manager for Safeway at the time, went to report bad checks received.

He became a Deputy after graduating from class #87 in 1961. Throughout his career, Robert steadily rose up through the ranks as a Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Commander, Assistant Sheriff and ultimately, Undersheriff in 1987. Robert Allen Edmonds worked during the Watts Riots, the Cerritos air crash, the 1984 Olympics, and several other large scale incidents.  He was known for bolstering the Sheriff’s Department explorer program, operations planning for large scale disasters and events, as well as overseeing the department’s transition from paper logs to the first digitized computer system.

After 32 years in the Sheriff’s Department, Undersheriff Robert Allen Edmonds retired in 1994. He was a true leader who inspired and motivated others to strive for the best when serving the community. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department has suffered a great loss and he will be greatly missed.

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LASD Active Shooter Training at Pierce College

Sheriff’s Department’s Community College Bureau Coordinates Active Shooter Exercise at Pierce College

The fundamental duty of all sworn personnel is to protect life and property. As part of a commitment to the safety and wellbeing of students and staff it is essential to provide ongoing training to ensure deputies, security officers, and responding outside agencies are proficient in handling tactical incidents, with officer and public safety as the primary goal. 

On Thursday, April 7, 2022, personnel from Community College Bureau, Special Enforcement Bureau, Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station, Emergency Operations Bureau, the countywide Services K9 team, Mental Evaluation Team, Aero Bureau and the Los Angeles City Fire Department gathered to conduct an active shooter drill at Pierce College in Winnetka California. With the opportunity to train together and practice their skills and tactics. First responders practiced planning for and handling situations involving “active shooters” and/or mass violence at locations with multiple victims. 


Community College Bureau provides contract law enforcement services to nine community colleges on campuses across Los Angeles County and the drill, which was held during spring break, was the largest multi-agency exercise conducted yet by the Community College Bureau after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.  They incorporated simulated gunfire with firearms and improvised explosive devices to create a real-life feel. Role players acted as patients in the scenarios; law enforcement worked together to locate the agitators, secure the campus, locate victims, and assist those in need of medical assistance; and fire rescue personnel assisted in coordinating patient care.

Captain John Gannon, who oversees the Community College Bureau, attended the training exercise and said, “The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department prioritizes the safety of students and staff at all Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) campuses.” “Emergency preparedness and campus safety requires an ongoing training preparing our personnel for emergencies. The ability of a department our size to provide specialized resources and rapid deployment teams further supports the College Bureau’s commitment to keep students and faculty safe.”

The day’s event was a meaningful, insightful and impactful training exercise for first responders, faculty and students, alike. One added benefit is the mental review and rehearsal of events by the students and faculty who, as civilians, would not normally receive this type of training. Their new understanding and preparedness will likely be shared with others, guide them in the event of an active shooter and help keep them calm. First responders from three different agencies learned to work together even more fluidly during a stressful situation to uphold the same priority: Keep everyone safe.

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Child Abuse Awareness Month

April is National Child Abuse Awareness month.

As a result, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Victims Bureau (SVB) kicked off its annual Child Abuse Awareness Fundraising Drive on April 1st, the “999 For Kids” Program.  Each Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Station or Unit is responsible for its own fundraising efforts.  The proceeds collected go toward the program and is used to benefit children under the supervision of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, Specialized Medical Placement and Deaf Services Units.  These children are victims of the most severe cases of child abuse, neglect, and/or domestic violence.

The men and women of Special Victims Bureau are committed to partnering with the community they serve. The primary hope is to protect the children of abuse.  Special Victims Bureau shares a strong partnership with the community. The Bureau has a long history of involvement with public and private organizations. In the public arena, SVB works in concert with the Department of Children and Family Services, the Inter-Agency Council on Child Abuse and Neglect, the Department of Mental Health, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, just to name a few.

SVB shares exceptional relationships with Stuart House (Santa Monica), the Rape Treatment Center (Santa Monica), internet service providers, Crime Survivors, Crime Stoppers, Project Sister, and several Children Advocacy Centers in Los Angeles County. It is through these committed partnerships that SVB has been able to increase their outreach to the communities we serve.

Endangering the health and welfare of a child, neglecting basic needs, physically assaulting, or sexually molesting a child are considered child abuse. If you see or suspect child abuse, call your local Sheriff’s Station or police department or the Department of Children and Family Services Child Protection Hotline 800-540-4000 (toll-free within California).    

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Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department’s Homeless Outreach services Team Awards

LASD Homeless outreach services Team and collaborators Receive Awards

On Wednesday, March 30, 2022, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) hosted a luncheon to recognize the Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST), and organizations that have partnered with them to make a difference in the homeless crisis in Los Angeles.

HOST received the Department’s Exemplary Service Award for their extraordinary efforts to assist individuals during the 2021 homeless crisis. Law enforcement personnel are often the first contact with those experiencing homelessness. HOST was created to exemplify the Sheriff’s Department’s efforts to combat homelessness and preserve public safety. The LASD HOST’s mission is to positively impact the homeless crisis in the county, while increasing public safety and preserving the rights and dignity of persons experiencing homelessness. Lieutenant Deedrick, your extraordinary leadership, commitment, and hard work are truly worthy of recognition! 

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) was presented with the LASD Humanitarian Award for their partnership as a co-response team with HOST. Since 2017, LAHSA has built and maintained strong working relationships with the homeless community.  They connected this vulnerable population with services, while effectively improving the health and safety of our streets. Thank you to every member of LAHSA for your extraordinary efforts and dedication to make a difference in the homeless community of Los Angeles. 

Ron Hooks, West Coast Care’s Executive Director, received the LASD Humanitarian Award for his outstanding efforts and dedication as part of the LASD HOST. West Coast’s mission is the reunification of homeless individuals with their families and close friends. They contact estranged family members or friends and act as mediators between them and the person living outside. They also provide bus tickets, car repairs, and other travel resources needed to get the person safely back home. Ron, you embody the true spirit of humanity and you’re an example to us all. 

Jason Schneidman, founder of the Men’s Groomer Foundation, was also presented with the LASD Humanitarian Award for his devotion to the LASD HOST mission of addressing the homeless crisis with compassion and dignity. Jason strongly believes a haircut can change a person’s appearance, instill confidence, and allow them to reach for opportunities when they thought life had passed them by. Jason has found that those struggling with drugs and alcohol addiction are the ones he can help most. He can connect with them because he has been there himself. 

Venice, CA, has always been a special place to Jason. June of 2021, he partnered with the HOST to address the homeless encampment at the Venice Beach Boardwalk. On multiple occasions, Jason brought volunteer barbers and held large-scale events to serve those who were homeless on the Venice Boardwalk and make a difference, “one haircut at a time.” Jason also sponsors individuals so they can enter rehabilitation programs to overcome their addiction.    

Jason’s compassion, selflessness, and humbleness are simply admirable. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is honored to count on you in our mission to positively impact the homeless crisis in Los Angeles. 

Three deputies from the LASD HOST were presented with the LASD Lifesaving Award. On September 23, 2021, while conducting outreach services at a homeless encampment, deputies from the LASD HOST observed an unconscious male.  They quickly rendered assistance to him, assessed the severity of his medical situation and determined he was suffering from a narcotic overdose. They immediately administered NARCAN and monitored him until paramedics arrived. Their quick actions were essential in saving his life, and LASD recognizes the deputies’ heroism. 

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homeless Outreach Services Team will continue to provide help and house homeless individuals. If you would like to join this effort, please contact Lieutenant Deedrick by emailing him at grdeedri@lasd.org.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homeless Outreach Services Team Awards