FBI Seeks Assistance Locating Serial Bank Robber

Suspect Nicknamed the Haggler Bandit

An unidentified male bank robber has been linked to three bank robberies and two attempted bank robberies in the past week; four of the incidents occurred in the past day. The Haggler Bandit is described as an unidentified black male, 5’8” and 6’0” tall, 150-170 lbs., and anywhere from in his late 20s to 40 years of age. The suspect was given the nickname “Haggler Bandit” based on the fact that victim tellers described him as having “haggled” to some extent over the amount of money he expected to receive based on his demand for cash. The suspect passes a note to the victim teller during the robberies. During today’s (August 31, 2012) attempted robbery, the suspect verbally threatened a weapon.

This case is being investigated by the Pasadena Police Department, the Monrovia Police Department, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the FBI. Anyone with information as to the identity of the Haggler Bandit should contact one of these agencies or dial 911. In southern California, the FBI may be reached 24 hours a day at 888-CANT-HIDE (888-226-8443).

Federal Indictment Targets 27 for Narcotics Distribution Network, Including Members of an International Drug Trafficking Organization and Los Angeles County Street Gangs

LOS ANGELES—An investigation by the San Gabriel Valley Safe Streets Task Force resulted in the arrest of 16 of 27 defendants today who face federal narcotics charges for their roles in a methamphetamine distribution network, announced representatives from the agencies who jointly conducted the investigation at a press conference this morning.

The arrests this morning mark the culmination of an 16-month investigation by the San Gabriel Valley Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which is made up of agents and officers with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pasadena Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives devoted a great deal of resources throughout this investigation.

A federal grand jury returned an indictment in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. The indictment, which was unsealed this morning, charges a total of 27 defendants, several of whom were already in custody prior to today’s operation. The indictment outlines hundreds of overt acts that formed the basis for the conspiracy to manufacture, possess, and distribute large quantities of nearly pure methamphetamine.

The indictment charges the defendants for their roles in the distribution of methamphetamine, the possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine; for conspiring to manufacture, possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of methamphetamine; and maintaining drug-involved premises, all violations of the United States Code, Title 21. The defendants are listed below; some of the defendants are not fully identified at this time. Eight defendants are currently being sought by law enforcement.

Jose Juan Garcia Barron, 33, of Ontario

Martin Barron Alcazar, of Ontario

Rudy Arma Jose Chavez Espinosa, 38, of Bloomington

Enrique Centeno Reyes, 36, of Ontario

Jorge Luis Barron Zarate, of Ontario

Tony LNU, of Ontario

Jose Maria Chavez, Jr., of Chino

Jose Maria Chavez, of Baldwin Park

Danielle Lupian, of Ontario

Ines Castillion Joya, 29, of Ontario

FNU LNU Jorge Ruelas, of Pomona

Rudy Zepeda, 35, of Pomona

Jose Alvarado, 24, of Pomona

David Aguilar, of Pomona

Rafael Favela Sara Garrido, of Montclair

Oscar Robles, of Rialto Miguel Saucedo, of Pomona

Andres Yepez, 32, of Pomona

Daniel Yepez, 28, of Pomona

Miguel Zaragoza

Pete LNU

Christopher Alvarado, 36, of Pomona

Isaac Cervantes, 30, of Rancho

Cucamonga Marcos Orejel, 24

The indictment details the roles of each defendant in the methamphetamine distribution conspiracy involving members and associates of the La Familial Michoacán drug trafficking organization (or LFM) and gang members associated with Los Amables and Westside Pomona Malditos gang members.

The indictment alleges that a main defendant, Jose Juan Garcia Barron, spent time between Los Angeles County and Mexico and controlled the importation of methamphetamine from Mexico to the United States, where it was sold on the streets of Los Angeles County by networks made up of local gang members or their associates, who pay taxes to the Mexican Mafia.

The drugs were imported in an unfinished or liquid state and were then converted for local distribution in a process known as or re-crystallization or “icing.” Investigators believe the drugs were imported by airplane, boats, and in vehicles crossing the border, and the quality of the methamphetamine was, in most cases, 99 percent pure. The defendants range from alleged cartel members to street gang members or associates whose activity fueled violence in the communities in which they operated.

In addition to today’s arrests, 13 search warrants were executed in Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. During the execution of the search warrants, investigators found quantities of methamphetamine, white rock substances, various pills not yet identified, drug paraphernalia, and at least nine firearms. Searches are continuing throughout the morning.

The federal defendants arrested today are expected to make their initial court appearances this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. Many of the defendants face a 10-year statutory maximum penalty of life in prison, if convicted, and some of the defendants face life in prison, if convicted on all charges.

Several agencies participated in the execution of arrest and search warrants this morning, to include agents and officers with the Ontario Police Department; L.A. IMPACT; U.S. Immigration, Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations; and the Los Angeles Police Department.

This case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in court.

Federal Criminal Cases Target Narcotics Trafficking Related to Pasadena Denver Lane Bloods Street Gang

LOS ANGELES—An investigation by the San Gabriel Valley Safe Streets Task Force today resulted in the arrest of eight defendants who face federal narcotics trafficking charges. The investigation, which initially focused on drug sales by members and associates of the Pasadena Denver Lane Bloods street gang, also led to the arrest of seven defendants on state charges.

The 15 arrests this morning culminate an 18-month investigation during which dozens of other defendants were arrested on various narcotics and weapons offenses. During the investigation, authorities seized eight firearms, approximately $40,000 in cash, five kilograms of cocaine, and approximately 2.5 kilograms of crack cocaine.

The federal part of the investigation led to two indictments and one criminal complaint that name a total of nine defendants, one of whom is a fugitive. Most of the defendants face potential life sentences if they are convicted.

The investigation that led to today’s arrests was conducted under the aegis of the San Gabriel Valley Safe Streets Task Force, which is made up of agents and officers with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pasadena Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (Altadena gang detectives and the Community Oriented Policing Services Bureau), the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

“Gang members and drug traffickers are united by the common denominator of greed,” said United States Attorney André Birotte Jr. “Today’s arrests demonstrate again that the Justice Department is committed to working together with its state and local law enforcement partners to protect our communities from the menace of the illegal narcotics trade.”

Steven Martinez, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, stated, “Today’s arrests are the result of a long-term investigation by the joint task force that targeted gang members and associates alleged to be the driving force behind a drug distribution ring operating in the Pasadena area that’s had a toxic effect on the community. There is no doubt that street gangs corrupt youth and that their drug networks fuel a variety of violent crimes in the communities in which they operate, as a result of monetary disputes, gang rivalries, and incidents associated with addiction.”

One grand jury indictment unsealed this morning charges seven defendants. They are:

• Jesse Vargas, 34, of El Monte;

• Jesus Campos, 43, of La Puente;

• Monte Russell, also known as “Godfather,” 35, of Pomona and Pasadena;

• Cuong Nguyen, also known as “David Thai,” 32, of Mid-City Los Angeles, who authorities are continuing to search for;

• Dayna Guyton, 29, of Pasadena;

• Myoshi Smith, 23, of Bellflower; and

• Lyonel Washington, also known as “Dough,” 33, of Altadena.

Among the specific charges in the indictment are allegations that Vargas on just one day possessed approximately three pounds of cocaine.

The other two defendants charged in federal court are:

• Keno Monteze Norris, 33, of Pasadena, who is charged in an indictment with distributing crack cocaine; and

• John Eugene Brown, 48, of Pasadena, who is charged in a criminal complaint with possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.

The eight defendants arrested today on federal charges are expected to make their initial court appearances this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

Indictments and criminal complaints only contain allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in court.

The Burbank Police Department and the Monterey Park Police Department provided support during today’s operation.

The investigation that resulted in today’s arrests started only weeks after two grand jury indictments targeting the Denver Lane Bloods and the gang’s drug trafficking in the Antelope Valley were unsealed (see: http://www.justice.gov/usao/cac/Pressroom/pr2010/118.html).

Chambers County Woman Charged with Conspiring and Aiding Her Deceased Husband to Make 122 Destructive Devices

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HOUSTON—A federal grand jury has charged 32-year-old Pamela Leggett of aiding and abetting her deceased common-law husband, Gilbert Ortez, in the making and possessing, along with conspiring to make and possess, destructive devices and firearms, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today along with Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge J. Dewey Webb.

The six-count indictment returned by the grand jury today alleges that beginning in March 2006 through July 2009, Leggett and her deceased common-law husband, then residents of Baytown, Texas, Chambers County, accumulated a supply of precursor chemicals that they used to assemble a total of 122 destructive devices. In some instances the chemicals were allegedly obtained via eBay. The destructive devices, according to the indictment, were improvised explosives that, in some cases, contained pieces of rebar, nails, and bullets. Leggett is also accused of being in possession of a machine gun, a short-barreled rifle, and three illegal silencers in violation of federal firearms statutes.

The United States has sought a court order to transfer Leggett from state custody into federal custody to face the charges and appear for arraignment on a date to be set by the court.

Each of the four counts accusing Leggett of aiding and abetting the possession or making of destructive devices and firearms, to include the illegal silencers and the short-barreled rifle, carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000 upon conviction. Possession of a machine gun carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000 upon conviction. The conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment as well as a $250,000 fine.

This investigation leading to the federal charges was conducted by the Texas Rangers, FBI, ATF, the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office, the Baytown Police Department, the Bay Area Regional Bomb Squad, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Houston Police Department, Metro Police Department Bomb Squad and the Pasadena PoliceDepartment. Assistant U.S. Attorney John D. Jocher is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by due process of law.

Closing in on 800 books

Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books added three police officers who have brought the total number of books by police officers to nearly 800. Added where Victor Cass, William Nikkel and Jack Mullen.

In 1991, Victor Cass joined the Pasadena Police Department. An artist and writer, Victor is a graduate of the Art Center College of Design. In addition to his duties as a police officer, he has created a diverse portfolio of artwork; designing the cover of the Pasadena Police Department’s “Pasadena Welcomes the World” pamphlet for World Cup Soccer matches at the Rose Bowl to having original paintings exhibited a prestigious art galleries. From 1994 to 1997, Victor Cass served as a patrol officer and a Community Policing Officer. In 1998, he was promoted to detective; and, in the same year designed the official logo for the XXXIII California Police Summer Games.

Victor Cass’ published his first book, Love, Death, and Other War Stories: Tales of Crime and Punishment in the Wild West, in 2005. According to the book description, “What the beautiful people don’t know can hurt them, as the bodies pile up in Pasadena.”

William A. Nikkel, a detective with the Kern County Sheriff’s Department (California) wrote Isle of Bones. According to one reviewer, “We are introduced to Jake Stone , a cop who's been through the trenches and wants some peace in his life. Unfortunately, trouble won't leave him be and we ride with Jake to see when, and if, he'll live to drink another Carta Blanca. First off, I have to say what I liked best about this book is how well William A. Nikkel sets the scene. You almost feel like you're at the bar or on the deck of a boat in the dock. Secondly, though it's not the first time we've seen a lonely character down on his luck, you will find yourself pulling for Stone to get out of the way of danger.”

Jack Mullen is a retired sergeant from the San Diego Police Department. He has written two novels: Behind the Shield, In the Line of Duty and Behind the Shield 10cc. On reviewer of Behind the Shield wrote, “Vincent Dowling is a fascinating, fully developed character who should live on in a long series of novels by this talented storyteller. Ex-cop Jack Mullen knows his businesses -- homicide investigation and writing -- and the result is a gripping plot, wonderful characters, a tight story, a lot of insight into the police world. In short, a great read. I want to see more by Jack Mullen.” Jack retired to the State of Washington.

Police-Writers.com now hosts 356 police officers (representing 148 police departments) and their 790 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.