year in review 1999 - Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

Detective DivisionYEAR IN REVIEW 199930LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

Detective DivisionOrganizationLOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENTLOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENTDetective DivisionDETECTIVE DIVISIONBudgetTaskforce for RegionalAutotheft Prevention(TRAP)S. T. A. R. Unit(Formerly SANE)COMMANDERArthur E. HerreraCHIEFHelena AshbyCOMMANDERFrank VadurroChief’s AideHomicide BureauCommercial CrimesBureauFamily Crimes B ureauThis Division is responsible for the investigation ofcrimes, identification and apprehension of criminals,recovery of property, identification and preservation ofevidence, and assistance in the preparation of cases for court.Detective Division consists ofCommercial Crimes Bureau, FamilyCrimes Bureau, Homicide Bureau,Major Crimes Bureau, NarcoticsBureau, Success Through Awarenessand Resistance (STAR) Unit, and theTask Force for Regional AutotheftPrevention (TRAP). The Divisionhas taken steps to meet newinvestigative challenges. Thesechallenges and how DetectiveDivision is addressing them willbe highlighted within each Bureau’sreview.COMMERCIAL CRIMESBUREAUCommercial Crimes Bureau consistsof five units responsible for theinvestigation of cases involvingarson/explosives, cargo theft, hightechnology crimes/data resourceretrieval, forgery/fraud, andvehicle/metal theft.Arson/Explosives DetailThe Arson/Explosives Detail isunique among detective units. Inaddition to their role as an investigativeunit, they also have the additionalresponsibility of making emergencyresponses to bomb or explosivesrelated incidents. Their services areprovided to every contract and independentcity within the County of LosAngeles, with the exception of LosAngeles City. During the last calendaryear, they handled 466 explosives-relatedresponses, 49 percentwere made to outside agencies. As afull-service bomb squad and arsoninvestigation unit, they are chargedwith the responsibility of determiningthe origin and cause of explosionsand fires. Their expert testimony isoften the sole factor in establishingthe criminal nature of these types ofoffenses.Arson InvestigationsIn 1998, Arson/Explosives Detailacquired accelerant detection K-9,Billy. During 1999, K-9 Billy wasused extensively and has become avaluable tool to the Unit. Word aboutBilly has spread among outside agencies,and we now receive numerousrequests for his services.Explosives InvestigationsDuring October 1999, the LosAngeles County District Attorney'sOffice concluded their prosecution offormer Los Angeles County FireDepartment Captain Gary LeeSizemore for Solicitation for Murder,653(f)(b) PC. Sizemore was on trialfor trying to have his wife killed. Thetrial resulted in a hung jury. OnNovember 4, 1999, the DistrictAttorney's Office contactedArson/Explosives Detail and requestedthey conduct follow-up into theSizemore case, as it was believed hemay have been involved with themanufacture of bombs.During the ensuing follow-upinvestigation, investigators foundDETECTIVE DIVISIONNarcotics BureauYEAR IN REVIEW 1999Major Crimes BureauCHIEFHelena AshbyCOMMANDERAuthur E. HerreraCOMMANDERFrank VadurroYEAR IN REVIEW 19993233

Detective DivisionDetective DivisionLOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENTLOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENTDETECTIVE DIVISIONYEAR IN REVIEW 1999CAPTAINWilliam G. GravesCommercial Crimes Bureausubstantial evidence that Sizemorehad, in fact, possessed and manufacturedpipe bombs. They also uncovereda second incident by Sizemoreof solicitation to murder his wife.On November 30, 1999, theDistrict Attorney's Office re-filedfelony charges against Sizemore. Hewas charged with two felony countsof Solicitation for Murder, 653(f)(b)PC, one felony count of Possession ofa Destructive Device, 12303 PC, andone felony count of Manufacture andUse of a Destructive Device, 12303.2PC. Sizemore is presently in custodyand his bail is set at $2,000,000.Arson/Explosives Detail now hastwo bomb detection K-9's. One of thedogs was a replacement for K-9Rally, who gave the detail sevenyears of valued service.Training1999 saw an increase in outsideagencies and private industry requestingtraining from Arson/ExplosivesDetail personnel in both bomb threatawareness and suspicious packages.In June, the Federal Bureau ofInvestigation presented the Detailwith a commendation in recognitionfor having trained approximately 171FBI agents and crime scene techniciansin post-blast investigations. TheFBI sends personnel from all over thecountry to attend this unique class.This same class is also taught toDepartment personnel and local lawenforcement agencies.ence and various law enforcementorganizations and training seminars.Forgery/Fraud DetailThe Forgery/Fraud Detail has theinvestigative responsibility for allcases reported to the Department relativeto forged documents, includingchecks, prescriptions and other miscellaneousinstruments. The misuseof credit/access cards and worthlessdocuments also falls within theirinvestigative responsibility. TheDetail also investigates complexfrauds and embezzlement cases. In1999, the Detail handled over 4,500cases with losses of over $25 million,as well as 884 in-custody cases.The most significant increase infraud cases is in the area of "identitytheft." Since the laws pertaining toidentity theft became effective inJanuary 1998, there has been a 22percent increase in reported cases.The crime of identity theft is usuallyvery devastating to the victim whocan no longer get a loan, write checksor obtain any other credit. It is aninvisible crime and is not discovereduntil a victim applies for a loan orstarts receiving letters from creditagencies. Another problem is thatidentity theft easily crosses jurisdictionalboundaries and often traversesthe country. Due to this jurisdictionalquestion, the Forgery/Fraud Detailcommander determined, with the concurrenceof the District Attorney, thatthe jurisdiction of identity theft caseswould be determined by where thevictim resided when the crimeoccurred.In October of 1999, theExecutive Planning Council directedthat a study be conducted to ascertainthe extent of identity theft and whatresources would be required to effectivelyinvestigate and prosecute thesecases. Research into these crimesindicates that identity theft is growingnationally at an alarming rate, andonly 17 states have enacted laws todeal with the problem. It is anticipatedthat the study will be completedwithin the first part of 2000 with arecommendation on how to deal withthe problem.Real Estate FraudOne type of complex fraudinvestigation done by theForgery/Fraud Detail is in the area ofreal estate fraud. The Real EstateFraud Team investigates cases of realestate "adverse possession," forgeddeeds, escrow fraud, home equityfraud, home foreclosure fraud, landsales contract fraud, and refinancefraud. The Team consists of asergeant and six investigators. ThisTeam works closely with the DistrictAttorney's Office, and works casesthroughout Los Angeles County,including non-contract cities. During1999, they investigated 95 cases withreported losses totaling over $8 million.This represents an increase of22 cases and $5 million in losses over1998.Vehicle/Metal Theft DetailThis Detail is responsible for theinvestigation of organized vehiclethefts throughout the County. Detailpersonnel provide assistance to stationdetectives, particularly on casesinvolving multiple jurisdictions, conspiracies,and counterfeit vehicle titledocuments. They also investigateheavy-duty commercial vehicle andconstruction equipment theft. Theymaintain liaison with major industrialmetal supply sources and assist stationdetectives in identifying, locating,and prosecuting suspects dealingwith stolen property in scrap metalyards. Their daily tasks include theidentification of vehicle and componentparts with missing or alteredidentification numbers.During the year, Vehicle/MetalTheft Detail investigators have continuedinvestigating the theft of motorvehicles by fraudulent means andorganized vehicle theft rings. TheDetail is responsible for inspecting allArson/Explosives Detail sent aninvestigator to Columbine HighSchool to liaison with the investigatorsand bomb technicians involvedwith that incident. With the approvalof the investigative agency, a 30minute presentation was preparedregarding the incident and tacticaloperations. This overall review ofthe incident was presented at theInternational Chiefs of Police confertowingfacilities under contractual agreement with the Department.The totalnumber of reported vehicle thefts for 1999, statewide, of all categories of vehicleswas 12,967, with an overall recovery rate of 88.1 percent.High Tech Crime DetailDetective Information Resource CenterThe Detective Information Research Center (DIRC) experienced anotherbanner year, surpassing its total number of cases from 1998 by 150%. A littleover half of our case load was received from our Detective Division, anotherthird from the rest of the Department and the remainder was from outside agencies.The Unit is recognized throughout the State and nation. To meet theonslaught of increased cases, DIRC now has eight full time researchers, one clericalperson, one sergeant and two computer administrators. Its on-line governmentand public data resources have likewise increased to almost double that of1998. In addition to the mounting research challenges, DIRC is constantly indemand to lead and teach our deputies regarding 21st century investigativeresearch techniques.Some of the collateral projects that DIRC has either developed or played asignificant design role in include:Operation CLAWS whereby our Department sends, via theInternet, 20,000 of its most wanted criminals to a public datafirm to ascertain the suspect's most current address.The Wanted Poster Internet Project in which DIRC's requestfor $50,000 was granted to develop the nation's first Internetwanted poster distribution system.The JDIC Criminal Teletype Search System whereby over20,000 criminal teletypes can be searched by any deputy tofind lost teletypes, their corresponding crimes, and assistdeputies in ferreting out workable leads to solve crimes.The Intranet Encyclopedia Project that will enable members ofthe Department to query a variety of resources on the Intranetthat will assist them in their daily responsibilities.Computer Crimes UnitAt the start of 1999, the Computer Crimes Unit (CCU) began operating withits expanded staff of one sergeant, four Bonus II investigators, one data systemscoordinator, and one Word Processor II. The CCU has continued to experiencean increase in assigned investigations and high-tech (forensic) assists. This pastyear, the CCU handled over 120 high-tech related cases, which is nearly doublethe previous year's work.As a support unit, the CCU is unique in that it functions as a type of crimelab by performing the forensic analysis of computer evidence for all Sheriff'spatrol stations, detective units and other investigative units, including IAB andICIB. The CCU also assists other L.A. County departments, municipal and stateDETECTIVE DIVISIONYEAR IN REVIEW 19993435

Detective DivisionLOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENTLOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENTDetective DivisionDETECTIVE DIVISIONYEAR IN REVIEW 1999agencies. To date, they have performed forensic examinationson approximately 400 computers.The CCU has become mobile. They can nowrespond to the field for either self-initiated assignmentsor for various high-tech requests from other units. Theyhave acquired and outfitted a "high tech" response vehiclewhich is capable of downloading complete businesssystems to its on-board equipment. This vehicle is currentlybeing used to examine and evaluate computerrelatedevidence and provide immediate assessment withoutthe need to transport bulky items back to the lab forprocessing.COMPUTER CRIMES ASSIGNMENTSThe following are examples of computer-related crimes where CCU has assisted in 1999:• Vehicle theft rings/smuggling• Cellular telephone fraud and cloning• EmbezzlementsAs of 12/29/1999• Software counterfeiting• Credit card, check and identity forgeriesand counterfeiting• Illegal gaming operations• Telemarketing frauds• Major business fraudsThis year, CCU investigators assistedMiami area authorities in the seizure of $5 millionresulting from "roll-back" search warrantsserved by CCU investigators in Miami. Thisaction stemmed from a local CCU investigationwhere a search warrant resulted in severalarrests and the seizure of numerous counterfeitedcomputer components.Other local search warrant operations conductedby the CCU have resulted in the combinedseizure of over $500,000 in componentand software counterfeiting equipment, and $1.5million in assets.The CCU lab is located at STARS Center inWhittier and now has six forensic lab computerwork stations. The CCU has the capability ofanalyzing and copying data from Windows,DOS, Macintosh and UNIX/LINUX computers.Training and ExpertiseCCU staff investigators now rank amongthe most highly trained and experienced in thenation in regards to high-tech (computer and"cyber") crimes. They have given several "hightech" presentations to groups, including corporatesecurity representatives, members of thenews media, and law enforcement officers fromlocal, state, and federal agencies.• Product trademark violations• Child pornography and exploitation• Narcotics trafficking• Cable television signal theft• Money laundering• Prostitution rings• Internet investigations• Homicides• Cargo theftsHigh Tech Crimes Task ForceThis past year, the activation ofthe Los Angeles//Orange CountyRegional High Tech Crimes TaskForce became official with the L.A.County Board of Supervisors' acceptanceof State funding through theOffice of Criminal Justice Planning(OCJP). Since our Department is thelead agency in Southern Californiafor this statewide program, the CCUhas contributed a great deal of timeand resources to the coordination ofthe 15 agencies (local, state and federal)who participate as task forcemembers in the investigation ofregional high technology crimes. Theyear 2000 will see expansion of ourtask force into Ventura County.High Tech MobileForensics LaboratoryAfter four long years of struggle,the High Tech Mobile Forensics Lab(MFL) of the Computer Crimes Unit /High Tech Crimes Detail is finally areality and is in-service. The mobilelab is a one-ton commercial modelvan with extensive aftermarket modifications.It has features such as selfsustainingelectrical power (batteries,generator, and inverter), on-boardradio, fax, cellular / land-linetelecommunications, and video equipment.Inside is a full-sized forensicslab computer and printer capable ofsearching and processing several"gigabytes" of data evidence fromseized computers. The vehicle willalso function as a crime scene evidenceprocessing unit and mobilecommand post since it also has outboardcomputer and telecommunicationsconnections, folding tables,awning, and several cubic feet ofspace to transport high-tech evidenceback to the Computer Crimes Unitforensics lab at STARS Center forfurther analysis. Regular use of thisvehicle will afford our Departmentrapid and frequent response to hightechcrime scene "roll-out" requests,immediate evaluation and assessmentof evidence in the field and a reductionin the amount of evidence seized.For further information and torequest the assistance of theComputer Crimes Mobile ForensicsLab, please call the Computer CrimesUnit at (562) 946-7877.FAMILY CRIMES BUREAUFamily Crimes Bureau is thehighlighted Unit for the DetectiveDivision (see page 138).HOMICIDE BUREAUThe Homicide Bureau is responsiblefor the investigation of all homicidesand questionable deaths whichoccur within the Sheriff's jurisdictionand participative independent cities.The Bureau also is responsible for thecriminal investigation of all deputyinvolved shootings and independentcity requests of officer involvedshootings in which anyone is injuredor killed. Questionable deaths arenon-criminal in nature and includesuicides, accidental deaths, drug overdoses,industrial accidents and infantdeaths. The Bureau also consists of aMissing Persons Unit, an UnsolvedUnit, and a Foreign Prosecution Unit.The Bureau investigated 294homicides during 1999, a 14%decrease from 1998. Of these, 58were investigated at the request ofindependent agencies throughout theCounty. Of significance were the 104gang-related murders which representover 35 percent of all the homicidesinvestigated by this Bureau.Additionally, there were 486 questionabledeath cases investigated duringthe year.While the number of homicidesis at its lowest since 1976, the factthat over one-third of them are gangrelatedis a startling reminder of theviolence and human destruction thatgangs wreak on the communities ofLos Angeles County.CAPTAINDonald L. MauroHomicide BureauDETECTIVE DIVISIONYEAR IN REVIEW 19993637

Detective DivisionLOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENTDetective DivisionDETECTIVE DIVISIONYEAR IN REVIEW 1999CAPTAINJohn M. BauerMajor Crimes BureauA highlight of 1999 was the solvingof the 1985 murder of LosAngeles County Sheriff's SergeantGeorge Arthur. A joint investigationinvolving Los Angeles PoliceDepartment's Robbery/ Homicide andour Homicide Bureau finally broughtthis case to a successful conclusion.MAJOR CRIMES BUREAUIn 1999, our Bureau experiencedmany significant changes startingwith the change of our name from theSpecial Investigations Bureau to theMajor Crimes Bureau. Our Bureau iscomprised of three diverse operationalunits whose responsibilitiesrange from investigating criminalenterprises and solicitations for murder,to kidnaps for ransom and viceenforcement.Career Offenders SectionA Bureau reorganization, whichcoincided with the Bureau's namechange, consolidated the OrganizedCrime Section with the Prison GangsDetail, forming the "Career OffenderSection." This Section continuedwith major investigations involvingprison gangs, outlaw motorcyclegangs, and Russian and Italian organizedcrime enterprises. Sectiondetectives were instrumental inachieving state and federal prosecutionsfor money laundering, extortions,and murder for hire. Many ofthese crimes crossed internationalborders and involved millions of dollars.The Russian Organized CrimeCrew co-hosted the first InternationalCrime Conference in Sacramento,which was attended by 500 lawenforcement agents from the UnitedStates and 22 countries. Crew detectivesalso lectured as source experts.The Prison Gang Crew continuedwith their investigation of theMexican Mafia (EME). Working inconcert with the FBI and LAPD, 49EME members and associates wereindicted for numerous violations ofRICO statutes. Forty-six of the 49have been arrested, and there arethree outstanding fugitives. To date,11 convictions have been obtained,and prosecutors are seeking the federaldeath penalty for two of those incustody.In 1999, the Prison GangSurveillance/Apprehension Teamcontinued to be an "in demand"Division resource. The Team continuesto specialize in high profileassignments, such as kidnap for ransomcases, homicides, extortions,solicitations for murder, escapes, andother sensitive cases.Metro DetailThe success rate and the highvolume of cases handled by ourMetro investigators has made us allproud. In September, Metroassumed the responsibility of handlingspecific stalking and terroristthreat cases. By the end of year, wehad successfully handled 10 cases.In 1999, we were assigned fourkidnap for ransom cases, one ofwhich was an intense six-day ordealthat resulted in the safe recovery ofthe victim. All four of the victimswere safely released and the suspectseither arrested or identified. Metrowas also assigned nine solicitation tocommit murder cases, all of whichended in the arrest and/or identificationof all suspects. There were noinjuries associated with any of thesolicitation cases. The Detail handledseven extortion cases. Each case culminatedwith an arrest and with noharm to the victims. One hundredescapes and 15 erroneous releaseswere handled with a 98% overallsuccess rate in returns. The Detailreceived 13,708 felony warrants and324 felony warrant suspects werecaptured by investigators who were inbetween other cases. Six hundred andforty-eight extraditions werereceived, and we returned 367 felonysuspects to L.A. County.These statistics do not includethe participation of Metro personnelin the pattern and series robberyarena, special confidential investigations,and a series of topics andcourse presentations. In addition,two Metro personnel were assignedto the Violent Offenders Task Forcehoused with the FBI. They targethigh risk violent murder suspects andhave arrested over 1,000 violent anddangerous suspects. Two investigatorsare also assigned to a joint workgroup with the LAPD to target SouthAmerican theft groups that havebeen creating havoc in the jewelryindustry.Vice DetailIn 1999, the Bookmaking Crewmade over thirty-five arrests forbookmaking and related crimes.These arrests impacted dozens ofbookmaking organizations grossingmore than $150,000,000 in illegalrevenues.Casino Operations has beenworking with the City of Cudahy andEast Los Angeles Station in anticipationof the Club Caribe opening inFebruary 2000. The club will havesix to ten gaming tables and approximately60 employees.A regional blood sport workinggroup has been established to poolexpertise and standardize enforcementactivity. The first meeting washeld in September of 1999 at WalnutSheriff's Station. The participatingagencies are Gault PoliceDepartment, the Humane Society ofthe United States, Riverside Policeand Sheriff's Departments, SanBernardino Police and Sheriff'sDepartments, and the USDA.The License Detail processed1,070 new applications and conducted3,524 follow-up investigations.They conducted 667 inspections andwere involved in 231 enforcementactions (including arrests, citationsand complaints filed).The Pawn Detail processed over420,000 pawn tickets. This amazingfeat was accomplished by twoCivilian Investigators.The Morals Crew continues to beactive Countywide on a daily basis.An increase in prostitution activityhas been identified in the San GabrielValley. Many of the prostitutes arerecent illegal immigrants to thiscountry.NARCOTICS BUREAUThe Narcotics Bureau is responsiblefor the investigation of casesinvolving the use, possession, sale,manufacture, and transportation ofcontrolled substances. Other responsibilitiesinclude disposal of narcotics;providing specialized training aboutcontrolled substances; directing allfinancial and asset/seizure/forfeituresrelative to narcotic activities; makingpublic appearances; providing liaisonwith the County of Los AngelesNarcotics & Dangerous DrugsCommission and the Western StatesInformation Network; and participationin multi-agency narcotics taskforces.Statistically, methamphetamineuse appears to be supplantingcocaine in popularity. The rise inmethamphetamine use has led to anincrease in illicit/clandestine druglabs. In an ongoing effort to applypressure to the trafficking and manufacturingpractices of methamphetaminedealers, the North County MethLab Task force was formed to mitigateclandestine laboratory operations,particularly in the northern partof Los Angeles County. The TaskForce is staffed by members of theNarcotics Bureau and State Bureau ofNarcotic Enforcement (BNE).Additionally, a new and emergingtrend among mid-level drug traffickersis to use the services of commercialparcel carriers such as UPS,FedEx, DHL, etc., to transport illegalCAPTAINArthur NgNarcotics BureauDETECTIVE DIVISIONYEAR IN REVIEW 19993839

Detective DivisionDetective DivisionLOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENTLOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENTDETECTIVE DIVISIONYEAR IN REVIEW 1999narcotics and drug proceeds. Toaddress this problem, the NarcoticsBureau formed the Narcotics CriticalIssues Team (NCIT). In addition toimpacting the drug trafficking problemsassociated with parcel carriers,NCIT can also be deployed to addressa wide range of narcotic activities atthe station level or where additionalpersonnel are needed to handle a particularproblem (i.e. assisting stationcrews on multiple suspect/locationcases, and revisiting target areaswhere there is a long history of narcoticsactivity as part of an aggressiveongoing maintenance plan).COMNET(Community-OrientedMulti-Agency Narcotics EnforcementTeam) was also developed from anOCJP grant to assist sheriff stations,as well as local law enforcementagencies, that may not have the staffor resources to target chronic neighborhooddrug problems. Additionally,COMNET has had the ability to utilizeabatement laws to bring aboutlong term solutions. The Team consistsof one Lieutenant, one Sergeant,six Deputies, two Probation Officers,one Deputy District Attorney andsupport staff. All Team membersoperate from a mobile commandtrailer that moves with the Team toeach new assigned area. The lengthof an operation is dependent uponmany factors, but has a maximumdeployment of approximately 90days.As Los Angeles County enters anew millennium, the area continuesto be a hub of narcotic activity. TheNarcotics Bureau is also continuingto develop more sophisticated andhighly technical ways to combat thisepidemic. However, the highly developedtransportation routes and theclose proximity to the UnitedStates/Mexican border will alwayspresent a unique threat by makingLos Angeles County a major distribution,storage, and supply center forillicit drugs destined for citiesthroughout the United states andbeyond.STAR(Success Through Awareness &Resistance)The drug and gang preventioneducation unit of the Departmenttook a new direction under the guidanceof Sheriff Leroy D. Baca. In1999, the Unit formerly known asSANE (Substance Abuse NarcoticsEducation) changed its name to theSTAR Unit (Success ThroughAwareness & Resistance). The Unitcontinued to provide educational programsto more than 88,000 studentsin both the unincorporated areas ofthe County, as well as in the contractcity schools, while undergoing twomajor changes. We expanded theprogram from three grade levels (4th,5th and 6th) to four (the last twograde levels in elementary school andthe first two grade levels in middleschool) and we started teaching theDARE (Drug Abuse ResistanceEducation) curriculum.The Sheriff's Department formeda partnership with DARE Americawhich allows us greater flexibilityand expands the menu of optionsavailable to our school districts andcontract cities. We now offer DAREas an alternative curriculum for theelementary schools. We are teachingthe DARE curriculum in virtually allof the unincorporated area middleschools and in any contract cityschools that wish to expand their program,with the required approval.STAR deputies received DARE trainingduring the summer and startedteaching the middle school curriculum.Our goal is to further expandour program, by teaching the DAREcurriculum at the high school levelwithin the next year or two.The STAR Unit continued tooffer other curricula, such as Here'sLooking at You, Discover, ProjectYES and Project Alert. Teachingtechniques to deal with peer pressure,decision making skills, refusal skills,conflict resolution, anger management,cultural awareness and buildingself-esteem, in addition to providinginformation about the gateway drugsand the dangers associated with ganginvolvement, are still the focus of ourlessons. The STAR deputies currentlyteach these programs in more than360 schools, within 50 school districts,in 30 contract cities and theunincorporated areas of the County,in more than 2,900 classrooms eachmonth.In addition to their teachingduties, STAR deputies took part inbefore school and after school activitiesand spent time with students onthe playground during recess andlunch breaks. Deputies regularlyparticipated in community events andprovided public speaking engagementsfor community, church, serviceorganizations and business groupsupon request. Deputies attended specialevents such as health and safetyfairs, station open houses, scoutingevents, car shows, sporting events,parent and neighborhood watch meetings,PTA events, carnivals, and RedRibbon Week events.Two deputies assigned to theSTAR Unit also taught high schoolstudents about the dangers and consequencesof exposing unborn infants toharmful substances. The program,entitled "Drugs, Pregnancy and You,"is presented in conjunction with medicalprofessionals.In addition to their school commitments,STAR deputies assisted inseveral major fund raising events. InApril, STAR deputies assisted at theSheriff's Youth Foundation’s annualgala dinner where the YouthFoundation honored Deputy MyronMcDonald as STAR deputy of theyear, two students and a teacher ofthe year. In October, the STARdeputies assisted at the Sheriff'sShootout at Sherwood Country Clubin Thousand Oaks sponsored by theSheriff's Youth Foundation. Theseevents were all extremely successful.The funds raised enabled the Sheriff'sYouth Foundation to purchase itemsfor the STAR deputies to give studentswhich will continue to remindthem of the message to say no todrugs and gangs.In July of 1999, the city of SantaClarita sponsored the 6th annualSTAR Summer Camp at CampCumorah Crest in the AngelesNational Forest. The week long liveincamp was attended by 80 studentsfrom Santa Clarita schools. All thecampers were 6th graders going intothe 7th grade. STAR deputies servedas camp counselors and providedSTAR classes with emphasis on lifeskills, coping skills, and image building.This theme was carried over intosupervised outdoor recreational activitiesthat emphasized cooperation andteamwork. The camp was an extensionof the concepts the students hadlearned in the STAR Program.In August 1999, the STAR Unit'sNorth Team sponsored the third annualCalamigos STAR Summer Camp.Calamigos Camp, in the MalibuHills, was again the setting for thisyear's effort. The day camp wasoperated for three weeks withapproximately 50 children attendingeach week from the Malibu,Calabasas, and Agoura Hills area.They enjoyed a diversity of campactivities like swimming, sports, hiking,boating, speakers and exhibitions.Throughout the camp, emphasiswas on the theme, "Say no todrugs and gangs."In addition to these camps,STAR deputies also provide summerday camps and park programs in thecities of Norwalk, Pico Rivera, LaPuente, Rosemead, Duarte, and SouthEl Monte.On May 1, 1999, the 2nd annualLa Canada STAR fund raiser washeld at Memorial Park in La Canada.The theme of the event was a countrypicnic with country music, hay rides,dancing, food, games, a dunk tank,and numerous Sheriff's Departmentdisplays. With support from theschool district, and the children andfamilies of La Canada, the fund raiserwas a rousing success, raisingapproximately $13,000 to enhance theSTAR Program in the La Canada areaschools.TASKFORCE FOR REGIONALAUTOTHEFT PREVENTION(TRAP)TRAP is an integrated, multijurisdictional,multi-agency, taskforce, using local dollars to enhancethe ability of local law enforcementagencies, in concert with other criminaljustice entities, to investigate,prosecute, and deter vehicle theftcrime in Los Angeles County.Responsibility for the program is withthe Los Angeles CountywideCriminal Justice CoordinationCommittee (CCJCC), which ischaired by the Chairperson of the LosAngeles County Board ofSupervisors. Executive oversight andpolicy is provided by the CCJCC'sSteering Committee, chaired by theLos Angeles County Sheriff'sDepartment's (LASD) Chief ofDetectives.TRAP's organizational structureis comprised of a Program Director(LASD Captain), two AreaLieutenants (one LASD, one LAPD)who each command three of the sixregional teams, and six TeamSupervisors who lead each of the sixrespective teams.The teams include investigatorsfrom the Los Angeles PoliceDepartment, the California HighwayPatrol, 13 participating agencies, andthe Los Angeles County Sheriff'sDepartment. The teams are supportedby two Deputy District Attorneysfrom the Los Angeles County DistrictAttorney's Office. In addition, thereare liaison personnel from theProbation Department, theDepartment of Motor Vehicles,CAPTAINJohn S. BryanTaskforce for RegionalAutotheft PreventionDETECTIVE DIVISIONYEAR IN REVIEW 19994041

Detective DivisionLOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENTDETECTIVE DIVISIONYEAR IN REVIEW 199942United States Customs, the FederalBureau of Investigation, the NationalInsurance Crime Bureau (NICB), andthe California State InsuranceCommission.TRAP has completed seven yearsof operations and has experiencedearly and continued success in apprehendingprofessional, career criminalvehicle theft ring members and therecovery and seizure of a high numberof stolen vehicles. These seizureshave resulted in 2,968 arrests, theserving of 1,648 warrants, the inspectionof 2,184 repair/restructuringbusinesses, and the seizure and recoveryof 7,177 stolen vehicles valued atover $106.8 million.AB 183 (Washington) -Renewal Legislation Signedinto Law by Governor DavisAt the direction of the LosAngeles Countywide Criminal JusticeCoordination Committee (CCJCC),TRAP initiated liaison with lawenforcement agencies, other regionalvehicle theft task forces, and privatesector organizations (i.e., AAA,NICB) and developed strategies andlegislative initiatives to extend TRAPand other task forces beyond the sunsetdate of December 31, 1999.Statewide meetings were held and asponsor was identified. InSeptember, Governor Davis signedinto law AB 183, which provides forfunding through December 31, 2004.Significant InvestigationsIn late April/early May, 1999,Investigators assigned to the SouthBay Team became involved in a caseinvolving the theft of high-end sportsutility vehicles from MexicanNationals. The vehicles were stolenat gunpoint and ended up in theUnited States where they were illegallyregistered and sold to innocentthird-parties. During the course ofthe next five months, their relentlessinvestigation led to the execution ofsix search warrants, arrest of sevensuspects, and the recovery of eightstolen vehicles with a value of$200,000.Because of the complexity ofthe case and the legal issues involvedin prosecuting a case in the UnitedStates when the original crimeoccurred in Mexico with the victimsliving in Mexico, coordinationwith the Los Angeles County DistrictAttorney's Office, as well as theMexican Consulate's Office, wasmaintained throughout the entireinvestigation and subsequentfollow-up.After all the dust settled in theinvestigation, a meeting was heldwith the Mexican Consulate's Officeand the case was presented to themby one of the case agents. TheMexican Consulate agreed to acceptthe case for prosecution in their country.The case and supporting documentswill be presented to them inJanuary 2000.In a separate investigation, detectivesassigned to the San GabrielValley Team discovered that vehiclesstolen in Mexico, specifically JeepGrand Cherokees, Ford pick-uptrucks and Dodge Durangos, werebeing delivered to a business in thecity of San Gabriel, "SprewellRacing." These stolen vehicles werethen sold to unsuspecting victimsthroughout Southern California.In June 1999, investigatorsserved eight search warrants at variouslocations throughout Los AngelesCounty. The execution of these warrantsbrought the total from thisinvestigation to 19 recovered vehicles,a motor home and two Seadoos(water craft). Additionally, investigatorsrecovered $150,000 of stolencomputer equipment from a cargotheft occurring in San Leandro,Northern California.In December 1999, the managersof Sprewell Racing were arrested forfelony receiving stolen property andbookmaking. The owner of the business,Latrell Sprewell, basketballplayer for the "New York Nix," wasnot involved in these criminal activities.