fbi

Gardnerville man sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexual exploitation of a minor

Stephan L. DeGraffenreid will be spending the next 15 years in prison after being sentenced Wednesday by United States District Judge Howard D. McKibben.

DeGraffenreid plead guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor in September. He was sentenced to the minimum number of years for those charges.

Reno man indicted for allegedly using 8,000 PayPal accounts in $3.5M scheme

A Reno man has been indicted on several charges after allegedly engaging in a $3.5 million fraud scheme using over 8,000 fraudulent PayPal credit accounts, bank accounts, and prepaid credit and debit cards he created with stolen identities.

Kenneth Gilbert Gibson, 46, made his initial appearance in federal court on September 14. He was indicted on 10 counts of wire fraud; three counts of mail fraud; 10 counts of bank fraud; six counts of access device fraud; and six counts of aggravated identity theft.

Community celebrates local public safety employees

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The 2nd annual Public Safety Appreciation Day was held on Thursday, September 7, and community members came out to say "thank you" to personnel from several agencies.

The City of South Lake Tahoe hosted the event which had live music, free BBQ and ice cream and a thank-you card making station.

Kids were able climb on board fire trucks, meet the new Search & Rescue puppy and get to know those who protect them on a daily basis.

Agencies invited were:

Calfire
· California Highway Patrol
· Nevada Highway Patrol
· Douglas County Sheriff's Office

Former Heavenly employee pleads guilty to child porn charges

Former Heavenly Mountain Resort employee Stephan DeGraffenreid pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor.

He faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison on each of the three counts.

Inaugural National Night Out in South Lake Tahoe a success

The South Lake Tahoe and Meyers communities were out in force at the Lake Tahoe Environmental Magnet School on August 1 for the first local observation of National Night Out.

National Night Out - Staying safe at home, work and play

Every year, on the first Tuesday in August, nearly 40 million people in 16,000 communities across the United States turn out to celebrate National Night Out. The event was first hosted in 1984 as a way to bring communities together and promote stronger ties between citizens and the law enforcement personnel who serve them. Communities are at their best when neighbors feel a common bond and a sense of community not only among themselves but also with their local public servants, and National Night Out is a fun and enjoyable way to foster those important ties.

South Lake Tahoe holds 2nd annual Public Safety Appreciation Day

Event Date: 
September 7, 2017 - 5:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Everyone is invited out to Lakeview Commons on Thursday, September 7 to say "thank you" to the men and women who protect the South Shore communities at the 2nd annual Public Safety Appreciation Day.

The City of South Lake Tahoe will be hosting the event from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and will feature live music, BBQ, a thank you card making station and blue ribbons to tie around the trees at Lakeview Commons as a visual way to say thank you.

This is a multi-agency event to show appreciation:

· Calfire
· California Highway Patrol

Community turns out for celebration of SLT Police Department's 50th anniversary

The first South Lake Tahoe Police Department community gathering was a successful one on Saturday as the 50th anniversary of the department was celebrated with hundreds of people at Lakeview Commons. There were rides on both the police and fire boats, a concert, BBQ, interactions with the police K-9s, booths, fingerprinting and an awards ceremony.

Going above and beyond the call of duty was recognized with awards to both staff members and the public.

Law enforcement round up 23 gang members - 11 of them arrested in Reno

A lengthy, multi-agency gang investigation in the Reno and Stockton areas led to the arrest of 23 people, including one correctional officer on Wednesday, April 12, 2017.

Heavenly employee arrested on child exploitation and pornography charges

A 26-year-old male employee at the Heavenly Mountain Resort children’s ski school was officially charged Wednesday for child exploitation and possession of child pornography after images were found on an electronic device at the resort.

Stephan L. DeGraffenreid of Gardnerville was charged with one count of sexual exploitation of a child, two counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a child, and one count of possession of child pornography.

Lt. Brian Williams retiring after 30 years serving the South Lake Tahoe community

As he reflects back on 30 years in uniform for the South Lake Tahoe Police Department, Lt. Brian Williams knows the dates that will be forever etched into his memory. 12/29/1986, 6/10/1991, 1/29/1997, 10/25/2005 and 8/26/2009.

December 29, 1986: Brian starts with SLTPD and heads off to the Police Academy in Santa Rosa.

Man who brought kidnapped woman to South Lake Tahoe spending 40 years in prison

Matthew D. Muller, a 40-year-old disbarred lawyer from Orangevale who often spent time at his family cabin in the South Lake Tahoe area, was sentenced today to 40 years in prison for the kidnapping Denise Hoskins at the Vallejo home she shared with her boyfriend on March 23, 2015.

Former South Lake Tahoe Fire Capt. Mark Wygant sentenced to 10 years in prison

Former South Lake Tahoe Fire Captain Mark McLeod Wygant was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 10 years in prison for transportation of child pornography

Wygant, 46, plead guilty in December.

Following an FBI and SLT Police Department investigation, Wygant was a
arrested on Jan. 29 2015 and has been in custody ever since. He had been immediately placed on administration leave but resigned just days after his arrest.

Law enforcement prepares for thousands of revelers at Stateline

Law enforcement is preparing for the annual New Year's Eve party held at Stateline, an outdoor that at one time saw 50,000 people in the streets.

Though Highway 50 through Stateline hasn't had to close until just before midnight the past two years, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is prepared to close it to vehicle traffic in the evening if necessary for public safety. If that should occur, vehicle traffic will be diverted around the Stateline casino core area using upper and lower Lake Parkway Drive.

Former South Lake Tahoe Fire Capt. Mark Wygant pleads guilty to child porn charge

Former South Lake Tahoe Fire Captain Mark McLeod Wygant, 46, pleaded guilty in federal court today to transportation of child pornography.

Following an FBI and SLT Police Department investigation, Wygant was a
arrested on Jan. 29 2015 and has been in custody ever since. He had been immediately placed on administration leave but resigned just days after his arrest.

"I am pleased that Mr. Wygant plead guilty to his crime and the punishment will now in the hands of the criminal justice system," said SLT Fire Chief Jeff Meston.

South Lake Tahoe man jailed for alleged food tampering now faces new charges

Harry Dally, the man accused of putting a bleach-like substance on food at two locations in South Lake Tahoe, is now facing additional charges of assaulting a custodial officer with a deadly weapon.

On December 4, 2016, Dally allegedly created a makeshift edged weapon while in the El Dorado County Jail and attacked a correctional officer. The officer did not sustain any injuries according to El Dorado County Sheriff's Sgt. Tasha Thompson.

More food tampering incidents in South Lake Tahoe; One sent to hospital

9:00AM Update 11/22/16: The South Lake Tahoe Police Department believes the same person is responsible for recent food tampering incidents at Baja Fresh and Raley's due to similarities in the cases. The unidentified suspect is described as a white male adult, 5'7" with a thin build.

Special fraud officer appointed to oversee elections in El Dorado County

A special election officer has been appointed by the U.S. Attorney's Office to oversee any complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud," said Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. "The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”

70 arrested in India for IRS scams that brought in $150,000 a day

Indian police have arrested 70 people and are questioning hundreds more after uncovering a massive scam to cheat thousands of Americans out of millions of dollars by posing as U.S. tax authorities and demanding unpaid taxes, a police officer said Thursday.

South Lake Tahoe residents were not immune to the targeted scams.

According to police in Mumbai, the yearlong scam involved running fake call centers which sent voice mail messages telling U.S. nationals to call back because they owed back taxes.

Undersheriff Randy Peshon reappointed to state Judicial Council

El Dorado County Undersheriff Randy Peshon has been re-appointed to the state's Judicial Council Collaborative Justice Court Advisory Committee after being nominated by Superior Court Judge Suzanne Kingsbury.

Peshon, who once ran the jail in South Lake Tahoe, has served in this capacity for the past three years and will begin a new three year term on November 1.

Man arrested at South Lake Tahoe cabin expected to plead guilty to kidnapping

A former U.S. Marine is expected to plead guilty to kidnapping on Thursday morning in a bizarre case that led to a lawsuit against Vallejo police for falsely accusing the two victims of faking their own abduction, according to court filings.

Community thanks local law enforcement in celebration at Lakeview Commons

The City of South Lake Tahoe organized a celebration to honor, not only the City's police officers, but all men and women who serve the South Shore. It was held at Lakeview Commons and El Dorado Beach on Thursday.

Members of the Nevada Highway Patrol, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, El Dorado County Sheriff's Office, Search and Rescue, STAR volunteers, Probation Department, SLEDNET, USFS and the FBI all joined in the celebration with the public who came to give their thanks.

Not only was there a free BBQ for the honorees, there was also a free concert on the beach.

August 27: 36th anniversary of Harvey's Resort bombing

For those that were on the South Shore on August 27, 1980, they'll be able to tell you exactly where they were, or what they were doing when law enforcement detonated a bomb that had been left inside Harvey's Resort casino in Lake Tahoe.

Three men planted a bomb containing 1,000 pounds of dynamite inside a machine they delivered to the second floor. Successful landscaper, John Birges from Clovis, Calif., the mastermind behind the bomb, was attempting to extort $3 million from the casino, claiming he had lost $750,000 gambling there.

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day to be held in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
September 15, 2016 - 5:00pm

An appreciation of all of the law enforcement agencies that are assigned to protect the South Shore of the Lake Tahoe Basin will be the focus of Law Enforcement Day at Lakeview Commons in South Lake Tahoe on Thurday, September 15 at 5:00 p.m.

The public is invited to show support of the the men and women of the California Highway Patrol, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, El Dorado County Probation, El Dorado County Sheriff including STAR and SAR, the FBI (South Lake Tahoe Division), SLEDNET, South Lake Tahoe Police Department and USFS Law Enforcement.

Bandaged Bandit arrested after another bank robbery

A 22-year-old El Dorado Hills man is behind bars on suspicion of robbing several area banks between June 29 and July 25 from Stateline to Folsom with his face covered in bandages, earning him the nickname, the Bandaged Bandit.

On July 25 at 2:35 p.m., the US Bank on White Rock Road in El Dorado Hills was robbed by a suspect who fled into a wooded area southeast of the bank. Deputies from the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office and California Highway Patrol officers and helicopter started searching the area.

"Bandaged Bandit" sought by FBI for four bank robberies

The man dubbed the "Bandaged Bandit" is being sought by the FBI in a string of armed bank robberies that started with the South Shore robbery of US Bank on June 29.

Three additional banks were robbed after the Stateline one.

Two banks in El Dorado Hills were robbed on July 1 and July 14, and another one in Folsom on July 15, all apparently by the same suspect who affixes bandages to his nose, chin and arms.

Local man arrested for South Lake Tahoe bank robbery

The investigation of Friday's bank robbery at the Al Tahoe branch of El Dorado Savings led to the identification of Gabriel Antonio Evans, 36, of South Lake Tahoe as the suspect.

South Lake Tahoe bank robbed Friday; second South Shore bank robbery in three days

8:30 p.m. update 7/1/16: The investigation of Friday's bank robbery at the Al Tahoe branch of El Dorado Savings led to the identification of Gabriel Antonio Evans, 36, of South Lake Tahoe as the suspect.

Detectives secured an arrest warrant for Evans and a search warrant for his residence in the 3000 block of Riverside Avenue. Due to Evan’s past violent criminal history, the SWAT team was employed to make the arrest. Officers, assisted by the FBI, arrested Evans at his residence at 7:45 p.m. this evening.

US Bank on Kingsbury Grade robbed Wednesday

The US Bank on Kingsbury Grade in Stateline was robbed on Wednesday, June 29 at approximately 3:19 p.m. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) is reporting a man entered the bank and passed a note to a teller.

The suspect is described a Caucasian male, approximately in his mid 20’s, 6 ft tall with blonde hair, wearing a black fleece type jacket and white shorts. He reportedly had a handgun.

CHP looking for South Lake Tahoe area Senior Volunteers and Explorers

Volunteers are needed by the California Highway Patrol for two of their programs on the South Shore, Senior Volunteers and Explorers.

The Senior Volunteer Program provides senior adult men and women the opportunity to
volunteer their time to assist CHP employees in the performance of their duties.
This assistance enhances the Department’s ability to provide safety, service, and security for all Californians.

Suspected pipe bomb found in South Lake Tahoe turns out to be hoax

10:35 a.m. update: The "all clear" is about to be given at the El Dorado County Government Center. The bomb has been considered a hoax device meant to cause the major response by law enforcement that it did, according to SLTPD Chief Brian Uhler. Evidence is being gathered and roads will soon reopen.

At approximately 6:35 a.m. this morning, a groundskeeper working at the El Dorado County Courthouse located at 1354 Johnson Blvd. in South Lake Tahoe noticed a suspicious device in front of the courthouse.

Former FOX40 producer sentenced to prison for attack on media sites

Matthew Keys, 29, former web producer and network site administrator for KTXL FOX40, a Sacramento television station, was sentenced today to two years in prison for inciting, assisting, and conducting a weeks-long campaign of online attacks against FOX40 and The Los Angeles Times, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner and FBI Special Agent in Charge Monica M. Miller announced.

Firestorm surrounding ambulance service in South Lake Tahoe

In the mix you have El Dorado County, the City of South Lake Tahoe, Lake Valley Fire Protection and the Cal Tahoe JPA. More importantly, and most likely the reason for the passionate responses from all involved, the mix also contains the safety of the public.

On March 15, 2016, the City of South Lake Tahoe sent a letter to the JPA, stating their intent to pull out of the agency that was created in 2001 to supply ambulance service to the City and the County and a portion of Alpine County.

Frank Sinatra Jr, dies, was just 19 when kidnapped from Harrah's Tahoe in 1963

Frank Sinatra Jr., the son of the legendary entertainer who also had a long musical career of his own, died Wednesday at a Daytona Beach, Florida hospital. He was 72.

Sinatra had been on his "Sinatra Sings Sinatra" tour and was scheduled to perform at the Peabody Auditorium on Wednesday. The venue posted an announcement in social media that the singer had taken ill.

South Lake Tahoe is not immune to Human Trafficking

This is part two in a series of a look into Human Trafficking in South Lake Tahoe.

Human trafficking. Its not just a Third World problem, its not just a big city problem, and its not a poor or rich problem. There are millions around the world who are victims to human trafficking, a business that is estimated to be a $32 billion industry.

And its happening in our backyard.

The facts are sobering.

Scammers targeting Lake Tahoe utility customers

Liberty Utilities is once again warning the public of both phone and email scams targeting utility customers that appears to becoming more aggressive. Other utilities in the Lake Tahoe region have also been experiencing these calls.

Man charged for sending death threats to Placerville company

A 57-year-old man from Washington has been indicted on charges he posted threats on a popular news website that he was going to kill an officer of StemExpress, a company in Placerville, Calif. that sells stem cells and human tissue to biomedical research companies.

Scott Anthony Orton, of Puyallup, was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) after he posted threats on July 16, 2015 after videos surfaced that supposedly showed a relationship between Planned Parenthood and StemExpress.

FBI classifies North Tahoe/Incline Village church vandalism as hate crimes

The FBI and Placer County Sheriff’s Office are seeking the public’s help in identifying the person or persons responsible for vandalizing churches in the North Lake Tahoe area.

Between April 4 and September 14, 2015, multiple churches were vandalized, including one in Kings Beach and one in Tahoe City. One religious statue and exterior walls were spray-painted with offensive statements. Detectives are working with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, which has also had several churches vandalized in the Incline Village area.

Tragedy at a Community College—what are we doing here?

Like many Americans, law enforcement folks have been deeply moved by the horrific images we have seen in Oregon. A certain feeling of helplessness has become the norm when we look at these events from the prevention perspective. We may ask questions like:

“Why do people who would do such a thing have access to a gun?”
“Why didn’t people who knew the shooter do something to stop him before people died?”

Man arrested in South Lake Tahoe indicted on kidnapping charge

A federal grand jury returned an indictment today against Matthew D. Muller, a 38-year-old disbarred lawyer from Orangevale, charging him with one count of kidnapping.

Muller is charged with kidnapping physical therapist Denise Hoskins at the Vallejo home she shared with her boyfriend on March 23 and keeping her captive for two days before dropping her off near her mother's house in Huntington Beach. He allegedly demanded a $15,000 ransom.

Man tracked to South Lake Tahoe after robbery pleads no contest

Matthew Muller, the man who was tracked to South Lake Tahoe after a home invasion robbery in Dublin, plead no contest to the crime this week in Alameda County Court.

FBI affidavit alleges man found hiding out in South Lake Tahoe confessed

A Sacramento County man accused of kidnapping a Vallejo woman in March allegedly confessed to the crime in a recorded jailhouse interview and said he did it alone, according to an FBI affidavit filed in federal court.

Matthew Muller, 38, of Orangevale, is charged with kidnapping physical therapist Denise Hoskins at the Vallejo home she shared with her boyfriend on March 23 and keeping her captive for two days before dropping her off near her mother's house in Huntington Beach.

The bomb that shook Lake Tahoe

A twisted chunk of metal, a file of yellowing newspapers and a million memories from 35 years ago are constant reminders of the Harvey’s Casino Resort bombing for retired FBI agent Bill Jonkey.

“It’s something you never forget,” said Jonkey, the FBI’s lead investigator on the $3 million extortion case, who lives in retirement in Carson Valley.

Sweepstakes scammer sentenced for defrauding elderly

A California woman was sentenced to 130 months in prison for her role in a half-million dollar Costa Rica-based “sweepstakes fraud” scheme that victimized hundreds of U.S. residents.

Patricia Diane Clark, 57, of Sacramento, California, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Clark was also ordered to pay $642,032 in restitution and to forfeit the same amount jointly and severally with her co-defendants.

Man arrested in South Lake Tahoe linked to Vallejo kidnapping

A disbarred attorney arrested in South Lake Tahoe has been accused of kidnapping 29-year old Denise Huskins of Vallejo, CA on March 23, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed today.

South Lake Tahoe sent to prison for Genoa golf course scheme

A South Lake Tahoe man who bilked 11 people out of $3.6 million will be spending the next 19.5 years in prisons.

Scott H. Summerhays, 56, made false statements and used phony documents to solicit the money from victims who thought they were helping him purchase the Genoa Lakes Golf Course.

On Monday, May 18, Senior U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks ordered Summerhays to prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1.4 million in restitution.

Police officers honored during South Lake Tahoe ceremony

Rain may have moved the ceremony indoors, but spirits weren't dampened as the South Lake Tahoe Police Department honored some of their own on Thursday in honor of National Peace Officer's Memorial Day.

"We are normal people who are asked to do extraordinary tasks," SLT Police Chief Brian Uhler told the audience of the officer's families, friends, City Council, city staff, community members and other area law enforcement including the El Dorado County Sheriff, CHP and the FBI.

Mental Health Awareness: Education and awareness are key

- Many children go undiagnosed and unidentified; they are penalized for inappropriate behavior though symptomatic.
- 42% of diagnosed students graduate with a high school diploma.
- 48% of diagnosed students drop out of school.
- 50% will serve jail time after leaving school; 20% serve sentences prior to leaving school.
- Currently 12 % of children in America under the age of 18 have a diagnosable
mental illness.
- Among the US population, mental illness impacts 1 in 4 individuals.
- 50% of adult cases of mental illness had signs and symptoms by age 14.

South Lake Tahoe fire captain facing child pornography charges resigns

Mark Wygant, the South Lake Tahoe Fire Captain who is facing federal charges of possessing child pornography, resigned Wednesday according to City officials.

On January 29, 2015, Wygant was arrested following a federal investigation into his receiving child pornography. He was placed on paid administrative leave at the time but with his resignation he terminates the paid status.

South Lake Tahoe fire captain arrested on porn charges is resident of Chico

A Chico man who works as a captain for the South Lake Tahoe Fire Department has been arrested on suspicion of child pornography.

Mark McLeod Wygant, 44, appeared in federal court Friday and is scheduled for preliminary examination Feb. 13, unless he is indicted earlier, which would change the appearance to arraignment, said Lauren Horwood, spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Bond was not offered and he remains in custody at Sacramento County Jail.

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