trafficking
US Coast Guard has record year in drug seizures - $5.6 billion worth
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/27/2016 - 7:21pm
With a growing cocaine problem, not only in South Lake Tahoe but in the whole country, the U.S Coastguard and their interagency partners are being kept busy seizing the drug from ships in the Pacific Ocean headed to the United States.
The Coast Guard broke records over the last 12 months by removing more than 416,000 pounds of cocaine worth over $5.6 billion from boats and ships. Their previous record was 367,700 pounds seized in 2008.
DA Vern Pierson produces video on protecting loved ones from cyber trolls
Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/16/2016 - 11:33pmIn an attempt to combat and bring awareness to cyber sexual predators, scam artists and bullying, District Attorney Vern Pierson has produced this webisode on how to protect you and your loved ones.
3 Strands presentation in SLT on human trafficking
Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 08/06/2016 - 11:42am
Event Date:
August 17, 2016 - 12:00pm All 50 states and 167 countries have reported incidents of trafficking according to the National Trafficking Resource Center. They further report that the fourth ranked destination in the U.S. for trafficking is California.
The United States is taking a pro-active role in stopping this crime. Both the Democrats and Republicans announced at their conventions that they have priortized the fight to combat labor and sex trafficking.
New regulations for South Lake Tahoe massage parlors and therapists
Submitted by paula on Tue, 07/19/2016 - 11:28pm
There will soon be a new ordinance in the City of South Lake Tahoe that will regulate massages, massage establishments and massage therapists.
"We will be raising the level of standards to legitimize the industry," said Mayor Wendy David.
There are currently 125 licensed massage therapists in the City, and an unknown number of people who are not. The new ordinance will be in place to make all comply and be licensed therapists in 90 days, or they cannot conduct business.
Jaycee Dugard's kidnapper now eligible for parole in 2034
Submitted by paula on Fri, 07/15/2016 - 3:22pm
Phillip Garrido is now eligible for release over 400 years early.
Chief of Police: STHS student has made a valuable contribution
Submitted by paula on Fri, 06/10/2016 - 9:09pm
South Lake Tahoe Police Chief Brian Uhler has written the following in response to an opinion piece written by South Tahoe High junior Noah Jackson that was posted on South Tahoe Now June 9 concerning massage parlors.
Award winning musician/producer arrested in Stateline drug bust
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/14/2016 - 5:05pm
An award-winning musician and producer was arrested Thursday near a Lake Tahoe casino after drug enforcement officers found nearly 58 grams of methamphetamine on the man, according to a Tri-NET task force officer.
Two month long investigation nets two in Carson City drug bust
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/20/2016 - 2:47pm
The Tri-NET Narcotic Task Force arrested two Carson City men last week after a two-month long investigation into drug trafficking in the area.
Michael Bowman, 45, was taken into custody on April 14, 2016 by the Carson City Sheriff's Office without incident on Highway 50 East. He was charged with four felonies, Level I Trafficking a Controlled Substance – Meth, Conspiracy to Violate the Uniformed Controlled Substance Act, Sales of a Controlled Substance - Meth and Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Book Review: The Essential Abolitionist is a must read
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/19/2016 - 5:49pm
“How is human trafficking defined”? “Which is more common, labor or sex trafficking”? “What are the challenges faced in combating human trafficking”?
Two arrested in Carson City on methamphetamine trafficking charges
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/15/2016 - 8:45pm
Two people were arrested in Carson City on Wednesday as the result of a month-long investigation into the drug trafficking of methamphetamine into the city from Reno.
Marell Maurice Johnson, 42, and Desire Lynn Kissel-Hunziker, 25, were arrested at the North Carson Street Taco Bell by the Nevada DPS Tri-Net team after a sale, and purchase, of drugs transpired. The pair allegedly had nearly 1 pound of high quality methamphetamine for sale on them at the time of their arrest.
Illegitimate massage parlors focus of proposed South Lake Tahoe enforcement
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/05/2016 - 10:47pm
The definition of a massage parlor according to Wikipedia is: A place where massage services are provided. Some massage parlors are fronts for prostitution and the term "massage parlor" has also become a euphemism for a brothel, to the annoyance of professional masseurs.
Vacation home rentals and massage parlors tackled at next City Council meeting
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/04/2016 - 9:16pm
Event Date:
April 5, 2016 - 9:00am
The Tuesday, April 4 South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting may have a short agenda, but two hot topics will be sure to bring out interested locals.
In February, 2016, Council sent proposed changes to a sub-committee, and those results will be up for vote Tuesday.
Proposed changes to the Vacation Home Rental (VHR) Ordinance include:
- Application for a VHR permit will not trigger the need to comply to TRPA BMP and coverage compliance.
El Dorado County Sheriff's Report
Submitted by paula on Sun, 03/20/2016 - 8:31am
El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county.
The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at press time and the story will be updated when provided.
3/13
2:34 p.m. - Possession of a controlled substance - A 29-YEAR-OLD MALE WAS ARRESTED
3/14
1:00 p.m. - False Imprisonment and Human Trafficking
1:05 p.m. - Found Property - High Meadows Trail - A BANK DEBIT CARD WAS REPORTED AS FOUND PROPERTY.
3/15
Sheriff warns of dangers of sexting and human trafficking of youth
Submitted by paula on Wed, 03/16/2016 - 8:49pm
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is concerned about a growing trend with the use of social media by youth, and has shared a warning from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Human Trafficking Bureau on dangers of “sexting” and the potential of pedophiles coercing children into unsafe acts.
10 Things Parents Can Do About the Dangers of “Sexting”
1. Talk with your child about the potential dangers of Internet activities. Tell them you have a responsibility to monitor their Internet use and will check their accounts periodically.
South Lake Tahoe is not immune to Human Trafficking
Submitted by paula on Sat, 03/05/2016 - 6:13pm
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.
Confront Human Trafficking
Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 03/05/2016 - 11:07am
Event Date:
March 14, 2016 - 6:00pm According to the California Department of Justice, Human Trafficking is a $32 billion a year global enterprise and the fastest growing criminal industry. It is a form of modern day slavery that profits from the exploitation of our most vulnerable populations. California's Attorney General Kamala Harris is focused on combating the pervasive issue of human trafficking in California and has made it one of her top priorities.
Location
South Tahoe Middle School
2940 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe
United States
38° 56' 8.9556" N, 119° 58' 36.7932" W
See map: Google Maps
Author and human trafficking expert to speak in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/03/2016 - 10:14pm
Event Date:
April 26, 2016 - 6:00pm
John Vanek, author of the book, The Essential Abolitionist: What You Need to Know about Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery, will be speaking in South Lake Tahoe on Tuesday, April 26 at 6:00 p.m. at the South Lake Tahoe library.
The Friends of the Library are hosting the free event which will feature Vanek, who is a retired lieutenant of the San Jose Police Human Trafficking Task Force. Vanek will address the most commonly asked questions and topics surrounding human trafficking and the challenges involved in fighting this horrific crime and assisting its victims.
Foster care is a pipeline for commercial sexual exploitation of children
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/01/2016 - 12:17pm
Three training programs taking place at Lake Tahoe Community College Tuesday are giving the community an opportunity to become more aware about both local and national exploitation of children.
National speaker Deanna Graves, founder of Traffick911, is in South Lake Tahoe to educate attendees on how they can combat the trafficking of our most vulnerable population, the foster child.
Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery Discussed at SLT Library
Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 02/19/2016 - 7:28pm
Event Date:
April 26, 2016 - 6:00pm The Friends of the Library present author John Vanek, Lt. (Ret.) San Jose Police Human Trafficking Task Force. Mr. Vanek will discuss his book, "The Essential Abolitionist: What You Need to Know about Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery". He will address the most commonly asked questions and topics surrounding human trafficking and the challenges involved in fighting this horrific crime and assisting its victims. In addition, he will examine the myths and misconceptions related to modern slavery. While a difficult subject this story must be heard. This event is free and open to all.
Location
South Lake Tahoe Library
1000 Rufus Allen Blvd.
South Lake Tahoe, CA
United States
38° 56' 43.5084" N, 119° 58' 22.296" W
See map: Google Maps
Former El Dorado County Sheriff's Deputy pleads guilty to drug trafficking
Submitted by paula on Tue, 02/09/2016 - 10:23pm
Mark Zlendick, the former El Dorado County sheriff's deputy who was arrested in May, 2015 on drug charges, pleaded guilty to one charge of drug trafficking Tuesday, February 9.
SLEDNET investigates sex trafficking ring in South Lake Tahoe; Three arrested
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/26/2016 - 6:38pm
Complaints of prostitution in South Lake Tahoe led to the arrest of three people on Thursday, January 21, 2016 after an investigation by the South Lake El Dorado Narcotics Enforcement Team (SLEDNET).
Law enforcement has been investigating complaints of prostitution, focused on individuals who conduct human trafficking through advertisements for escort services placed on websites such as www.backpage.com.
Four arrested in Douglas County on drug trafficking charges
Submitted by paula on Thu, 12/10/2015 - 6:31pm
Undercover narcotics officers were able to purchase 170 grams of Heroin, 50 grams of Methamphetamine, and one handgun during an investigation into drug and gun runners trying to set up shop in Douglas County.
The investigation, which lasted several months, began when the Douglas County Street Enforcement Tea (DCSET) learned that four drug dealers from Stockton, Calif., were attempting to sell drugs and firearms in the area.
Traffic stop on I80 leads to seizure of 63 pounds of pot
Submitted by paula on Tue, 12/08/2015 - 11:59am
Two Plumas Lake, Calif., residents found themselves in the Washoe County Jail on Sunday after Nevada State Troopers found 63 pounds of marijuana in the back of their car.
At 11:10 a.m. on December 6, Troopers pulled over a white Ford Expedition with New York registration tags for a moving violation on I80 near Robb Drive. The car was occupied by Patrick Fay, 64, and Corinne Fay, 57.
Father in custody after four-year-old boy ingests meth
Submitted by paula on Sat, 11/21/2015 - 7:39pm
A 4-year-old Carson City boy was hospitalized Friday night after ingesting methamphetamine that allegedly belonged to the boy's father who is now custody on suspicion of child endangerment, said Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong.
Taken into custody was Pedro Montanez, 27, on suspicion of child endangerment and possession of trafficking levels of a controlled substance.
Redding man faces $5M fine and 40 years in prison for pot crimes
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/18/2015 - 9:50pm
After a five–day trial, a federal jury today found John James Kash, 52, of Redding, Calif., guilty of three counts of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, manufacturing marijuana, and conspiracy to launder money, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
Two men charged with growing almost 5,000 pot plants in national forest
Submitted by paula on Fri, 08/21/2015 - 6:40pm
A federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment Thursday against Jesus Gonzalez-Alvizo, 25, and Reimundo Arriaga-Arriaga, 37, residents of Mexico, charging them with conspiracy to manufacture marijuana, manufacture of marijuana, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and depredation of public lands and resources.
South Lake Tahoe pair arrested on felony drug trafficking charges
Submitted by paula on Fri, 08/07/2015 - 3:48pm
Two from South Lake Tahoe were arrested Thursday on felony drug trafficking and other charges after a traffic stop led to the discovery of methamphetamine and heroin, a Carson City sheriff’s deputy said.
Elizabeth Gosh, 30, and Kyle Leake, 48, were taken into custody at 7:04 p.m. and booked into Carson City Jail. According to the arrest report, deputies with the Carson City Sheriff’s Office Special Enforcement Team were patrolling in an unmarked car and observed a white two door sedan with California plates run through a solid red strop light at the intersection of Roop and Long streets.
County responds to search warrant served at Tahoe Wellness Cooperative
Submitted by paula on Tue, 06/02/2015 - 10:08pm
Search warrants were served on Monday at five locations related to Tahoe Wellness Cooperative (TWC) and its owner Cody Bass. Staff from eight agencies spent hours at the South Lake Tahoe medical marijuana dispensary, pulling out boxes and containers of cannabis and records.
El Dorado County Sheriff's Deputy arrested on drug charges in Nevada
Submitted by paula on Wed, 05/20/2015 - 4:51pm
Douglas County Sheriff's Officers responding to a reported domestic dispute in Minden, NV ended up arresting El Dorado County Sheriff's Deputy Mark Zlendick on felony drug charges.
On Tuesday, May 19, 2015, officers responded to the 1300 block of Centerville Road. During the investigation, deputies located narcotics and paraphernalia and arrested Zlendick, a member of the South Tahoe El Dorado Narcotics Enforcement Team (SLEDNET).
Pound of meth seized, three arrested in bust that focused on Dayton, Moundhouse
Submitted by paula on Wed, 01/21/2015 - 11:29pm
Three have been arrested after a monthlong investigation into methamphetamine trafficking in the Dayton and Moundhouse areas, the Lyon County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday night.
The investigation, which ended Jan. 21, led to the seizure of a pound of methamphetamine, eight firearms, and $4,500 in cash and involved two search warrants in the Dayton and Moundhouse area. Each of the three suspects are being held on $1 million bail.
Sue Novasel sworn in as El Dorado County Supervisor
Submitted by paula on Fri, 01/09/2015 - 9:19pm
The South Lake Tahoe area of El Dorado County now has a new supervisor, officially. Sue Novasel won the election for Area 5 County Supervisor back in November and has jumped right into the job of representing her constituents which cover the area from Pollock Pines to Tahoma to South Lake Tahoe.
She was officially sworn in on Monday in Placerville, then again at their first Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, then again in South Lake Tahoe on Thursday.
November is National Runaway Prevention Month
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/04/2014 - 8:10pm
What are the first thoughts that go through your mind when you see a youth on the streets? How did they get there, where are their parents, and are they safe? It’s disturbing to realize that between 1.6 and 2.8 million youth run away annually. Most youth who run away do so because of threatening environments at home, such as physical/verbal abuse, substance abuse issues, questions of sexual orientation, or escaping state care. Unfortunately, by choosing to run away, they further subject themselves to threatening situations that impede their progress in life.
Gangs are a problem in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/29/2014 - 12:03am
South Lake Tahoe may be a small city of around 23,000 residents but it isn't immune to the big city problems of gangs.
Our mountain hamlet has white gangs, a black gang, hispanic gangs, motorcycle gangs and even white supremacists and sometimes they cross racial lines in order to beef up numbers. The gang names won't be mentioned in this article because of the advertising value it would give them as they try and recruit children and new members.
Last week's arrest of three gang members for a home invasion robbery brought the comment to the forefront..."Tahoe has gangs?"
Human Trafficking in El Dorado County on the Rise; Presentation at County Supervisor's Meeting Tuesday
Submitted by paula on Sat, 04/19/2014 - 11:34pm
Incidents of human trafficking and the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) are becoming more prevalent in the County of El Dorado and more and more common throughout the country.
From 2010 to 2012, the El Dorado County Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA) was aware of 3 CSEC cases. From 2013 to present, HHSA is aware of 15 additional CSEC cases, most of which are children in the foster care and/or probation system.
Marijuana trafficker with El Dorado County grow operations sentenced to more than 17 years in prison
Submitted by Editor on Mon, 04/15/2013 - 3:11pmA Fresno man was sentenced Monday to prison on marijuana trafficking and conspiracy charges, in which he had grow operations in El Dorado, Placer and Tehama counties and then he and partners distributed the marijuana throughout the country.
Uriel Ochoa-Espindola, 44, received a sentence of 17.5 years, according to U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner.
Below is a U.S. Justice Department news release:
South Lake Tahoe pot club owner sentenced to five years in federal prison; agrees to forfeit drug money
Submitted by Editor on Wed, 04/10/2013 - 2:30pmFormer City of Angels 2 pot club owner Gennaro "Gino" DiMatteo of South Lake Tahoe was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller.
DiMatteo had pled guilty to a felony for marijuana trafficking on Jan. 9. As part of his plea agreement, DiMatteo agreed to forfeit more than $40,000 to the United States.
Brotherhood motorcycle member, girlfriend arrested for drugs, weapons offenses; Club president responds
Submitted by Editor on Tue, 03/26/2013 - 12:11pm
UPDATE: The following is a prepared statement from the Brotherhood Motorcycle Club in response to the arrest of an alleged member of the club. It is in response to a news release made Tuesday by the South Lake Tahoe Police Department. Here is the statement:
Placerville man pleads guilty to interstate marijuana trafficking
Submitted by Editor on Fri, 02/15/2013 - 1:21pmA 26-year-old Placerville man pleaded guilty Friday to conspiring to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner said.
Dylan Hudson was in charge of an interstate marijuana-trafficking conspiracy, according to court documents. More than 1,100 pounds of processed marijuana, more than $329,000 in cash, and eight firearms were seized during the course of the investigation.
Former South Lake Tahoe pot club owner pleads guilty to federal trafficking charges
Submitted by Editor on Wed, 01/09/2013 - 12:07pmGennaro "Gino" DiMatteo, 43, of South Lake Tahoe, pled guilty Wednesday to count two of the indictment, possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced. DiMatteo is scheduled to be sentenced in April.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department, and the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jason Hitt is prosecuting the case.
Two deny drug trafficking charges
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 11/28/2012 - 11:27amTwo Santa Cruz men facing life in prison denied cocaine trafficking charges on Monday.Joseph V. Perez, 26, and Oscar Madriz, 25, entered not-guilty pleas to charges of trafficking and sales of c...
California says human trafficking is spreading
Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 11/16/2012 - 10:45amSAN DIEGO (AP) - The number of people identified as victims of human trafficking in California has increased steadily since 2010 as the crime has become a growing threat, authorities reported Frida...
KRNV: Undercover officer says pot clubs linked to illegal activities
Submitted by Editor on Fri, 07/06/2012 - 9:13amAn undercover police officer spoke to KRNV MyNews4.com telling the news station that South Lake Tahoe has become a major hub for drug trafficking since the limited legalization of medical marijuana in California.
“The three collectives that are operating here have had every opportunity to operate within the compassionate use act, and they haven't. They flat out have not,” the officer said.
Calif. voters to weigh sex trafficking penalties
Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 05/11/2012 - 10:30amSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California voters will get to vote on a measure that would increase penalties for human sex trafficking and require social media disclosures by convicted sex offenders.The...
Deputies arrest four in Stateline cocaine bust
Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 03/09/2012 - 10:00amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Douglas County sheriff's deputies arrested four men last week following a month-long investigation into cocaine trafficking in Stateline, according to a Thursday statemen...
Arrests made in Lake Tahoe cocaine sting
Submitted by Editor on Thu, 03/08/2012 - 5:13pm
The Tri-NET Narcotic Task Force, working in conjunction with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Street Enforcement Team (SET), the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Investigators, and the Santa Cruz California Police Department arrested 26 year-old Joseph Perez and 25 year-old Oscar Madriz, both of Santa Cruz, California, on charges of trafficking and sales of cocaine. The arrests were made on March 2.
Nevada truckers embark on campaign to stop human trafficking
Submitted by admin on Tue, 02/28/2012 - 2:00am8 arrests, $60k in meth seized in NV-CA drug probe
Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 01/05/2012 - 10:41amRENO, Nev. (AP) - State and federal drug agents in Nevada have arrested eight suspected members of a California-based drug trafficking organization accused of distributing multiple pounds of metham...
