Latest news with #Sheriff'sOffice
Los Angeles Times
18 hours ago
- Los Angeles Times
Yolo County asks AG to join probe into deadly fireworks explosion over ‘public perception of conflicts'
The fields surrounding a fireworks facility are littered with debris on July 2, the day after an explosion leveled the site near Esparto, Calif., in Yolo County. Yolo County officials want the state attorney general's office to join the investigation into a deadly fireworks explosion at a pyrotechnic company due to what many locals see as a potential conflict of interest after it was revealed that two Yolo County Sheriff's Office employees owned the property where the company caught fire, killing seven people. On Friday, Yolo County Chair Mary Vixie Sandy wrote to Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta's office, asking that he join the investigation over a 'strong public perception of conflicts' with the Sheriff's Office and the ongoing probe into the deadly industrial accident. There have been no criminal charges filed in connection to the explosion and fire that ripped through a pyrotechnic company warehouse in the rural farming community of Esparto, Calif., on July 1. Advertisement The state fire marshal's office is leading the investigation and the Yolo County district attorney's office is providing oversight in the event that charges are filed, according to county officials. 'While we do not question the ability and integrity of the District Attorney to support the Cal Fire and Cal OSHA investigations, ensuring the public's confidence in the investigation and outcomes is of critical importance to the Yolo County Board of Supervisors and our community,' Sandy wrote. 'It is our strong belief that the public perception and integrity of the investigation elements currently being carried out at the local level would be best served by the direct involvement of the Department of Justice.' The attorney general's office said it is reviewing the request. California 'We want answers.' Families hold vigil after seven found dead in fireworks factory explosion The Ramos family has been holding a vigil near the site of a fireworks facility explosion where authorities uncovered seven bodies. The family still has no answers about the cause of the explosion or confirmation if their family members are among the dead. Family members of the victims say their relatives were hired to package fireworks in the days leading up to the Fourth of July weekend at the Esparto warehouse. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Their remains were pulled from the site several days following the explosion and after explosive experts safely ignited the remaining hazardous materials. Advertisement The dead were identified as Christopher Goltiao Bocog, 45, of San Francisco; Neil Justin Li, 41, of San Francisco; Joel Jeremias Melendez, 28, of Sacramento; Carlos Javier Rodriguez-Mora, 43, of San Andreas; Jesus Manaces Ramos, 18, of San Pablo; Jhony Ernesto Ramos, 22, of San Pablo; and Angel Mathew Voller, 18, of Stockton, according to the Yolo County coroner's office. Since the explosion, the state fire marshal's office suspended the pyrotechnic licenses of Kenneth Chee from Devastating Pyrotechnics and Craig Cutright of Blackstar Fireworks, who were linked to the site. Cutright previously worked as a volunteer firefighter with the local fire department, officials said. The firework businesses operated on property owned by Sheriff's Lt. Sam Machado and his wife, who works as an administrative employee for the Sheriff's Office. Both are on administrative leave, according to Sheriff Tom Lopez. Sheriff's officials were directly involved in the emergency response to the explosion and the brush fire that followed, but have not been involved in the ongoing investigation, according to authorities. The Sheriff's Office declined to provide any comments on the investigation and directed all questions to to Cal Fire, Lopez said in a statement posted to Facebook. Advertisement 'Still, some may have perceived we were inaccessible — our intent was, is, and continues to be full support of the investigative process and respect for the lead agency's role,' Lopez said. While Machado and his wife have been placed on leave, Lopez said this 'does not imply wrongdoing, but it is a standard measure to help ensure an impartial and fair investigative process.' Machado could not be reached for comment. Earlier this month, law enforcement officials searched a San Francisco home where Chee is listed as the owner. His attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment. On Friday, Etta James Farming, a canary bean and wheat farmer, sued Devastating Pyrotechnics, Blackstar Fireworks, Cutright and Machado in a civil suit. Etta James Farming claims the fire damaged its adjoining crops, farming equipment and infrastructure. The lawsuit says that the fireworks operators operated an illegal business on a site that was not permitted on the property. The illegal operation should have been obvious to everyone named in the lawsuit, according to Etta James Farming. They seek an undetermined amount related to the destruction of the crops, farming infrastructure and equipment, along with punitive damages.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Florida tragedy: Dog the bounty hunter's step-grandson accidently killed by step-son; sheriff calls it 'isolated case'
A heartbreaking loss has struck the family of reality TV star Duane 'Dog' Chapman, after his stepson, Gregory Zecca, allegedly shot and killed his 13-year-old son, Anthony, in a tragic accident. The incident reportedly took place on Saturday night at the Naples, Florida apartment of Gregory Zecca, the son of Chapman's wife, Francie Frane, the New York post reported, citing TMZ. Zecca allegedly shot and killed his own son, Anthony, in what the family described as a "tragic accident." In a statement to TMZ, representatives for Chapman and his family said, "We are grieving as a family over this incomprehensible tragic accident and would ask for continued prayers as we grieve the loss of our beloved grandson, Anthony." The Collier county Sheriff's Office confirmed to the Naples Daily News that it was investigating a deadly shooting that occurred Saturday night. It described the case as an "isolated incident," though no names were officially released. As of now, no arrests have been made as per ANI. According to TMZ, Zecca is part of Chapman's bounty hunting team and has a clear interest in firearms. Photos on his Instagram show that he had taken his son Anthony to a gun range in 2021, and the same year they also visited a gun store together. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 15 Most Beautiful Women in the World Undo Chapman, 72, married Frane, Zecca's mother, in 2021 after both lost their previous spouses. Duane's former wife, Beth Chapman, passed away in June 2019 after a long battle with throat cancer. Frane and Chapman bonded over their shared grief and love for their families. Their bond also extended to their professional lives. Frane and her family, including Zecca, became closely involved in Chapman's bounty hunting work. 'I know she's a hunter. Her and her two sons have hunted bow hunt, so they track, they look for things that the prey leaves behind,' Chapman said during an appearance on The Dr. Oz Show in 2020. 'She just fit right in,' he added, speaking about their first bounty hunt together. 'She started getting leads and writing them down, so there's more than just tracking and hunting.' Chapman has 13 children with six different women and has been married four times.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Chilling moment man drags woman into truck as police issue urgent warning
A terrified woman bravely fought off a attacker who tried to kidnap her after a robbery, and it was all caught on chilling surveillance footage released by authorities A woman bravely fought off a man who tried to drag her into his pickup truck following an alleged robbery - and it was all captured on chilling surveillance footage. The incident happened around 3:30 p.m. on June 29 outside a shop. The recording appears to show suspect, 31-year-old Theodore Michael Tundidor, grabbing the woman by the neck and pulling her toward his Toyota Tacoma, while she screams and struggles to escape. Despite his grip, the woman manages to push back, break free, and run away, shouting for help. A nearby bystander witnessed the attempted kidnapping, rushed to assist her, and called 911. The suspect jumped into his truck and fled the scene. Later, officers from Florida Fish and Wildlife spotted Tundidor allegedly driving recklessly along Route A1A in in St. Augustine, Florida, and apprehended him after a high-speed chase, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office. Authorities alleged that Tundidor had robbed a nearby business before forcing the woman into the car park. He now faces charges including kidnapping, robbery, and grand theft auto. Police praised the victim's quick thinking and determination. 'She did everything right - screamed, fought back, and drew attention,' the sheriff's office said. They also reminded the public of safety tips from their Women Against Violent Encounters program: Always stay aware of your surroundings, understand your 'danger zone' where strangers might pose a threat, and trust your instincts. 'Attitude, mental commitment, and preparation are keys to success,' officials emphasised. He was charged with kidnapping, robbery and grand theft auto. Earlier this month, a man was caught on camera as he seemingly attempted to kidnap a young boy in front of his horrified parents on a busy street late at night. The distressing incident was caught on camera on Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York City. In the clip the alleged kidnapper, dressed all in black and wearing a hat, grabs the child, aged just six, and attempts to flee with him. Luckily, the helpless victim cries out as he's being carried off while being held in one arm by the shameless man. He then drops the poor youngster like a rag doll onto the hard pavement once he realises he's been rumbled. The footage then switches to the assailant being chased across a road in the popular entertainment area by the child's parents. Sharon Robinson, 41, spoke to the New York Post about the horrific moment her young son Rah'Shem 'Rah'Rah' Gantt was almost snatched. "I see this man holding my son like a football, a complete stranger. If Rah'Rah hadn't made that loud scream, that man would have taken him and done whatever he wanted to do with him, maybe take him under the boardwalk and rape him and kill him.' A man named as Jonathan Robalino, 36, was charged with assault and attempted kidnapping after allegedly grabbing Rah'Shem just before 10pm near the corner of Stillwell and Surf avenues.
NBC News
7 days ago
- Politics
- NBC News
Florida attorney general reports wrongful charges under halted immigration law
ORLANDO, Fla. — At least two people have been wrongly charged under a Florida law that outlaws people living in the U.S. illegally from entering the state since a federal judge halted its enforcement, according to a report Florida's attorney general is required to file as punishment for defying the judge's ruling. Both men were arrested in late May by deputies in northeast Florida's St. Johns County, more than a month after U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams in Miami issued an order freezing the enforcement of the state statute. The law makes it a misdemeanor for people who are in the U.S. without legal permission to enter Florida by eluding immigration officials. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said in his report filed at the beginning of July that he only became aware of the two cases at the end of June after requesting information from state and local law enforcement. As punishment for flouting her order and being found in contempt, the judge requires Uthmeier to file bimonthly reports about whether any arrests, detentions or law enforcement actions have been made under the law. On May 29, St. Johns County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested a man with an active immigration detainer from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and another man on counts of illegal entry and driving without a valid driver's license, according to the status report. As corrective action, the charge involving the man with the ICE detainer was dismissed in state court, and prosecutors filed a motion that was granted to vacate the charge for illegal entry in the second case, R.J. Larizza, state attorney for the jurisdiction that covers St. Johns County, said in a separate filing. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the legislation into law in February as part of President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration. Immigrants rights groups filed a lawsuit on behalf of two unnamed, Florida-based immigrants living in the U.S. illegally shortly after the bill was signed into law. The lawsuit said the new legislation violates the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution by encroaching on federal duties. Williams issued a temporary restraining order and injunction that barred the enforcement of the new law statewide in April. The attorney general's office then unsuccessfully petitioned the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to override that decision. Uthmeier has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case. After Williams issued her original order, Uthmeier sent a memo to state and local law enforcement officers telling them to refrain from enforcing the law, even though he disagreed with the injunction. But five days later, he sent a memo saying the judge was legally wrong and that he couldn't prevent police officers and deputies from enforcing the law. The judge last month found Uthmeier to be in civil contempt of her ruling. Besides championing the new law, Florida officials have helped Trump's immigration crackdown with the construction of a new immigration detention center named "Alligator Alcatraz" at an isolated airstrip in the Florida Everglades. DeSantis said at a news conference Wednesday that a request has been developed for proposals for a second migrant detention facility at Camp Blanding in northeast Florida but no work has begun. Alligator Alcatraz has "grown quickly" but is not yet at the 3,000 to 4,000 detainees originally envisioned, DeSantis said in Tampa. "I'm willing to do Blanding once Alligator Alcatraz is filled," the governor said. "Once there's a demand, then we would be able to go for Camp Blanding."
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Florida attorney general identifies wrongful charges under halted immigration law
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — At least two people have been wrongly charged under a Florida law that outlaws people living in the U.S. illegally from entering the state since a federal judge halted its enforcement, according to a report Florida's attorney general is required to file as punishment for defying the judge's ruling. Both men were arrested in late May by deputies in northeast Florida's St. Johns County, more than a month after U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams in Miami issued an order freezing the enforcement of the state statute. The law makes it a misdemeanor for people who are in the U.S. without legal permission to enter Florida by eluding immigration officials. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said in his report filed at the beginning of July that he only became aware of the two cases at the end of June after requesting information from state and local law enforcement. As punishment for flouting her order and being found in contempt, the judge requires Uthmeier to file bimonthly reports about whether any arrests, detentions or law enforcement actions have been made under the law. On May 29, St. Johns County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested a man with an active immigration detainer from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and another man on counts of illegal entry and driving without a valid driver's license, according to the status report. As corrective action, the charge involving the man with the ICE detainer was dismissed in state court, and prosecutors filed a motion that was granted to vacate the charge for illegal entry in the second case, R.J. Larizza, state attorney for the jurisdiction that covers St. Johns County, said in a separate filing. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the legislation into law in February as part of President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration. Immigrants rights groups filed a lawsuit on behalf of two unnamed, Florida-based immigrants living in the U.S. illegally shortly after the bill was signed into law. The lawsuit said the new legislation violates the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution by encroaching on federal duties. Williams issued a temporary restraining order and injunction that barred the enforcement of the new law statewide in April. The attorney general's office then unsuccessfully petitioned the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to override that decision. Uthmeier has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case. After Williams issued her original order, Uthmeier sent a memo to state and local law enforcement officers telling them to refrain from enforcing the law, even though he disagreed with the injunction. But five days later, he sent a memo saying the judge was legally wrong and that he couldn't prevent police officers and deputies from enforcing the law. The judge last month found Uthmeier to be in civil contempt of her ruling. Besides championing the new law, Florida officials have helped Trump's immigration crackdown with the construction of a new immigration detention center named 'Alligator Alcatraz' at an isolated airstrip in the Florida Everglades. DeSantis said at a news conference Wednesday that a request has been developed for proposals for a second migrant detention facility at Camp Blanding in northeast Florida but no work has begun. Alligator Alcatraz has 'grown quickly' but is not yet at the 3,000 to 4,000 detainees originally envisioned, DeSantis said in Tampa. 'I'm willing to do Blanding once Alligator Alcatraz is filled,' the governor said. 'Once there's a demand, then we would be able to go for Camp Blanding.' ___ Associated Press journalist Curt Anderson in St. Petersburg, Florida, contributed to this report. ___ Follow Mike Schneider on the social platform Bluesky: @ Solve the daily Crossword
