Latest news with #Vincenty
USA Today
16-05-2025
- USA Today
Spider monkey, snakes, drugs: Traffic stop, search of man's home leads to bizarre bust
Spider monkey, snakes, drugs: Traffic stop, search of man's home leads to bizarre bust A traffic stop in California's North Bay area led authorities to search a man's home and find a spider monkey, rattlesnakes, and over $25,000 worth of methamphetamine. Deputies in Vallejo, about 34 miles southwest of Sacramento, first made contact with a man named Clifford Vincenty on May 6, the Solano County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. Deputies stopped the 50-year-old that day, and when they searched his vehicle, they found half a pound of methamphetamine, the sheriff's office said. Vincenty was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance for sale. The next day, Solano County Vice Detectives and the Solano County Sheriff's Enforcement Team secured a search warrant at the man's home. They found another pound of methamphetamine, $26,000 worth of meth, more than $2,000 cash, a live spider monkey, and two live rattlesnakes. Vincenty is facing additional charges, including possession of a controlled substance for sale and potential violations related to the possession of exotic animals, the sheriff's office said. Animal Control took the animals and evaluated them, the sheriff's office said. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife helped place the spider monkey at the Oakland Zoo. The Solano County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to requests for information on the whereabouts of the rattlesnakes. It was not immediately clear if Vincenty had legal representation as of May 16. How is the spider monkey doing now? The spider monkey, now named Violeta, was taken to the Oakland Zoo's veterinary hospital. The organization said she underwent a physical exam and is around 18 months old. So far, she has undergone UV light treatments and calcium supplementation, the zoo said. She will also undergo a CT scan, a more thorough physical exam, and bloodwork to see how her organs are functioning and rule out infectious diseases. 'Veterinary Hospital staff are taking measures to ensure Violeta's overall wellbeing and have reported that she is doing well in her temporary home where keepers have set up enrichment, along with blankets and toys to keep her comfortable and stimulated,' the Oakland Zoo said about her. She has been eating lots of fruits and vegetables. The Oakland Zoo said Violeta is also drinking formula to minimize the chances of bone fractures. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature – IUCN – spider monkeys are endangered, and two species within the group are classified as critically endangered and nearing extinction, the zoo said. More news: Man sentenced in California for trafficking spider monkeys: 'Disrupted fragile ecosystems' Act reintroduced to protect primates, and more on Violeta While it is illegal to privately own primates in California, there is 'an underground market' for it, the zoo said. There are also no federal laws regulating primate ownership, and state laws include anything from total bans to species-specific permits. The Captive Primate Safety Act was introduced to congress as early as 2005, according to GovTrack. The act was recently reintroduced on May 5, said Oakland Zoo Chief Executive Officer Nik Dehejia. Calling the act 'a critical step toward ending this exploitation,' Dehejia said the act would ban private ownership of primates. Violeta is being treated at the Oakland Zoo's veterinary hospital, so guests cannot see her yet, the zoo said. The zoo offers hospital tours, but guests and tourists cannot see her yet. Once she has recovered, the Oakland Zoo will work with the California Department of Fish & Wildlife and another organization to find her a permanent home at an accredited zoo or sanctuary. There, she'll be able to grow up 'as normally as possible in a troop of other spider monkeys,' the zoo said. Authorities said the investigation into the drug bust is active. They ask that anyone with information contact the Solano County Sheriff's Office at (707) 784-7050. Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
Baby spider monkey and 2 rattlesnakes discovered during California meth bust
A baby spider monkey and two rattlesnakes were discovered at the home of a suspect who was busted for methamphetamine during a traffic stop in California, police said. The incident began on May 6 when Solano County Sheriff's Deputies conducted a traffic stop on 50-year-old Clifford Vincenty in Vallejo, California, and discovered half a pound of methamphetamine in his vehicle, police said. MORE: Woman arrested after raccoon named Chewy found with meth pipe in driver's seat during police stop Vincenty, who is also a Vallejo resident, was taken into custody without incident and charged with possession of a controlled substance for sale. However, the following day, Solano County Vice Detectives and the Solano County Sheriff's Enforcement Team served a search warrant at Vincenty's residence in Vallejo which is when they discovered more evidence in the case against Vincenty. MORE: Over a ton of cocaine worth nearly half a billion dollars seized off Australian coast 'The Solano County Sheriff's Office has made a significant drug-related arrest following a traffic stop and subsequent search warrant that uncovered a large quantity of methamphetamine worth approximately $26,000 street value, and the discovery of additional contraband, cash, and exotic animals,' police said. 'The search yielded an additional pound of methamphetamine, more than $2,000 cash, a live spider monkey, and two live rattlesnakes.' Animal Control safely removed the animals, who were evaluated for proper care, and the spider monkey was later placed in the Oakland Zoo with the help of California Fish and Wildlife, officials said. MORE: 3 climbers dead after falling off mountain while rappelling MORE: Parents arrested after their 1-year-old tests positive for fentanyl and THC The primate, who was named Violeta by Oakland Zoo staff, was reported to be in decent health and is thought to be around 18-months-old, zoo officials said. 'Veterinary Hospital staff are taking measures to ensure Violeta's overall wellbeing and have reported that she is doing well in her temporary home where keepers have set up enrichment, along with blankets and toys to keep her comfortable and stimulated,' officials said. 'They are providing her with a healthy diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, and she is drinking formula that will help to minimize the likelihood of pathologic bony fractures.' MORE: Sheila the runaway kangaroo causes car crash, shuts down Alabama highway Wildlife trafficking is one of the largest illegal trades in the world, second only to drug and human trafficking, according to the Oakland Zoo, who says the trade is often fueled by the demand for these animals as pets or for profit-driven businesses, such as photo opportunities and interactive experiences. 'Wildlife trafficking is a growing conservation crisis, driving countless species, like spider monkeys and other nonhuman primates, toward extinction. These animals are often exploited through the exotic pet trade, kept in unsafe, inhumane conditions that threaten both their welfare and public safety. The Captive Primate Safety Act, recently introduced in Congress is a critical step toward ending this exploitation by banning the private ownership of primates and reinforcing our national commitment to responsible wildlife protection,' says Nik Dehejia, CEO at Oakland Zoo. MORE: Funeral director trashed over 6,500 bodies of pets, used fake ashes to defraud customers out of $650,000: Officials Meanwhile, Vincenty now faces additional charges, including possession of a controlled substance for sale and potential violations related to the possession of exotic animals. 'This operation demonstrates our commitment to disrupting illegal drug activity in Solano County,' said Undersheriff Brad DeWall. The investigation into the case is currently ongoing. Baby spider monkey and 2 rattlesnakes discovered during California meth bust originally appeared on
15-05-2025
Baby spider monkey and 2 rattlesnakes discovered during California meth bust
A baby spider monkey and two rattlesnakes were discovered at the home of a suspect who was busted for methamphetamine during a traffic stop in California, police said. The incident began on May 6 when Solano County Sheriff's Deputies conducted a traffic stop on 50-year-old Clifford Vincenty in Vallejo, California, and discovered half a pound of methamphetamine in his vehicle, police said. Vincenty, who is also a Vallejo resident, was taken into custody without incident and charged with possession of a controlled substance for sale. However, the following day, Solano County Vice Detectives and the Solano County Sheriff's Enforcement Team served a search warrant at Vincenty's residence in Vallejo which is when they discovered more evidence in the case against Vincenty. 'The Solano County Sheriff's Office has made a significant drug-related arrest following a traffic stop and subsequent search warrant that uncovered a large quantity of methamphetamine worth approximately $26,000 street value, and the discovery of additional contraband, cash, and exotic animals,' police said. 'The search yielded an additional pound of methamphetamine, more than $2,000 cash, a live spider monkey, and two live rattlesnakes.' Animal Control safely removed the animals, who were evaluated for proper care, and the spider monkey was later placed in the Oakland Zoo with the help of California Fish and Wildlife, officials said. The primate, who was named Violeta by Oakland Zoo staff, was reported to be in decent health and is thought to be around 18-months-old, zoo officials said. 'Veterinary Hospital staff are taking measures to ensure Violeta's overall wellbeing and have reported that she is doing well in her temporary home where keepers have set up enrichment, along with blankets and toys to keep her comfortable and stimulated,' officials said. 'They are providing her with a healthy diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, and she is drinking formula that will help to minimize the likelihood of pathologic bony fractures.' Wildlife trafficking is one of the largest illegal trades in the world, second only to drug and human trafficking, according to the Oakland Zoo, who says the trade is often fueled by the demand for these animals as pets or for profit-driven businesses, such as photo opportunities and interactive experiences. 'Wildlife trafficking is a growing conservation crisis, driving countless species, like spider monkeys and other nonhuman primates, toward extinction. These animals are often exploited through the exotic pet trade, kept in unsafe, inhumane conditions that threaten both their welfare and public safety. The Captive Primate Safety Act, recently introduced in Congress is a critical step toward ending this exploitation by banning the private ownership of primates and reinforcing our national commitment to responsible wildlife protection,' says Nik Dehejia, CEO at Oakland Zoo. Meanwhile, Vincenty now faces additional charges, including possession of a controlled substance for sale and potential violations related to the possession of exotic animals. 'This operation demonstrates our commitment to disrupting illegal drug activity in Solano County,' said Undersheriff Brad DeWall. The investigation into the case is currently ongoing.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Travel warning for popular tourist country as Aussies 'targeted'
Certain Aussies travelling to the United States are being warned that they will be "targeted" by officials at the border amid a scary crackdown on foreign visitors. Prominent immigration lawyer Melissa Vincenty told Yahoo News Aussie backpackers will face higher scrutiny visiting the USA following an executive order by President Donald Trump, which directed federal agencies to implement enhanced vetting and screening for all foreign nationals entering the country. Swathes of travellers have considered cancelling their trips, following reports that Australian nationals and other foreign tourists are being detained and deported at the border. Last week, two German backpackers said they were strip-searched and thrown in prison when they arrived in Honolulu, in Hawaii, before being deported. "Young Australians have to be more careful," Vincenty told Yahoo News, believing that border authorities "have a feeling" that some Aussies may be "tempted to work" without proper authorisation. Aussies who intend on engaging in unpaid arrangements like housesitting, pet sitting or even au pairing are being especially urged to ensure they have the right authorisation to do so. She said that pet sitting and house sitting arrangements are "notorious" for resulting in refusals. Vincenty's advice for anyone thinking about entering into such an arrangement it is simply "don't do it". "The strict interpretation is that it's not permitted," she said. "If someone normally would be paid for that work, like pet sitting, babysitting, that is considered work. Even if it's in exchange for room and board or meals." Madolline Gourley, from Brisbane, was one such Aussie refused entry to the country after it was suspected she was going to engage in "work". The prolific cat sitter told Yahoo she had visited the US up to nine times over five years to look after people's pets in exchange for accommodation. However all that changed in 2022, when she was turned away at the border while she was transiting through the US on her way to a pet sitting posting in Canada. She did not have a work visa to carry out the unpaid arrangement because she "didn't know" she needed it, opting only for an ESTA – an electronic visa waiver program – to transit through America. "It was a bit scary," she told Yahoo of the ordeal, which saw her held for three hours by immigration. Unaware that an unpaid pet sitting arrangement could be constituted as work in the US, Madolline was sure that immigration officials would "eventually come around". "I wasn't getting paid, so it couldn't possibly be work," she said. But they never did. Her ESTA was cancelled and she was sent back to Australia. "I was refused entry to the USA because I didn't have a work visa." She believes that businesses that connect pet sitters and house sitters don't always make visa requirements clear enough for those who sign up. "Had I known it was considered work before I started doing it, I would have given it a lot more thought," she said. The ordeal has had far-reaching ramifications for any travel she does across the world. Madolline can never use the ESTA program again, can't transit through the United States, and to ever return to the country she would need to apply for a visitor's visa. What's more, when visiting other countries she has to declare she has been turned away at a border. "My main gripe is I can't even transit through the US because you need an ESTA," she explained. "It's an anxiety when I go to new countries." She recently visited New Zealand where she had to declare that she was refused entry to another country on immigration papers. Thankfully, she was able to get a work visa to Canada in subsequent years. Madolline advises travellers to "be honest" with immigration officials. "If I lied and they found out, that would have ended up [worse]," she believes. Vincenty said like in Madolline's case, these incidents were taking place before Trump's executive order and believes it's a good thing that travellers can be aware and know what to expect. She believes the situation should be "monitored for this year" — but doesn't know how long for certain the "heightened" searches will take place. She added that digital searches — where officers search travellers' devices — appear to be on the rise. "That is something that is much more frequent now," she said. "They're using profiling to target certain people and young Australians will be more targeted." She suggested those with sensitive data on their devices should "be careful". She said travellers can delete apps on their phones prior or swapping out sims. She warns that it has to be done prior to travel and once you arrive, if authorities choose to check your phone, you "can't refuse". "You can't say no, or you won't be able to enter the US," she said. "People should monitor the situation and if there is any doubt, they should get professional advice because everyone's situation is different," she said. "I just think if you're already a high anxiety person put your trip off, don't put it off for years, but it's a heightened environment and be aware of that," she said. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
News.com.au
28-04-2025
- News.com.au
Aussies flying to US warned after tourists strip searched, thrown in federal prison
Australians travelling to the US are being warned to not assume they are safe from 'enhanced vetting' at the border after the experience of two young German tourists being strip searched and thrown in prison made global headlines. Charlotte Pohl, 19, and Maria Lepere, 18, arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii after backpacking in Thailand and New Zealand when they were denied entry and were detained until deportation. The teens told a German publication that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials were 'suspicious' they hadn't booked hotels for their entire stay and claimed interrogation transcripts contained words they didn't say. CBP said the women intended to work in the US which is prohibited on a visitor visa and when using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Program. Melissa Vincenty, a US immigration lawyer and Australian migration agent who is managing director of Worldwide Migration Partners, told that either way, being taken to federal prison with no criminal record, no drugs on them or anything that is a danger to society is an extreme measure — but it's the reality of being denied entry to the US in Hawaii. Ms Vincenty, a dual-citizen who was a deportation defence lawyer in Honolulu before moving to Australia, explained the state did not have an immigration facility so people were taken to the Federal Detention Center Honolulu, where there was no separate wing for immigration. It meant tourists who were denied entry to the US could be held alongside those awaiting trial — or who have been convicted and were waiting to be transferred to a mainland prison for serious federal crimes, such as kidnapping, bank robbery or drug crimes. 'It's like in the movies; you go there and there's bars, you get strip searched, all your stuff is taken away from you, you're not allowed to call anybody, nobody knows where you are,' Ms Vincenty said. She said it would have been a 'horrific' experience for the young German tourists. Ms Vincenty said for Australians who were denied entry to the US in other locations like Los Angeles, San Francisco or Dallas, being held in detention facilities until the next available flight home was a real risk as there weren't constant return flights to Australia — meaning you might have to wait until the next day. If not taken to a detention facility, some travellers may stay sitting for hours in what is called a secondary inspection at the airport. A secondary inspection includes further vetting such as searching a travellers' electronic devices. 'That period can last from half an hour to 15 hours or more,' she said. Ms Vincenty warned it was crucial Australians travelling to the US had the correct paperwork for what they were there for, and should 'absolutely' wait for the right visa if they planned to work. 'Now more than ever, understand what the parameters are of what you can and can't do, and don't try to 'get around it',' she said. 'Over the years I've had a lot of people get around it and think 'I'm invincible, I can do whatever I want'. Now is not the time to play that game. Don't do it.' Dr Lee Morgenbesser, an associate professor in comparative politics at Griffith University, said in his opinion, Australians planning to go to the US now 'need to ask themselves whether their travel is absolutely essential'. He personally cancelled a business trip for research purposes in July. 'I am somewhat outspoken of the Trump administration,' he said of his reasoning. 'It is important what you say about the Trump administration online. It does have a bearing, which is certainly something that's different to the past.' Fewer Australians are already travelling to the US March saw the sharpest drop in Australians travelling to the US since during the height of the Covid pandemic, according to US International Trade Administration statistics. Australian visitor numbers fell 7 per cent in March this year, compared to March 2024 — the biggest drop since March 2021. Foreign traveller arrivals in the US are expected to sharply decline this year, according to Tourism Economics. The travel data company revised its outlook after Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs announcement on April 2 — forecasting a 9.4 per cent decline in international visitor arrivals. Their spending is expected to decline 5 per cent, representing a loss of $9 billion in spending. It is a significantly different 2025 forecast than that released in December, which anticipated a 8.8 per cent growth in international visitation and 16 per cent increase in visitor spending. Tourism Economics' report says decisions from the Trump Administration are creating a 'negative sentiment shift toward the US among travellers' — with Mr Trump's stance on border security and immigration one of the factors cited as discouraging visits. James Robertson, head of global security for the firm International SOS, told the company's overall security case folio for the US (people wanting advice before travelling or while already over there) had tripled from January to April, compared to the same period last year. He said the Los Angeles wildfires were responsible for some of that spike, but so was Mr Trump's border crackdown. Ms Vincenty said Worldwide Migration Partners had seen 'a huge drop' in clients wanting to go to the US. 'We handle immigration in both directions. We've seen a big drop in inquiries about visas to go the US and a huge uptick in people wanting to come back to Australia and bring their families,' she said. 'That's only happened in the last 60 days. We get hundreds of calls in a month so we can kind of see the trend and that's absolutely what the trend is.' How to prepare for travel to the US Mr Robertson said International SOS was encouraging people to plan ahead and think through how the rules will affect them. 'It's obviously better to prepare for these sorts of things and consider what information might be on your devices before you go, then end up missing your connecting flight for example because you've shared memes or messages critical of the government,' Mr Robertson said. Dr Morgenbesser said it was important Australians do not assume they will be safe from enhanced vetting because their travel is innocuous. 'I make the assumption that I might be a bit more at risk because the work I do and what I say online but we're seeing instances of German tourists, French scientists, Australian UFC trainers — clearly this enhanced vetting is hitting a lot of people regardless of their profession.' He advises rehearsing answers for CBP officers about why you are in the US, how long you'll be there for, where you are staying and when you are leaving, so you can answer confidently. Dr Morgenbesser said one idea to prepare for the worst case scenario of being detained is setting up an email with details about where you are that will automatically send if not manually cancelled. Ms Vincenty warns travellers from Australia to be alert when they arrive into the US and not be affected by sleeping pills or alcohol. She advises travellers to print out their itinerary that shows their accommodation bookings, return flights and even evidence of funds in their bank account. This is so you do not have to open up your phone in front of CBP officers unnecessarily. If you are instructed to show your phone and choose to do so to avoid being denied entry, Ms Vincenty encourages people to enter their passcodes themselves instead of providing that information to the officer. She also recommended removing biometric access to your phone, such as a fingerprint or facial recognition to unlock.
