El Paso County, TX- Early Wednesday afternoon 07/28 at 1:26 pm, Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the desert area near the 13000 block of Emerald Island in reference to a vehicle fire. Deputies arrived to find Horizon Volunteer FD on scene extinguishing the blaze. As the fire was extinguished , Deputies observed what appeared to be that of a charred body inside the vehicle. Deputies immediately sectioned off the immediate area & requested Crimes Against Persons Detectives along with Sheriff’s Office Crime Records & Forensics Analysts to the scene.
Information received revealed a custodian from Eastlake High School spotted a vehicle on fire & called 911. Preliminary investigation indicates the charred body of a person was found inside the front compartment of the vehicle (drivers side). The scorched vehicle is a Ford passenger car (unknown which kind) with Texas license plates. It is unknown at this time if the deceased is male or female as the body was charred beyond recognition. Investigator’s must await autopsy results to try & obtain the identity of the deceased. CID Detectives responded to the scene & worked long into the night & are currently continuing with the investigation. An autopsy is scheduled for later today or tomorrow 07/30.
The Sheriff’s Office is treating this case as an Unattended Death - which it is EPCSO’s policy to treat all Unattended Deaths as homicides until proved otherwise (the delicacy & procedural aspect of a homicide) – however, foul play has not yet been ruled out until autopsy results are in & the vehicle is forensically processed.
At this time, there is nothing to indicate or suggest this incident is linked to any drug cartel / border violence or the kidnapping that took place in Horizon in September 2009.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
“ONCE UPON A TIME PRINCESS PARTY” FUGITIVE CAPTURED BY DEPUTIES
EL PASO, TX- Early Wednesday afternoon 07-28-10 at about 12:30 PM, Sheriff’s Office Strike Team received a Crime stoppers tip on the whereabouts of MANHUNT MONDAY Most Wanted Fugitive & local con-artist LAURA GONZALEZ (38).
GONZALEZ owner of “ONCE UPON A TIME PRINCESS PARTY” is locally known to who have schemed several individuals taking their money to put on a little girls themed birthday party but would never show up on the day of the event.
Strike Team Deputies followed the tip to an apartment complex in the 10700 block of Vista Del Sol where GONZALEZ was said to be staying. Deputies made contact with the residents who were uncooperative with officials but did allow them to enter & search the apartment. During the search, Strike Team Deputies heard noises coming from the restroom which was locked. After several minutes of negotiating, GONZALEZ exited the restroom & surrendered to Deputies. GONZALEZ was taken into custody without incident. She was booked on charges of 4 COUNTS -DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICE / RESISTING ARREST / CRIMINAL MISCHIEF & ASSAULT.
GONZALEZ - was just featured on MANHUNT MONDAY in March 2010 (click here) & this past weekend was one of Crime Stoppers of El Paso's "Most Wanted".
ARRESTED
LAURA GONZALEZ(38)
CHARGE:
4 COUNTS -DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICE - $18,000 TOTAL BOND
RESISTING ARREST - $9,500 BOND
CRIMINAL MISCHIEF - $2,500 BOND
ASSAULT - $3,500 BOND
YARBROUGH BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT CLOSURES
The east and westbound lanes at the Yarbrough / San Jose Intersection will be closed tomorrow, July 29 at 11 a.m. and will remain closed until further notice.
The north and southbound lanes at this intersection will remain open.
DETOUR:
Westbound traffic will be sent onto Yarbrough Dr., to North Loop (FM 76), to Lafayette Dr.
Eastbound traffic will be sent onto Lafayette Dr., to Alameda (SH 20), to Yarbrough
Yarbrough southbound traffic will be sent onto the northbound traffic
The traffic signals at the Yarbrough / San Jose Intersection will be taken down. This intersection will be on “all-way stop signs.”
Reconstruction of the southbound roadway will begin.
The speed limit has been REDUCED from 40 mph to 30 mph in the construction work zone.
PLEASE FOLLOW ALL DETOUR SIGNS!
ALL WORK IS DEPENDENT UPON WEATHER CONDITIONS
The north and southbound lanes at this intersection will remain open.
DETOUR:
Westbound traffic will be sent onto Yarbrough Dr., to North Loop (FM 76), to Lafayette Dr.
Eastbound traffic will be sent onto Lafayette Dr., to Alameda (SH 20), to Yarbrough
Yarbrough southbound traffic will be sent onto the northbound traffic
The traffic signals at the Yarbrough / San Jose Intersection will be taken down. This intersection will be on “all-way stop signs.”
Reconstruction of the southbound roadway will begin.
The speed limit has been REDUCED from 40 mph to 30 mph in the construction work zone.
PLEASE FOLLOW ALL DETOUR SIGNS!
ALL WORK IS DEPENDENT UPON WEATHER CONDITIONS
SECRET Concordia Ghost Tour July 31st
CALL 1-877-GHOST-10 TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATION
Concordia Ghost Tours
JOIN US FOR A SECRET CONCORDIA GHOST TOUR FOR OUR NEWSLETTER CREW AND FACEBOOK FRIENDS.
SATURDAY JULY 31ST - 9PM - 12M $10 + TAX PER PERSON.
THIS UNADVERTISED, SECRET TOUR, WILL BE SMALL ENOUGH AVOID THE HUGE CROWDS AND INVESTIGATE CONCORDIA WITH US, PRIVATELY AND WITH FRIENDS.
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TODAY BY GOING TO THIS LINK: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=HG635QQXDSPUE
Stationed at Ft. Bliss?
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Concordia Ghost Tours
JOIN US FOR A SECRET CONCORDIA GHOST TOUR FOR OUR NEWSLETTER CREW AND FACEBOOK FRIENDS.
SATURDAY JULY 31ST - 9PM - 12M $10 + TAX PER PERSON.
THIS UNADVERTISED, SECRET TOUR, WILL BE SMALL ENOUGH AVOID THE HUGE CROWDS AND INVESTIGATE CONCORDIA WITH US, PRIVATELY AND WITH FRIENDS.
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TODAY BY GOING TO THIS LINK: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=HG635QQXDSPUE
Stationed at Ft. Bliss?
ft bliss boss repStationed at Ft. Bliss? Talk to your BOSS rep and tell them you want to go on a tour with EL PASO GHOST TOURS for FREE!
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WEAPONS & MILITARY BALLISTIC VEST DISCOVERED DURING DRUG BUST
shirts El Paso County, TX- On 07-26-2010, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Strike Team received information on suspicious activity / possible narcotic activity at a residence in the Montana Vista area. Deputies conducted a a follow-up investigation which led authorities to the residence in question where officials made contact with an individual claiming to be the current tenant of the home. The male subject initially provided false information about his identity but later gave his real name & informed authorities there were narcotics inside the home. Consent to search the home was obtained. Deputies were able to find several baggies (6 oz.) of marijuana, and over 400 grams of a controlled substance (Ecstasy). In addition Strike Team Deputies located several firearms through out the residence and also located a military style ballistic vest. The subject who was identified as MANUEL RAMON GUERRA (22) was booked on multiple charges and remains at the El Paso County Detention Facility.
INVESTIGATION CONTINUES.
NO OTHER INFORMATION WILL BE RELEASED AT THIS TIME.
READ MORE HERE
INVESTIGATION CONTINUES.
NO OTHER INFORMATION WILL BE RELEASED AT THIS TIME.
READ MORE HERE
STATEMENT FEL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF RICHARD D. WILES
Release Date & Time: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 – 8:05 p.m.
“Yesterday, during budget hearings for the El Paso Police Department, certain comments were made regarding the training provided to members of the El Paso Sheriff's Office.
First, given the economic situation of local governmental entities, it is important as public officials to look for any efficiencies that can eliminate redundancies, increase service, or save taxpayers monies. It is clear that law enforcement is a large part of both the City and County budgets. As such, the citizens of El Paso have expectations that these agencies continue to provide a high level of service while working together to realize those efficiencies.
In regard to the training issue, I have worked for both agencies and am in a unique position to be qualified to comment on the training provided by both. Members of both the El Paso Police Department and the El Paso County Sheriff's Office are well trained and provide exceptional service to members of the El Paso Community. Both academies are inspected routinely by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education to ensure compliance with state standards. Graduates of either academy must pass the same state administered examination to ensure consistency in the training process.
Additionally, the El Paso County Sheriff's Academy is designated as the Region VIII training facility. As such, we receive state funding to provide training throughout the region to include police officers of the El Paso Police Department. To suggest any officer or deputy trained at either facility is not prepared for the field is irresponsible and subjects the agencies to unfounded criticism.
Our community faces a number of challenges, beyond economic ones. We sit across a narrow river from a city in chaos. The border extends from one end of the County to the other. To efficiently protect our citizens it is imperative that all local law enforcement agencies—local and federal—work in complete cooperation with one another and support one another in every way possible for the good of the community. Being critical of other agencies, or fancying ourselves as better or more competent than others, can only serve to erode the public’s confidence in our collective abilities to carry out our mutual mission.”
SHERIFF RICHARD D. WILES – EL PASO COUNTY, TX
“Yesterday, during budget hearings for the El Paso Police Department, certain comments were made regarding the training provided to members of the El Paso Sheriff's Office.
First, given the economic situation of local governmental entities, it is important as public officials to look for any efficiencies that can eliminate redundancies, increase service, or save taxpayers monies. It is clear that law enforcement is a large part of both the City and County budgets. As such, the citizens of El Paso have expectations that these agencies continue to provide a high level of service while working together to realize those efficiencies.
In regard to the training issue, I have worked for both agencies and am in a unique position to be qualified to comment on the training provided by both. Members of both the El Paso Police Department and the El Paso County Sheriff's Office are well trained and provide exceptional service to members of the El Paso Community. Both academies are inspected routinely by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education to ensure compliance with state standards. Graduates of either academy must pass the same state administered examination to ensure consistency in the training process.
Additionally, the El Paso County Sheriff's Academy is designated as the Region VIII training facility. As such, we receive state funding to provide training throughout the region to include police officers of the El Paso Police Department. To suggest any officer or deputy trained at either facility is not prepared for the field is irresponsible and subjects the agencies to unfounded criticism.
Our community faces a number of challenges, beyond economic ones. We sit across a narrow river from a city in chaos. The border extends from one end of the County to the other. To efficiently protect our citizens it is imperative that all local law enforcement agencies—local and federal—work in complete cooperation with one another and support one another in every way possible for the good of the community. Being critical of other agencies, or fancying ourselves as better or more competent than others, can only serve to erode the public’s confidence in our collective abilities to carry out our mutual mission.”
SHERIFF RICHARD D. WILES – EL PASO COUNTY, TX
Monday, July 26, 2010
Shakira announces second El Paso Show
If you did not get a chance to get your tickets to see Shakira your in luck! Today an additional show was announced in El Paso, TX for her North American tour.
The new date is scheduled for Tuesday, October 12th which is the night before the first scheduled show.
Fanclub pre-sale begins today at 12noon and ends on Thursday (July 29th) at 5pm.
The public on-sale begins at 10am on Friday (July 30th).
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
New Traffic Signals at Saul Kleinfeld and Edward James
El Paso, Texas – The newly installed traffic signals at Saul Kleinfeld Drive and Edward James Avenue were set to flash mode today, the City of El Paso Street Department announced.
The new traffic signals at Saul Kleinfeld and Edward James are on flash mode to acquaint motorists and pedestrians with the equipment. The traffic signals are scheduled to be set to automatic mode, or normal operation, on Monday (July 26, 2010).
Motorists are encouraged to use caution while traveling through the newly signalized intersection. The project cost approximately $150,000.
Traffic signal projects are designed to improve vehicular and pedestrian traffic operations in El Paso. Several new traffic signals are scheduled for installation in the coming months.
The new traffic signals at Saul Kleinfeld and Edward James are on flash mode to acquaint motorists and pedestrians with the equipment. The traffic signals are scheduled to be set to automatic mode, or normal operation, on Monday (July 26, 2010).
Motorists are encouraged to use caution while traveling through the newly signalized intersection. The project cost approximately $150,000.
Traffic signal projects are designed to improve vehicular and pedestrian traffic operations in El Paso. Several new traffic signals are scheduled for installation in the coming months.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Former UTEP Staff Member Named U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela
President Barack Obama has nominated Larry L. Palmer, Ed.D. a former assistant to UTEP President Diana Natalicio, to be the next U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela.
Palmer, who has spent much of his professional life in education and the foreign service, worked at The University of Texas at El Paso from 1989-91. During that time he was named a Pearson Fellow, an honor bestowed on individuals with an outstanding record of national and/or international public service. His portfolio included advancing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), creating faculty and student exchange opportunities in universities throughout Mexico, and serving as University consultant for international affairs.
Palmer isthe president and CEO of the Inter-American Foundation, a U.S. foreign assistance agency which channels funds to nongovernmental organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean to promote entrepreneurship, innovation and self-reliance to empower impoverished communities.
Most recently, he spoke at the opening reception for Picturing Grassroots Development: An Exhibit in Celebration of the Inter-American Foundation’s 40th Anniversary at the UTEP Centennial Museum in October 2009. His relationship with UTEP remains strong and Natalicio serves as an advisory council member for the Inter-American Foundation. He also was a speaker for the University’s Millennium Lecture Series in 2008.
“Larry Palmer’s nomination by President Obama as U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela is great news,” Natalicio said. “The expertise and experience that he’s gained during his distinguished career in the Foreign Service, including two years at UTEP as a State Department Pearson Fellow, have prepared him exceedingly well for this important assignment. Ambassador Palmer’s many UTEP Miner friends join me in wishing him a smooth confirmation process and success in this fascinating new post.”
Obama recently nominated Palmer and three other men to ambassadorships, which still must be confirmed by the Senate. Palmer would replacePatrick Duddy, who began serving as ambassador in Caracas in August 2007.
“I am proud to nominate such accomplished and dedicated individuals to fill these important roles,” Obama said. “They will be valuable additions to my administration as we work to confront our challenges at home and abroad.”
Palmeris a career member of the U.S. Foreign Service. He served as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Honduras from 2002 to 2005, and as president of the 41st Senior Seminar before becoming the Charge D'Affaires in Quito, Ecuador from 1999 to 2002.
Palmer acted as vice consul in the Dominican Republic from 1982 to 1984, and then as personnel officer in Montevideo, Uruguay and Asuncion, Paraguay, from 1984 to 1986. He worked in the State Department as staff assistant to the Assistant Secretary for African Affairs from 1986 to 1987 and then as counselor for administration in Freetown, Sierra Leone from 1987 to 1989.
Palmer left UTEP to serve as personnel officer in Seoul, Korea, from 1991 to 1994 and went on to become counselor for administration in the Dominican Republic from 1994 to 1998.
Born in Augusta, Ga., Palmer graduated from Emory University in 1970, and completed his graduate training at Texas Southern University (M.Ed., African History, 1973) and Indiana University Bloomington (Ed. D., Higher Education Administration and African Studies, 1978).
Prior to joining the Foreign Service in 1982, Palmer served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Liberia, West Africa (1971-73); as assistant director of financial aid at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville (1973-74); as a professor of history at Cuttington College in Suakoko, Liberia (1974-76); and at Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, North Carolina (1978-81).
Palmer, who has spent much of his professional life in education and the foreign service, worked at The University of Texas at El Paso from 1989-91. During that time he was named a Pearson Fellow, an honor bestowed on individuals with an outstanding record of national and/or international public service. His portfolio included advancing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), creating faculty and student exchange opportunities in universities throughout Mexico, and serving as University consultant for international affairs.
Palmer isthe president and CEO of the Inter-American Foundation, a U.S. foreign assistance agency which channels funds to nongovernmental organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean to promote entrepreneurship, innovation and self-reliance to empower impoverished communities.
Most recently, he spoke at the opening reception for Picturing Grassroots Development: An Exhibit in Celebration of the Inter-American Foundation’s 40th Anniversary at the UTEP Centennial Museum in October 2009. His relationship with UTEP remains strong and Natalicio serves as an advisory council member for the Inter-American Foundation. He also was a speaker for the University’s Millennium Lecture Series in 2008.
“Larry Palmer’s nomination by President Obama as U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela is great news,” Natalicio said. “The expertise and experience that he’s gained during his distinguished career in the Foreign Service, including two years at UTEP as a State Department Pearson Fellow, have prepared him exceedingly well for this important assignment. Ambassador Palmer’s many UTEP Miner friends join me in wishing him a smooth confirmation process and success in this fascinating new post.”
Obama recently nominated Palmer and three other men to ambassadorships, which still must be confirmed by the Senate. Palmer would replacePatrick Duddy, who began serving as ambassador in Caracas in August 2007.
“I am proud to nominate such accomplished and dedicated individuals to fill these important roles,” Obama said. “They will be valuable additions to my administration as we work to confront our challenges at home and abroad.”
Palmeris a career member of the U.S. Foreign Service. He served as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Honduras from 2002 to 2005, and as president of the 41st Senior Seminar before becoming the Charge D'Affaires in Quito, Ecuador from 1999 to 2002.
Palmer acted as vice consul in the Dominican Republic from 1982 to 1984, and then as personnel officer in Montevideo, Uruguay and Asuncion, Paraguay, from 1984 to 1986. He worked in the State Department as staff assistant to the Assistant Secretary for African Affairs from 1986 to 1987 and then as counselor for administration in Freetown, Sierra Leone from 1987 to 1989.
Palmer left UTEP to serve as personnel officer in Seoul, Korea, from 1991 to 1994 and went on to become counselor for administration in the Dominican Republic from 1994 to 1998.
Born in Augusta, Ga., Palmer graduated from Emory University in 1970, and completed his graduate training at Texas Southern University (M.Ed., African History, 1973) and Indiana University Bloomington (Ed. D., Higher Education Administration and African Studies, 1978).
Prior to joining the Foreign Service in 1982, Palmer served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Liberia, West Africa (1971-73); as assistant director of financial aid at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville (1973-74); as a professor of history at Cuttington College in Suakoko, Liberia (1974-76); and at Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, North Carolina (1978-81).
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
PUBLIC WARNING: SHERIFF’S DETECTIVES WARN COMMUNITY OF ONGOING FRAUDULENT ACTIVITY OR “SCAMS”
El Paso County TX – The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office White Collar Crime Unit wants to warn the El Paso / Southwest Texas Community with ongoing Fraudulent Activity or “Scams” which are hitting our area hard. There have been a surge of cases where individuals have recently come forward claiming to be victims of on-line scams.
Below is recent case that has been reported to our office:
On Friday 07-02-10 at approximately 4:45 PM, Deputies were patched to 124 Lake Cumberland, El Paso County, Texas, in reference to forgery. Deputies arrived and met with the complainant / victim who told authorities between June 20th & present day (07/02), unknown person(s)had issued him five forged money orders for a flute he had placed for sale on Craig’s list for $450.
The Victim stated that shortly after posting the flute for sale he received an e-mail from an individual who was interested in buying the item. The Victim then received another message from the same subject advising an assistant had sent payment for the flute via money order & once he received the money order, he was to deduct the amount for the flute & send remaining money back to the subjects assistant. The Victim agreed & stated he sent the remaining balance to the subjects assistant via Western Union "Money in Minutes". The initial amount sent to the Victim was $825.00.
The Victim stated that on June 25, 2010, he received another message from the subject claiming his assistant had made a mistake & sent the Victim 3 additional payments for $725.00 each & requested he cash the money orders & to keep $100 for his inconvenience. The Victim agreed & followed the same steps as before and sent the subject the money. The Victim used his financial institution to cash the Money Orders. On July 1, 2010, the Victim noticed that his balance on his bank account had been depleted and inquired about it. The Victim stated that he was notified that all five money orders were returned as forged to his bank by Money Gram.
Sheriff’s Detectives have provided some indicators of probable fraudulent activity or “scams:”:
- Payment in advance for products or services
- Using a wire transfer, Western Union, money order, postal order, etc. to complete a transaction, especially in advance of the receipt of goods or services
- Any mail soliciting employment as a “Secret Shopper”
- Any phone calls from “your favorite grandson,” or a dear friend stating they need money to pay for damages sustained in a traffic accident in Canada
- Letters, emails, or phone calls from an “Investigator” from a bank or credit card company requesting detailed information (Credit Card number, Social Security Number, Date of Birth, etc.) to continue an investigation, or demanding monies be drawn from your account to continue an investigation
- Goods offered for sale on Craig’s List that require payment, sight unseen, for receipt of the offered good
Regarding internet transactions, unless the sale is initiated by the buyer from a reputable business, it should be considered suspect.
You can report these crimes here:
and
Below is recent case that has been reported to our office:
On Friday 07-02-10 at approximately 4:45 PM, Deputies were patched to 124 Lake Cumberland, El Paso County, Texas, in reference to forgery. Deputies arrived and met with the complainant / victim who told authorities between June 20th & present day (07/02), unknown person(s)had issued him five forged money orders for a flute he had placed for sale on Craig’s list for $450.
The Victim stated that shortly after posting the flute for sale he received an e-mail from an individual who was interested in buying the item. The Victim then received another message from the same subject advising an assistant had sent payment for the flute via money order & once he received the money order, he was to deduct the amount for the flute & send remaining money back to the subjects assistant. The Victim agreed & stated he sent the remaining balance to the subjects assistant via Western Union "Money in Minutes". The initial amount sent to the Victim was $825.00.
The Victim stated that on June 25, 2010, he received another message from the subject claiming his assistant had made a mistake & sent the Victim 3 additional payments for $725.00 each & requested he cash the money orders & to keep $100 for his inconvenience. The Victim agreed & followed the same steps as before and sent the subject the money. The Victim used his financial institution to cash the Money Orders. On July 1, 2010, the Victim noticed that his balance on his bank account had been depleted and inquired about it. The Victim stated that he was notified that all five money orders were returned as forged to his bank by Money Gram.
Sheriff’s Detectives have provided some indicators of probable fraudulent activity or “scams:”:
- Payment in advance for products or services
- Using a wire transfer, Western Union, money order, postal order, etc. to complete a transaction, especially in advance of the receipt of goods or services
- Any mail soliciting employment as a “Secret Shopper”
- Any phone calls from “your favorite grandson,” or a dear friend stating they need money to pay for damages sustained in a traffic accident in Canada
- Letters, emails, or phone calls from an “Investigator” from a bank or credit card company requesting detailed information (Credit Card number, Social Security Number, Date of Birth, etc.) to continue an investigation, or demanding monies be drawn from your account to continue an investigation
- Goods offered for sale on Craig’s List that require payment, sight unseen, for receipt of the offered good
Regarding internet transactions, unless the sale is initiated by the buyer from a reputable business, it should be considered suspect.
You can report these crimes here:
and
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