More than $8 million in federal funding will be distributed among three California communities, including San Diego County, for the purposes of fighting crime and drug trafficking, announced Attorney General Eric Holder this month. San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis joined the Attorney General in Los Angeles for the announcement. The grant money will fund a team of 16 uniformed officers to patrol the border for criminal activity and drug smuggling, as well as a dedicated Deputy District Attorney to prosecute cases. "The Department of Justice is intensifying its efforts to investigate, prosecute and punish members of the Mexican drug cartels," said Attorney General Holder.

 

A party in the East County that turned violent may have been a hate crime, but investigators need your help to locate more witnesses. San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis joined San Diego Sheriff Bill Gore and San Diego County Crime Stoppers to appeal for the public's help in identifying those responsible for an assault on five African-American teens. In April, the teenagers attended a party in rural Deerhorn Valley, southeast of Jamul. As the group of teens attempted to leave, rocks, bottles and a metal pipe were thrown at their car. As a result, the driver lost control and crashed into a parked car. The attackers continued to vandalize the victims' car and shout racial slurs. "We know there were many witnesses who were there and saw what happened," said DA Dumanis. "We are asking for them to come forward and assist with law enforcement's investigation." Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers' anonymous tip line at (888)580-8477. In addition, Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information on the case.

 

For years, victims of violent crime have had access to a variety of services, but now that help is being expanded. Last month, San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis and San Diego Sheriff Bill Gore announced a new program designed to give crime victims information on defendants long after a case has been closed. The program, called V.I.N.E (Victim Information and Notification Everyday), is a free service that provides notification to victims when there is a significant change in a prison inmate's custody status. Upon registration, users are able to enter an e-mail address and/or telephone number. Then, they will be contacted upon the release, pending release or transfer to another facility of a particular inmate. Crime victims can access information or register in the V.I.N.E program by calling 1-877-411-5588 or visiting www.vinelink.com.  Crime victims may also get information about ongoing court cases by visiting www.sandiegoda.com.

 

District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis celebrated the independence of the United States by greeting the crowds of San Diegans that made their way to Coronado for the 4th of July Parade.

 

There is a good chance you might see Tony Hawk's face popping up a lot more around San Diego. The San Diego Family Justice Center has released a new poster featuring the professional skateboarder Tony Hawk. Thousands of the posters have been distributed to schools, libraries and Boys & Girls Clubs across the county to raise awareness about the "wraparound" of services available at the Family Justice Center. Chief Deputy District Attorney Julie Korsmeyer joined San Diego City Attorney Jan Goldsmith and San Diego Police Chief William Lansdowne for the unveiling ceremony. "The one-stop shopping available at the Family Justice Center is a valuable asset," said DDA Korsmeyer. "Crime victims can come in to speak with a prosecutor, file a restraining order and even get help with transportation-all in one place."  For more information on the Family Justice Centers, click on www.familyjusticecenter.org.

 

 

JOSE MAURICE CASTANEDA, 24, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of his girlfriend's two year-old son. Prosecutors said the defendant tortured the victim for up to 10 months before his death. The victim had approximately 300 injuries when he died.
 
EUGENE REMUND, 76, was sentenced to serve 13 years in state prison for attempting to burn down the Lemon Grove homes of his former wife and stepdaughter. Remund was a former hydroplane racing champion in the 1970's and 1980's.

TOMASA RAMIREZ, 38, was sentenced to 16 years-to-life in state prison for fatally stabbing her mother in their Normal Heights apartment following a card game. The defendant claimed 'voices' caused her to commit the crime; however jurors ruled she was mentally sane at the time of the incident and mentally competent to stand trial.

THOMAS EDWARD LAVALLE, 61, was sentenced to serve five years, eight months in state prison for robbing four North County banks with a demand note. The defendant pled guilty to charges of robbery and felony evading by reckless driving as well as misdemeanor weapons charges.

ROBERT ARISTO GALLARDO, 27, was sentenced to 32 years-to-life behind bars for choking the mother of his child unconscious with a rope. The defendant was a recently released parolee who was out of prison for nine days previous to the incident.

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