Lawrence Wolf - Part 29

San Bernardino Assessor Accused of Fraud and Crime While in Office

A latimes.com report from May 13, 2009 stated that an investigation into the offices of former assessor Bill Postmus has prompted the San Bernardino County Supervisors to file suit against Postmus and five of his co-workers in an attempt to recover hundreds of thousands of dollars. The report was done by former federal prosecutor John Hueston who gained fame for prosecuting Kenneth Lay and Jeffrey Skilling of Enron. The investigation revealed that crime, fraud, and drug use were a common occurrence in Postmus’s office. In addition, the 30 page document states that people not qualified for the job were hired and did not do any assessor related jobs but instead conducted unauthorized political campaigning. The investigation’s most shocking accusations are related to Postmus’s drug use. His assistant said he, “looked like he fell off a park bench.”

Colleagues even suspected him of inhaling canisters of DVD cleaner. Soon afterwards, Postmus was arrested on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine. He resigned in February.

Gary Ovitt, board Chairman, said, “As a taxpayer and as a public official, I find the activities detailed in the report deeply disturbing. There is certainly enough information in this report to compel the Board of Supervisors to pursue legal action against these individuals and seek damages for the taxpayers.”

Officials have arrested three of those mentioned, who have posted bail. Postmus has been charged with six felonies and former assistant assessor Erwin is facing 10 felonies, mostly for failing to properly report gifts while in office.

In today’s world of politics and business, the line between what is ethical is sometimes misinterpreted and can lead to serious accusations of white collar crime. If you or a loved one has been accused of a white collar crime in San Bernardino, contact the skilled lawyers at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf. We have helped our clients win for over 30 years. Please call [number type=”1″] for a free consultation.

Bakery Handyman Pleads Guilty To Killing Two Journalists

A latimes.com article reported on May 8, 2009 that a former bakery handyman has confessed to fatally shooting a writer who was writing about the bakery’s financial troubles in addition to also killing another man just a few weeks earlier. Devaughndre Broussard, 21, entered his admission to two counts of voluntary manslaughter in California as part of an arrangement with prosecutors. Broussard confessed to killing Oakland Post editor Chauncey Bailey and another man.

Family members of Baily, sat present in Alameda County Superior Court, as Broussard told Superior Court Judge Morris Jacobson that he was guilty of manslaughter in Bailey’s death.

The agreement worked with prosecutors requires that Broussard be sentenced to 25 years in prison in exchange for his declaration against two other bakery employees. Broussard has testified in front of a grand jury that Yusuf Bey IV, leader of the now non-operational Your Black Muslim Bakery, ordered the hit on Bailey and Roberson. The confession stated that Antoine Mackey, bakery associate, was the getaway driver. Both will be in court to enter their pleas to murder charges.

According to Broussard Big financial rewards were promised to him for carrying out the shootings.

Aundra Dixon, 42, said, “I felt he was being responsible. He was taking responsibility for what he had done.”

An institution in Oakland’s black community for more than 40 years, Your Black Muslim Bakery, has operated a bakery, school, and provided security. Recently bakery associates including Bey, have been blamed for several crimes, including a string of vandalism on liquor stores in 2005 and the kidnapping and torture of two women in 2007.

Homicide charges in California are considered the most severe and can carry heavy jail time along with fees. Do not attempt to fight these charges on your own. The law offices of Lawrence Wolf have been helping their clients accused of violent crimes for over 30 years. If you are being charged with a violent crime in Los Angeles, the skilled Los Angeles violent crime defense lawyers at the law offices of Lawrence Wolf will fight for your rights. Please call [number type=”1″] for a free consultation.

Three Strike Offenders Helped By Stanford Law Students

The website latimes.com reported in a story on May 13, 2009 that a group of students from Stanford University assisted by their professors are helping 3rd strike offenders get out of prison early. The students aim their efforts at mostly non-violent inmates where their third strike was a minor offense. Inmate Norman Williams, 45 had not received a visitor for nearly 10 years when he got a visit from two Stanford students and a professor offering a chance of freedom. Williams’ third strike crime was stealing tools and a car jack from a tow truck.

Sitting in Folsom state prison, the trio told Williams that they believed his sentence was cruelly harsh. Acknowledging that it was a long shot, they wanted to try to reduce his punishment. As a result of their efforts, he walked out of prison two weeks ago.

William’s case is just one of many victories for the Stanford law clinic that brings together law students who are dedicated to reversing the injustices under the three-strike law.

Stanford law students are supporting prisoners guilty of what they believe are minor crimes, which raises the question of how much prison time is too much. The students are working to make right what they believe is an accumulation of extremely unfair sentences for minor crimes and possibly bring about changes to the law regarding three strike crimes in California.

Jennifer Robinson, a recent graduate, said, “These people fall between the cracks. It’s an awful situation that I don’t think that the voters envisioned.”

It seems unbelievable that you could spend 25 years to life in prison for stealing a loaf of bread, but it’s true. California’s controversial “three strike law,” passed in 1994, is very complex and difficult to interpret but, simply stated, it means that you may be sentenced to serve a minimum of 25 years in prison and a maximum of life if:

You have previously been convicted for committing 2 serious felonies (strikes); and
If you are convicted for committing a third offense (possibly a misdemeanor)

If you or a loved one is being charged with a third strike crime in Los Angeles you should call the experienced Los Angeles three strike defense attorneys at the law offices of Lawrence Wolf. They have been helping individuals for over 30 years and have a long history of successfully handling the defense of clients charged with crimes in California. Please call [number type=”1″] for a free consultation.

Lawrence Wolf’s “A Brush With the Law” Series Displayed

Los Angeles criminal defense attorney, Lawrence Wolf, has devoted his life to almost 30 years of building his legal skills. A new passion being revealed in the last two years, starting this week, the opening of Teale Street Sculpture Studio Gallery will be displaying Mr. Wolf’s past and current abstract artwork Monday through Thursday at 9:30am to 2:30pm.

Not only does Lawrence Wolf work hard to help those who have been accused of a criminal offense find alternative sentencing such as house arrest or diversionary programs, but his talent to combine his passion for law with his love for artistic expression is demonstrated in his works’ vibrant colors and bold texture. In the world of law and criminal defense, you have to look at things in a new way, which is a philosophy reflected in Mr. Wolf’s “A Brush With the Law” series.

Sharing his appreciation of art by creating original work has become an outlet for Mr. Wolf as he works to find new solutions and alternatives to problems both in the courtroom and in painting.

To learn more about Mr. Wolf’s artwork and the gallery showing, please visitwww.abrushwiththelaw.com.

Corona Homicide of 2 Month Old and 6 Year Old

The latimes.com website reported in a story on May 10, 2009 that a Corona man Amado Esqueda, 39 was arrested for murdering his daughters; a 2 month old and a 6 year old. Esqueda also assaulted his wife, seriously injuring her. According to police reports, Esqueda attacked the family in their home at the 700 block of Via Paraiso. When police and emergency personnel arrived they tried desperately to save the girls, but were unsuccessful and the children were pronounced dead soon after arriving at Corona Regional Medical Center. Irene Gonzalez, the 33 year old mother, was listed in serious condition.

Esqueda suffered stab wounds and was in listed in stable condition at Riverside County Regional Medical Center. Jerry Pawluczenko reported that Esqueda was charged withhomicide in Riverside.

Neighbor, Gregg Bernhard, 42, lives two doors down in the normally quiet neighborhood said that about 2:30 a.m. he was awoken by a women screaming. Bernhard said, “It went on for 10 minutes, off and on. It was bad, I couldn’t sleep. I didn’t know it was so close.”

Bernhard said he had never heard of any violent crimes happening on his tree lined street of Mediterranean style homes. Many neighbors also reported that the Esqueda family would have backyard barbecues and never showed any signs of trouble.

Family disputes affect everyone involved, especially when a violent crime occurs. Homicide is a serious offense that carries the most severe punishment the law can enforce on an individual. If you are being accused of homicide in California, the skilled Riverside criminal defense attorneys at the Law Office’s of Lawrence Wolf can help you fight for your freedom. They have been helping their clients accused of violent crimes for over 30 years and have extensive knowledge of the law and court system. Please call [number type=”1″] for a free consultation.

San Bernardino County Murder of 2 Year Old: Police Arrest Mother and Boyfriend

A latimes.com website account from May 11, 2009 reported that Belinda Magana, 23 and Naresh Narine, 36 were detained by Corona police after authorities found the missing 2 year old toddler’s body in San Bernardino County. The boy’s mother had reported that the toddler had been abducted. She was then was arrested, suspected of having a connection with the death of the boy. Rene Tarkington, Corona police spokeswoman, reported that the mother was booked on suspicion of child abuse and being an accessory to murder in San Bernardino. Narine, the boyfriend, was booked on suspicion of murder, torture and child abuse causing injury or death.

The boy was last seen on Sunday evening while attending a family gathering in Celebration of Mother’s Day at Lincoln Park in Corona. Immediately after the boy was reported missing, neighborhood fliers, and air and ground searches came up with nothing. Investigators then turned their attention to the mother and the boyfriend.

Mark Johnson, Corona Police Lt., said, “Early on in the investigation, things weren’t adding up.” The toddler’s body was found about 35 miles north buried in the Lytle Creek area.

It is an unfortunate reality that tragic crimes occur around us at all times. If you or a loved one has been accused of any type of violent crime, you still have rights and need the help of a top San Bernardino criminal defense lawyer. At the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf, we have successfully helped our clients for 30 years. Please call [number type=”1″]for a free consultation.

Huntington Beach Bank Robber Arrested

The website hbindependent.com reported in a story on May 15, 2009 that an Orange County homeless man was arrested just a block from Comerica Bank with bags full of cash. Patrick Murphy, 53 was found with approximately $20,000 in cash just one hour after the robbery of the Huntington Beach Bank. Police stated that Murphy is a well known transient in that Orange County area.

According to police reports, Murphy walked into the Comerica Bank at 17011 Beach Blvd sometime after 1:00 p.m. Two minutes later police were alerted of the robbery by an alarm in the bank. Murphy verbally asked for money from a bank teller.

Fitting the robber’s description, Murphy was located one block away in front of the Howard Johnson hotel on Beach Boulevard. Police report that he later admitted to the robbery. Police do not have any other signs that Murphy was involved in other robberies. Murphy was booked at the Huntington Beach Police Department City Jail.

Lt. Russell Reihnart said, “When he was arrested, he was armed with a pocketknife in his jacket pocket.”

There are a variety of different theft crimes in California, which carry serious legal repercussions. Listed are just a few theft related crimes that may result in harsh punishments, if convicted: identity theft, petty theft, grand theft, and burglary.

California theft and robbery charges can be serious offenses that carry heavy fines and heavy jail sentences. If you have been arrested for committing a theft crime in California, you need the immediate assistance and representation of an experienced Orange County theft defense attorney at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf. Our experienced Orange County, California criminal defense lawyers have over 30 years of experience defending the rights of clients who have been accused of a variety of criminal charges. If you are facing theft crime charges, please contact the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf at [number type=”1″] for a free consultation.

Fountain Valley Attempted Murder Charges

The website hbindependent.com reported in an account on April 9, 2009 that Fountain Valley police were able to make Mary Katheryn Sharpski, 46 confess during a police interview to conspiracy in a plot to murder her husband with a machete. Mary Sharpski’s lover and tenant, Michael Calvin Shores II, 39, and Antonio Cinco Ortega, 23, of Santa Ana are also being charged with plotting to kill Frank Sharpski.

According to authorities, Mary Sharpski revealed her husband’s daily routes and offered to pay Ortega, who owns a personal knife collection, for the murder. Ortega was employed as a meat clerk at Stater Bros. in Huntington Beach.

Prosecutors stated that Shores was a tenant in the Sharpski’s home for a year, and both he and Mary Sharpski intended to live together with her three children “as a family”, after her husband had been eliminated.

The attack took place in March, 2008 when Ortega attacked Frank Sharpski outside his apartment in the 17300 block of Euclid Street. Ortega sliced him with a machete and is accused of “fracturing the victim’s skull, severing a thumb and fingers, partly severing his nose, causing several machete wounds, and leaving him to die.”

Authorities allege that Ortega left forensic evidence at the scene of the crime, which assisted officers with their investigation. All three cohorts are charged with attempted murder,conspiracy to commit a crime and mayhem, including a sentencing enhancement for great bodily injury; and an additional enhancement for the personal use of a deadly weapon for Ortega.

There are various types of homicide, which carry with them different penalties and consequences. For over 30 years, the Los Angeles violent crime defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf have been successfully defending the rights of clients accused of various felony and misdemeanor violent crimes. In the State of California, all violent crimes are severely punished. If you have been arrested for or charged with committing a violent crime in California, you should contact an experienced California criminal defense attorney at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf. They have established relationships with Judges and District Attorneys in Los Angeles, Orange, Sacramento and Ventura Counties. Please call [number type=”1″] for free consultation.

Tracy, CA Murder of 8 Year Old

The website abcnews.com reported in a story on April 12, 2009 that Melissa Huckaby, 28, a Sunday school teacher, had been arrested for the California murder of Sandra Cantu, an 8 year old girl from Tracy, California. Cantu was a playmate of Huckaby’s daughter. Cantu’s body was found inside a suitcase in a dairy farm pond. Authorities arrested Huckaby after she admitted to police that she owned the suitcase in which Cantu’s body was found.

Tony Sheneman of the Tracy police department said, “I couldn’t begin to even theorize what her motive is. The outcome is is beyond explanation.”

Cantu’s mother Maria Chavez, 41 asked her sister Angie Chavez, “How could another mother do this to another child?”

Huckaby gave an interview to the Tracy Press, and stated that she did own a large, black, rolling suitcase but it had been stolen that day Cantu disappeared.

Sheneman stated that Huckaby was questioned and was first “calm, cool, and collected,” then “became very emotional, then was calm again and then became resigned to what was happening.” Police did not disclose how Cantu was killed.

Mary Jones, who claimed to have known Huckaby since she was a little girl and in disbelief of the charges said, “That would shock me greatly, if it were true. That’s not the Melissa I know. It doesn’t fit in with her or the family at all. The family is basically Baptist, totally churchgoing folks.”

All violent crimes in California are severely punished. In fact, recent U.S. laws have been passed that will increase the mandatory minimum sentences that will apply to people who are convicted of committing certain violent crimes. If you have been arrested for carrying out a violent crime in Los Angeles you may be looking at a prison term of 25 years to life. Do not fight these charges on your own. Please call a skilled Los Angeles violent crime defense attorney at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf at [number type=”1″] for a free consultation.

Lawrence Wolf’s Second Appearance on KRLA 870AM

Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney, Lawrence Wolf, Esq. will be a special guest for the second time on Los Angeles radio station KRLA 870AM this Saturday, June 13 2009 at midnight.

Lawrence Wolf will be a part of the show “Uncuff Me” sharing his vast knowledge and experience of criminal law to discuss topics relating to adolescence, tough love, and drug addiction.

With over 30 years of experience as a criminal defense lawyer in California, Lawrence Wolf and his associates have worked to develop alternative forms of sentencing such as divisionary programs and house arrest. He is recognized for his authority in California juvenile defense, drunk driving defense, and addiction-related offenses. Lawrence Wolf’s experience is unique in that he has both prosecuted and defended thousands of adults and juveniles charged with every type of felony and misdemeanor crime, giving him a vast understanding of the law.

For more information on Lawrence Wolf and his wide-ranging experience as a top California criminal defense lawyer, visit his website at www.youareinnocent.com today.