Showing posts with label phoenix population. Show all posts
Showing posts with label phoenix population. Show all posts

Friday, October 30, 2009

“Wig Bandit” Bank Robbers Sentenced to 18 and 20 Years in Federal Prison

Two of the so-called “Wig Bandits,” bank robbers who donned wigs during the commission of armed bank robberies, have been sentenced to federal prison by U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell. Andrei Ulisses Chavez, 25, and Francisco Javier Serrano, 23, both Mexican citizens living in Phoenix, each pleaded guilty in June 2009, to one count of Armed Bank Robbery and one count of Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence.

Serrano was sentenced yesterday to 20 years in federal prison. Chavez was sentenced in September 2009 to 18 years in federal prison. Four co-defendants are pending sentencing after pleading guilty for each of their roles in the robberies. A final co-defendant is pending trial.

“I applaud the continued success of federal and local law enforcement agencies in bringing bank robbers to justice,” stated U.S. Attorney Dennis K. Burke. “These sentences reflect the violent nature of this type of crime.”

“These sentences illustrate the cooperative efforts of our law enforcement partners and the FBI,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Nathan T. Gray, Phoenix Division. “The Glendale and Phoenix Police Departments were instrumental in the investigation of the ‘Wig Bandits.’ When you reduce the number of violent takeover type bank robbers, it makes our communities safer. We remain committed to reducing the number of robberies in the Valley by working with our prosecuting partners at the County and Federal levels.”

In addition to the co-defendants who are pending sentencing, one additional co-defendant is pending trial. Julio Cesar Feliciano, Jr., 45, of Phoenix, is charged with five armed bank robberies involving multiple firearms and is set for trial beginning November 10, 2009, before Judge Campbell. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Glendale, Phoenix, and Avondale Police Departments. The prosecution is being handled by Alison S. Bachus and Dimitra H. Sampson, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

CASE NUMBER: CR-08-932-PHX-DGC

RELEASE NUMBER: 2009-338(Chavez & Serrano)

Source: FBI Phoenix Office

Thursday, October 29, 2009

planPHX - Big Question #2‏

IMAGINE PHOENIX IN 2050. WHAT DO YOU SEE?

Go to www.phoenix.gov/planphx
and go to Events to find a Visioning Workshop during the month of November.

The Phoenix Central Neighborhood Association participates in the Encanto Village group.

Source: City of Phoenix Planning Department

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Man Accused of Sexual Assault During Harboring Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison‏

Feliciano Rojas-Vivar, aka Ruben Lopez-Lopez, 53, of Pueblas, Mexico, was sentenced on October 23, 2009, by U.S. District Judge Frederick J. Martone to 15 years in federal prison. Rojas-Vivar pleaded guilty to three counts of Harboring Illegal Aliens for Profit at his Phoenix residence in 2007. His step-son, Juan Daniel Rojas-Perez, 30, also of Pueblas, Mexico, was sentenced on March 23, 2009, by Judge Martone to 46 months in prison. He pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Harbor Aliens.

In November 2007, Rojas-Vivar and Rojas-Perez worked together to harbor illegal aliens at a house owned by Rojas-Vivar. One of the aliens held at the residence was a juvenile female and at sentencing, Judge Martone found that there was credible evidence that Rojas-Vivar sexually assaulted her during the harboring. His step-son was not involved with the sexual assault. Both men had lived in the U.S. for an extended period of time and Rojas-Vivar had a history of alien smuggling. During sentencing, the judge stated that Rojas-Vivar had imposed a “reign of terror” on the juvenile victim and that his extreme conduct was unusually degrading.

The investigation in this case was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with assistance provided by the Phoenix Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Lisa Jennis Settel, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

CASE NUMBER: CR-07-1388-PHX-FJM

RELEASE NUMBER: 2009-335(Rojas-Vivar)

Source: FBI Phoenix Office

FBI Task Force Arrests Serial Bank Robber Based on Tip to Scottsdale Police‏

FBI agents and Scottsdale police officers arrested Michael Yanni, 26, of Phoenix, today for allegedly robbing eight banks in a 12-month time period in 2006 and 2007. Yanni was charged by a criminal complaint and made his initial appearance in federal court at 3:00 p.m. today. He will be detained pending a detention hearing set for Thursday, October 29th at 1:30 p.m.

According to the criminal complaint, an anonymous caller left a message for the Scottsdale Police Department on their TIP line in December 2008. Based on details provided by the caller, the Task Force investigated the case for 10 months. They located and spoke with victim tellers and witnesses, and showed them lineups to see if they could identify Yanni as the bank robber. Yanni, formerly of Scottsdale, was identified in all eight banks. Today, the Task Force located Yanni and arrested him without incident at his residence in Phoenix.

The complaint alleges that Yanni committed eight bank robberies in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Carefree and Marana, Ariz., between June 13, 2006, and June 29, 2007. He typically wore a bandana and mirrored aviator sunglasses. Also according to the complaint, after asking the victim tellers for money, he frequently asked them to “do it quietly.”

“The Violent Crime/Bank Robbery Task Force has been extremely successful in bringing bank robbers to justice,” stated U.S. Attorney Dennis K. Burke. “When federal, state, and local law enforcement create and maintain partnerships to target specific crime, and the residents of Arizona also provide information, the result is safer communities.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Nathan T. Gray, Phoenix Division, stated that, “The arrest of Michael Yanni by the FBI’s Bank Robbery Task Force is another fine example of the commitment and professionalism of task force members who represent their respective law enforcement agencies. Our law enforcement partners have been instrumental in the effectiveness of the bank robbery task force in its efforts to reduce bank robberies in the Valley. In addition, we are grateful to the public for its willingness to get involved and assist the law enforcement community.”

After countless hours of investigation leading to the arrest of Yanni, Scottsdale Police Chief Alan Rodbell stated, “The entire investigation is like a puzzle with many pieces. When we are looking for that final piece that a member of our community is holding, we greatly appreciate their cooperation in partnering with us. This case is a prime example of how the public can partner with us to remove a criminal from our streets.”

There have been 183 bank robberies in the Phoenix metropolitan area since January 1, 2009. The Violent Crime/Bank Robbery Task Force has solved 121 to date.

A conviction for each count of Bank Robbery carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine or both. A criminal complaint is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The FBI has partnered with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, the Mesa Police Department, the Phoenix Police Department, the Scottsdale Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office to form the Violent Crime/Bank Robbery Task Force in order to investigate, arrest and seek prosecution of those responsible for robbing banks in the Valley. The prosecution in this case is being handled by Jennifer E. Green, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

CASE NUMBER: 09-550M

RELEASE NUMBER: 2009-336(Yanni)

Source: FBI Phoenix Office

Monday, October 19, 2009

The Hot Head Bandit – Wanted

Phoenix FBI Special Agent in Charge Nathan Thomas Gray announced today the FBI’s Bank Robbery Task Force, Phoenix Division is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying The Hot Head Bandit. He has allegedly robbed a total of five banks.

In today’s robbery an unknown male robbed the Wells Fargo Bank inside the Basha’s grocery store located at 5115 N. Dysart Road in Litchfield Park. The suspect approached the tellers, displayed a weapon and demanded money. Bank employees provided an undisclosed amount of money and the suspect exited the bank / grocery store on foot.

The unknown male is described as a White male, early to mid 50s, 5’6’’ – 5’8’, 150 – 200 lbs., dark t-shirt, shorts, dark sunglasses, and a baseball cap. In two of the robberies the unknown male wore a baseball cap with flames on it.

The following is a list of the other bank robberies:

US Bank, 8/17/2009, 440 N. Estrella Pkwy, Goodyear
M&I Bank, 8/20/2009, 19828 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix
National Bank of Arizona,9/18/2009, 20428 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix
US Bank, 9/29/2009, 4811 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix


Bank employees and customers are asked to be on the look out for The Hot Head Bandit.

Please, contact the FBI Phoenix Office at (602) 279-5511 or Silent Witness at 480-Witness with any information about The Hot Head Bandit and/or the bank robberies.

Source: F.B.I. Phoenix Office

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Unknown Bank Robber Wanted

The FBI Bank Robbery Task Force is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying an unknown bank robber. On Tuesday, October 6, 2009, an unknown male entered the Wells Fargo Bank inside the Basha’s grocery store located at 5115 N. Dysart Road, Litchfield Park. He approached the teller window and presented a demand note containing a threatening message. The victim teller provided an undisclosed amount of money and he exited the bank on foot. No vehicle was seen.

The unknown male is described as a Middle Eastern male, 23 – 35 years, 5’5” to 5’6”, 160 lbs., beard, yellow or beige pageboy hat, light colored collared shirt, brown long sleeve pullover sweater with a Knight’s cross design on the front.

Please contact the FBI Phoenix Division at (602) 279-5511 or 480-WITNESS, with any information about the identity of the unknown bank robber and/or information about the bank robbery.

Source: F.B.I. Phoenix Office

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Phoenix General Plan Update available for download

The Phoenix Central Neighborhood Association has requested the City of Phoenix Planning Department to make its presentation about the General Plan Update available online for download.

Click here to download a copy of this presentation.

FYI: It's a 4.6MB pdf.

Source: City of Phoenix

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Encanto Village Visioning Workshop

Encanto Village Visioning workshops begin on October 5th.

Activity 1 asks Big Question #1:

What do you value most about Phoenix and why?

Please tell us!

Click here for further details.

Source: City of Phoenix

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

The Western District of Texas has added several new fugitives

Name: AWOGBAMI, Olaniran
Offense(s): Sexual Assault, Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution
Point of Contact: Lone Star Fugitive Task Force (512) 916-5393

Name: AGUAYO, JUAN CARLOS
Offense(s): Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution
Point of Contact: Deputy U.S. Marshal Juan Blanco at (915) 534-6779

Name: AVILA-GARCIA, DANIEL
Offense(s): Bond Revocation
Point of Contact: CI DUSM K. Padilla at (915) 892-9814

Name: CABRALES, CESAR
Offense(s): Bond Revocation
Point of Contact: Deputy US Marshal David Ochoa at (915) 534-6779

Name: CALZADA, PETER
Offense(s): Bond Revocation
Point of Contact: DUSM Anthea Nevarez at (915) 534-6779

Name: CARDONA, RENE OLIVAS
Offense(s): Bond Violation
Point of Contact: CIDUSM Ellis at (915) 534-6018

Name: ENGLISH, MORRIS D. Jr.
Offense(s): Mail Fraud
Point of Contact: SDUSM Payan at (915) 534-6018

Name: ESCAJEDA, JOSE RODOLFO
Offense(s): Dangerous Drugs
Point of Contact: SDUSM Payan at (915) 534-6018

Name: JAIMEZ-HERNANDEZ, Vicente
Offense(s): Escape. Original Charge: Armed Carjacking
Point of Contact: 1 (877) WANTED2

Name: MORALES, Jose
Offense(s): Violation of Texas Civil Commitment Statutes. Original Charge: Aggravated Sexual Assault (2 Counts). Sexually Violent Predator - Extremely Dangerous.
Point of Contact: (254) 750-1570 or (210) 472-6540

Name: MUNOZ, DAVID
Offense(s): Escape from Correctional Institute La Tuna
Point of Contact: SDUSM Payan at (915) 534-6018

Name: PALACIOS, Stephen Jr. $$ REWARD $$
Offense(s): Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution, Kidnapping
Point of Contact: (830) 703-2075

Name: ROMAN-MARTINEZ, Israel
Offense(s): First Degree Murder
Point of Contact: Lone Star Fugitive Task Force at (512) 916-5393

Name: VILLAREAL, BRISA DENISE
Offense(s): Escape/Marijuana Smuggling
Point of Contact: SDUSM Payan at (915) 534-6018

Source: U.S. Marshals

Thursday, November 13, 2008

New Fugitive Added: Darryl TAYLOR‏

Darryl Taylor is wanted for violations of his Federal Probation. Anyone with information concerning the location of Taylor should call the Middle Louisiana Fugitive Task Force at 225-389-0360. A cash reward may be available for the ARREST of this fugitive.

Source: U.S. Marshals

New Fugitive Added: Cornelius EWING‏

Cornelius Ewing is wanted for violations of his Federal Probation. Anyone with information concerning the location of Ewing should call the Middle Louisiana Fugitive Task Force at 225-389-0360. A cash reward may be available for the ARREST of this fugitive.

Source: U.S. Marshals

New Fugitive Added: Kathlen VICTORIAN‏

Kathlen Victorian is wanted for Federal firearms violations and is a convicted sexual offender. Victorian may be in the New Roads area or elsewhere in Pointe Coupee Parish. Anyone with information concerning the location of Victorian should call the Middle Louisiana Fugitive Task Force at 225-389-0360. A cash reward may be available for the ARREST of this fugitive.

Source: U.S. Marshals

New Fugitive Added: Kelvin DANCY‏

Kelvin Dancy is wanted for violations of his Federal Probation. He also uses the dates of birth of May 6 and May 17, 1981. Anyone with information concerning the location of Dancy should call the Middle Louisiana Fugitive Task Force at 225-389-0360. A cash reward may be available for the ARREST of this fugitive.

Source: U.S. Marshals

New Fugitive Added: Ron Christopher CAGE

Ron C. Cage is wanted for violations of his Federal Probation. Cage has a long criminal history and should be considered dangerous. Anyone with information concerning his location should call the Middle Louisiana Fugitive Task Force at 225-389-0360. A cash reward may be available for information leading to the ARREST of this fugitive.

Source: U.S. Marshals

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

New Fugitive Added: Ismael BALTAZAR-FLORES‏

BALTAZAR-FLORES is wanted by the Milwaukee Police Department for First Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety While Armed. He was with Homicide fugitive ALDO FLORES-LOPEZ when he shot and killed two rival gang members outside of a bar in Milwaukee, on 07-17-2004, and drove him away from the scene. BALTAZAR-FLORES is a Brown Pride gang member. He is also wanted for Unlawful Flight To Avoid Prosecution. He may be avoiding apprehension in Mexico.

Contact Randy Smith at 414-221-6743.

Source: U.S. Marshals

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

New 15 Most Wanted Fugitive: Johnny Mack BROWN

In 1997, BROWN shot an armored car guard three times during a robbery near Athens, Georgia.

He was subsequently apprehended, convicted and sentenced to life in prison plus 70 years. In 1998, BROWN escaped and committed more crimes in three states, including beating an 84 year-old man whose home he had burglarized. On October 13, 2008, BROWN and fellow prisoner Michael TWEEDEL escaped from the state prison in Chatooga County, Georgia. Again, BROWN allegedly broke into a home, kidnapped a woman and forced her to drive him to a location near Athens, GA.

BROWN is a career criminal with a history of violence. He has demonstrated that he is willing to use deadly force against innocent victims to accomplish his crimes and remain at large. He should be considered extremely dangerous.

REWARD: A reward of up to $25,000 is offered for information leading directly to BROWN’s arrest.

NOTICE: Before arrest, verify warrant through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). If subject is arrested or whereabouts known, contact the nearest U.S. Marshals Service office or call the U.S. Marshals Service Communications center at 1-800-336-0102.


Source: US Marshals

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Super Bowl Threats - Tempe Man Sentenced

TEMPE MAN SENTENCED TO 1 YEAR IN FEDERAL PRISON
ON CHARGES RELATED TO SUPER BOWL THREATS

Kurt William Havelock, 36, of Tempe, Ariz. was sentenced on October 27, 2008 to one year and one day in federal prison, plus three years of supervised release, by U.S. District Judge Roslyn O. Silver. Havelock was found guilty in June 2008 of six counts of Mailing Threatening Communications in connection with an investigation into his threats to injure people in the vicinity of Super Bowl XLII in February 2008.

Havelock mailed threatening letters to various media outlets including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Phoenix New Times, containing threats to kill people in the vicinity of Super Bowl XLII played in Glendale, Ariz. The threatening letters were mailed from a Post Office in Glendale but were intercepted by law enforcement prior to reaching the intended recipients.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Tempe Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Michael T. Morrissey, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.


Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (Phoenix Office)

Monday, October 27, 2008

New Fugitive Added: Anthony THOMAS

Anthony Thomas is Wanted by the U.S. Marshals for Possession of Child Pornography.

Thomas fled Lafayette, LA on 10/17/2008.

If you have any information that may lead to Thomas's location please call:

U.S. Marshals Deputy Corey Britt
Lafayette, Louisiana
337-262-6666 (Main)
337-262-6792 (Direct)

Source: US Marshals

Tell Corey you read about this on the Phoenix Central Neighborhood Association's Crime Blog.

Team Up to Hunt Down Two Escapees

U.S. Marshals and the Georgia Department of Corrections Team Up to Hunt Down Two Escapees

On October 13, 2008 inmates Johnny Mack Brown (52) and Michael Tweedel (48) escaped from Hays State Prison in Trion, GA by scaling the perimeter fence. Johnny Mack Brown was serving a life plus 70 year sentence and Michael Tweedel was serving a 20 year sentence. Investigators believe that Brown and Tweedel are currently still in the area but may attempt to flee the country via either the Canadian or Mexican boarders.

Source: US Marshals

Friday, October 24, 2008

Chase Bank Letters‏

On Wednesday, October 22, 2008, United States Postal Inspection Service, FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, Phoenix Police Department, Department of Public Safety, Mesa Police Department, Gilbert Police Department, and Hazard Materials Response Teams from Phoenix, Mesa, and Glendale responded to nine Chase Banks involving a series of threat letters containing a powder substance. In addition, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health assisted in this matter.

This multi-agency response was coordinated through the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center. The powder substance was collected and sent to the Arizona Bio-Terrorism Laboratory at the Arizona Department of Health Services. Lab results were negative for hazardous materials.

The Arizona investigation is a part of a nationwide effort to identify the person or persons responsible for these letters being sent to financial institutions throughout the United States. Sending even a hoax letter is a serious crime. If you have information about any of these incidents, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALLFBI or the United States Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455. As this is an ongoing matter, we cannot discuss any further details.

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (Phoenix Office)