Recent Blog Posts

3 arrested in suspected welfare fraud tied to Pasadena liquor store

Editor — Fri, 11 May 2012 20:15:00 GMT

The owner of a Pasadena liquor store and two clerks have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit welfare fraud after a joint investigation involving local and federal authorities.

The Pasadena Police Department, in conjunction with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, served search warrants at five locations in Pasadena, Burbank and Glendale earlier this week.

The investigation into Sunshine Liquor, at 3360 E. Colorado Blvd., started in 2011 after local authorities received complaints about possible welfare fraud.

George Kerio, 38, of Glendale is the owner of Sunshine Liquor, according to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control website. Kerio was arrested, as were Nassib Shankour, 43, and Daniel Bonilla, 29, both of Pasadena. The business has been cited in the past for selling alcohol to a minor and was forced to close for 15 days and pay a $3,000 fine.

Nine weapons and about $300,000 in cash were seized when the search warrants were served, according to a statement released by the Pasadena Police Department. Police are also seeking a fourth suspect.

If you have been charged with fraud in the Los Angeles area, your best option is to hire an attorney who understands how to use restitution as a trade off for jail time or other serious penalties. Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Robert Helfend has been practicing law since 1984, and in his experience, prosecutors are aware that throwing an employed head of a family in jail for a nonviolent crime such as internet fraud or forgery is not in the best interest of society. His objective is always to push for a payment plan that meets everyone's needs, and keeps you out of jail. If you've been wrongfully accused of fraud, he will fight to the end to seek a dismissal of all charges against you. With more than 20 years of experience and the resources to properly handle your case, he will fight for your rights. Contact his law office today.

Stevie Wonder's nephew, woman charged in extortion plot

Editor — Fri, 11 May 2012 20:10:00 GMT

Stevie Wonder's nephew and a woman have been charged in an extortion plot against the legendary singer, the Los Angeles County district attorney's office said Friday.

Alpha Lorenzo Walker, 38, and Tamara Eileen Diaz, 38, are charged with felony extortion of money and other property from Wonder by "means of force and threat." Walker is Wonder's nephew.

The pair were arrested May 2 after an investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department's elite Robbery Homicide Division. Sources familiar with the probe say the officers were among the people the couple thought were representing the singer.

Walker is a contractor and was arrested at 3 p.m. May 2 at 2049 Century Park East. He was also being held on a probation violation but no details were available.

The couple were arrested after allegedly threatening to reveal embarrassing information about Wonder unless he paid them a significant sum of money.

Immediately contacting a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer is likely the most important thing you can do if you have been arrested for or charged with robbery or armed robbery. These are felony offenses that may land you in prison for life if you are convicted, depending on the circumstances of the offense.

Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Robert Helfend has over 20 years of experience and will work tirelessly to build an aggressive defense on your behalf. Contact his law office today for your best chance at a favorable outcome.

L.A. businesses accused of practicing medicine without a license

Editor — Thu, 10 May 2012 19:45:00 GMT

Several business owners in Westlake and East Hollywood have been charged with practicing medicine without a license after two victims became sick and had to be hospitalized.

The Los Angeles city attorney’s office began an undercover investigation of Excellent Nutrition, J&R Beauty Supply earlier this year soon after a woman and her son visited the business complaining of flu-like symptoms.

The woman was prescribed an injection made up of a mix of penicillin and eucalyptus extract by a man identified as Miguel Juarez. The mother immediately suffered an allergic reaction; she was trembling and had trouble breathing.

Rather than call an ambulance, a woman at the business identified as Rosaura Juarez rushed her to the hospital. A week later, the son was admitted after vomiting and suffering chronic stomach pain.

Following an undercover investigation, officers with the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and other agencies obtained arrest warrants and seized hundreds of drugs, including controlled substances, and a large amount of cash from the businesses, including: Excellent Nutrition, J&R Beauty Supply in Westlake, Vitamin Zone in Westlake and Good Nutrition in East Hollywood.

Nine people have been charged with illegally selling dangerous drugs and praticing medicine without a license. Each violation carries a maxium sentence of one year in jail and a fine of $5,000 to $10,000.

If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges, the most important thing you can do is hire a criminal defense lawyer. Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Robert Helfend has been practicing law since 1984 and will build an aggressive defense on your behalf. Contact his law office today.

Suspected DUI crash in Sherman Oaks sets truck ablaze

Editor — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:50:00 GMT

A fiery crash in Sherman Oaks that took down a light pole and high-voltage power lines ended in the arrest of a truck driver on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Authorities say the woman crashed on Ventura Boulevard near Lankershim Boulevard about 11:40 p.m. Wednesday, and her small, black truck caught fire.

Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Matt Spence posted on the department's website that a second vehicle was involved in the crash; that driver suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

LAPD Officer Rosario Herrera said the truck's driver was arrested and booked on suspicion of DUI.

One witness, Oscar Megana, rushed to the scene and helped the woman out of her burning truck. He didn't see the accident, he just heard and I saw a flash, and ran over there and she was already trying to get out.

He added that at one point, the woman actually tried to get back into her vehicle.

She was in shock, but when it started to burst into flames, she ran back.

If you or someone you know is facing DUI charges, the most important thing you can do is hire a criminal defense lawyer. Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Robert Helfend has over 20 years of experience and could be the difference between you and significant jail time. Contact his law office today for a free initial consultation.

Van Nuys 'pill mill' allegedly selling illegal Oxycontin shut down

Editor — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:30:00 GMT

Authorities have shut down a Van Nuys medical clinic they say was operating as an illegal “pill mill,” where drug addicts and dealers could buy prescriptions.

It was a return visit Wednesday for law enforcement, which last year closed a similar operation at the same address in the 8100 block of Van Nuys Boulevard.

The business reopened with different doctors, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which raided the Roscoe Van Nuys Medical Clinic with federal and state investigators.

They found approximately 70 patients and arrested Aida Hawatmeh of Northridge, the operation’s manager, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a felony and conspiracy to furnish unlawful prescriptions.

The Sheriff’s Department said several clinic employees, including doctors, are under investigation in the case.

At pill mills, addicts and dealers pay cash, often $250, for prescriptions to Oxycontin/Oxycodone without receiving medical exams.

The drug laws in the U.S. are extremely harsh. Whatever drug crime charges you are facing, you need experienced legal counsel. Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Robert Helfend can provide tough, uncompromising defense against drug offenses such as possession, distribution, sale and trafficking of controlled substances, including the following drugs: heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine, and prescription drugs such as narcotics, barbiturates, and stimulants.

If you or someone you know is facing drug charges, contact the law office of Robert Helfend today.

Deputies to round up DUI suspects with outstanding warrants

Editor — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:25:00 GMT

Palmdale motorists with outstanding warrants for driving under the influence of alcohol had better beware because deputies are coming after you.

On Wednesday, teams of Palmdale sheriff’s personnel will fan out into neighborhoods in search of high- risk DUI offenders with outstanding arrest warrants. Deputies will be serving these warrants and arresting those who either failed to show up for a court date or violated the terms of their probation in an outstanding DUI case.

There are hundreds of Palmdale residents with active DUI warrants in the system and that some of them held out the false hope that they can put it off for a long time and not have to deal with it.

Those caught could face additional jail time for failing to appear in court or for violating probation. They also risk personal embarrassment if they end up being led away in handcuffs in front of family, friends and co-workers.

Palmdale sheriff’s officials said the action was part of the station’s commitment to reducing deaths and injuries on the road by removing impaired drivers and increasing awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

If you or someone you know is facing DUI charges in Los Angeles, the most important thing you can do is hire a criminal defense lawyer. Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Robert Helfend has over 20 years of experience and will fight for your rights. Contact his law office today for a free initial consultation.

Las Vegas man who smuggled iguana meat sentenced

Editor — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 01:30:00 GMT

A 38-year-old Las Vegas man was sentenced Thursday to two years in federal prison after admitting that he tried to smuggle 159 pounds of iguana meat from Mexico into the U.S.

Eliodoro Soria Fonseca admitted in San Diego federal court that he intentionally concealed the iguana meat inside several coolers because he lacked the necessary import permits from the U.S. or Mexican governments. The meat was to be sold for human consumption.

Importation of iguana meat is permitted but only under restrictions meant to keep from depleting certain populations of the lizard. The iguana is listed as imperiled but not yet endangered, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The iguanas had been beheaded, skinned and deboned and hidden under several pounds of fish, according to court documents.

Fonseca admitted that the iguanas came from the Nyarit area of Mexico. A wildlife expert told the court that removing more than 100 iguanas from the region could wipe out the local population.

Iguana meat also often carries salmonella, officials said. Fonseca was arrested attempting to cross the border at Otay Mesa on June 10, 2011.

If you or someone you know is facing a federal crime in Los Angeles, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can help. Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Robert Helfend has been practicing law since 1984. Contact his law office today for your best chance at a favorable outcome.

Three suspected drug smugglers arrested off Malibu

Editor — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:11:00 GMT

Three suspected drug smugglers have been arrested in a panga boat off Malibu following a brief ocean chase.

Lifeguards notified sheriff's deputies around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday that there was a suspicious boat about 50 feet off Latigo Beach.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security was contacted and a Coast Guard vessel intercepted the panga boat about two miles out to sea, officials said. Three men were taken into custody.

Officials believe the suspects and the boat came from Mexico. Investigators have not confirmed exactly what was found on the boat, which was towed into Marina del Rey late Tuesday night.

Investigators say panga boats are being used increasingly to smuggle people and drugs into the U.S. from Mexico. About a month ago, more than a dozen illegal immigrants were arrested after their panga boat was spotted off El Segundo.

The drug laws in the U.S. are extremely harsh. Whatever you have been arrested for, you need experienced legal counsel. Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Robert Helfend has been practicing law since 1984 and can provide tough, uncompromising defense against drug offenses such as possession, distribution, sale and trafficking of controlled substances, including the following drugs: heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine, and prescription drugs such as narcotics, barbiturates, and stimulants.

If you are facing drug crime charges, contact the law office of Robert Helfend today for a free initial consultation.

'Teardrop' rapist strikes again after lengthy break

Editor — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 18:48:00 GMT

For nine years the "teardrop" rapist was one of Los Angeles' most prolific serial predators, preying on girls or women walking alone in the early-morning hours. He would force them into a secluded area at the point of a gun or knife before raping or sexually assaulting them.

There were 27 reported rapes or attempted assaults between 1996 and 2005. Then the crimes seemed to stop. But on Tuesday, police announced that DNA evidence indicates that the attacker is prowling the streets again. Last November, a 15-year-old girl walking to school early one morning in Southwest L.A. was pulled into a yard by a man brandishing a gun. He sexually assaulted her.

Eleven of the 28 victims were minors. From April 1996 to June 2003 he struck more than two dozen times. But after an LAPD news conference in 2003 that sought the public's help, no attacks were reported until 2005, when he struck once more in the Florence-Firestone area patrolled by the Sheriff's Department. The attack on the girl in November is the first new case since 2005.

Investigators said the assailant is described by some victims as having a teardrop tattoo under one or both of his eyes, but the teenage victim in November did not see the tattoo. Detectives said it was possible that he had the tattoo removed.

Murder is the most serious crime a person can commit. If you or someone you know is facing murder charges, the most important thing you can do is hire a criminal defense lawyer. Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Robert Helfend has over 20 years of experience and will fight for your rights. Contact his law office today for your best chance at a favorable outcome.

Burglary, freeway-chase suspects to face charges

Editor — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:25:00 GMT

Two men who allegedly burglarized a Glendale motorcycle shop and led police on a pursuit are expected to be arraigned Tuesday.

The men -- Enrique Beltran, 37, of Hawthorne and Carlos Luna, 28, of Inglewood -- were arrested Saturday morning after California Highway Patrol officers chased them on several freeways and eventually stopped them at the 105 Freeway and Hawthorne Boulevard. A third suspect inside the vehicle fled the area before authorities arrested the pair.

They allegedly stole approximately 50 motorcycle jackets and about five pairs of women's leather pants at 6:18 a.m. from the Pro-Italia Motorcycle shop.

Beltran was booked on suspicion of burglary, grand theft auto, evading police, possessing narcotics paraphernalia, grand theft and an outstanding warrant. Luna was booked on suspicion of burglary, grand theft and possessing methamphetamine.

Just because you were arrested for or charged with burglary, this does not mean that you should be convicted. An arrest does not equal guilt. With a Los Angeles burglary defense attorney to protect your legal rights to the fullest extent, you have the invaluable opportunity of effectively challenging your charges and avoiding a conviction. Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Robert Helfend has over 20 years of experience and will build a focused and aggressive defense strategy on your behalf. Contact his law office today to review your case.

Police officer arrested on suspicion of possessing child pornography

Editor — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 18:40:00 GMT

A nine-year veteran of the Long Beach Police Department has been arrested on suspicion of felony possession of child pornography after reportedly meeting a teenager while on patrol and soliciting explicit photographs of the youth through electronic messages.

Noe Yanez, 40, was taken into custody Thursday evening by Long Beach police after an investigation that began earlier this month. The alleged victim had told a school resources officer about the messages and authorities were alerted.

Yanez first came into contact with the minor during the course of his work as a patrolman. He initially contacted the teen through text messages and subsequently solicited inappropriate photographs of the victim. Yanez was suspended without pay Thursday pending the resolution of the criminal and administrative investigation.

The accusation comes one year after another Long Beach officer was booked after his wife found him having sex with a minor. That detective, Erik Alvarez of Upland, subsequently resigned and was convicted of having a sexual relationship with the girl since she was 15. He received a two-year sentence in state prison.

Yanez was being held on $20,000 bail Thursday at the Los Angeles County Men's Central Jail.

If you or someone you know is facing child pornography or other sex crime charges, the most important thing you can do is hire a criminal defense lawyer. Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Robert Helfend has been working in this field since 1984, and understands the particular issues that are associated with child pornography charges, whether internet and computer-based or in material form. In his years, he has seen the dramatic impact that sex crime allegations and charges can have upon a person, even the most upstanding and hardworking members of society. He is committed to providing the aggressive defense that you deserve, contact his law office today.

Man tries to steal small plane from Compton Airport

Editor — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:30:00 GMT

A Bellflower man was arrested Friday morning after authorities said he tried to steal a small plane from Compton Airport but was unsuccessful because the rear of the aircraft was chained to the ground.

Troy Daniel Long, 25, was arrested on suspicion of aircraft piracy, a federal crime, and is expected to be charged Monday, said FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller. He is being held without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles pending his bail hearing.

Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies received a call at 7:55 a.m. Friday that a man with a gun was trying to steal a plane. When they arrived, deputies were told that Long, a former flight student, had taken the keys to a Cessna 152 two-seat, single-engine propeller plane. The suspect was inside the aircraft.

They saw a man in a plane with the engine revving, the propeller spinning and the plane was lurching and bucking against a chain attached to the rear of the plane from the tarmac. Their guns pointed at the suspect, they tried to yell over the sound of the engine for the suspect to shut down the engine and waved their arms for him to surrender. He eventually shut off the plane, took off the headset and surrendered.

When a defendant in Los Angeles faces theft charges for property valued at more than $400, he or she will face grand theft charges. Theft of certain types of property, such as a firearm or automobile, will result in automatic grand theft charges regardless of the specific value of the property.

If you or someone you know is facing grand theft or any other federal crime charges, the most important thing you can do is hire a criminal defense lawyer. Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Robert Helfend has over 20 years of experience and will build an aggressive defense on your behalf. Contact his law office today for your best chance at a favorable outcome.

USC officers shoot suspect accused of robbing students at gunpoint

Editor — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 03:54:00 GMT

USC security officers shot and wounded a man early Wednesday morning after he allegedly robbed four students at gunpoint.

Wednesday's incident took place about 12:40 a.m. when four USC students -- two men and two women --were walking near 28th and Figueroa, an area known as The Row, for the large number of fraternities and sororities. They were approached by a black male, armed with a gun, who demanded their property. The women gave the man what they had. He then ran off through a parking lot, where he was confronted by officers from the school's Department of Public Safety. He allegedly brandished the gun and was shot, suffering a non-life-threatening wound. The students were unharmed, and the case was turned over to LAPD investigators.

Under California's 10-20-life law, a defendant may face an additional 10 years in prison for displaying a gun, 20 years for firing a fun and 25 years to life for causing serious injury to another person with a gun. Robbery and armed robbery are also considered "strike" offenses under the state's Three Strikes law.

If you have been charged with robbery or other felony theft related crime in the Los Angeles area, keeping your record clear of a conviction is critical. Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Robert Helfend is one of Los Angeles's criminal defense attorneys dealing with three strikes laws. If you are facing robbery or armed robbery charges and this is your third strike, you already know how important your defense is. You can't afford to hire an attorney who doesn't have a proven record of success. Contact his law office today to start reviewing your case.

Lenny Dykstra pleads no contest to lewd conduct

Editor — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 03:37:00 GMT

Former baseball star Lenny Dykstra pleaded no contest to charges of lewd conduct and assault with a deadly weapon involving women who responded to housekeeping ads he placed on Craigslist.

He pleaded no contest to one count of assault with a deadly weapon and one count of lewd conduct, both misdemeanors. He was sentenced to 36 months of probation and three months in L.A. County Jail.

Dykstra, 48, allegedly told the women that one of the requirements of the job was to give him a massage, during which he would expose himself. During one of those incidents, in July 2010, he allegedly held a knife to the throat of one of the women and forced her to massage him.

He was ordered to stay away from the five victims in the case.

There are two primary types of lewd conduct charges: engaging in lewd conduct and soliciting another to engage in lewd conduct. Engaging in sexual activity in a public place constitutes most lewd conduct charges, such as public masturbation, oral sex and actual sexual intercourse. Lewd conduct is a misdemeanor offense that may be punishable by up to 12 months in county jail.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a sex crime, the best thing you can do is hire a criminal defense lawyer. Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Robert Helfend has been helping clients in the face of allegations and arrests of all types of sexual offenses for over 20 years, He has the know-how to understand when to negotiate with the prosecuting attorney and when to fight tirelessly on your behalf in court. For honest guidance, contact his law office today.

Alleged burglary ring members arrested in Galleria theft

Editor — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 04:20:00 GMT

Three men believed to be connected to a group of organized burglars were arrested Sunday after they ransacked an AT&T kiosk inside the Glendale Galleria.

Police stopped Tairez Smith, 22, Willard Hill, 25, and a 16-year-old boy, whose name wasn’t released because he is a minor, in a red Buick after they allegedly stole 24 cellphones and five iPhone cases from the mall kiosk.

The trio entered through one of the mall’s department stores just after 8:30 a.m. and headed to the main shopping area, which wasn’t open yet. They allegedly ransacked the first-floor AT&T kiosk and left the mall with the loot when a security guard spotted them as they got into the Buick.

Officers caught up with the men a short time later.

Along with the iPhone cases and cellphones, police reported finding a thumb drive, a memory card package, two iPhone chargers, a crowbar and bolt cutters inside the Buick.

The arrests were the latest in a weeks-long spate of burglaries that authorities have tied to a gang-backed crime ring.

If you or someone you know is facing burglary charges, the most important thing you can do is hire a criminal defense lawyer. The firm of Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Robert Helfend is focused exclusively on the aggressive defense of clients facing various misdemeanor and felony charges in state and federal courts. With more than 20 years of experience, he understands what it takes to defend a client in the face of felony burglary charges. He knows that your entire future may be on the line. Therefore, only the most skillful tactics are applied to the defense methods he uses when tackling the criminal charges his clients face. He will provide a level of legal counsel that surpasses even the most zealous attempts by law enforcement and the District Attorney's Office.

Contact his law office today for a free initial consultation.