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Monterey Caterer Charged for Allegedly Defrauding $4M in COVID-Relief Funds

Criminal News /

  Dory Lindsay Ford, a 57-year-old caterer from Monterey, California, faces serious charges for defrauding the government of $4 million in COVID-19 relief funds. A federal grand jury indicted Ford for bank fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. Background and Charges Ford operated Aqua Terra Culinary, Inc., a catering company in Monterey. During the COVID-19

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Simple possession vs. possession for sale in California

San Fernando Valley Drug Trafficking: Cocaine, Meth, and Fentanyl Ring Busted

Drug Crimes /

Law enforcement officials arrested four individuals in Los Angeles for operating a drug trafficking ring in the San Fernando Valley, as detailed in a 15-count federal grand jury indictment. This operation involved distributing cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. The Operation The indictment reveals a structured drug trafficking network. Giselle Buraye, 23, from Van Nuys, along with

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Former Los Angeles Councilman José Huizar Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy and Tax Evasion

Criminal News /

Former Los Angeles City Councilman José Huizar, was sentenced to 13 years in prison Friday in a high-profile corruption case. He was found guilty of accepting at least $1.5 million in cash and benefits. These were in exchange for his assistance in approving various real estate projects in downtown LA. A year ago, Huizar pleaded

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California Three Strike Law: Penal Code Section 667

Criminal Defense Process /

California’s Three Strikes Law significantly impacts sentencing for repeat felony offenders. It mandates doubled sentences for individuals with one prior serious or violent felony upon any new felony conviction. For those with two such prior convictions, a third felony conviction leads to a minimum 25-year to life sentence, with parole eligibility determined by the Parole

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Judge signing documents at desk with focus on gavel, representing law and justice.

Criminal Protective Order vs Restraining Order in California: Key Differences Explained

Domestic Violence /

In California, people often use “Restraining Orders” and “Protective Orders” interchangeably, but understanding their specific applications and legal implications is crucial. Both orders, which are judicial decrees, aim to protect individuals from unwanted behaviors like stalking, harassment, threats, or physical abuse. The court directs these orders at specific individuals, named in the orders, to stop

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Koreatown Lawyer Faces Federal Indictment for Money Laundering, Tax Evasion, and Obstruction

Criminal News /

A federal indictment accuses 67-year-old Koreatown lawyer Paulinus Iheanacho Okoronkwo of complex financial and legal misconduct. His charges relate to a $2.1 million transaction involving Nigerian and Chinese state-owned oil companies. Detailed Charges and Legal Provisions Money Laundering Charges: Incident: Okoronkwo allegedly received a $2.1 million bribe from Addax Petroleum for influencing drilling rights negotiations

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Understanding California Restraining Orders: When Does a Violation Occur?

Domestic Violence /

California Penal Code 273.6 PC – Violation of a Restraining Order Violating a restraining or protective order is a serious offense under California Penal Code 273.6. This crime occurs when an individual intentionally and knowingly disobeys a court-issued protective or restraining order. Such orders, including temporary restraining orders (TROs) in civil cases and protective orders

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The Arrest and Charges Against Bruce Edward Bell in The Sun Valley Bank Robbery

Criminal News /

Photo: (Photographs of Bell are being released in order to identify and speak with additional persons who may have been victimized)/ www.lapdonline.org Bruce Edward Bell’s arrest on December 21, 2023, for a high-stakes bank robbery in Sun Valley, Los Angeles, marks a critical development in a series of criminal activities. Bell, facing charges for allegedly

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California Penal Code 243(e)(1) PC – Domestic Battery

Domestic Violence, Violent Crimes /

What is Domestic Battery? Under California Penal Code Section 243(e)(1), domestic battery is a misdemeanor offense that involves the use of force against an intimate partner. This charge is commonly applied in cases of spousal abuse, cohabitant altercations, or other domestic violence conflicts. Key Elements of Domestic Battery: Willful and Harmful Touching: The defendant must

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San Fernando Valley Police Arrest Convicted Felon for Ghost Gun and Counterfeit Watch Sales

Gun Crimes /

Photo: (photograph of the handgun recovered/photograph of the seized watches) / www.lapdonline.org   The Los Angeles Police Department’s Commercial Crimes Division, specifically the Illicit Pharmaceutical and Counterfeit Unit (IPCU), recently made a significant arrest in the San Fernando Valley. Albert Bantug, a 33-year-old ex-convict, was apprehended for selling counterfeit Rolex watches. His bail was set

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Evidence in California Criminal Trials

California Penal Code § 166 PC: Violating A Court Order

Criminal Defense Process /

Under California Penal Code 166, it is a crime to willfully disobey a lawful court order — commonly charged as “contempt of court.” This can include violating protective orders, restraining orders, or refusing to comply with subpoenas or court procedures. If you’re facing charges under 166 PC in Los Angeles, it’s critical to speak with

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