Warning: The following story may be disturbing for some readers.
By Larry Judkins
Glenn County Observer
Willows – At about 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 11, Cynthia Sarah Hardie, 44, was arrested by the Glenn County Sheriff’s major crimes unit (GLINTF) on child pornography charges.
This followed an interview a little more than two hours earlier involving Hardie and Glenn County Sheriff’s Detective Zachery Lopeteguy and Sergeant Dan Felton. The interview took place in a room at the Swift Transportation terminal in Willows.
Ten days before, Det. Lopeteguy was informed by Javier Dominguez, a security investigator for Swift Transportation, that Swift tractor driver Cynthia Hardie had experienced a medical emergency and parked her tractor in Dunnigan. Swift employees drove to Dunnigan and brought the tractor to the terminal in Willows.
At the Willows terminal, Swift employees began removing garbage and Hardie’s personal items from the tractor. Among the personal items were a camera with an SD card and an MP3 player.
In checking the SD card, the Swift Transportation shop foreman opened a file and found titles like “Sex with a 14-year-old,” “Sex with a 16-year-old,” and “Rape of a minor”. He then turned the camera, SD card, and MP3 player over to Willows Terminal onsite leader Claudia Stone, who notified Swift Transportation Security.
On Tuesday, March 9, Judge Alicia Ekland signed a warrant allowing Det. Lopeteguy to search the contents of the SD card and MP3 player. The MP3 player was found to have only music on it.
A separate search warrant was obtained for the camera. It apparently did not have any pornography, but it did have indicia as to the owner of the device. This included a photo of a Christmas stocking with the name, “Alex”, written on it.
However, on the SD card, the detective found 122 videos or photographs depicting adults having sex with children ranging in age from about a year to about 17.
On Thursday, March 11, Det. Lopeteguy was informed that Cynthia Hardie would be at the Willows terminal “shortly after 1700 hours” (5 p.m.). At about 5:23 p.m., Det. Lopeteguy met Hardie in the terminal lobby, and they then went into a private room.
Once inside the room, Det. Lopeteguy explained that the door was not locked and Hardie was free to leave. According to the detective, Hardie was very nervous and asked, “What did I do this time?”
Hardie sat in a chair next to the door. Sgt. Felton and Det. Lopeteguy sat across from Hardie, facing the unlocked door.
There was nothing between Hardie and the door, Lopeteguy explained in his statement of probable cause. Hardie could have left at any time, and Lopeteguy reminded Hardie of that option several times.
Sgt. Felton placed his Lenslock camera in the room, behind Det. Lopeteguy, to record the interview. Lopeteguy also had a digital audio recorder on his person as he interviewed Hardie.
In his statement of probable cause, Det. Lopeteguy explained, “Hardie is transgender and legally had their name changed to Cynthia Sarah Hardie from Alexander Brian Riegert. In the following summary your affiant [Lopeteguy] will attempt to use the correct gender pronouns.”
In his interview summary, Det. Lopeteguy uses gender-neutral plural pronouns in reference to Hardie: they, them, their. Many but not all who reject binary gender classifications prefer such plural pronouns, but since they can be confusing when referring to a single individual, this reporter will use traditionally feminine singular pronouns – she and her – in reference to Hardie, who is transitioning from male to female.
Hardie says she lives in Rapid City, South Dakota. In December, because she needed to have surgery, she dropped the Swift truck off in Dunnigan and locked it.
Hardie did not have anyone else in the truck. She thought when she left the truck, she left CDs, a laptop computer that had also belonged to her late partner, and a digital camera.
A photo of a camera was shown Hardie, and she said the camera was hers. The camera, she said, was a gift from years ago.
Although she said she could not remember what was on the camera, she admitted she took a photo of a Christmas stocking with the name Alex on it, and there was a screen shot from a Bug-Off game with the name, Cynthia. However, Hardie at first denied knowing about child pornography on the camera or the SD card.
Hardie at one time lived with a transgender partner, Lanie, until Lanie’s death. Lanie had a daughter and, according to Hardie, when Lanie died, the girl told Hardie that Lanie had molested her and her sister since she was two years old.
Hardie lived with Lanie for seven years. During that time, Hardie had the camera.
In 1998, in Las Vegas, Hardie admitted she was arrested for molesting a little girl in a water park. She pled no contest to a different charge than the one for which she was actually arrested.
Hardie claimed she was not guilty, but it was her word against the child’s. Hardie said she really did not understand the charge when she pled.
Hardie told Det. Lopeteguy she did not have a very good memory. However, Lopeteguy noted, she seemed able to remember the things only Hardie wanted to talk about.
After a while, Hardie reportedly admitted she knew about the child pornography on the device. She said she found it on Lanie’s computer and downloaded it.
Hardie said she had not seen the contents in about two years and could not remember what exactly was on the SD card. However, she could explain she knew the content was children having sex with adults.
Hardie explained she has sexual urges, and the videos help to keep her from acting out. She also said she has “deterrents,” communications in which Hardie writes about sexual abuse survivors and how the abuse affected the survivors.
Hardie said she had a doll dressed as a child, which she left in the Swift tractor when she had the aforementioned medical emergency. She said this doll helped her with her sexual urges.
Hardie told Det. Lopeteguy she has never touched any children, although she claimed she has had children solicit sex from her. Hardie said a seven-year-old girl named Stephanie wrote a note many years ago, asking Hardie for sex.
Hardie said she made sure to keep away from the child and never touched her or accepted her offer. Hardie said Stephanie is now in her 20s and Hardie would have been 19 or 20 when Stephanie allegedly propositioned her.
All of the other children who reportedly propositioned Hardie would also now be adults. Hardie insisted she never took the children up on their offers.
Hardie admitted to being a victim of molestation. Her now-deceased sister reportedly took her to bed and molested her when Hardie was seven years old.
During the interview with Hardie, Det. Lopeteguy discovered that Hardie was in possession of numerous digital media devices. Hardie allegedly admitted there was child pornography on them.
Hardie allowed Det. Lopeteguy to search her truck and collect the items, which included several media devices, thumb drives, and DVDs. The detective requested a warrant to search the various items.
Following the above interview, Hardie was booked into the Glenn County Jail. A call Wednesday afternoon, April 7, revealed that she is still an inmate there.
Orland – With a telephone pole and lines stretching across County Road 20, firefighters remain on the scene of the accident to control traffic. Glenn County Observer photo by Donna Wilder.
Glenn County Observer
Orland – Additional information has been acquired regarding what was originally reported as a hit and run accident on County Road 20 just west of County Road M.
According to the California Highway Patrol, at about 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 4, Ulessis Galvan, 20, of Orland, was driving a 1998 Honda Civic east on Road 20, west of Road M.
For an unknown reason, he allowed the car to travel off the roadway onto the south shoulder of Road 20.
The Honda continued to travel in a southerly direction and collided with what was apparently a telephone pole, not a power pole, knocking it and telephone lines across County Road 20.
Immediately after the accident, Galvan fled the scene on foot but was later located by the CHP.
Orland – A Zip’s tow truck and a Highway Patrol car stop at the Speedway on Hoff Way, where the occupants of the crumpled Honda were dropped off and their belongings were retrieved from the car. Glenn County Observer photo by Donna Wilder.
Glenn County Observer
No one was seriously injured when a 2017 Honda Accord rolled over onto its roof on Interstate 5 near the Tehama County line Monday afternoon.
At about 4:15 p.m. on April 5, David Bautista, 24, of Clearlake, was driving a Honda Accord north on I-5, south of the Tehama County line, at approximately 70 miles per hour.
For an unknown reason, Bautista allowed his car to leave the west roadway edge and travel onto the gravel shoulder, where it struck the bushes in the median, overturned, and came to rest on its roof.
According to Officer Cushman of the California Highway Patrol, both the driver and his passenger, Maria Bautista, 21, of Clearlake, were wearing their seat belts and neither occupant was injured.
Following the accident, the Bautistas were provided with a ride back to Orland, where they were dropped off and their belongings were removed from the Honda.
They waited at the Speedway on Hoff Way for friends or relatives to pick them up.
Here are the latest bookings from the Glenn County Jail. Remember: Everyone accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Wednesday, March 24:
9:50 a.m., Angel Michele Bush, 31, a laborer who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging violation of probation. Bail was set at $20,000. She was taken into custody at the Glenn County Probation Department, Willows, by a probation officer. Bush was arrested again on Friday, April 2.
10:56 a.m., Oscar Moreno Oropeza, 31, a laborer who lives in Hamilton City, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging infliction of corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant (a felony). Bail was set at $25,000. He was taken into custody at 455 Main Street, Hamilton City, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
2:50 p.m., Jerry Lee Allen, 43, who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging possession of a controlled substance (a misdemeanor), making or passing a fictitious check (a misdemeanor), and unlawful use of personal identification information (a felony). Bail was set at $20,000. He was taken into custody at County Road F at County Road 22 by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
7:03 p.m., Lauren Lark Evans, 32, a laborer and transient, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on warrants alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge, and failure to appear after being released on her own recognizance (a misdemeanor). Total bail was set at $35,000. She was taken into custody at Circle K, 210 West Wood Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
8:03 p.m., Tessa Lynn Pritchard, 54, a human resources director who lives in Flournoy, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (a misdemeanor), driving while under the influence of alcohol (a misdemeanor), and possession of an open container while driving (an infraction). Bail was set at $10,000. She was taken into custody at Yolo and Second Streets by an Orland police officer.
Thursday, March 25:
2:45 p.m., Ruben Villegas Cruz, 29, a laborer who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail without bail on charges alleging violation of post-release community supervision (a felony). He was taken into custody at the Glenn County Probation Department, Willows, by a probation officer.
6:30 p.m., Zachary Ryan Brown-Boster, 25, a construction worker who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging felony violation of probation. Bail was set at $55,000. He was taken into custody at 600 North Humboldt Avenue, apt. #190, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
8:10 p.m., Julia Christina Langworthy, 33, a laborer who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on warrants alleging battery on a public service officer (a misdemeanor), and failure to appear after being released on her own recognizance (a misdemeanor). Total bail was set at $55,000. She was taken into custody at 900 Newville Road by an Orland police officer.
8:14 p.m., Ross Edward Finley, 42, a roofer who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging failure to appear after being released on her own recognizance (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $5,000. He was taken into custody at 900 Newville Road by an Orland police officer.
9:02 a.m., Megan Elizabeth Triano, 26, a beautician who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. Bail was set at $15,000. She was taken into custody at the Glenn County Probation Department, Willows, by a probation officer.
11:12 p.m., Kyler Scott Scalvini, 29, a firefighter who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging violation of a court order to prevent domestic violence (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $5,000. He was taken into custody at 710 East Walnut Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
Friday, March 26:
8:38 a.m., Juan Manuel Herrera, 39, a window installer who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on warrants alleging failure to appear after being released on bail, and driving with a license suspended for driving while under the influence (both misdemeanors). Total bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody at 125 South Murdock Avenue, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
4:15 p.m., Kaelene Elizabeth Scritchfield, 29, a laborer who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging felony violation of probation, and a warrant alleging the same. Total bail was set at $65,000. She was taken into custody at the Orland branch of the Glenn County Superior Court by a Glenn County probation officer.
4:41 p.m., Joshua Everett Vallerga, 18, a laborer who lives in Chico, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging assault with a deadly weapon (a felony), child abuse or endangerment (a felony), evading a peace officer with wanton disregard for safety (a felony), vehicle theft (a felony), and driving without a license (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $122,000. He was taken into custody at the Butte County Jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy. Five days later, while still in the Glenn County Jail, Vallerga was found to have a Butte County warrant alleging burglary and vehicle theft (both felonies). Bail for this warrant was set at $215,000.
9:20 p.m., Moises Ramirez La Paz, 65, a farmer who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and driving while under the influence of alcohol (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody on County Road F at County Road 23 by a California Highway Patrol officer.
Saturday, March 27:
12:32 a.m., Brian Benjemin Dreesmann, 34, a laborer who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving with a license suspended for driving while under the influence, and possession of controlled substance paraphernalia (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $5,000. He was taken into custody at Wood and Lassen Streets, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
6:12 a.m., Alberto De Jesus Nogales-Montes, 32, a construction worker who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and driving while under the influence of alcohol (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody on the southbound side of Interstate 5, north of County Road 27, by a California Highway Patrol officer.
2:30 p.m., Aida Marie Flores, 60, a nut company employee who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, driving while under the influence of alcohol, and hit and run with property damage (all misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. She was taken into custody at 806 Pecan Street by an Orland police officer.
5:04 p.m., Jeffrey Steven Wood, 48, a driver who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, driving while under the influence of alcohol, and hit and run with property damage (all misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody at 127 East Swift Street by an Orland police officer.
5:16 p.m., Bud Michael Aradoz, 61, a laborer who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and driving while under the influence of alcohol (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody in the 100 block of East Swift Street by an Orland police officer.
Sean Anthony Prior, 32
7 p.m., Sean Anthony Prior, 32, a construction worker who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging willful cruelty to a child (a misdemeanor), child abuse or endangerment (a felony), exhibition of a deadly weapon other than a firearm (a misdemeanor), obstructing or resisting an executive officer (a felony), obstructing or resisting a public service officer (a misdemeanor), and battery on a public service officer (a misdemeanor), and a warrant alleging assault with a deadly weapon (not a firearm) with great bodily injury likely (a felony), threatening to commit a crime with intent to terrorize (a felony), possession of ammunition by a prohibited person (a felony), battery on a non-cohabitating former spouse (a misdemeanor), willful cruelty to a child (a felony), willful cruelty to a child resulting in possible injury or death (a felony), and exhibition of a deadly weapon other than a firearm (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $140,000. He was taken into custody near 745 Paigewood Drive by an Orland police officer.
8:47 p.m., Gerardo Murillo, 48, a laborer who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and driving while under the influence of alcohol (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody on Highway 162, west of County Road F, by a California Highway Patrol officer.
Sunday, March 28:
12:29 a.m., Angel Leal-Cortez, 21, a welder who lives in Corning, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging public intoxication (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody at 6635 County Road 21, Orland, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
12:37 a.m., Juan Leal-Graciano, 20, a bee keeper who lives in Hamilton City, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging public intoxication (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody on County Road L at County Road 21 by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
3:32 p.m., Cesar Mercado Rosales, 36, a bee keeper who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging robbery, infliction of corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, and vandalism (all felonies). Bail was set at $135,000. He was taken into custody at 1310 Brookside Drive by an Orland police officer.
6:34 p.m., Shawn David Hirsch, 50, a laborer who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging possession of a controlled substance (a misdemeanor), driving with a suspended license (a misdemeanor), providing false evidence of automobile insurance (a misdemeanor), and no vehicle registration (an infraction). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody on Highway 99 at Garden Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
Monday, March 29:
8:45 a.m, Antinazia Nichelle Valerio, 29, a laborer who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging misdemeanor violation of probation. Bail was set at $12,000. She was taken into custody at the Glenn County Probation Department, Willows, by a probation officer.
10:06 a.m., Joseph Ryan Hammons, 39, a laborer who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging battery on a non-cohabitating former spouse, and vandalism (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $5,000. He was taken into custody at 6721 County Road 15 by an Orland police officer.
Tuesday, March 30:
1:56 a.m., Adelfo Almoraz Ramirez, 19, a laborer who lives in Medford, Ore., was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging public intoxication (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody at the Pilot truck stop, 4444 Commerce Lane, by an Orland police officer.
Thomas Michael Butler, 26
9:38 a.m., Thomas Michael Butler, 26, a laborer who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging infliction of corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant (a felony), assault with a deadly weapon (not a firearm) with great bodily injury likely (a felony), felony vandalism, destroying or concealing evidence (a misdemeanor), and possession of drug paraphernalia (a misdemeanor), and warrants alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge, and disobeying a court order (both misdemeanors). Total bail was set at $105,000. He was taken into custody on Bryant Street near Papst Avenue by an Orland police officer.
11:33 a.m., Jeremy Elden Smith, 47, a construction worker who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging misdemeanor violation of probation. Bail was set at $15,000. He was taken into custody at the Glenn County Probation Department, Willows, by a probation officer.
4:44 p.m., James Philip Thomas, 32, a landscaper who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on warrants alleging felony violation of probation, and disobeying a lawful order of the court (a felony). Total bail was set at $85,000. He was taken into custody at Elm and Tehama Streets, Willows, by a Glenn County probation officer.
4:49 p.m., Johnathan Perry Bush, 33, a landscaper who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on warrants alleging violation of post-release community supervision (a felony), disobeying a court order (a misdemeanor), and failure to appear after being released on his own recognizance (a misdemeanor). Total bail was set at $23,000, but the warrant for violation of post-release community supervision, which was out of Tehama County, was a no-bail warrant. He was taken into custody at on Canton Way, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
5:21 p.m., Zulema Medina, 40, a laborer who lives in Hamilton City, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging public intoxication (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at zero, but she was also held without bail on charges alleging violation of parole (a felony). She was taken into custody at Sacramento Avenue and Second Street, Hamilton City, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
10:54 p.m., Christopher Loyd Simpson, 27, a construction worker who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging public intoxication (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody at 1237 West Wood Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
Wednesday, March 31:
8:45 a.m., Naomie Monique Orona, 30, a laborer who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail without bail on charges alleging violation of post-release community supervision (a felony). She was taken into custody at the Glenn County Probation Department, Willows, by a probation officer.
12:08 p.m., Matthew Luke Colbert, 34, a laborer who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging felony violation of probation, and a warrant alleging disobeying a lawful order of the court (a felony). Total bail was set at $40,000. He was taken into custody at the Orlanda Inn Motel, 827 Newville Road, Orland, by a Glenn County probation officer.
3:59 p.m., Logan Jennings Smith, 33, a laborer who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging public intoxication (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody at 1201 West Wood Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
7:32 p.m., Brian Andrew Hill, 48, a maintenance worker who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and driving while under the influence of alcohol (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody on Bryant Street at Woodhaven Drive by an Orland police officer.
9:14 p.m., Vincent Victor Kirk, 58, a handyman who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a Sonoma County warrant alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol (a misdemeanor), and a San Francisco County warrant alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (a misdemeanor). Bail for the San Francisco County warrant was set at $10,000, while the Sonoma County warrant was a no-bail warrant. He was taken into custody at 6470 County Road 27, Orland, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
Alex Parra Miranda, 27
10:03 p.m., Alex Parra Miranda, 27, a construction worker who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail without bail on charges alleging violation of post-release community supervision (a felony). He was taken into custody on Woodward Avenue at East Walker Street by an Orland police officer.
10:16 p.m., Daniel Montalvo Gomez, 34, a construction worker who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, and violation of probation (both felonies). Bail was set at $40,000. He was taken into custody at Orland Food and Liquor, 160 East Walker Street by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
10:16 p.m., Elisa Esperanza Gomez, 38, a receptionist who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging assault, and battery (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at zero. She was taken into custody at Orland Food and Liquor, 160 East Walker Street by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
10:16 p.m., Maria Montalvo Gomez, 33, an in-home care provider who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging assault (a misdemeanor), battery (a misdemeanor), and assault with intent to commit bodily harm (a felony). Bail was set at $25,000. She was taken into custody at Orland Food and Liquor, 160 East Walker Street by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
10:16 p.m., Jenna Marie Tarango, 32, a receptionist who lives in Chico, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging assault, and battery (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at zero. She was taken into custody at Orland Food and Liquor, 160 East Walker Street by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
Thursday, April 1:
8:10 a.m., Erick Stephen Perez, 33, a phone technician who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging possession of a firearm by a felon (a felony), possession of ammunition by a prohibited person (a felony), possession of a controlled substance while in possession of a loaded firearm (a felony), possession of a narcotic controlled substance (a misdemeanor), possession of a narcotic controlled substance for sale (a felony), possession of a controlled substance (a misdemeanor), and possession of controlled substances without a prescription (a misdemeanor), and a U.S. Marshal’s warrant alleging violation of probation or supervised released (a felony). Bail on the fresh charges was set at $320,000, but the warrant was a no-bail warrant. He was taken into custody at 628 East Street by an Orland police officer.
10:31 a.m., Manuela Gonzalez, 43, a landscaper who lives in Hamilton City, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging disobeying a court order (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $10,000. She was taken into custody at the Hamilton City Fire Department by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
7:50 p.m., Maria Concepcion Paniagua, 41, a laborer who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging violation of a court order to prevent domestic violence (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $5,000. She was taken into custody at 775 Southgate Drive, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
9:33 p.m., Mary Edna Leste, 37, a retail worker who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on warrants alleging felony violation of probation, misdemeanor failure to appear after being released on her own recognizance, and felony failure to appear after being released on her own recognizance. Total bail was set at $65,000. She was taken into custody at Willow and Butte Streets, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
Friday, April 2:
David William Gutierrez, Jr., 32
8:46 a.m., David William Gutierrez, Jr., 32, a painter who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging possession of ammunition by a prohibited person, smuggling a controlled substance into a prison, and violation of probation (all felonies). Bail was set at $30,000. He was taken into custody at Tehama and Seventh Streets, Orland, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
2:02 p.m., Angel Michele Bush, 31, a laborer who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging public intoxication (a misdemeanor), and felony violation of probation. Bail was set at $20,000. She was taken into custody at Jensen Park, Elm Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
7:23 p.m., Matthew Paul Clark, 42, a mechanic who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging disobeying a court order (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $7,000. He was taken into custody at 6394 County Road 23, Orland, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
Saturday, April 3:
2:57 a.m., Marco Antonio Martinez, 26, a laborer who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging infliction of corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant (a felony). Bail was set at $25,000. He was taken into custody at 440 Fifth Street by an Orland police officer.
7:50 p.m., Aaron Jeremiah Potts, 31, a laborer who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging public intoxication (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody at Tehama and Second Streets by an Orland police officer.
11:50 p.m., Jose Angel Soto, 57, a mechanic who lives in Rio Linda, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and driving while under the influence of alcohol (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody on the northbound side of Interstate 5 at County Road 7 by a California Highway Patrol officer.
Sunday, April 4:
4:17 a.m., Santos Miguel Garza, 26, a laborer who lives in Sacramento, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging public intoxication (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody on Interstate 5, north of Highway 32, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
7:24 p.m., William James Hunter, 38, a landscaper who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging using or being under the influence of a controlled substance (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody at 6386 County Road 200, sp. #46, by an Orland police officer.
10:14 p.m., Everett Michael-Daniel Maghan, 31, a laborer who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging obstructing or resisting an executive officer (a felony). Bail was set at $25,000. He was taken into custody at Highway 162 and Cherry Street, Fruto, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
4:28 a.m., Alejandro Martinez, 52, a construction worker who lives in Lynnwood, Wash., was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and driving while under the influence of alcohol (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody on the northbound side of Interstate 5, north of Highway 32, by a California Highway Patrol officer.
8:25 p.m., Jose Luis Venegas, 42, a laborer who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, driving while under the influence of alcohol, and driving without a license (all misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody at 1201 West Wood Street, Willows, by a California Highway Patrol officer.
Firefighters and paramedics move Alan Armstrong, 65, to a waiting ambulance following a traffic collision late Easter Sunday at Sixth and Date Streets in Orland. Glenn County Observer photo by Donna Wilder.
Glenn County Observer
The Orland Police Department released information Monday morning regarding Sunday’s crash at Sixth and Date Streets.
At about 5:15 p.m. on April 4, emergency responders were dispatched to a report of a two-vehicle traffic collision with injury.
As mentioned in yesterday’s (Sunday’s) Glenn County Observer story, the accident was originally reported as being at Sixth and Monterey Streets, but was soon corrected to Sixth and Date Streets, north of the Orland Arch.
Orland officers made contact with Mauro Martinez, 48, and Alan Armstrong, 65, both residents of Orland.
It was determined that Martinez was driving north on Sixth Street in a green Ford Ranger, attempting to turn left (west) on Date Street, while Armstrong was driving north on Sixth Street in a 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe, behind Martinez.
Armstrong failed to stop and collided with the rear of Martinez’s vehicle.
Armstrong was transported by Westside Ambulance to a local hospital and an accident investigation was initiated by the Orland Police Department.
Orland – An accident victim is prepared to be moved to a waiting ambulance. Glenn County Observer photo by Donna Wilder.
Glenn County Observer
Orland – A collision involving an SUV and a pickup occurred at Sixth Street (Highway 99) and Date Street late Sunday afternoon resulted in one man being transported to the hospital.
Few details are currently known.
The accident was reported at about 5 p.m.
Orland – This pickup appears to have been struck in the rear. Glenn County Observer by Donna Wilder.
At first, the crash was said to have happened at Sixth and Monterey Streets. A short time later, this location was corrected to Sixth and Date Streets.
Ambulance response was originally “Code 2” (no lights or sirens).
This was changed to “Code 3” (lights and sirens) after one of the accident victims reported having chest pain.
Orland – Its front end smashed in, this is the SUV that was driven by the man who was later transported to the hospital. Glenn County Observer photo by Donna Wilder.
The Observer hopes to have additional information on Monday.
Orland Police Officer Grant Carmon, foreground, and Glenn County Sheriff’s Sgt. Greg Felton, obscured, move David Gutierrez, his shirt open and his pants drooping, from a patrol unit to another location for a drive-by field identification. Glenn County Observer photo by Larry Judkins.
By Larry Judkins
Glenn County Observer
Orland – Not too long after sunrise on Friday, April 2, a man called for law enforcement assistance.
He said he encountered a trespasser on his property, and when he told the man to leave, the man pulled a gun on him.
The property owner took off, and so did the trespasser.
However, the alleged trespasser’s car (or one similar to it, which would be remarkable in itself) was spotted by an Orland police officer in the 700 block of Tehama Street – coincidentally the same short block in which Arlo Little said he was shot on March 28.
The officer made a felony stop (a stop made at gunpoint) and the driver was detained.
He was identified as David Gutierrez. Whether or not he was the same individual who exhibited the firearm, Gutierrez is a parolee and officers began searching him and his vehicle.
Law enforcement officer ponder David Gutierrez’s car and contents. Glenn County Observer photo by Larry Judkins.
Besides the contents of the vehicle, the car itself was even more interesting to behold than the interior of a certain reporter’s minivan (a van that had been stolen and stripped prior to its current ownership). The car was missing its hood and at least two of its wheels were held on by three wrench sockets rather than five lug nuts.
Gutierrez was sitting in the back of a patrol unit when The Glenn County Observer arrived. However, he was brought out when officers were told that the property owner would be brought by in another patrol unit to possibly confirm that Gutierrez was indeed the man who threatened him with a gun.
When the nearly shirtless Gutierrez exited the patrol vehicle, Sgt. Greg Felton of the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office ask him why he was sweating so much. Gutierrez claimed it was because it was very hot in the patrol unit.
His hands cuffed behind him, David Gutierrez and GCSO Sgt. Greg Felton wait for the unit for the drive-by field identification to arrive. Glenn County Observer photo by Larry Judkins.
As Gutierrez leaned with his back against his own car, in handcuffs and facing the street, a sheriff’s unit slowly drove by. It is presently unknown whether Gutierrez was identified as the man with the firearm.
Nevertheless, although no gun was found in Gutierrez’s possession at the time, ammunition was allegedly found, and that is also a felony for a parolee. Gutierrez was placed under arrest.
An update in The Observer is planned for tomorrow.
Orland – Not a through road (at least for the time being). Glenn County Observer photo by Donna Wilder.
Glenn County Observer
Orland – The driver of a car that knocked down a power pole Sunday morning left the scene on foot faster than the Easter Bunny running an hour behind schedule with his egg deliveries.
The incident was reported about 7:35 a.m. on April 4.
The hit and run occurred on County Road 20 near the intersection with County Road M, knocking the pole and wires across the roadway.
Both the Orland Fire Department and law enforcement quickly arrived at the scene.
Orland – No using this car to get away Easter Sunday morning. The driver in this hit and run apparently used his own two feet, much like Peter Cottontail hopping down the bunny trail. Glenn County Observer photo by Donna Wilder.
When no victim was found, incoming fire department units were canceled, although a couple of units already at the scene stayed behind for traffic control.
Meanwhile, officers stopped and questioned a man walking in the general area. According to police scanner chatter, he denied being the driver of the car.
It is presently unknown whether he was arrested or not.
April is the month that will determine whether I can continue The Glenn County Observer, or whether I will have to find something else in order to make a living. I would much rather do this. Please help me. Make a generous donation. Thank you!
Orland – A local man was taken into custody Tuesday morning for suspected domestic violence.
About 9:08 a.m. or so on March 30, a report was received of a woman yelling and screaming near the irrigation canal near the Paigewood Apartments.
A few minutes later, as Orland police officers began to arrive, Thomas Michael Butler, 26, a laborer who lives at 4645 County Road G, Orland, was seen running in the dry irrigation canal in a more or less northerly direction. At one point, he reportedly got out of the canal and cut through someone’s yard.
Law enforcement officers eventually cut Butler off on Bryant Street, east of Papst Avenue, where he was again fleeing in the canal that runs along the south side of Bryant. He was stopped at gunpoint.
Sgt. Johnson told The Glenn County Observer at the scene that the incident apparently originated as a case of domestic violence. Alexa Farris, 25, of Willows, told Orland police officer she had been assaulted by her boyfriend, Thomas Butler.
Orland police officers and a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy search the contents of materials they believed were the property of domestic violence suspect Thomas Butler. Glenn County Observer photo by Larry Judkins.
At about 9:50 a.m., an Orland police officer requested that Glenn County Communications call for medical aid for a victim of domestic violence. Both the Orland Volunteer Fire Department and ambulance personnel responded to the call, although Orland Fire Chief Justin Chaney, who arrived at the scene before any of his fire department volunteers, contacted the fire dispatcher in Corning to cancel any additional firefighters.
The location of the domestic violence victim was initially given as the field near the Paigewood Apartments. A minute or two later, it was updated to someplace in the 300 block of East Mill Street.
At about 10 a.m., Farris was cited and released on a Glenn County warrant. A short time later, the victim was transported by ambulance for medical treatment.
At 9:38 a.m., Butler was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging infliction of corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant (a felony), assault with a deadly weapon (not a firearm) with great bodily injury likely (a felony), felony vandalism, destroying or concealing evidence (a misdemeanor), and possession of controlled substance paraphernalia (a misdemeanor).
He was also booked on warrants alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge, and disobeying a court order (both misdemeanors).
The Glenn County Observer 