Greenfield Police And Racine County Sheriff's Department Discover 1,850 Pounds Of Marijuana In Raymond

Police investigators recovered marijuana, arms and cash from property in the Town of Raymond.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 31, 2011
Updated

Town of Raymond, Wisconsin - On Monday, Greenfield police executed a search warrant in the Town of Raymond in Racine County and found a massive attic storage space of marijuana plants at a property. Apparently, a large scale growing marijuana operation was taking place for sometime, as police noticed that some of the plants were harvested and hanging from the ceiling. Police received a tip, which led them and the Racine County Sheriff's Department to the property, according to Greenfield Police Chief Brad Wentlandt who confirmed the bust.
Police had to use a dump truck to haul about 1,850 pounds of marijuana worth at least $7.2 million. They also recovered $120,000 in cash, weapons and financial records, according to Chief Wentlandt.
The property is located near a local school.
Several law enforcement agencies joined the investigation along with the Greenfield Police Department and the Racine County Sheriff's Department.
The property owner, John Gay, 44, of Franksville was arrested in the case. Gay is facing charges for possession, manufacturing THC and drug trafficking in the marijuana growing operation. He is being held on a $1 million dollar bond.

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Feds And Arizona Law Enforcement Officials Arrested 76 Suspects For Billion Dollar Drug Trafficking Operation

Photos: ICE

Sinaloa cartel suspects smuggled more than $33 million worth of drugs into the U.S. per month.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 31, 2011

Phoenix, Arizona - On Monday during a press conference, Aizona Attorney General Tom Horne announced that federal and county law enforcement officials, including the state attorney general's office were able to arrest about 76 suspects connected to the Sinaloa Cartel. Some of the suspects are Mexican nationals and others are U.S. citizens. A 17-month investigation led authorities to a criminal organization that smuggled more than $33 million of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine and heroin into the U.S. through Arizona.
In a news release, officials say the ring, organized around cells based in the Arizona communities of Chandler, Stanfield and Maricopa, used backpackers and vehicles to move loads of marijuana and other drugs from the Arizona-Mexico border to a network of "stash" houses in the Phoenix area. After arriving in Phoenix, the contraband, which also included cocaine and heroin, was sold to distributors from multiple states nationwide.
Monday's announcement comes just four days after federal and local investigators executed the third in a succession of large-scale enforcement actions tied to the probe, taking another 22 defendants into custody. To date, 76 individuals have been criminally arrested in connection with "Operation Pipeline Express," ranging from organizational "bosses" to stash house guards and load drivers.
During last week's warranted searches, authorities seized more than two tons of marijuana, 19 weapons – including assault rifles, handguns, and shotguns – and nearly $200,000 in cash.
Prior to last week's takedown, authorities had conducted two other major enforcement actions in connection with "Operation Pipeline Express." Earlier this month, agents executed a dozen search warrants throughout central and southern Arizona, including in the communities of Casa Grande and Stanfield, taking custody of 17 primary case targets. In mid-September, the initial enforcement action in the investigation resulted in the arrest of six suspects on state drug and conspiracy charges.
Intelligence gathered as part of "Operation Pipeline Express" indicates the organization is tied to Mexico's Sinaloan cartel and has been in existence for at least the last five years. During that timeframe, authorities conservatively estimate the ring has smuggled more than 3.3 million pounds of marijuana, 20,000 pounds of cocaine and 10,000 pounds of heroin into to the United States, generating almost $2 billion in illicit proceeds, accoring to the news release.
The agencies overseeing the 17-month investigation, includes the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Pinal County Sheriff's Office, and the Arizona Attorney General's Office.

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Undocumented Marquette Student Selected As Board Chair Of Voces de la Frontera In Wisconsin

Maricela Aguilar
President of the VDLF Board

Photo by HNG

New undocumented chairperson of Voces de la Frontera introduced during the 10th Anniversary Gala at Potawatomi Casino.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 30, 2011

Milwaukee - Last Thursday, in a bold and unprecedented move Voces de la Frontera (VDLF) introduced their first undocumented Marquette student Maricela Aguilar, 20, as their President of the Board during the 10th Anniversary Gala. Aguilar who is a senior at Marquette University told the hundreds of atendees that she "is undocumented and unafraid to admit it," which makes her the first chairperson illegally in the country to lead a non-profit, workers right and immigrant rights organization in the country. Aguilar said, that she is learning the process of the board and is very happy to have been selected as President of the Board. She replaced former Chairman, Primitivo Torres several months ago.
Aguilar, a dreamer and a member of the Youth Empowered in the Struggle (YES) from VDLF has been instrumental in leading the Dreamer campaign to help push the passage of the DREAM Act. The DREAM Act national movement helped undocumented students throughout the nation to learn, recognize, and encouraged them to fight for their civil and constitutional rights bestowed under the U.S. Constitution, despite their illegal immigration status, which is only a federal civil offense and not a federal felony offense.
Aguilar made her undocumented status public several years ago, despite threats by the Obama administration push deportation proceedings against illegal immigrants, even if they were students.
VDLF is recognized in Wisconsin for their annual May 1st march for immigrant rights and gained national recognition for their March 23, 2006 massive march, a "Day Without Latinos" that drew an estimated 30,000 march participants to help defeat U.S. Representative Jim Sensenbrenner's (R-WI) HR 4437, which would have criminalized anyone who helped an illegal immigrant. HR 4437 failed to pass in Congress.
Another group that was targeted by the Obama administration were the bread winners of families. Many bread winners (fathers or mothers) were taken into custody and their families suffered. The effect of those detentions and removals, Hispanic families and their children endured poverty conditions compared to counter parts of Black, White and other children in the U.S.
Last Summer on June 17, John Morton, Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sent out a discretionary memo to all ICE field office directors, special agents in charge and all chief counsel. The memo stated, that they may use or exercise prosecutorial discretion dealing with the apprehension, detention and removal of illegal immigrants. Their discretion should be limited or forego deportation proceedings against non-felony illegal immigrant offenders, students who were brought by parents to the U.S. when they were children and older illegal immigrants who had lived in the country for numerous years.
Instead, ICE and the Obama administration has focused on prosecuting those illegal immigrants who have been deported, but had decided to returned to the U.S. illegally once more, which federal prosecutions increased by 42 percent within the first two years, since President Barack H. Obama took office. The federal prison system reported an increase of incarcerations of illegal Hispanic convicted felons for returning to the U.S. after they were deported.
Within the last few years, a growing majority of federal inmates have been undocumented Latinos. The massive Hispanic prosecutions are contributed to Operation Cross Check, which targets repeated border crossing illegal offenders, including suspected illegal gang members, sexual crime offenders, drug related offenders and those who have been arrested for driving under the influence.
Overall, in Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 ICE's Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations removed 396,906 individuals, which is the largest number deported in the agency's history. Of these, nearly 55 percent or 216,698 of the people removed were convicted of felonies or misdemeanors an 89 percent increase in the removal of criminals since FY 2008. This includes 1,119 aliens convicted of homicide; 5,848 aliens convicted of sexual offenses; 44,653 aliens convicted of drug related crimes; and 35,927 aliens convicted of driving under the influence.
ICE hasn't included a report about the number of at least 300,000 non-criminal immigration removal cases that are pending and under review. A policy enforcement by the Obama administration to review pending non-criminal removal cases has yet to yield estimates of those illegal aliens being granted temperary stays and immigration court hearings.
So far, the Obama administration has deported more than 1 million undocumented immigrants.

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Day of the Dead Parade Draws Hundreds Of Participants In The South Side Hispanic Community

Photos: HNG

Hundreds of people paraded in celebration of the Día de los Muertos.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 30, 2011

Milwaukee - On Friday, the Milwaukee Mijas sponsored Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead Second Annual Parade in the predominately South side Hispanic community drew nearly 1,000 people. The parade began just after 5:00 p.m. at Walker's Square Park in the 900 block of W. Washington St. The parade proceeded East on Washington St. and then turned North on S. 5th Street to Walker's Point Center for the Arts in the 800 block.
Last year, the parade drew about 450 people and this year, the Day of the Dead parade attracted more than double of participants.
The traditional Día de los Muertos also allows time for people to become creative and display or showcase offerings at altars known as ofrendas depicting pictures and items used by loves ones when they were alive and who now have moved on to eternal rest and peace. The displays (ofrendas) can to be seen by the public, family members and friends of the honored dead.
El Dìa de los Muertos is a traditional festival that dates back to pre-Colombian times in the Americas that celebrates the lives of those who have passed and moved on to the afterlife, according to Milwaukee Mijas website. Colorful masks, costumes, dancing and music are a part of the pageantry of this vibrant ancient festival. Milwaukee Mijas celebrates the traditional holiday with a community-based parade and and several displays to honor the dead, which attracts people of all ages from various communities as well. 
The celebration takes place around November 1st and 2nd, especially in Mexico. During the two day remembrance, family members and friends get a chance to once more remember or mourn those who have passed away.

Day of the Dead/Día de los Muertos parade on video at following link: http://bit.ly/tiDJuZ

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Juarez-Santamaria, Leader Of MS-13 Gang Sentenced To Life In Federal Prison For Prostituting A Minor

Jose Ciro Juarez-Santamaria

Minor was given alcohol and marijuana to keep her compliant, according to the criminal complaint.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 28, 2011

Alexandria, Virginia - On Friday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a news release reported that Jose Ciro Juarez-Santamaria, 24, was sentenced to life in a federal prison for conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation of a minor for prostitution. Juarez-Santamaria was convicted on July 28, 2011 for prostituting a 12-year-old female to clients throughout northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.
Juarez-Santamaria, a Salvadoran national led a group of MS-13 members. He lured a female minor into the gang by offering her a place to stay and then got her to drink alcohol and smoke marijuana.
Federal court records and evidence at trial showed that Juarez-Santamaria joined the MS-13 while in El Salvador. He was a member of the Pinos Locos clique of MS-13 and known by the gang as "Sniper." At a Halloween party in Oxon Hill, Md., on Oct. 31, 2009, Juarez-Santamaria met a 12-year-old runaway who asked for his help in finding a place to stay. Instead, Juarez-Santamaria began prostituting the victim throughout the Washington D.C.-area the very next day.
The victim was prostituted from October to December 2009, providing sex for money every day of the week. Evidence at trial showed that Juarez-Santamaria generally charged $40 for 15 minutes of sex, but he would sometimes charge more depending on what the customer wanted. The prostitution took place at various businesses, homes, apartments and hotels in and around northern Virginia. Juarez-Santamaria also admitted to having sex with the victim and allowed MS-13 gang members to have sex with her free of charge. To keep the victim compliant, Juarez-Santamaria and others would supply her with alcohol and marijuana.

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ICE Closed Deportation Case Against Damian-Ortega, An Injured Worker Who Was Turned In By West Bend Mutual Insurance

Photo by VIMEO: Omar Damian-Ortega while detained

Omar Damian-Ortega

Photo: VDLF

West Bend Mutual Insurance turned undocumented worker to police and ICE so, they wouldn't pay compensation insurance.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 28, 2011

Milwaukee - On Thursday, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials decided to close the deportation case of Omar Damian-Ortega, an injured worker. Damian-Ortega will no longer be facing deportation proceedings, Christine Newmann-Ortiz, executive director of Voces de la Frontera announced during their 10th Anniversary Gala. Damian-Ortega is still facing civil charges of identity theft after West Bend Insurance agents turned him over to police and ICE in an attempt to have him deported without the insurance company paying compensation insurance.
Damian-Ortega said, that he plans to stay in Wisconsin and seek workers compensation against West Bend Insurance, through legal action.
Voces de la Frontera (VDLF) in a prior news release stated that in 2009, Damian-Ortega injured his back at work. He then filed a worker’s compensation claim, which Wisconsin State Law says are due to all injured workers, regardless of worker’s immigration status. Upon doing so, West Bend Mutual Insurance notified the Grafton Police Department of a potential case of identity theft. Damian-Ortega who is married and has 3 children, was then arrested by the Grafton Police Department and subsequently placed into immigration deportation proceedings after spending five months in jail.
VDLF learned that it was West Bend Mutual Insurance’s policy to report undocumented workers to the police so, that they can avoid paying workers the thousands of dollars in claims that they are due by law.

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Gonzalez Found Guilty For Reckless Homicide and Injury

Jesus Gonzalez

Gonzalez bail revoked and will remain in custody until sentencing on November 18.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 28, 2011

Milwaukee - On Thursday, a jury found Jesus Gonzalez, 24, guilty on lesser felony charges. He was convicted for first-degree reckless homicide and first-degree reckless injury for the May 8, 2010 homicide of Danny John, 29, and shooting of his nephew, Jered Corn, 22, at the 3300 block of W. National Ave. Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Richard Sankovitz ordered Gonzalez held in custody after the verdicts were read until his sentencing date on November 18. Judge Sankovitz also decided to revoked Gonzalez $100,000 bail without forfeiture, the cash bail will be returned to Gonzalez.
Gonzalez is facing up to 40 years in prison for the reckless homicide and up to 15 years for the reckless injury count.
Both John and Corn were drinking all day and had just left Mamie's tavern on W. National Ave. and S. Shea Ave. when an apparent altercation occured. John was driving his Honda Accord out of Mamie's tavern when Gonzalez fired his weapon at least seven shots hitting John four times and striking Corn in the neck paralyzing him for life.
Gonzalez didn't elaborate further on what actually happened for him to shoot both John and Corn. Corn during trial said, he was walking to a friend's house when Gonzalez approached him and told him to back up. Corn then woke up later and noticed his legs wouldn't move, couldn't get up and he was bleeding from the neck. John died at the scene inside his car.
Gonzalez called 911 and told the operator that he came out to moved his car and several men had tried to assault him and that he shot both of them. Gonzalez carried a weapon with him all the time, since he was first robbed.
Gonzalez had filed a lawsuit against several police departments after he was arrested for carrying an unconceal weapon at a store. He wasn't charged, but Gonzalez sued.

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Federal Lawsuit To Be File Against The Wisconsin State Legislature On Latino Redistricting Cuts

Attorney Peter Earle

Voces de la Frontera and plaintiffs seeking to boost Hispanic voting age citizens in the 8th Assembly District by 52 percent.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 27, 2011

Milwaukee - On Thursday, Attorney Peter G. Earle confirmed that he plans to file a federal lawsuit against the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board. The lawsuit claims, that the Wisconsin Republican controlled legislature passed a redistricting map which deprives the Hispanic community in Milwaukee's South side of an effective voting majority in the 8th Assembly District.
The Republican controlled state legislature and Governor Scott Walker (R) approved a redistricting map that cuts 8 percent of Latino voting age citizens in the 8th Assembly District. The plaintiffs include Voces de la Frontera, a non-profit organization, workers right and an immigrant rights advocate, two members of the Mexican-American community and two members from the Puerto Rican community as well. They are Ramiro Vega, Olga Vega, Jose Perez and Erica Ramirez, according to Attorney Earle.
The defendants named in the lawsuit includes members of the Government Accountability Board, Gerald Nichol, Thomas Cane, Thomas Barland, Timothy Vocke and Kevin Kennedy.
The plaintiffs claim, that the Republican controlled legislature passed a statewide redistricting plan, which cuts about 8 percent of Hispanic voting age citizens (HVAC) from the current 48 percent of HVAC in the Milwaukee South side district reducing it to a mere 40 percent. The plaintiffs will seek for the federal court to increase the HVAC in the 8th District to 52 percent, making a Latino majority district in 2012. They will also seek an injunction and to consolidate their lawsuit along with several other federal cases already filed by Democrats concerning redistricting.

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Two Zetas Implicated As Lookouts In The Casino Royale Massacre Arrested By Mexican Military

Ameríco Orlando Soto Reyes

Saúl Becerra Reyes

Photos: Carlos Rangel/ Milenio

500 small packages of marijuana were confiscated by military.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 27, 2011

Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico - On Wednesday, the Mexican Secretary of National Defense (Sedena) reported that the military arrested four alleged Zeta members including two that were implicated in the August 25, Casino Royale massacre. The two suspects were identified as Ameríco Orlando Soto Reyes, aka, "El Junior or El Bam Bam" and Saúl Becerra Reyes, aka, "El Pelon or El Chueco," both served as lookouts during the Casino Royale attack by Zetas that claimed 52 lives in a deadly blaze. Two other alleged Zetas were also arrested along with the suspects, but are considered minors.
The military confiscated a high power rifle, one magazine, eight bullets, 500 small packages of marijuana and a vehicle equip with radio communications system, according to Sedena.
So far, 17 Zeta suspects have been arrested in the Casino Royale massacre and are awaiting prosecution for multiple crimes, including homicide charges.
The Zetas set the Casino Royale on fire because the owner failed to pay $10,000 U.S. per week to the criminal organization. A member of the Zetas poured several gallons of gas in the entrance of the casino and set it on fire trapping patrons inside. Most of the exits were illegally locked or chained with locks and the casino patrons couldn't escape.

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Democrats And United Wisconsin Kick-off Governor Walker's Recall Campaign Rally

Hundreds of Democrats and supporters met Tuesday in Madison to begin training for the petition recall drive against Republican Governor Scott Walker.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 26, 2011

Madison - On Tuesday, about 500 democrats and members for United Wisconsin gathered in Madison for a kick-off petition recall training rally against Republican Governor Scott Walker. The Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman, Mike Tate confirmed that organizers need to get at least 540,206 valid signatures to successfully recall Walker in 2012. The recall drive will begin on November 15, and they have 60 days (until Jan. 17) to submit the signatures to the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board.
The petition drive organizers plan to get about 700,000 signatures before the due date. More than 10,000 signatures would have to be gathered per day state wide to accomplish their goal.
Democrats are also pushing to generate or raise about half a million in donations before November 15.
Guest speakers at the recall kick-off training session were, former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, state Senator Jon Erpenbach, former Congressman Dave Obey, a potential recall candidate for governor and current Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. Obey acknowledged that he would rather see U.S. Senator Herb Kohl or Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett run for governor in 2012. Kohl will retire by 2012. Both Kohl and Barrett have not indicated they would actually run for governor in 2012.
Governor Walker is being recall for his failure to let the public know while he campaigned for governor that he intended to eliminate most union bargaining rights for the majority of state employees. The two year (2012-2013) budget that was approved by the Republican controlled legislature and signed by Walker eliminated collective union bargaining rights for most state employees, cuts $800 million in public school funding, boosted tax credits for businesses, it eliminated in-state tuition for undocumented students attending public universities and colleges and not excluding other major cuts.
Recently, the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced that between September to August, 1,300 jobs were lost in the following four counities, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington, Ozaukee and including Janesville that lost 1,000 jobs alone.
This week, Governor Walker announced the appointment of Reggie Newson as the new DWD Secretary. Last week, Scott Baumbach resigned as the DWD Secretary after serving only five months in the position. Baumbach took over former DWD Secretary Manuel "Manny" Perez who resigned abruptly after just serving five months as well from January to May 2011.
The Republican controlled Assembly recently passed a bill to allow employers to fire or keep felons from getting jobs without fear of being sued. The felon bill goes before the Senate for debate.
In September, the Associated Press (AP) learned that Governor Walker reneged on his campaign promise that he would pay the full cost of his state pension once he became governor in January. Walker's paycheck stubs provided to the AP showed, he began paying towards his pension only after a bill was passed for state workers to pay their fair share of 5.8 percent towards their pensions. Walker's office had no comment.
In other legislative news, Wisconsin legislators confirmed, that the state has borrowed up to $1.18 billion from the feds to help pay unemployment insurance benefits. The state has yet to repay the debt to the feds.


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Sonoma County Sheriff's Department To Accept Mexican Consular ID Cards As Valid Identification

Several law enforcement agencies in California began accepting Mexican consular cards as a form of identification for undocumented immigrants.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 25, 2011

Sonoma, California - On Sunday, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Department announced it will begin to accept the Mexican consular card (Matricula Consular) as a form of identification for undocumented immigrants that come into contact with deputies during investigations or other occassions. Usually, when deputies or law enforcement officers came into contact with undocumented immigrants for what ever reason and they couldn't produce a valid form of identification at the scene, they were taken into custody. The undocumented immigrants would get fingerprinted, their information was shared with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a criminal background check and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under Secure Communities would automatically share the information. ICE would then place a hold on those detained without proper ID's.
The Sonoma Police Department who contracts with the Sonoma County Sheriff will also accept the Mexican consular ID's to help reduce overcrowding in the jail. Undocumented immigrants will be cited for minor offenses, instead of holding them for long periods of time costing the Sonoma County millions.
So far, the Mexican Consulate in the area confirmed that about 400 Mexican nationals have been issued the ID. Recently, a group of law enforcement officials were invited to the Mexican Consulate in San Francisco to learn about the Matricula Consular and to ensure officials it has anti-fraud features.
The Mexican Consulate request applicants to submit a passport, fingerprints, photo or birth certificate inorder to vertify the identity of the applicant.

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Zeta Member Who Poured Gasoline Inside The Casino Royale Killing 52 Victims In Blaze Arrested By Mexican Military

Antonio Camacho Jaco

Gerardo Alejandro de León Jiménez.

Two Zetas implicated in the Casino Royale massacre in Monterrey.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 25, 2011

Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico - On Monday, the Mexican Secretary of National Defense (Sedena) reported that the military arrested four Zeta members, including two that were implicated in the August 25, Casino Royale massacre. The two suspects were identified as Antonio Camacho Jaco, aka, "El Bogart" and Gerardo Alejandro de León Jiménez, aka, "El Papá." Camacho Jaco is accused of pouring several gallons of gasoline and igniting a blaze at the entrance of the casino. León Jiménez is accused of robbing numerous victims at the casino.
An estimated 52 people died in the blaze, which most of the victims became trapped inside the Casino Royale when the Zetas attacked the casino. They wanted to extort the owner of the casino and when he failed to pay $10,000 U.S. per week, the Zetas decided to burn down the business.
So far, 15 Zetas have been arrested for the casino massacre including the arrest of both Camacho Jaco and León Jiménez. The suspects were arrested at a check point after a gun battle with the military in the town of Dr. González near Monterrey.
The two other Zeta suspects arrested along with Camacho Jaco and León Jiménez were identified as Miguel Alejandro Ramos Cabrera, aka, " El Gordo or Chino," and Rubén Cruz Hernández, aka, " El Perril."
The Mexican military confiscated to high power rifles, several magazines, 47 bullets and two stolen vehicles, according to Sedena.

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15-year-old Mexican Boy Arrested For Torture And Murdering Two Women At Isla Mujeres

Teenager confessed to double homicide and admitted to be the alleged leader for Los Pelones.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 23, 2011

Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico - On Thursday, Jonathan Ariel Meneses Marín, 15, aka, "El Gallito," the alleged leader of Los Pelones (Skin Heads) was taken into custody by the Quintana Roo State Judicial Police and Mexican military. Marín confessed to torturing and cutting the throats of two women on Wednesday. He is facing three years in juvenile detention, if convicted for the homicides, gang criminal activity and drug trafficking.
Police identified the women as, Analy Bautista Valente, 28, aka, "La Gorda" and Irasema Domínguez Castellano, 23, aka, "Erika."
Marín told police that his boss "El Johnny" had ordered him to kill the women because they were selling drugs to benefit themselves and were considered traitors. El Johnny had two other suspects identified as El Negro and El Güero to work along with Marín to lure both women to the San Jorge Hotel. Once the women arrived at the hotel, the suspects tied both women, covered their mouths with tape, proceeded to torture and then cut their throats.
The bodies were found late Wednesday at the hotel. Domínguez Castellano's family who reported her missing found her motorcycle parked in front of the San Jorge Hotel.
Police determined that Marín and several suspects who rented room nine had committed the homicides. They were able to find the kitchen knife and gloves used to commit the murders.
The State Attorney General's Office spokesperson, Gaspar Armando García Torres confirmed, that Bautista Valente had been arrested for cocaine possession on October 14, but had been released on bail due to the amount confiscated. Marín and El Johnny discovered that Bautista Valente had more drugs on her possession than what was given to her to sell. She was selling a larger quantity of drugs to rip-off Los Pelones, according to Marín.
Marín told police, that he was in charge of Los Pelones gang at Isla Mujeres, which is composed of adolescents ranging in ages from 14 to 15. They were in a feud with Los Zetas who were trying to take over the Isla Mujeres vacinity, according to García Torres.

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33-year-old Brussels Woman Arrested After Toddler Found Dead In Vehicle With Heater On

Melissa Martinez

Infant dressed in Winter clothing was left in a running vehicle with the heater on for hours, a preliminary criminal complaint stated.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 21, 2011

Brussels - On Friday, Door County Judge D. Todd Ehlers in Wisconsin set a $25,000 cash bail for Melissa Martinez, 33, who was arrested on Wednesday in connection with the death of her 8-month-old daughter. Martinez is accused of leaving her daughter, Elena Martinez dressed in Winter clothing in a car seat inside a running sport utility vehicle (SUV) for hours with the heater on.
The SUV was parked outside Martinez's rented mobile home while she was inside. She tested .20 blood alcohol content, two and a half percent more than the legal limit, according to police.
Martinez is facing homicide charges, including neglect and under the influence causing death.
The body of Elena was discovered around 5:00 p.m. without a pulse inside the SUV at the 9600 block of School Road, what police say was so over heated registering high temperatures inside the vehicle, according to the preliminary criminal complaint.
Elena was taken to the Ministry Door County Medical Center where she was pronounced dead at 6:09 p.m.
Martinez is expected back in court on October 31.

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2-year-old Yue Died Of Injuries After Chinese Pedestrians Failed To Help Child In two Hit and Run Incidents

Child had been in a coma since October 13.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 21, 2011

Foshan, Guangdong Province, China - Chinese officials confirmed that Wang Yue, 2, who was struck by two vehicles at an alleyway in a market place and left bleeding as pedestrians passed by has died. Yue subcummed to "systemic organ failure" on Friday.
Yue's plight was video taped by a surveillance camera at a Foshan market place business. She was seen walking along an alleyway when a white van strucked her and the driver didn't even stopped. At least 17 passers by were captured on video footage going by Yue's injured body without noticing her at all.
Another heavy truck then ran over Yue's legs and didn't stop.
More than eight minutes went by, until Chen Xianmei, 57, a rag collector noticed Yue and moved her to the side. Xianmei went to local businesses asking for help and information about Yue and she was told to mine her own business.
Qu Feifei, Yue's mother could be seen picking up the child afterwards. Xianmei has been hailed as a national Chinese hero for helping Yue.
The drivers of both vehicles that struck Yue have since been arrested. The more than 17 pedrestrians that went by Yue without helping her have been criticized in social networks and news media for not trying to help the child when she was struck.
Chinese officials in the Guangdong Province are trying to create a good samaritan law to make people help others when incidents happen.

2-year-old girl injured and people just passing by and ignoring the injured child at video link: http://bit.ly/o3HT7x

News video: Qu Feifei, the childs mother at local hospital: http://bit.ly/n7S3no

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Carlson Appointed FBI Special Agent In Charge For Milwaukee Division

Teresa L. Carlson

Female special agent to head FBI office in Milwaukee.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 20, 2011

Washington, D.C. - On Wednesday, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Robert S. Mueller, III announced in a new release the appointment of Teresa L. Carlson as special agent in charge of the FBI’s Milwaukee Division. Special Agent Carlson most recently served as section chief in the Directorate of Intelligence, which is responsible for collecting, producing, and disseminating actionable intelligence that enables the FBI to identify and counter current and emerging threats.
Carlson is a 19-year veteran of the FBI. She entered on duty as a special agent and was first assigned to the Chicago Division, where she investigated violent crimes and public corruption matters. Carlson was a case agent for Operation Silver Shovel, an undercover investigation that involved bribery, drug trafficking, and organized crime activity. It resulted in more than 20 convictions, including elected officials.
She was later promoted to the Inspection Division at FBI Headquarters. Carlson then transferred to the Birmingham Division, where she served as a supervisor in the white-collar crime program.
After serving in the Birmingham Division, Carlson was appointed assistant special agent in charge (ASAC) of the white-collar crime and cyber programs in the New York Division. While in this role, she oversaw high profile investigations and subsequently was in charge of the intelligence program for the division.
She returned to FBI Headquarters after working as ASAC in the New York Division. Carlson worked in the FBI’s National Security Branch, which is responsible for national security matters, including budget matters and liaison with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Congress, and the White House.
Carlson is from Grand Rapids, Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University. Prior to her career in the FBI, she did legal research for the Michigan Legislature, according FBI Director Mueller, III.

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Gaddafi Reported Killed By Rebels In Sirte, Libya

Muammar Gaddafi's body.

Photo: Al Jazeera

Colonel Gaddafi's body was stripped and displayed by rebels near Sirte.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 20, 2011

Sirte, Libya - On Thursday, Abdul Hafiz Ghoda, vice chairman of Libya's National Transitional Council confirmed in a Benghazi news conference that ousted Libya's leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi was killed by revolutionaries. Gaddafi was killed near Sirte, his body was stripped and then displayed around Sirte.
Gaddafi was found hiding inside a drainage pipe around 12:00 p.m. and was taken into custody. He was killed by crossfire, according to the revolutionary guards.
Gaddafi vowed to die before being captured or surrendering. Al Jazeera was able to get exclusive video footage of Gaddafi's body. Sirte fell to rebels after weeks of fighting during eight months of civil war.
Gaddafi was a wanted and hunted man for months. A warrant for crimes against humanity was issued for Gaddafi by the International Criminal Court.

On Thursday, ousted Libya's leader Muammar Gaddafi was killed by rebels near his hometown of Sirte. Al Jazeera video link: http://bit.ly/n8CFWd

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Child In Hit and Run Left Injured On Market Street As Chinese Pedestrians Just Pass By Ignoring Her

Child struck twice by vehicles and no one helps for about seven minutes in a Chinese town.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 20, 2011

Foshan, Guangdong Province, China - On October 13 at around 5:26 p.m., a 2-year-old girl walked along a Foshan market alleyway when she was struck by a white van. The driver of the van in the hit-and-run incident didn't even stop to help the child. Numerous people walked by moments after the incident, drove by in motor scooters, others rode bicycles and didn't stop to help the injured girl laying on the street.
A second vehicle also ran over the child and kept on going. The whole incident was captured by a market store surveillance video camera. The people captured on the video showed no emotions, they didn't care or didn't wanted to get involved.
After more than seven minutes, Chen Xianmei, 57, a woman collecting rags noticed Wang Yue, 2, the injured child on the alleyway and moved her to the side. She went to nearby stores and asked the owners for help and information about the child. They told her to mind her own business.
Yue was actually hurt near her father's hardware store, according to authorities.
Qu Feifei, the mother of the child finally came over and picked her up. Yue had emergency surgery at a local hospital and then was taken to a military hospital in Guangzhou for further medical treatment. The child remains in critical condition.
The video went viral on Youtube. People in China and from around the world have shown disgust towards the Foshan market pedestrians for their lack of human compassion and for not helping Yue in a tragic accident.

Video surveillance at Foshan market place captures two hit-and-run incidents of a 2-year-old girl and people just passing by and ignoring the injured child at link: http://bit.ly/o3HT7x

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Badger Guns To Surrender License By End Of December

Feds didn't renew gun license for Badger Guns Inc.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 18, 2011

West Milwaukee - On Tuesday, Adam Allen, owner of Badger Guns Inc. confirmed that he will finally surrender his gun merchant license by the end of the year. Allen admitted that the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) decided not to renew their license that expired last month. The ATF temperarily extended Badger's license until December 31st to allow Allen to sell the rest of his stock.
Badger Guns has been accused of selling guns used in criminal cases that were traced back to them. Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn even alleged Allen and his employees of knownly selling guns in straw purchases, which a person buys a gun for another person. Allen and his employees have denied the allegations.
Several Milwaukee Police officers who were shot by guns purchased at Badger Guns filed a federal lawsuit claiming company employees knew that people were buying guns as straw purchases. Allen's attorney responded that the officers have no proof that employees at Badger's knew of any straw purchases and that employees followed federal laws in selling hand guns.

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ICE Reports FY2011 Removal Totals Of Illegal Aliens From The U.S.

ICE deported 396,906 undocumented immigrants including those convicted for driving under the influence in the U.S.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 18, 2011

Washington, D.C. - On Tuesday, John Morton, Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a news release announced the agency's fiscal year 2011 year-end removal numbers highlighting trends that underscore the administration's focus on removing individuals from the country that fall into priority areas for enforcement. These priorities include the identification and removal of those that have broken criminal laws, threats to national security, recent border crossers, repeat violators of immigration law and immigration court fugitives.
Overall, in FY 2011 ICE's Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations removed 396,906 individuals, which is the largest number deported in the agency's history. Of these, nearly 55 percent or 216,698 of the people removed were convicted of felonies or misdemeanors, an 89 percent increase in the removal of criminals since FY 2008. This includes 1,119 aliens convicted of homicide; 5,848 aliens convicted of sexual offenses; 44,653 aliens convicted of drug related crimes; and 35,927 aliens convicted of driving under the influence.
ICE achieved similar results with regard to other categories prioritized for removal. Ninety percent of all ICE's removals fell into a priority category and more than two-thirds of the other removals in 2011 were either recent border crossers or repeat immigration violators.
ICE hasn't included a report about the number of at least 300,000 non-criminal immigration removal cases that are pending and under review. A policy enforcement by the Obama administration to review pending non-criminal removal cases has yet to yield estimates of those illegal aliens being granted temperary stays and immigration court hearings.
Janet Napolitano, Secretary from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that a group from the DHS and the U.S. Department of Justice will begin reviewing high and low priority cases within the next two to three weeks. The group will determine which individuals being detained fall under the guidelines for deportation and which individuals would be allowed to stay temperarily until their immigration cases get decided.

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Ramirez-Cruz And Son Taken To Philadelphia After Weekend Funeral Services In Milwaukee

Maritza Ramirez-Cruz and son, Omar.

Photo: Facebook

Maritza Ramirez-Cruz

Photo: Family

Annette Morales-Rodriguez

Mother and son were remembered during funeral services.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 17, 2011

Milwaukee - On Monday, the bodies of the late Maritza Ramirez-Cruz, 23, and her son, Omar were transported to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for extended funeral services. Both Ramirez-Cruz and her son were remembered Friday in Milwaukee at the Witkowiak Funeral Home during funeral services held by family members in Wisconsin. The service was opened to the public.
Their bodies arrived in Pennsylvania for other family members to mourn their loss. She has a large family in the state. Ramirez-Cruz and her son will then be taken to Puerto Rico where they will remain interment.
The homicides of Ramirez-Cruz and her son were discovered by police on October 6, when they were called to a home at the 1600 block of S. 7th St. to investigate a reported death of a new born. Annette Morales-Rodriguez, 33, reported the death after admitting she had given birth. Morales-Rodriguez told police the baby had died during birth and that she didn't know that she was pregnant.
She was taken to the hospital, but refused medical attention. She was later released and returned to her home in the South side.
The Milwaukee County Medical Deputy Examiner, Dr. Wieslawa Tomak in an autopsy discovered the baby still had parts of the ovaries attached to the uterus and placenta. Dr. Tomak determined the birth was not natural, but a forced birth.
Police returned to Morales-Rodriguez residence. She was taken back to St. Francis Hospital for medical evaluation. A doctor determined that Morales-Rodriguez hadn't given birth and police arrested her after making herself bleed to fool the doctors that she was bleeding from the birth. Doctor Rachel English at St. Francis Hospital reported, that Morales-Rodriguez had superficial scratching on her vaginal walls, which caused bleeding.
On October 7, police detectives confirmed that Morales-Rodriguez wasn't the mother of a baby boy. Police returned to the home where they found the body of Ramirez-Cruz behind a heater in the basement which showed signs that her baby was savagely cut out in what police say is a rare case of child abduction. Ramirez-Cruz was expected to give birth on October 16, according to family members.
Last week, Morales-Rodriguez was charged with two counts of 1st-degree homicide, including intentional homicide of a child while armed. Bail was set at $1 million and if convicted, she is facing two life terms in prison.
The criminal complaint stated, Morales-Rodriguez went out and drove around looking for a woman that was pregnant and saw Ramirez-Cruz on S. Chase Ave. and offered her a ride. She lured Ramirez-Cruz to her South side apartment and then beat Ramirez-Cruz with a baseball bat after she came out of the bathroom. Ramirez-Cruz tried to fight back, but Morales-Rodriguez dragged her out of the bathroom.
Ramirez-Cruz was able to run to the living room and Morales-Rodriguez once again struck her in the head with the baseball bat, knocking her to the floor. Morales-Rodriguez then strangled her with both hands until Ramirez-Cruz became unconsicous. She tied Ramirez-Cruz with duct tape and place a plastic bag over her head until she was dead.
Then Morales-Rodriguez removed the unborn child from Ramirez-Cruz uterus with an Exacto knife, according to the criminal complaint.
Morales-Rodriguez wanted a boy to make her boyfriend happy. She couldn't get pregnant, so she pretended to be having a child. She became worried after the fake pregnacy was nearing the delivery date.
Her live-in boyfriend told police that he thought Morales-Rodriguez had been pregnant. Neighbors also thought she was pregnant because Morales-Rodriguez would tell them that she was about to give birth. She has three children.
Ramirez-Cruz was last seen on October 6, when she left her home. She was later reported missing by her husband Christian Mercado, according to Milwaukee police. Ramirez-Cruz also had three children.

Copy of criminal complaint (PDF) filed against Annette Morales-Rodriguez at following link: http://bit.ly/roQodX

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Santa Cruz Hells Angels Enforcer Killed During Pettigrew's Funeral

Steve Tausan

Dispute between bikers at Hells Angels funeral turns deadly.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 16, 2011

San Jose, California - On Saturday, the sergeant-at-arms of the Santa Cruz Hells Angels chapter Steve Tausan, 52, aka, "187" was fatally shot during a funeral. Tausan was attending the San Jose chapter president Jeffrey "Jethro" Pettigrew's funeral when he got into a heated argument and punched a fellow biker. The biker in response then shot Tausan just before 1:00 p.m. Tausan was pronounced dead around 1:44 p.m. at a nearby hospital, according to Jose Garcia, spokesperson for the San Jose Police Department. A suspect is being sought in Tausan's death.
Saturday's funeral had about 4,000 mourners, including members from numerous motorcycle clubs affiliated with the Hells Angels. There was a large police presence at the Oak Hill Memorial Park. Police continue to investigate Tausan's homicide.
Tausan operated the Steve Tausan Bail Bonds in San Jose.
Thousands of mourners were attending the funeral of Jeffrey "Jethro" Pettigrew, 51, president of the San Jose Hells Angels Motorcycle Club. On September 23, Pettigrew was fatally shot four times in the back inside the John Ascauga's Nugget Casino in Sparks, Nevada. Ernesto Manuel Gonzalez, 53, a rival member of the Vago's Motorcycle Club has been charged with Pettigrew's homicide.

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41-year-old Man Facing Eight Homicide Charges For Deadly Salon Shootings

Scott Dekraai

Suspect arrested about half a mile where eight people were fatally shot.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 13, 2011

Seal Beach, CA - On Wednesday, police arrested Scott Dekraai, 41, in connection with the murder of eight people at the Salon Meritage. Dekraai walked into the salon and just opened fire at the people inside. After the shooting, he just got back into his vehicle and fled.
Dekraai was spotted by police about half a mile from the massacre and was taken into custody. He was wearing a bullet proof vest and had multiple weapons and ammunition inside the vehicle.
Dekraai was involved in a bitter divorce for child custody. His ex-wife, Michelle Fournier Dekraai who worked as a license cosmetologist at the hair salon was fatally shot along with Randy Fannin, the owner. Other victims killed inside the salon were identified by Seal Beach police as, Christy Wilson, Victoria Buzzo, Laura Elody, Laura Wedd, Mitchelle Fast and Dave Caovette who was found dead outside.
One victim, Hattie Strez was wounded and remains in critical condition.

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Undocumented OWI Driver Sentenced To Four Years In Prison

Joel Julian-Jorge

Illegal immigrant gets four years in prison for causing injury by intoxicated use of a vehicle.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 13, 2011

Milwaukee - On Thursday, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey A. Conen sentenced Joel Julian-Jorge, 22, to four years in prison. Julian-Jorge pled guilty to one felony count for causing injury by intoxicated use of a vehicle.
Last April, Julian-Jorge was arrested for going the wrong way and causing an accident along I-894/43 and Highway 36 Loomis Road ramp. He was traveling eastbound on westbound I-894 lane when he got into a head-on collision with an SUV going West.
Julian-Jorge's blood alcohol concentration was 0.19 more than twice the legal limit allowed to drive, according to the criminal complaint.
He is in the country illegally. A hold was placed on Julian-Jorge by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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La Rana, Zeta Leader Involved In Casino Royale Massacre Arrested By Mexican Military

Photo: Razon

12th Zeta suspect arrested in connection with 52 homicides at the Casino Royale massacre.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 13, 2011

Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico - The Mexican Secretary of Defense (Sedena) reported the arrest of Carlos Oliva Castillo, 37, aka, "La Rana," one of the Zeta leaders that was implicated in the August 25, Casino Royale massacre in Nuevo León. At least 52 people were confirmed killed. Castillo was taken into custody in Saltillo without any incident.
He is the 12th suspect of 18 Zetas sought that has been detained in connection with the Casino Royale massacre.
Castillo managed Zeta operations in Nuevo León, Tamaulipas and Coahuila, according to the Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, Spokesperson for Sedena.
Along with Castillo, his presumed sentimental companion Juan Carlos, aka, "El Juanillo" or "Irasema" was also arrested.
The military confiscated 27 tons of marijuana, 1,000 weapons, 830 vehicles and  $7.5 million pesos ($577,000 U.S.).

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Two Died, Including A 10-year-old Child In A House Fire Without Smoke Detectors

Photo: HNG

Two children escaped the fire before firefighters arrived and a third child was pulled from the burning home by police officers.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 12, 2011

Milwaukee - On early Wednesday, police pursuing a speeder near S. Cesar E. Chavez Drive and W. Washington St. noticed a house on fire. Two children managed to escaped the blaze around 2:20 a.m. and police officers were able to get a third child out from the burning house.
The child is in critical condition and the two other children suffered minor burns. Keshaun Davis, 10, and Amanda Wasserman, 20, his aunt died in the blaze, according to family members.
The blaze was so intense that firefighters had to be pulled back temperarily, but later were able to control the fire. The fire remains under investigation.
The house apparently had no smoke detectors.

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Four Vehicle Accident Draws Onlookers

Photo: HNG

An 18-year-old driver walks away unharmed.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 11, 2011

Milwaukee - On Tuesday, police reponded to a four vehicle accident shortly after 4:30 p.m. at S. 16th Street and W. Cleveland Ave. The 18-year-old driver of a mini red van that was flipped on its side during impact managed to get out unharmed.
Another person was taken to a nearby hospital due to minor pain to the chest. No one else was reported injured, according to police.

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33-year-old Woman Cuts Out Unborn Baby From Pregnant Mother

Maritza Ramirez-Cruz

Photo: Family

Annette Morales-Rodriguez

Both the mother and unborn child died.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 10, 2011
Updated

Milwaukee - Last Thursday, police were called to a home at the 1600 block of S. 7th St. to investigate a reported death of a new born. Annette Morales-Rodriguez, 33, reported the death after admitting she had given birth. Morales-Rodriguez told police the baby had died during birth.
She was taken to the hospital and police detectives discovered Morales-Rodriguez wasn't the mother of a baby boy. Police returned to the home on Saturday where they found the body of Maritza Ramirez-Cruz, 23, which showed signs that her baby was savagely cut out, in what police are saying is a rare case of child abduction. Ramirez-Cruz was expected to give birth on October 16, according to family members.
On Monday, Morales-Rodriguez was charged with two counts of 1st-degree homicide, including intentional homicide of a child while armed. Bail was set at $1 million, if convicted, she is facing two life terms in prison.
The criminal complaint stated, Morales-Rodriguez went out and drove around looking for a woman that was pregnant and saw Ramirez-Cruz on S. Chase Ave. and offered her a ride. She lured Ramirez-Cruz to her South side apartment and then beat Ramirez-Cruz with a baseball bat and choked her, until she killed her. Then, Morales-Rodriguez removed the unborn child from Ramirez-Cruz uterus with a knife.
Morales-Rodriguez wanted a boy to make her boyfriend happy. She couldn't get pregnant, so she pretended to be having a child. She became worried after the fake pregnacy was nearing the delivery date.
Her live-in boyfriend told police that he thought Morales-Rodriguez had been pregnant. Neighbors also thought she was pregnant because Morales-Rodriguez would tell them that she was about to give birth. She has three children.
Ramirez-Cruz was last seen on Thursday morning when she left her home. She was later reported missing by her husband Christian Mercado, according to police. Ramirez-Cruz also had three children.

Copy of criminal complaint (PDF) filed against Annette Morales-Rodriguez at following link: http://bit.ly/roQodX

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Mexican Marines Arrested 20 Suspects Involved In 103 Homicides In Veracruz

Photo: ADF

Members of the New Jalisco Generation Cartel committed 67 homicides and the Zetas committed at least 36 murders.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 8, 2011

Mexico City - On Thursday, the Mexican Marine Secretary (Semar) presented 20 suspects connected to 103 homicides in the state of Veracruz in a press conference. Marines also arrested Alfredo Carmona Aranda, aka, "El Capi" leader of the New Jalisco Generation Cartel (NJGC), including 8 of its members and Zeta leader in Veracruz, Aquiles Cruz Hurtado, aka, "EL Chilaquil," including 12 of its members. Five of the suspects are minors, according to authorities from Semar.
The NJGC is responsible for the torture and murder of 67 people, including 32 victims found on Thursday and 35 victims (23 men, 12 women) whose bodies were dumped on September 20, in a highway during rush hour near Las Américas Shopping Mall in the municipality of Boca del Rio, Veracruz.
The Zetas are responsible for another 36 homicides, which the bodies of victims were also discovered on Thursday.
NJGC members also taken into custody along with Carmona Aranda were identified as Guillermo Aparicio Anguiano, aka, "Memo"; Adrián de la Cruz, aka, "Chupas"; Alfonso Richard, aka, "Richard"; Mario Alberto Cruz Torres, aka, "Cactus"; Fabian Federico Sánchez Ruiz, aka, "Fabián"; José Refugio Estrada Rojas, aka, "Cuco" and Juan Antonio de la Cruz alias "Toñito" or "Tony."
Zeta suspects arrested along with Cruz Hurtado were identified as Moisés Guzmán, aka, "El Tacubayo"; Ángel Juárez Vicencio, aka, "La Negra" or "El Soldado"; Fernando Ramírez Granados, aka, "La Mosca"; Félix Alberto Ruiz Estrada,aka, "El Sorchi"; Alfredo Ocampo Elvira, aka, "El Negro"; Edmundo Ramírez San Martín, aka, "El Pitufo"; Fernando González Cruz, aka, "El Malo"; Francisco de Jesús Martínez Rojas, aka, "El Choquis"; Miguel Ángel Domínguez Méndez, aka, "El Miguelín"; Nahum Ortega Rodríguez, aka, "El Estroner" and Víctor Manuel Mirón, aka, "Tornik."

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Milwaukee County Sheriff Clarke Criticised Judge Wagner For Giving Illegal Immigrant Felon Work Release

Armando Rodriguez-Benitez

Illegal Immigrant convicted felon gets work release in Milwaukee County.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 7, 2011

Milwaukee - On Wednesday, Armando Rodriguez-Benitez, 35, of West Allis was sentenced to 11 months in the House of Corrections and three years probation after pleading guilty for 2nd-degree recklessly endangering safety, a felony. Rodriguez-Benitez must pay almost $1,000 in court charges and probation costs. On September 12, Rodriguez-Benitez also pleaded guilty due to no contest for 1st operating while intoxicated and was fined $871.00.
Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke criticised and became outraged at Milwaukee County Judge Jeffrey A. Wagner, Branch 38 for giving Rodriguez-Benitez work release when he is an illegal immigrant and shouldn't be working. Sheriff Clarke contacted the Immigration and Customs Enforcement to get Rodriguez-Benitez off the streets and deported. Rodriguez-Benitez can be deported on a felony conviction.
In July, he was cited for operating a vehicle with prohibited alcohol concentration of .25, more than triple the legal limit. In Wisconsin, it's illegal to drive with a Breath and Alcohol Concentration of .08 or greater.
Rodriguez-Benitez was also cited with heading the wrong way on I-43. He drove into the freeway the wrong-way on W. Becher St. and I-43 and proceeded northbound on the southbound lanes.

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Ground Breaking Affordable Housing Project To Offer Year Round Farmer's Market On Mitchell Street

Photos: HNG

The Mitchell Street Market Lofts project will offer apartments to low income renters and will have a year-round farmer's market.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 6, 2011

Milwaukee - On Thursday, the groundbreaking ceremony took place for construction of the Mitchell Street Market Lofts (MSML) at 1920 W. Mitchell Street. Impact Seven, Inc. announced the project will offer a rent to own program for two and three bedroom lofts, which would include 2 bath apartments, in-unit washer, dryer, dishwasher, stove, refrigerator and microwave. The 24-unit apartments building will include a community room, fitness room and accessible green roof, including an indoor year-round Farmer's Market Place.
Wisconsin Redevelopment, LLC and Growing Power were able to provide a farmer's market on the ground level of the MSML when it opens. Growing Power will manage the year-round farmer's market at MSML.
The MSML will house 24-unit apartments in a four-story building. Each unit will have about 1,000 to 1,600 square feet of space and ground level commercial space, which includes a garage will have at least a total of 2,000 square feet, according to the Department of City Development.
The Milwaukee Redevelopment Authority sold the 24,500-square-foot lot at W. Mitchell St. and Muskego Ave. for $110,250 with condition that a farmer's market will be housed in the MSML building.
The total cost of the MSML project is between $5 to $6.1 million. Part of the MSML financing was provided through federal affordable housing tax credits program allocated by Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA). J.P. Morgan Chase Bank financed a multi-million loan for the project.
Under the housing tax credits terms, MSML will have to rent to low income renters making no more than than 60 percent of the area income level. The average household maximum income level for two people can't exceed $32,520, but income level adjustments will be provided as the household increases, according to WHEDA.
The primary developer is Mitchell Street Market Lofts, LLC and other developers include, Impact Seven, Inc., Wisconsin Redevelopment, LLC and AndersonWebb, LLC.

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Captain Pixley Becomes First Woman To Head Police District Two Station In Milwaukee's South Side

Captain Rebecca L. Pixley

Photo: HNG

Personal contact between officers and community residents is vital for helping to prevent and reduce crime in the South side, according to Captain Rebecca L. Pixley.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 5, 2011

Milwaukee - On Tuesday, 8th District Alderman Robert "Bob" Donovan held a district meeting with members of the community at the Walker Campus, 3100 block of W. Mitchell St. to introduce newly appointed Captain of Police Rebecca L. Pixley. Captain Pixley is the first woman to head Milwaukee's Police District 2 Station in the South side.
With Captain Pixley's appointment to the second district, she has accomplished to work on all six police district stations. Pixley has been a supervisor for 15 years out of 22 years with the department.
Current South side issues involve drug houses, gangs, prostitution, shootings, garage break-ins, graffiti and nuisance properties, according to Alderman Donovan. Residents at the meeting wanted more police on the street, but Donovan explained, the city is facing a lack of funds. He confirmed, 200 vacant police positions were available and 100 of those positions were eliminated citywide in the last budget by a stroke of a pen, leaving only 150 positions to fill.
Captain Pixley's approach for policing is quite different and innovative than prior second district commanders. Pixley strongly believes that district officers and residents should get to know each other in order to help prevent and reduce crime in the area.
Captain Pixley assured residents that she will continue to bring her entourage of officers and rank and file command from the second district to public gatherings dealing with crime safety meetings. At the meeting on Tuesday, she took charge and spoke to residents, heard their concerns, talked about crime prevention and how residents can actually contact second district officers and report suspected crime activity.
Another change within the second district, Captain Pixley has enjoined the Community Prosecution Unit (CPU), Anti Gang Unit (AGU), the Bicycle Patrol Unit and the Community Liaison Officer to work with each other and share information. Prior district commanders had each unit working separately from each other. The AGU is supervised by a sergeant.
The second district also has a city attorney, a Milwaukee County assistant district attorney, a Domestic Violence Advocate and a Probation and Parole agent at the police station. All six police district stations in Milwaukee have CPU teams, but Pixley worked directly with the CPU at district 5, which most likely become a model to follow at district 2.
Pixley while working as a Lieutenant at district 5, she was instrumental in making the CPU project a success by having them work collectively with other units in the district. She is currently applying the same concept at the second district.
In the South side, the CPU team is based out of the second district and deal with nuisance properties, land lords and complaints about drug houses.
Community Liaison Officer Jesus Gloria will get a partner, according to Captain Pixley. Officer Gloria, who is fluent in both English and Spanish has organized Community Block Watch programs in the neighborhood. Gloria and other officers along with community volunteers and released inmates from the Probation and Parole assigned to do community service work have removed graffiti and tagging in the area. The supervised inmates work four hours under the Operation Payback project.
Officer Gloria reported that last week, volunteers and supervised inmates had removed graffiti or tagging from 75 properties and this week from 64 properties, including tagging from the lower level of the Pabs Avenue Bridge at the 3200 block of W. Forest Home Ave.

Pabs Avenue Bridge hit by taggers at the 3200 block of W. Forest Home Ave.

Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Police District 2

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