Community Outreach, Criminal Investigations Division, Patrol Division

Woman Robs Local Credit Union

Date:  December 19, 2013, 4:04pm
Location: 2140 Gollihar Road http://goo.gl/maps/Gra3j
Event: Aggravated Robbery
Case Number: 1312190103

This slideshow requires JavaScript.


The Corpus Christi Police Department is asking the public’s assistance to help identify and locate a woman who robbed the Corpus Christi City Employees Credit Union.  Police were told a heavyset woman walked into the bank and handed the teller a note; demanding money.  The suspect was given an undetermined amount of money.

The suspect is described as a heavyset White woman,  40 to 50 years of age,   She was last seen wearing a blue warm-up top, black sweatpants, black shoes, and possibly wearing a dark Red or Auburn wig.  She was also wearing white framed sunglasses.

Anyone who knows any additional information about this crime should contact the Corpus Christi Police Department at 886-2841.   Information about unsolved crimes may be provided to detectives anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS (8477) or online at www.888TIPS.com. Information provided to Crime Stoppers which results in an arrest may earn the caller a cash reward.

Community Outreach, Patrol Division, Traffic Safety Division

Intoxicated Assault Warrant Issued for Local Man

Occurred on Date: Thursday, December 05, 2013, 2:10am
Location: Saratoga Boulevard at Staples Street http://goo.gl/maps/pOaEp
Offense: Intoxicated Assault 
Case Number: 1312050015

Zalen Martin Ellison
Zalen Martin Ellison

A 30-year-old man was seriously injured Thursday, December 5, 2013 in a two vehicle accident.  Corpus Christi Police Crash Investigators believe a white GMC Acadia driven by 21-year-old Zalen Martin Ellison entered the intersection when a red light was displayed and struck a green Toyota Prius (Green n Go taxi) driven by the 30-year-old man.

The Acadia and the Prius were only occupied by the drivers. The force of the impact caused the Prius to strike a black 2006 Nissan Altima occupied by five people.

The 30-year-old man was taken to Spohn Memorial with what Officers believe were serious, but non-life threatening injuries. Ellison was also taken to Spohn Memorial with non-life threatening injuries. The five occupants of the Altima did not report any injuries. Both drivers were admitted to the hospital due to their injuries.

Crash Investigators believe alcohol may have been a contributing factor in this crash and continued to investigate. On December 19, 2013, the Traffic and Safety Division secured a felony arrest warrant for Zalen M. Ellison(03/25/92).  He is wanted for Intoxicated Assault with a Vehicle Causing Severe Bodily Injury.  His Bond is set at $50,000. 

Anyone with any information on Ellison’s whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS or submit a tip online at www.888TIPS.com.  Tipsters will earn a cash reward if the suspect is found and arrested.

Community Outreach, Criminal Investigations Division

Stripes Robbery Suspects Identity Sought

Occurred on Date:  December 7, 2013, 5:12am
Location: 6901 S. Padre Island Drive http://goo.gl/maps/ApQI8
Event:  Aggravated Robbery
Case Number:  1312070028

This slideshow requires JavaScript.


Corpus Christi Police Department Robbery Detectives are asking the public’s assistance to help identify a robbery suspect.  On Saturday, December 07, 2013,  a store clerk reported being robbed at gunpoint.  She told Officers two men walked into the store, pointed a gun at her and took the money from a couple of registers.  The suspects fled with an undetermined amount of money and were last seen fleeing into the Armon Bay Apartment Complex.

The first suspect is described as a thin Hispanic male, 25 to 30 years of age, standing 5’3″ to 5’7″ feet tall, and weighing 140 to 160 lbs.  He was wearing a red hoodie with a white shirt covering his face, blue jeans, and gloves. 

The second suspect is described as a Hispanic male, 5’5″ to 5’9″ and weighing 160 to 180 lbs.  He was wearing a black hoodie and a white shirt or cloth over his face, blue jean shorts, and gloves.

Anyone who knows any additional information about this crime should contact the Corpus Christi Police Department at 886-2841.   Information about unsolved crimes may be provided to investigators anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS (8477) or online at www.888TIPS.com. Information provided to Crime Stoppers which results in an arrest may earn the caller a cash reward.

Charlie District, Community Outreach, Criminal Investigations Division

Photos of Robbery Suspect Released

Occurred on Date: Wednesday, December 11, 2013, 00:57
Location: 4126 Staples Street http://goo.gl/maps/O7E1W
Event:  Aggravated Robbery
Case Number: 1312110005

This slideshow requires JavaScript.


Corpus Christi Police Department Robbery Detectives are asking the public’s assistance to help identify a robbery suspect.  On Wednesday, December 11, 2013,  a 23-year-old man reported a robbery at a local fast food restaurant.  He told Officers a man walked into the restaurant and held him up at gunpoint; demanding money from the register.  The suspect left with an undetermined amount and ran to the apartment complex located at 802 Berry Street.

The suspect is described as wearing a red shirt underneath a dark blue sweat shirt with a hood, black warm-up pants with a white stripe on the outside of each leg, black tennis shoes, black and white gloves, and his face was covered with a mask.

Anyone who knows any additional information about this crime should contact the Corpus Christi Police Department at 886-2841.   Information about unsolved crimes may be provided to investigators anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS (8477) or online at www.888TIPS.com. Information provided to Crime Stoppers which results in an arrest may earn the caller a cash reward.

Patrol Division

Patrol Report December 19, 2013

The Corpus Christi Police Department generated 155 original reports for formal criminal complaints from midnight December 18 to 6:30am December 19, 2013. These are a sample of the criminal complaints filed by the Corpus Christi Police for that time period.

 

“Adam” District

Date: Wednesday, December 18, 2013, 11:24am

Location: 3800 Betel Street http://goo.gl/maps/QsU5f

Offense: Possession of a Controlled Substance (Health and Safety Code Section 481.117) 3rd Degree Felony

Case Number: 1312180051

Corpus Christi Police arrested 19-year-old Librado Esquivel (4/22/1994) for possession of a controlled substance at the 3800 block of Betel Street Wednesday night. Corpus Christi Police responded to a complaint of a fight with guns and bats at the 3800 block of Betel Street at 11:24am. Officers found several people involved in an argument, but no person was injured. Officers conducted a search for weapons and discovered contraband which the officers believe is marijuana and prescription medication not prescribed to the person in possession of it. Officers arrested Librado Esquivel and delivered him to the city detention center for Possession of a Controlled Substance.

 

“Bravo” District

Date: Wednesday, December 18, 2013, 7:51am

Location: 7300 Diamond Ridge Drive http://goo.gl/maps/09o9x

Offense: Warrant of Arrest (Code of Criminal Procedure 15.01)

Case Number: 1312180032

Corpus Christi Police arrested 43-year-old John Henry (6/4/1970) for a warrant for his arrest from Mississippi Wednesday at the 7300 block of Diamond Ridge. Corpus Christi Police investigated a theft complaint on the 700 block of Chase Monday and learned that Henry may have been responsible. Officers also learned that Henry had an active felony warrant for his arrest from Mississippi. Officers tracked Henry to his work site and arrested Henry for the warrant for his arrest and then delivered him to the city detention center. Investigation of the theft complaint on Chase Street continues.

 

Date: Wednesday, December 18, 2013, 8:54am

Location: 6500 Yorktown Boulevard http://goo.gl/maps/QFR9H

Offense: Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle (Penal Code Section 31.07) State Jail Felony

Case Number: 1312180034

A 40-year-old man reported several stolen vehicles from a construction site on the 6500 block of Yorktown Boulevard Wednesday to the Corpus Christi Police. The 40-year-old man told Officers an unknown person defeated the gate to a fenced area where vehicles were stored and stole a yellow and black Sperry heavy construction loader valued at $50,000 dollars and a trailer valued at $900 dollars from the site overnight.

 

Date: Thursday, December 19, 2013, 1:52am

Location: 1338 Waldron Road http://goo.gl/maps/xEVdL

Offense: Warrant of Arrest (Code of Criminal Procedure 15.01)

Case Number: 1312190010

Corpus Christi Police arrested 56-year-old Dale Lidy (5/7/1957) for two warrants for his arrest after he was found sleeping in a restroom of a park on Waldron Road. Corpus Christi Police Officers noticed the door to a restroom open at the Parker Park at 1:52am and went inside to investigate. Officers found Lidy asleep on the floor and then learned Lidy had a warrant for his arrest for Possession of Marijuana and for unlawful carrying a weapon. Officers arrested Lidy and then delivered him to the city detention center.

 

“Charlie” District

Date: Wednesday, December 18, 2013, 6:13am

Location: 2900 Santa Sofia Street http://goo.gl/maps/VYnBJ

Offense: Deadly Conduct (Penal Code Section 22.05) 3rd Degree Felony

Case Number: 1312180017

A 35-year-old man reported to Corpus Christi Police that some unknown person discharged a firearm and caused an estimated #3,500 dollars worth of damage to his three vehicles which were parked and unattended on the 2900 block of Santa Sofia Wednesday morning. No injuries were reported and a witness described the suspect vehicle to Corpus Christi Police as a black Cadillac Escalade which drove with its lights off at about 6:00am.

 

Date: Thursday, December 19, 2013, 3:28am

Location: Donegal Drive at Everhart Road http://goo.gl/maps/7v3Jh

Offense: Public Intoxication (Penal Code Section 49.02) Class C Misdemeanor

Case Number: 1312190013

Corpus Christi Police arrested 48-year-old Alvin Villarreal (9/28/1965) for public intoxication at the intersection of Donegal and Everhart Road Thursday morning. Corpus Christi Police responded to the area for a man who laid on a bus bench unconscious. Corpus Christi Fire Department Medical staff determined that the man, Alvin Villarreal, did not have a medical condition, but was intoxicated. Corpus Christi Police Officers arrested Villarreal and delivered him to the city detention center.

 

“Delta” District

Date: Wednesday, December 18, 2013, 16:15

Location: Edwards Street at Lewis Street http://goo.gl/maps/B8oSd

Offense: Prohibited Weapon (Penal Code Section 46.05) Class A Misdemeanor

Case Number: 1312180087

Corpus Christi Police arrested 21-year-old Reynaldo Alvarado (5/18/1992) for possession of a prohibited weapon Wednesday at the intersection of Edwards Street and Lewis Street. Corpus Christi Police responded to a fight complaint in the middle of the street at 4:15pm and discovered one of the men in the fight, Alvarado, used metal knuckles. Officers arrested Alvarado because metal knuckles are a prohibited weapon and then delivered Alvarado to the city detention center.

Search the website Crimereports.com to research all reported criminal activity in Corpus Christi. Anyone who knows any additional information about these crimes should contact the Corpus Christi Police Department at 886-2841. Information about unsolved crimes may be provided to investigators anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS (8477) or online at 888TIPS.com. Information provided to Crime Stoppers which results in an arrest may earn the caller a cash reward.

Criminal Investigations Division

Two Area Women Head to Federal Prison in Home Health Services Conspiracy

contributed by USATXS-Public Affairs Officer Angela Dodge

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas –Debra Jean Velasquez, of Robstown, and Sylvia Salinas Ramirez, of Driscoll, have been ordered to prison in a scheme to defraud the Texas Medicaid program through fraudulent home health billings, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson along with Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott. The woman entered guilty pleas Sept. 4, 2013, to conspiring to submit false and fraudulent bills to the Texas Medicaid Program by wire transmissions as well as wire fraud. 

Today, Senior U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack handed Velasquez, 42, and Ramirez, 52, respective terms of 51 and 41 months in federal prison for wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. In handing down the sentence, Judge Jack noted that the sentence was necessary considering the number of victims, the need to deter future criminal conduct and to protect the public. Both will also be required to serve a term of two years of supervised release following completion of the prison term. 

The two women admitted that from or about Aug. 1, 2009, through on or about June 15, 2010, they were employed by the Corpus Christi office of MRNG Inc. doing business as Caring Touch Home Health. During that time, they conspired to submit false and fraudulent bills through wire transmissions to the Texas Medicaid program and the Medicaid funded managed care organizations known as Evercare of Texas LLC and Superior Health Plan Inc. for home health services that had not been provided. Ramirez and Velasquez admitted they created false and fraudulent time sheets for former Caring Touch employees for home health services that had not been provided and then fraudulently billed Medicaid, Evercare and Superior in the name of Caring Touch for those non-existent services. They sent approximately 562 of those false and fraudulent bills by wire. 

Ramirez and Velasquez also admitted that in order to personally profit from their fraudulent billings, they created phony payroll records from the fraudulent time sheet which they then sent to Caring Touch’s payroll staff. Ramirez and Velasquez then obtained the payroll checks generated from the false and fraudulent time records, forged the signatures of the former Caring Touch employees, then cashed the checks and divided the money among themselves. Caring Touch and the former employees whose names were used on the false time sheets and checks were not accused of any wrongdoing.  

Ramirez and Velasquez admitted that as a result of their false and fraudulent claims, Texas Medicaid, Evercare and Superior paid the approximate aggregate sum of $155,127.72. As part of their pleas, the women have agreed to pay restitution in that amount.  

Previously released on bond, Ramirez and Velasquez were taken into custody following the sentencing today where they will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. 

The charges were the result of a joint investigation conducted by officers and agents of the Corpus Christi Police Department, the FBI, Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General and the Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Special Assistant United States Attorney Rex Beasley and Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery D. Preston are prosecuting the case.

Community Outreach

REACH FOR THE STARRS!!

Wouldn’t you want to be helped if you were in need??
If yes, then let’s pay it forward and REACH FOR THE STARRS!!

Pave Diamond Ring donated by Denny Bales Diamonds for Starrs fundraiser. Ring valued at $11,200
Pave Diamond Ring donated by Denny Bales Diamonds for Starrs fundraiser. Ring valued at $11,200

Join us in lending a helping hand to Ken and Karen Starrs whose house burned down in January of this year.

Karen was seriously burned when she reentered the house in order to rescue their two cats.  Both cats and dogs made it out alive; unfortunately, their beloved bird did not.

Ken and Karen both joined the City of Corpus Christi Police Department in August of 1977.  Captain Starrs retired in January 2004 and Karen, a Crime Prevention Specialist retired in January 2003.

Denny Bales, owner of Denny Bales Diamonds is donating an 18k White Gold custom-made Ladies’ Ring featuring 4.3 Carats in Pave set diamonds with a retail value of $11,200.

This ring can be yours by participating in the fundraising raffle benefitting Ken and Karen Starrs.  The ring will be raffled on Friday, December 20th at 4:00pm.  Our objective is to sell 1000 tickets at $25 for each ticket.  Whenever possible, we would like to sell the tickets in blocks of 10 and as a thank you, you will receive two free raffle tickets.

Tickets may be purchased at Denny Bales Diamonds, 7009 S. Staples Street (361-371-2975) and the Gulf Coast Humane Society, 3118 Cabaniss Parkway (361-225-0845) until Thursday, December 19th at 4:00pm.

Community Outreach, Criminal Investigations Division

Corpus Christi Man Sentenced for Possession of Child Pornography

Contributed by USATXS-Public Affairs Attorney Angela Dodge:

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Rex D. McBride, 44, has been ordered to prison for possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson. McBride pleaded guilty Sept. 18, 2013.

Today, Senior U.S. District Judge John D. Rainey considered the seriousness of the crime and sentenced McBride to a total of 63 months in federal prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release.

On Nov. 12, 2012, Corpus Christi Police Department – Internet Crimes Against Children (CCPD-ICAC) detectives were conducting an undercover investigation into persons trading child pornography on the Gnutella network. At that time, detectives identified an online user, later identified as McBride, who was offering child pornography for distribution. On three occasions in late 2012, detectives successfully downloaded child pornography from McBride.

On March 20, 2013, a search warrant was executed, during which McBride admitted to downloading and viewing child pornography on the Internet through file sharing software. A forensic evaluation of McBride’s computer led to the discovery of nearly 1500 images of child pornography.

Homeland Security Investigations and CCPD-ICAC investigated.

This case, prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lance Duke, was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visitwww.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visitwww.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”

Patrol Division

Patrol Report December 18, 2013

The Corpus Christi Police Department generated 164 original reports for formal criminal complaints from midnight December 17 to 6:00am December 18, 2013. These are a sample of the criminal complaints filed by the Corpus Christi Police for that time period.

“Adam” District

Date: Monday, December 16, 2013, 20:47

Location: 3829 U.S. Highway 77 http://goo.gl/maps/eqCJF

Offense: Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle (Penal Code Section 31.07) State Jail Felony

Case Number: 1312160150

A 41-year-old man reported his gray 2000 Ford Expedition stolen from the store parking lot located at 3829 U.S. Highway 77 Monday to the Corpus Christi Police.

 

Date: Monday, December 16, 2013, 21:31

Location: 3829 U.S. Highway 77 http://goo.gl/maps/eqCJF

Offense: Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle (Penal Code Section 31.07) State Jail Felony

Case Number: 1312160157

A 31-year-old woman reported her beige 2012 Ford Expedition stolen from the store parking lot located at 3829 U.S. Highway 77 Monday to the Corpus Christi Police Department.

“Bravo” District

Date: Wednesday, December 18, 2013, 00:09

Location: 5750 Curtis Clark Drive http://goo.gl/maps/3KsGZ

Offense: Burglary of a Vehicle (Penal Code Section 30.04) Class A Misdemeanor

Case Number: 1312180003

Corpus Christi Police arrested 35-year-old Jose Delarosa (12/15/1978) for burglary of two vehicles, three charges of criminal mischief, evading arrest, and possession of marijuana at an apartment complex located at 5750 Curtis Clark Drive Wednesday morning. Corpus Christi Police responded to a complaint of a man who broke into a vehicle at about midnight. Officers arrived and saw Delarosa in a vehicle and confronted him. Delarosa ran from the Officers, but Officers chased and apprehended Delarosa. Delarosa was found with contraband and additionally charged with possession of marijuana. Officers met with several witnesses who accused Delarosa of destroying a fence, a tailgate to a truck, and a window with an estimated total loss of $400. Delarosa was delivered to the city detention center.

“Charlie” District

Date: Wednesday, December 18, 2013, 2:20am

Location: 4400 Haverhill Lane http://goo.gl/maps/JbaQY

Offense: Driving While Intoxicated (Penal Code Section 49.04) Class B Misdemeanor

Case Number: 1312180013

Corpus Christi Police arrested 28-year-old Liza Vasquez (6/5/1985) for Driving While Intoxicated on the 4400 block of Haverhill Lane Wednesday morning. Corpus Christi Police responded to a vehicle crash in which a gray 2000 Ford Expedition struck a house. Officers learned the Expedition traveled south on the 5600 block of Flynn Parkway and left the roadway into a ditch. The Officers believe the Expedition then went back onto the road, spun and traveled backward to strike a street sign, then a fire hydrant and then a tree. The Officers believe the Expedition then traveled forward and struck a house. The Officers believe the Expedition reversed to strike the same tree again, and then moved forward to strike a parked and unattended gray 2013 Honda Accord. The Officers arrested the operator of the Expedition, 28-year-old Liza Vasquez, and took her to the hospital for a medical evaluation and to collect a specimen of her blood. Officers impounded the Expedition and delivered Vasquez to the city detention center.

Search the website Crimereports.com to research all reported criminal activity in Corpus Christi. Anyone who knows any additional information about these crimes should contact the Corpus Christi Police Department at 886-2841. Information about unsolved crimes may be provided to investigators anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS (8477) or online at 888TIPS.com. Information provided to Crime Stoppers which results in an arrest may earn the caller a cash reward.

Traffic Safety Division

Police Investigate Hit & Run Crash on Crosstown Expressway

Date: Monday, December 16, 2013, 23:52

Location: 4800 Crosstown Expressway http://goo.gl/maps/X5oF1

Offense: Accident Involving Injury or Death (Transportation Code Section 550.021)

Crash Number: C1308334 (1312170003)

Corpus Christi Police Crash Investigators are investigating a hit and run crash that happened on the Crosstown Expressway near Gollihar Monday night. Corpus Christi Police responded to a vehicle crash with a pedestrian on the 4800 block of the Crosstown Expressway at 11:52pm Monday night. Officers learned that a 52-year-old man put fuel in a stalled vehicle on the shoulder when the 52-year-old man was struck by a passing truck. The 52-year-old man was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. The Officers learned that the truck continued to travel south on the Crosstown Expressway and did not return to provide aid or information as required by state law.

Corpus Christi Police Investigators from the Traffic Safety Section seek a dark-colored Dodge 1500 truck between the year models 1994-2001 which has the passenger side mirror broken off as involved in this crash. Anyone with any additional information about this crash, or knows who is responsible, should contact the Corpus Christi Police Traffic Safety Section at 886-2690.

Corpus Christi Police Daily Blotter