LAPD Blog

Human Trafficking Conviction Against Gang Member

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department, Operations South Bureau Human Trafficking Task Force, in partnership with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, concluded a nine month human trafficking investigation into a claim of two female victims that resulted in felony charge convictions.

Christopher Hudgins Agnew, 22 years of age, a Los Angeles of resident, was convicted of Human Trafficking, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and Kidnapping. Agnew, a self-admitted gang member, pled guilty to Human Trafficking and Assault with a Deadly Weapon and received a 14 year sentence for his crime.

Kaishane Kyle, 19 years of age, a Los Angeles resident, was convicted of Pandering. Kyle pled guilty to the charge and received a 3 year sentence for her crime.

The investigation revealed that from January 2015 to March 2015, Agnew and Kyle enticed and persuaded the victims into prostitution while they were in the Los Angeles area. Agnew took his victims to various hotels and areas where prostitutes are known to loiter. Over that period, Agnew assaulted his victim with a deadly weapon and kidnapped both victims on multiple occasions.

After 3 months, one of the victims was able to escape from Agnew and reported him to the investigative personnel of the LAPD Operations South Bureau Human Trafficking Task force.

Agnew forced these young women to work for him as prostitutes in Los Angeles and used various social media websites to sexually exploit the victims.

Anyone with information on these suspects is asked to contact Operations South Bureau Human Trafficking Task Force at (213) 926-3963. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters "LAPD." Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

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Nun Severely Injured by Hit-and-Run Driver

 

Update

December 18, 2015                           

The vehicle involved in the collision is described as a small white four door compact car.

Boyle Heights: Los Angeles Police Department Central Traffic Division Detectives are asking for the public's help in providing any information that would lead to the identification and arrest of the suspect involved in a hit and run collision.

On Sunday, December 13, 2015, around 5:20 p.m., 70-year-old Raquel Diaz was in the crosswalk at Winter Street and North Evergreen Avenue. A vehicle traveling southbound on North Evergreen Avenue, struck Ms. Diaz and continued southbound. The driver did not stop to render aid.

Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded and transported Ms. Diaz to a local hospital in critical condition.

The suspect's vehicle is only described as a black truck, and there is no suspect description. The investigation is ongoing and there have been no arrests made at this time.

Raquel Diaz is a Sister with the Los Angeles Dioceses. She is the Director of Religious Education at the Church of Assumption on Blanchard Street. She has worked as a Sister for more than fifty years.

On April 15, 2015, the City Council amended the Los Angeles Administrative Code and created a Hit and Run Reward Program Trust Fund. A reward of up to $25,000 is available to community members who provide information leading to the offender's identification, apprehension, and conviction or resolution through a civil compromise.

Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact Central Traffic Division Detectives at (213) 833-3713, Detective Padilla at (213) 486-0753 or Officer Cortez at (213) 486-0766. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters "LAPD." Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

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Notes from the December 15, 2024 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

Commission Mtg 12-15-15 Trimmed

Commission President Matt Johnson opened the meeting and a quorum was established. He immediately announced the next police commission meeting after today would occur on January 5, 2016. Commissioner Steve Soboroff commented on how pleased he was that there were no incidents to report from yesterday’s massive opening ceremonies in Hollywood for the new Star Wars film. Secondly, he commended Deputy Chief Michael Downing on a recent television appearance where he discussed Los Angeles-based terrorism incidents and how LAPD handles them.

For the Report of the Chief of Police, Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger was sitting in for Chief Charlie Beck who temporarily left the meeting to attend a news conference. Chief Paysinger was not prepared to deliver the chief’s crime report; so when Chief Beck returned after the news conference, he provided the report. He spoke about attending a recent LAPD Cadet graduation, provided brief crime statistics and provided an update on an evolving incident concerning a terrorist threat made earlier today to the Los Angeles Unified School District.

The next order of business was the Consent Agenda Items, all of which were approved without discussion. The meeting proceeded to Regular Agenda Items. There were 10 items, 4A through 4J, and the commissioners immediately approved Items 4F and 4J as follows:

• Item 4F, the Department’s Report, dated December 10, 2015, relative to the Supplemental Police Account Third-Quarterly Report (July through September 2015), as set forth, was approved.
• Item 4J, the Department’s Report, dated December 11, 2015, relative to the request to negotiate an agreement with a selected proposer for the Internet Auctioning Services, as set forth, was approved.

The meeting continued with Item 4A, a verbal presentation and update from the commanding officer and a Community Police Advisory Board representative regarding community initiated problem solving, crime strategies, and other programs and goals within LAPD’s Pacific Area. Two employees from Pacific Division who did not identify themselves represented the Department before the commission. They began their presentation with general statistics about the Pacific Area, including ethnic composition, overall geographic size of the area (26 square miles) and more. They also mentioned crime statistics in their area and some of their special community programs, among other topics.

The meeting continued with Item 4B, the Inspector General’s Report, dated December 15, 2015, relative to the Body-Worn Video Inspection in the Mission Area. Representing the Department before the commission, among others, was Assistant Inspector General Kevin Rogan, who was the principle investigating party for the audit relating to the report. Assistant Inspector General Rogan discussed various relevant findings included in the report. The commissioners had a number of questions and comments about the inspection, body-worn video equipment, the recordings the equipment produce and policy-related issues. Item 4B was approved with the added instruction for a report back to the commission in 90 days to cover the issues the commission raised.

The meeting continued with Item 4C, the Inspector General’s Report, dated December 15, 2015, relative to the review of the Biased Policing Complaints. Once again, Assistant Inspector General Kevin Rogan represented the Department before the commission. He discussed various aspects of the complaints report and then addressed commissioner comments and questions with the assistance of Inspector General Alexander Bustamante and Commander Stuart Maislin of Internal Affairs. After much discussion, Commissioner Johnson suggested a subcommittee be formed with Commissioner Robert Saltzman to more closely examine the report results. After public comment, the item was approved, as set forth.

The meeting continued with Item 4D, the Department’s Report, dated December 9, 2015, relative to the Fiscal Year 2015/2016 Proposed Interim Budget – Strategic Plan. Representing the Department before the commission was Captain Jeff Bert of the Strategic Planning Group. Captain Bert talked about how the budget was broken down, including the intention and justification to bring more sworn and civilian personnel into the Strategic Planning Group, as well as additional personnel to help manage the body-worn video material and other LAPD divisions. There were no commissioner questions or comment, and the item was approved, as set forth.

The meeting continued with Item 4E, the Department’s Report, dated December 11, 2015, relative to the Preventable and Non-Preventable Traffic Collision Audit (AD# 14-060). Police Performance Auditor Jeffry Philips represented the Department before the commission. Mr. Phillips explained some of the report’s contents, and the commissioners had no additional comments or questions. Consequently, the item was approved, as set forth.

The meeting continued with Item 4G, the Department’s Report, dated December 9, 2015, relative to the Biased Policing Update – 3^rd Quarter 2015 Report. Once again, Commander Stuart Maislin represented the Department before the commission. The commissioners had no comments or questions, and the item was approved, as set forth.

The meeting continued with Item 4H, the Department’s Report, dated December 11, 2015, relative to the Quarterly Discipline Report, Third Quarter 2015. The commissioners had no comments or questions, and the item was approved, as set forth.

The final order of business was Item 4I, the Department’s Report, dated December 10, 2015, relative to the Third Quarterly Risk Management and Harm Reduction Status Report. LAPD Risk Manager Mike Hyams and Risk Management Division Commanding Officer Dominic Choi represented the Department before the commission. Mr. Hyams and Captain Choi led a detailed discussion about risk management and the findings of the corresponding report. Commissioner Saltzman had a brief comment and question, after which the item was approved, as set forth.

Detectives Seeking Victims in Sexual Exploitation of Teens

Encino: Detectives have released the names and pictures of three persons already arrested and charged with the sexual exploitation of a 12-year-old girl who was lured off the street in the hopes of meeting celebrities. Steven Fernandez, 15, of Compton, was the prime mover in this conspiracy. He is a well-known skateboarder on social media, who also markets a popular clothing brand.



"Yes, it's unusual that we would release the name and photo of an arrested minor," explained Det. Ninette Toosbuy of the West Valley Detective Division. "But State law provides for such exceptions in cases where the perpetrator sexually targeted minors."

The investigation began November 13, 2015, when the victim explained to detectives how Fernandez had called her over to a car on Ventura Boulevard and used his celebrity as a skater to make an acquaintance with the minor and get her into the car, which was driven by Jose Barajas, 22, Fernandez's manager. Fernandez promised to introduce the girl to A-list performers and appear in Fernandez's non-existent MTV special in return for her engaging in sexual acts with Fernandez, Barajas, and Keelan Lamar Dadd, 27, the third man charged in the case and a fellow professional skater.

"Fernandez and his buddies used his fame and brand to sexually exploit the very girls who made the men rich and famous," Det. Toosbuy added. "We're taking exceptional measures to find additional victims because the fate of some young lives may be at stake."

Fernandez and Barajas were arrested November 17 as part of a sting by detectives who posed as the 12-year-old victim and arranged via text to meet at an abandoned home for sex. Dadd turned himself in to detectives with his lawyer on December 3. All three were booked on charges of Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Child Under 14. Barajas' bail was set at $475,000 and Dadd's was set at $200,000. Both men have bailed out. Fernandez, as a minor, was released to his mother and ordered to wear an ankle tracker, pending his court appearance.

"We want parents to look at the names and pictures of the defendants and ask their daughters if there's been any contact," Det. Toosbuy said. "The suspects tended to cruise West San Fernando Valley, Hollywood, and Compton, looking for young girls to solicit."

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Det. Ninette Toosbuy, West Valley Detectives, at (818) 374-7718. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7(877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters "LAPD." Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

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Young Man Stabbed to Death in Highland Park

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department Northeast Homicide detectives are asking for the public's help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect(s) who stabbed 24-year-old Bryan Wilfredo Najarro.

On December 16, 2015, around 2:27 p.m., Northeast patrol officers responded to a radio call of an "Ambulance Cutting", on Avenue 59 and North Figueroa Street, in the area of Highland Park.
When officers arrived they found Najarro suffering from multiple stab wounds.

The Los Angeles City Fire Department responded and pronounced Najarro dead at scene.

Both suspects are described as female Hispanics, in their 30's and wearing dark clothing.

Both suspects left the area in a black sedan southbound on Avenue 59. The motive for the murder is unknown at this time.

Anyone with information on the crime is asked to contact Northeast Division Homicide Detective Lenchuk or Officer Watterson at (323) 344-5731. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7(877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters "LAPD." Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

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82-year-old Missing Female

Los Angeles: The family of Sun Hee Lee and the Los Angeles Police Department's Missing Persons Unit are asking for the public's help in locating Ms. Lee.

On December 15, 2015, around 10:00 a.m., Ms. Lee was last seen in the 1000 block of South Kingsley Drive in the City of Los Angeles. Ms. Lee's family is extremely concerned for her wellbeing because Ms. Lee suffers from Dementia and Alzheimer's disease and is in need of medication.

Ms. Lee is described as an 82-year-old female Korean, with grey hair and brown eyes. She is 5 feet tall and weighs approximately 95 pounds.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Sun Hee Lee, please contact the Los Angeles Police Department Los Angeles Police Department Missing Persons Unit, Detective L. Saiza at (213) 996-1800. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7(877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters "LAPD." Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

 

 

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Man Shot to Death outside Downtown Nightclub

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department's Central Area Homicide detectives are seeking the public's assistance in identifying the suspects responsible for the murder of 22-year-old Thomas Johnson.

On December 13, 2015, around 2:20 a.m., a group of male Blacks were involved in a verbal argument with another group of male Blacks at 550 South Flower Street in front of the Standard Hotel. The argument escalated into a fight between the two groups.

After the fight ended, a suspect pulled out a hand gun and began shooting at the victims.

Two males were shot in front of the Standard hotel and were later transported to local hospitals.

Mr. Johnson ran to the rear of the hotel through the lobby to avoid getting shot. Simultaneously, the suspect ran around the hotel toward the rear and confronted Mr. Johnson.

The suspect continued to fire several rounds hitting Mr. Johnson and another victim who returned fire with his own gun.

Mr. Johnson was taken to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.

The suspect is described as a male, Black, black hair with corn rows style, brown eyes, black mustache, standing about 5 feet 10 inches tall, wearing a long black trench coat, black pants, and black shoes. 

Anyone with information about this murder is urged to call Central Homicide Detectives at (213) 996-1891. After hours, please call 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S) on most keypads with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters "LAPD." Tipsters may also go to www.lapdonline.org, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips."

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Off-Duty Officer Involved in a Shooting

** The following information is based on a preliminary, ongoing investigation which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence.  The Department's understanding of the incident may change as the investigation continues and additional evidence is collected and analyzed. **

Los Angeles:  On Monday, December 14, 2015, at around 2:40 a.m., an off-duty Los Angeles Police Department police officer was involved in a shooting.

The officer was near his personal vehicle, which was parked legally at the curbside in the 500 block of Wheeling Way.  The officer saw the suspect, later identified as 23-year-old Joshua Villavicencio, coming toward him. The suspect demanded the keys to the officer’s vehicle in an attempt to carjack the vehicle.  The officer saw that the suspect was armed with a semi-automatic handgun, and an exchange of gunfire occurred.  

The suspect was struck by gunfire and was taken into custody by responding LAPD Hollenbeck patrol units.  The Los Angeles Fire Department responded and the suspect was taken to a local hospital where he received medical treatment.  The handgun the suspect was armed with was recovered at scene by investigators.  The suspect was arrested and booked for attempt murder.  The case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office for filing consideration.  

The officer was not injured during this incident.

Force Investigation Division responded to the incident and will conduct a thorough investigation of the officer-involved-shooting.

The investigation will ultimately be reviewed by the Chief of Police, the Office of the Inspector General and Board of Police Commissioners for compliance with the Departments use-of-force policy which states that an officer’s use-of-force actions must be objectively reasonable. Additionally, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division will conduct a comprehensive review of the facts of the officer-involved-shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to call Force Investigation Division at 213-486-5230. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7
(877-527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

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