Pasadena – Altadena | ||||||||||||||||||||
Mountain Views News, Sierra Madre Edition [Pasadena] Saturday, March 31, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||
6 Mountain View News Saturday, March 31, 2018 PASADENA MAN SENTENCED FOR FRAUD AND IDENTITY THEFT SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER ALTADENA LIBRARY BOARD PRESIDENT RESIGNS A Pasadena man was sentenced Monday as part of sophisticated identity-theft ring that defrauded several victim financial institutions out of millions of dollars. Posing as shoppers’ they purchased Rolex watches, iPhones, Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry, and Chanel purses totaling millions of dollars. Lei Chen, 51, was sentenced by United States District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald. Chen was further ordered to pay restitution to eight victim financial institutions – American Express, Bank of America, Barclays, Capital One, Chase Bank, Citigroup, Discovery, and U.S. Bank – in the amount of $2,725,451.96. He was also sentenced to over six years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Chen pled guilty in 2016 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. The conviction for aggravated identity theft required the Court to impose a mandatory, consecutive term of 24 months’ imprisonment in addition to the custodial sentence for the fraud conspiracy. Chen, known by the moniker “Uncle Chen,” was the leader of a large criminal organization that engaged in extensive credit card fraud and identity theft in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. According to court records, as part of their fraud scheme, defendant and his co- conspirators obtained personal identifying information (such as names, dates of birth, and social security numbers) of the victims for the purpose of obtaining credit cards in those identity theft victims’ names. Chen’s subordinates contacted credit agencies and financial institutions to change the victims’ addresses to “drop addresses,” that is, locations controlled by the organization. Co-conspirators working for Chen then applied for credit cards in the names of the victims and picked up the cards once they were delivered to the drop addresses. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Terrence P. Mann of the Santa Ana branch office. For more information go to justice.gov/usao-cdca. Pasadena police arrested, last week, two men wanted in connection with a shooting in Northwest Pasadena earlier in March. According to the Pasadena Police Department, officers responded to the 1200 block of North Los Robles Avenue regarding multiple calls of shots being fired, March 03, at approximately 9:53 p.m.. Officers arrived on scene and located a female adult suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers summoned the paramedics, who transported the victim to a local area hospital. The on-going investigation culminated in the serving of multiple search warrants in the area as well as the identification and arrest of both suspects on March 23. Interim Chief John Perez stated, “We continue to use our resources, expertise and partnerships, in collaboration with the public, to safeguard our local community. These Detectives worked with the commitment to ensure justice is served and that Pasadena remains the safe city it has always been”. The suspects are identified as Khy Charles, male adult, 21 years old, Pasadena resident, and Davian Thomas, male adult, 23 years old, Pasadena resident. The case was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office on Tuesday. One count of attempt murder with gun allegations was filed on Charles. One count of attempt murder with gun allegations was filed on Thomas. Both had bail set at $2,040,000. Anyone with information about can call Pasadena Police at (626)744-4241, or anonymously by calling “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477) By Dean Lee Newly appointed Altadena Library Board President John McDonald suddenly resigned Friday morning, a day after numerous legal allegations were made against three sitting Altadena Library board members --during a special meeting-- including violations of open meeting laws and the intent to destroy government documents related to the violations. McDonald is also accused of conspiring against this newspaper for reporting related to the violations. McDonald was absent from Thursday night’s meeting. In emails dated January 24 obtained by this newspaper, Boardmember Armando Zambrano wrote, “John [McDonald ] can we please prepare a draft news release about her [Altadena Library Executive Director Mindy Kittay] contract term, because the public is still being misinformed. I think you also need to prepare a response to allegations in this news article,” he said. Board members Ira Bershatsky and Gwendolyn McMullins were part of the email discussion, in violation of The Ralph M. Brown Act. The act guarantees the public’s right to open and fair public meetings. Brown Act violations were the topic, Zambrano referenced, of the article in this paper, Jan. 20. Eagle Rock based attorney, Dale Gronemeier, said other emails between board members suggest that they are referring to Kittay’s contract being up for renewal this summer. Not renewing her contract would be a way to remove Kittay as director. Numerous other board emails refer to Kittay as being a problem. “We really need to start letting the public know about all the behind the scene problems at the library and all the pending lawsuits that have occurred as a result of Mindy’s management style and how the taxpayers may be on the hook for $$$,” Zambrano wrote. Gronemeier said he was only aware of one lawsuit Melloney Collier vs. Altadena Library District, Case No. BC682812. The issue was on the agenda Thursday night and discussed in closed session. The board reported no action was taken. At that meeting, Gronemeier and attorney Elbie Hickambottom Jr. made public other emails related to rewriting the board’s own bylaws in secret. “I agree with both Ira and Armando that we do not need input from the director [Kittay] or staff on this subcommittee. The By- Laws are the rules governing the Board and neither of them are Trustees so this is really a task for us to address collectively,” McDonald wrote in an email Jan. 9. Hickambottom said the emails reflect a criminal mind that understands what is illegal. At Thursday night’s meeting, McMullins said the ongoing process was transparent and that the by-law’s were posted on the website. She welcomed anyone that would like to help update them. Gronemeier said other emails showed that acting director Ryan Roy was appointed outside of a regular meeting in violation of the Brown Act. “I am okay with Ryan being named acting director immediately,” Bershatsky wrote in an email Jan. 23. ”Can we pass along that she is on leave and say medical or not?” Bershatsky lashed out at Gronemeier saying he and Kittay, made Kittay’s, medical leave public, a private personal issue. Gronemeier said McDonald tried to delete the emails. “He first deleted the January 23 email from his library inbox,” Gronemeier said. “Then he deleted it from his trash folder by clicking ‘delete’ and clicking ‘yes’ to the inquiry.” Emails were found in a backup folder on the library’s computers hard drives and obtained through a Public Records Act request by Gronemeier. John Mcdonald Altadena to Celebrate National Library Week From April 8 - April 14, the Altadena Library honors National Library Week, a time we use to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians! Throughout the week, we invite you to stop by the Main Library to personalize a button to show your love of your library and reading! You can also meet us at the Altadena Farmers Market on Wednesday, April 11, as we celebrate National BookMobile Day with the launch of our Market Story Times and a visit from the Library’s BookMobile Bike! For more information visit altadenalibrary.org. Free Monthly Events at Pasadena Senior Center There is something for everyone at the Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly St You do not have to be a member to attend. Some events require advance reservations as noted. A Toast to the Joys of Music – Tuesdays, April 3 to 24, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tom Campbell returns to play his guitar and sing covers of traditional country, country rock, blues, folk, gospel and classic rock music made famous by The Grateful Dead, Vince Gill, Merle Haggard, B.B. King, Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones and others. Scenic Walkers Club – Wednesdays, April 4 to 25, at 10 a.m. Join members of the Pasadena Senior Center’s Scenic Walkers Club for walks to scenic local places to enjoy the great outdoors and get some exercise. For more information, including where to meet up each week, contact Scenic Walkers Club coordinator Alan Colville at alancolville@charter.net. Rental Scams – Thursday, April 5, at 10 a.m. The stress of finding an apartment or granny flat to rent is almost inevitable due to the search, competition, upfront money. Sometimes the rental process goes from aggravating to illegal. While the majority of rental listings are legitimate, rental scams are widespread. Come learn about the most recent scams and how to avoid them. Presented by Coldwell Banker. Domino Club – Thursdays, April 5 to 26, at 1 p.m. If you’ve never played Chicken Foot dominoes before, or even if you have, come join the fun as Vicki Leigh leads participants in a rollicking version of the game that is easy enough for beginners yet challenging enough for seasoned players. The accompanying laughter is contagious! For more information call Vicki Leigh at 928-478-4654. Friday Movie Matinees – Fridays at 1 p.m. Everyone enjoys the experience of watching movies and the pleasures they bring. April 6: “Murder on the Orient Express” (2017, PG-13) starring Kenneth Branagh and Penélope Cruz. Thirteen strangers are stranded on a lavish European train where everyone is a suspect as the celebrated detective Hercule Poirot races against time to solve the mystery before the murderer strikes again. April 20: “Ladybird” (2017, R) starring Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf. A young woman comes of age in Sacramento while her strong-willed mother works to keep her family afloat after Lady Bird’s father loses his job. Understanding Parkinson’s Disease – Thursday, April 12, at 10 a.m. Nearly 1 million Americans live with Parkinson’s disease, a chronic and progressive movement disorder with symptoms that worsen over time. The cause is unknown and there currently is no cure, although treatment options such as medication and surgery can help manage symptoms. Presented by Huntington Hospital. HUMAN/ INSTRUMENT – Friday, April 6, at 3:30 p.m. Guest artists will explore the human body – the original musical instrument, harnessing heart rhythms through listening and seeing harmonies, body percussion and movement. RSVP at the Welcome Desk or by calling 626-795-4331. All class participants will receive complimentary tickets to the HUMAN/ INSTRUMENT concert led by MUSE/IQUE artistic director Rachael Worby Sunday, April 8, at 5 p.m. LA Opera Talk: “Rigoletto”— Monday, April 16, at 1 p.m. An LA Opera community educator will lead participants through Giuseppe Verdi’s tragic masterpiece “Rigoletto,” the story of a lustful and immoral duke who ravishes the court jester’s daughter, only to have the jester’s revenge goes heartbreakingly awry. The Pasadena Senior Center is an independent, nonprofit organization that offers recreational, educational, wellness and social services to people 50 and older. Pet of the Week Chamber Hosts Annual Golf Tournament at Brookside Missing Juvenile Support the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce at our annual Spring Golf Tournament. Tee Off at 8am on April 13th at Brookside Golf Club. A morning of fun on the links is followed by hosted cocktail reception and awards ceremony. Join Pasadena Chamber of Commerce members, business and community leaders for the annual Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament on Friday, April 13, 2018, at Brookside Golf Club. Shotgun start is at 8am following the putting contest. Registration begins that morning at 7am. On-course drinks, food and more included in the cost to play. Brookside Golf Club is located at 1133 Rosemont Avenue, adjacent to the Rose Bowl, in Pasadena. The tournament is sponsored by the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE, Local 12), Pacific Commerce Bank and Parsons Corporation. Dunkin’ is the breakfast sponsor. Proceeds from the Golf Tournament help fund the Chamber’s student internship, workforce development, business and economic development and member services efforts. Anyone wishing information or who wants to sign up to play or sponsor the tournament can call the Chamber at 626- 795-3355, or email leanne@ pasadena-chamber.org. Information and sign up forms are posted at www.pasadena- chamber.org. Golfers of all abilities are welcome. The Tournament can only accommodate 144 golfers, so register early to ensure a place. The Chamber holds a raffle, sells mulligan packages, hosts putting, longest drive and closest to the pin contests and adds a few special nuances to play, making the tournament fun for everyone. Raffle prizes may include iPad minis, a flat screen TV and items donated by Chamber members including dinner at some of Pasadena’s favorite restaurants, and much more. All golfers get golf, a cart, gifts, on-course snacks and a hosted cocktail reception and awards ceremony. You can sign up as a single, two, three or foursome. Cost for golfers is $200 each or foursomes for $800. The cocktail reception costs $50. Sponsorships are also available. To sign up to play or sponsor visit: pasadena- chamber.org/forms/pasadena- chamber-commerce-spring- golf-tournament The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association is a business service member organization that works to ensure the prosperity of its members through a variety of offerings including referrals, networking, workshops and seminars, events and much more. The Chamber serves 1450 member companies. Morning tee-off, play, hosted cocktail reception and awards ceremony all part of the fun At press time the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Altadena Station detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Lorena Alejandra Milian-Ramos.She is a 12 year-old female Hispanic who was last seen at her residence located in the 100 block of East Woodbury Road, Altadena on Thursday, March 29, 2018 at 7:15 a.m. Ms. Milian-Ramos is described as 5’6” tall, 120 lbs., brown hair, and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing black shorts, a burgundy sweater, black shoes and a light colored backpack. Possibly wearing glasses. She suffers from a medical condition. Her family is very concerned and asking for the public’s assistance in located her. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Altadena Station (626) 798-1131. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http:// lacrimestoppers.org Clemson (A452150) is an adoptable adult male guinea pig. Clemson and his brother Syracuse were abandoned in a box in front of our adoptions office. They appear to be in good health and ready for a new home. As you might have guessed from his name, Clemson is part of our March Madness “Sweet 16” adoption tournament. His adoption fee is waived thanks to generous sponsors. The normal adoption fee for guinea pigs is $10. Stop by our Shelter Shop on the way home to get your guinea pig pellets, treats and timothy hay. View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email. Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com | ||||||||||||||||||||