Westminster

Published on: August 6, 2019

Duo Accused of Biggest Disability Housing Fraud in OC History

When the authorities asserted that the pair worked together to steal almost $200,000 from county-based support programs, a Westminster woman and her daughter were accused of what was reported as the biggest case of housing fraud ever committed in Orange County.

The Orange County Housing Authority and the Orange County In Home Supportive Services program provide benefits for disabled members of the community who meet the criteria for their aid. A person who requires 285 or more hours of assistance in a 30-day period is considered a severe case, and they would be eligible for the maximum amount of benefits issued from In Home Support Services.

56-year-old Errica Madkins Mickens was reportedly awarded full assistance from the county programs when she allegedly presented herself as someone incapable of speaking or walking.

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Published on: July 27, 2019

Cosplay Joker’s Escape Plan Foiled by Police

by Staycie R. Sena

A man dressed as Batman’s notorious archnemesis allegedly led the authorities from Westminster to Venice Beach where he was detained and charged with a felony.

Around 3:00 pm on Saturday, a California Highway Patrol officer reportedly saw a sedan traveling down the 405 freeway that appeared as if it was being operated in a reckless manner.

In a pursuit that would continue for nearly an hour the CHP attempted to stop the car, but the suspect continued driving. After switching freeways and entering the adjoining Los Angeles County area the vehicle came to a halt in Venice Beach.

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Published on: July 6, 2018

Psychiatrist Indicted for Illegally Distributing Opioids

by Staycie R. Sena

An Orange County psychiatrist who has been suspected of authorizing prescriptions for narcotics to people who were allegedly not in need of them for health reasons has declared that he is innocent of the charges.

Westminster resident Dr. Robert Tinoco Perez is a 57-year-old psychiatrist with a practice that operates out of an office in Santa Ana.

After an investigation by the DEA and the Costa Mesa Police Department, Perez has been accused of using his the office that works out of as a way to profit off of selling prescriptions for opioids, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines.

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Published on: June 15, 2017

Westminster Man who Downloaded More Child Pornography While on Bond is Sentenced

by Staycie R. Sena

Peter Herz, a 61-year old Westminster resident, pleaded guilty to a possession of child pornography charge in February. This offense is among many that are eligible for lifetime sex-offender registration. Before his arrest and incarceration, Herz reportedly had a job as a pianist and musical director for Laguna Beach’s “Pageant of the Masters.” Sources say he was also an accompanist at Cal State Fullerton’s Theater Department.

Herz was targeted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) “Operation Predator,” an initiative designed to protect children from sexual predators and to identify and rescue victims of child exploitation.

While Herz was out on bond and waiting for trial, he allegedly obtained new electronic devices and obtained new images of child pornography on them. In total, Herz was reportedly in possession of more than half a million images and roughly 400 videos of child pornography.

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Published on: March 7, 2017

Carjacker Kidnaps Three Children

by Staycie R. Sena

In a carjacking incident in Westminster the carjacker claims he was not aware of the three children inside the vehicle. The children’s father had left the car idling in a parking spot in front of a water store while he went inside, only expecting to be in there a short time.

Thien Nguyen’s defense attorney, in his opening statement, acknowledged that his client stole the Lexus SUV from a Westminster parking lot and led the police on a chase through multiple red lights.

Nguyen’s attorney also admits that his client quickly realized that there was an 11 year old boy in the passenger seat. But his lawyer denies that Nguyen purposely kidnapped the two boys and a girl. His lawyer also denies that his client intentionally rammed into other cars.

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