Tulare County District Attorney's Office

TCDA LAW CLERK BECOMES YOUNGEST TO EVER PASS CALIFORNIA BAR EXAM

In a legal history making moment, Tulare County District Attorney law clerk Peter Park passed the rigorous California bar exam on his first attempt making him the youngest person to ever pass the exam at age 17. According to research, the previous record holder was 18 years old. Park received his test results on November 9 after taking the exam in July.

At the age of 13 in 2019, Park began high school at Oxford Academy in Cypress, CA. Simultaneously, Park enrolled in a four-year juris doctor program at Northwestern California University School of Law utilizing a state bar rule that allows students to apply to law school through the completion of College Level Proficiency Exams (CLEPS). After graduating high school in 2021 by taking the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE), Park focused on law school and graduated in 2023. Park became a law clerk with the Tulare County District Attorney that August.

“It was not easy, but it was worth it. It required discipline and strategy to pass the Bar, and I made it in the end. I am extremely blessed to have discovered this path, and my hope is that more people will realize that alternative paths exist to becoming an attorney,” Park said. “I aspire to become a prosecutor because I am driven by a moral obligation to uphold liberty, equality, and justice in society. I admire how prosecutors keep our community safe and bring closure to victims.”

Park turned age 18 in late November and was sworn in yesterday in as one of California’s youngest practicing attorneys.

Great week spending time with these future .

Congratulations to TCDA law clerk Preet Gill on passing the rigorous California bar exam and being sworn in as a practicing attorney!

From all of us at the Tulare County District Attorneys office, we wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

On November 17, 2023, the court sentenced man Octavio Larios, age 42, to life in prison for child molestation against a single female victim under the age of 14. The crimes were committed between 2016 and 2020. Read more at https://tinyurl.com/27vt864u.

VISALIA MAN CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF CHILD PO*******HY

Yesterday TCDA prosecutors filed criminal charges against man Fidel Josue Madrigal, age 33, after an investigation by the Visalia Police Department relating to crimes against children.

Madrigal is charged with one count of possession of child po*******hy with the special allegations that he possesses prior felony convictions. Madrigal is currently a registered s*x offender after a 2015 conviction for showing or distributing po*******hy to a minor, as well as misdemeanor annoying or molesting a child.

Madrigal pleaded not guilty at arraignment and is currently in custody on $100,000 bail. A bail hearing is scheduled for November 28, 2023, in Superior Court.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with more information is encouraged to contact the Visalia Police Department at 559-734-8116.

All TCDA office lobbies will be closed in the afternoons of November 20-22, 2023. For appointments, please call 559-636-5494. For victim services, please call 559-636-5471.

The Office of the District Attorney is looking for qualified professionals to apply for the position of VICTIM WITNESS WORKER I/II (closes 11/25). To learn more or apply, visit https://tulareda.org/careers/ and click on Current DA Opportunities.

Yesterday the Office of the District Attorney was honored to once again be part of the Farmworker Women’s Conference in .

Over 1,200 women attended this annual event that brought valuable resources to the agriculture labor community. In addition to our resource booth, TCDA investigators and advocates held informational workshops addressing domestic violence, human trafficking, and important federal resources for victims of crime.

Our office would like to thank community advocate Lali Moheno for having us be part of this great event.

LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE SENTENCE FOR TULARE WOMAN CONVICTED OF MURDERING HUSBAND

This morning in Department 22 of the Tulare County Superior Court, South County Justice Center, the court sentenced Pennie Henson Ince, age 54, to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of her 65-year-old husband last year.

At 1:19 pm on March 6, 2022, Ince called the victim’s daughter that the victim needed an ambulance and hung up. His daughter was unable to get in touch with either Ince or the victim by phone, so she went to the east residence and saw that her father’s truck was not there. Assuming they had taken him to the hospital, she left and began calling hospitals to locate her father. She later returned to the residence with a family friend who was able to pick the front door lock. The victim’s body was found in the entryway along with a shotgun in the living room.

Surveillance video captured by a neighbor revealed that the victim’s tan colored truck arrived at the residence at 1:08 PM. Another camera from the same residence captured an audible gunshot at 1:10 PM. The first camera then captured the victim’s truck leaving at 1:17 PM. Blood spatter in the doorway and pellet impacts indicated that the shot was fired from close range.

The defendant fled the area and evidence showed that she used the victim’s ATM card to withdraw $900 from an ATM after the murder. A cell phone ping placed Ince in Fresno and Fresno Police located the victim’s vehicle outside of a bar. The vehicle license plate had been swapped with a plate that had been taken from another vehicle. Fresno PD attempted to arrest Ince, who was inside a bar, but she became aware that police were outside through the bar’s surveillance system and escaped out the back door. Another cell phone ping was used, which located her phone, but it had been discarded by her.

She was eventually located on March 8, 2022, at a motel in Fresno. The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office and Fresno PD surrounded the motel and ordered her to surrender. She eventually complied and was taken into custody.

Further investigation revealed that Ince had made statements about harming her husband the day of the murder.

On October 18, 2023, Ince was found guilty of first-degree murder with the special circumstance of lying in wait and that she personally used a firearm causing death.

PORTERVILLE MAN CONVICTED OF MURDERING PARENTS

Today at the South County Justice Center, TCDA prosecutors secured a guilty verdict for Kenneth Charles Smith, age 65, for the 2015 murder of his parents.

On October 4, 2015, Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence in for a welfare check. Upon searching a semi-trailer on the property, deputies discovered the bodies of an 84-year-old male and an 83-year-old female under a tarp and blankets. Blood was found on the back of the male victim’s head and both victims showed signs of strangulation. It was learned that Smith lived in the trailer.

A few hours later, dispatch received a call from the Lake Isabella area from a friend of the defendant who stated that Smith arrived at his home and admitted the killings. Police arrived soon after and took Smith into custody. Through investigation, law enforcement learned that Smith also admitted the murders to multiple family members.

Throughout the eight years of legal proceedings, multiple competency trials were heard, numerous motions were filed, and defense counsel changes were made. At trial, Smith was found guilty of two counts of premeditated first-degree murder with the special allegations that multiple murders were committed. The jury deliberated for one hour and seven minutes.

Smith faces life in prison without the possibility of parole at sentencing scheduled for December 14, 2023, in Department 17.

Thank you TCDA veterans and all those who have served!

It was an important week of community outreach this week for TCDA prosecutors, investigators, and advocates. Thank you Redwood High School in for inviting our office to career day to learn how we work, and thank you Tule River Tribe for having the Tulare County Human Trafficking Task Force present on the signs of trafficking.

Are you planning an event that could utilize bi-lingual crime prevention resources? Give us a call at 559-636-5494 or visit us at www.tulareda.org.

In observance of the Veterans Day holiday on November 10, our office lobbies will be closed to the public. For immediate needs, contact 559-636-5494. For victim services, contact 559-636-5471.

Thank you Reggie, Paul, and the staff at The Sun-Gazette Newspaper and Mid Valley Times for having us at their "Pastries and Papers" event in this morning. Always a great conversation!

The TCDA Bureau of Investigations had a great time meeting everyone who came out to the annual Hometown Heroes event honoring local first responders and public safety personnel. Thank you Downtown Visalians for having us!

VIOLENT S*XUAL OFFENDER STIPULATES TO PAROLE DENIAL

Yesterday via a virtual hearing, Louis Herrera Gallegos, age 61, stipulated to a 3-year denial of parole. Gallegos is currently serving a life sentence for s*xual assault and is incarcerated at Valley State Prison in .

On the afternoon of April 25, 1998, Gallegos, a convicted s*x offender at the time, committed a violent s*xual assault against a 93-year-old female victim in her Visalia home. After the assault, Gallegos stole the victim’s vehicle. Though having sustained major injuries, the victim was able to give a description of the defendant. Through investigation, it was learned Gallegos had prior contact with the victim, who had allowed him to use the phone in her home a few days before the assault. On April 28, 1998, police located Gallegos near the victim’s stolen car and arrested him.

At his 1998 trial, Gallegos pleaded to multiple counts of r**e, s*xual assault, vehicle theft, robbery, and burglary. He was sentenced to 110 years-to-life in prison. At the time of the crime, Gallegos possessed a prior r**e conviction from 1983.

After her attack, the victim became a strident advocate for survivors of assault and was well respected for her efforts by community members and students. She was later bestowed with the District Attorney’s “Justice Award” for her courage.

This was Gallegos’ first parole suitability hearing. TCDA attorneys and advocates assisted members of the victim’s family to address parole commissioners.

The Office of the District Attorney is looking for qualified professionals to apply for the position of VICTIM WITNESS WORKER I/II (closes 11/6). To learn more or apply, visit https://tulareda.org/careers/ and click on Current DA Opportunities.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY PROMOTES VICTIM ADVOCATE TO SUPERVISOR

District Attorney Tim Ward is pleased to announce the promotion of long-time victim advocate Denise Pearson-Jordan to supervisor.

With more than 20 years of experience in the criminal justice field, Pearson-Jordan began her career as an evidence technician with the Porterville Police Department before joining the Office of the District Attorney as a victim advocate in 2008. As an advocate, she has extensive experience in domestic violence, child abuse, and homicide cases, and is currently a member of the victim services division’s crisis response team.

A graduate of the University of Phoenix with a BS in criminal justice administration, Pearson-Jordan holds certifications from the Federal Bureau of Investigations, is a credentialed victim advocate with the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) and holds advanced level advocacy certifications from the California Crime Victim Assistance Association (CCVAA). In addition, she is a statewide instructor for CCVAA, the California District Attorneys Association, and the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. She is a former board member for the Central California Family Crisis Center in Porterville and was recognized by NOVA as an honorary awardee for the Margery Fry award in 2019.

“We are thrilled to have Denise take on this new role as Supervisor. She has been diligent in her work with this office and our community for the past 15 years providing exemplary service to those victimized by crime. Her extensive knowledge and training will serve her position well as she leads our victim advocate staff,” said Victim Services Director Jennifer Lightfoot.

Congratulations, Denise!

On Thursday, our office was honored to be part of the 23rd annual California Family Crisis Center, Inc. candlelight vigil in to remember victims of domestic violence.

Together we can break the vicious cycle of domestic violence that hurts families, children, and our communities. Our office is here to help. Our specially trained advocates can guide you through the legal process and help you start on the path towards healing. To learn more, call 636-5471. There’s no excuse for abuse.

Since 1970, has cultivated countless legal minds in the Central Valley who today serve at the highest levels of the profession.

Today, SJCL alumni TCDA Assistant District Attorney Candice Moore (2013), Assistant District Attorney Jessica Weatherly (2010), and Deputy District Attorney Allison Rodriguez (2022) attended the law school’s annual student / alumni career day to talk about the public law profession and how our office works in Tulare County.

Are you an attorney or law school graduate awaiting California bar results with a passion for public service? Our office is now hiring for Deputy District Attorney. Learn more about this exciting professional opportunity at https://tulareda.org/attorneys/.

TULARE WOMAN GUILTY OF MURDERING HUSBAND

Late yesterday afternoon in Department 22 of the Tulare County Superior Court, South County Justice Center, TCDA prosecutors secured a guilty verdict for Pennie Henson Ince, age 54, for the murder of her 65-year-old husband.

At 1:19 pm on March 6, 2022, Ince called the victim’s daughter that the victim needed an ambulance and hung up. His daughter was unable to get in touch with either Ince or the victim by phone, so she went to the east residence and saw that her father’s truck was not there. Assuming they had taken him to the hospital, she left and began calling hospitals to locate her father. She later returned to the residence with a family friend who was able to pick the front door lock. The victim’s body was found in the entryway along with a shotgun in the living room.

Surveillance video captured by a neighbor revealed that the victim’s tan colored truck arrived at the residence at 1:08 PM. Another camera from the same residence captured an audible gunshot at 1:10 PM. The first camera then captured the victim’s truck leaving at 1:17 PM. Blood spatter in the doorway and pellet impacts indicated that the shot was fired from close range.

The defendant fled the area and evidence showed that she used the victim’s ATM card to withdraw $900 from an ATM after the murder. A cell phone ping placed Ince in Fresno and Fresno Police located the victim’s vehicle outside of a bar. The vehicle license plate had been swapped with a plate that had been taken from another vehicle. Fresno PD attempted to arrest Ince, who was inside a bar, but she became aware that police were outside through the bar’s surveillance system and escaped out the back door. Another cell phone ping was used, which located her phone, but it had been discarded by her.

She was eventually located on March 8, 2022, at a motel in Fresno. The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office and Fresno PD surrounded the motel and ordered her to surrender. She eventually complied and was taken into custody.

Further investigation revealed that Ince had made statements about harming her husband the day of the murder.

At trial, Ince was found guilty of first-degree murder with the special circumstance of lying in wait and that she personally used a firearm causing death. She faces life in prison without the possibility of parole at sentencing on November 15, 2023.

Today DA staff were able to meet with Jr. high students as part of career day to give perspective on how prosecutors, investigators, and advocates serve justice in the community.

PAROLEE CHARGED WITH TORTURE, KIDNAPPING, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

District Attorney Tim Ward has announced criminal charges against Richard Ray Ramirez, age 49, for a weekend incident in involving an adult female. Ramirez was arrested on October 8, 2023.

Ramirez, a former law enforcement officer in Tulare County, is charged with three felony counts – torture, injury to a significant other after a prior conviction, and kidnapping. The charges are enhanced with special allegations that Ramirez possesses prior serious felony convictions, strikes, and served a prison term, that he was in a position of trust, that the crimes were committed while on parole, and that the crimes included the personal infliction of great bodily injury under circumstances of domestic violence.

During the alleged crime, Ramirez was on parole for a May 2021 domestic violence conviction. In that case, a Tulare County jury found Ramirez guilty of felony dissuading a witness, felony stalking, misdemeanor battery, misdemeanor corporal injury to a significant other, making annoying phone calls, and disobeying a court order. The crimes were committed against three victims.

Ramirez was sentenced to 5 years, 8 months before being released due to time served and other in-custody credits by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

At arraignment, Ramirez entered a not guilty plea and remains in custody on no bail. A preliminary hearing conference / bail hearing is scheduled for October 19, 2023, in Department 3. If convicted of all charges, Ramirez faces life in prison.

PAROLE AGAIN DENIED IN 2000 CHILD ABUSE DEATH

*THIS POST CONTAINS GRAPHIC INFORMATION*

On Friday, October 6, 2023, at a virtual hearing, TCDA prosecutors secured the denial of parole for Angela Thompson, age 64, in the 2000 child abuse death of her adopted daughter. The denial is for 5 years. Thompson is currently serving a life sentence at the California Institution for Women in .

At the time of the crime, Thompson had 12 adopted children.

On September 7, 2000, Thompson was at an urgent care appointment when one of the children came in from the family car saying that the victim, a five-year-old girl, was not breathing. A staff member from the clinic rushed the girl to Sierra View Hospital in where doctors were unable to revive her. At the hospital, the victim had a 105-degree temperature and exhibited multiple signs of extreme child abuse including scarring consistent with restraining devices, burn scarring from hot liquid, multiple bone fractures and physical signs of severe s*xual abuse.

Initially reluctant to cooperate with law enforcement out of fear of Thompson, two of the children came forward with information regarding rampant abuse. The children reported that on the day of the crime, Thompson ordered a 17-year-old to sit on the victim’s back during a 4 to 5-hour car ride from Travis Air Force Base to Porterville. The victim screamed and cried during the entirety of the trip and was denied water by Thompson.

The children’s statements and medical evidence led doctors to declare the cause of death as positional asphyxiation.
Further investigation revealed a harrowing pattern of abuse perpetrated by Thompson against her adopted children, some acts of which were given names. “Crying” meant putting a plastic bag over the child’s face. “Gurgled” meant force feeding in which Thompson would put on rubber gloves and force food down the children’s throats. She would do this when the children were not eating fast enough. “Plunging” meant putting the children in the bathtub with their face under a running faucet. “Poking” involved being poked on the hands, feet, underarms, mouth, gums, ear, or lips with a needle or safety pin. Much of the abuse consisted of spankings with belts or spoons or hitting the kneecaps with a rod.

Prior to the crime in late 1999, the victim was hospitalized for a skull fracture after an alleged fall from a bunk bed. In a later review, a neurosurgeon determined the injury had a high probability of infliction. At the child’s pre-adoption physical in 1999, no injuries were observed.

In October 2001, a jury convicted Thompson of second-degree murder, assault on a child likely to cause great bodily injury or death, and child abuse. The court sentenced her to 25 years-to-life in prison.

This was Thompson’s second hearing. The Office of the District Attorney regularly attends life parole hearings and a deputy district attorney argued against the inmate’s release.

NEW: The TCDA Bureau of Investigations is comprised of experienced police professionals with a variety of law enforcement expertise. Whether our assignment entails locating witnesses for a jury trial, supporting a prosecutor in trial preparation, investigating a cold case homicide, coordinating a human trafficking task force, or delving deep into a complex white collar crime investigation, the best of Tulare County law enforcement professionals are on the job.

The Bureau is currently seeking qualified professionals to apply for the positions of DA CRIMINAL INVESTIGATOR (closes 10/20) and INVESTIGATIVE TECHNICIAN II (closes 10/18). To learn more or apply, visit https://tulareda.org/careers/ and click on Current DA Opportunities.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by at the and Centennial Night in the Park National Night Out! TCDA victim advocates were able to share valuable resources and talk about their important work in our community.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and our office is here to help. Our specially trained advocates can guide you through the legal process and help you start on the path towards healing. To learn more, call 636-5471.

Together we can break the vicious cycle of domestic violence. Remember, there’s no excuse for abuse.

PRISON SENTENCE FOR FENTANYL PLEA

On September 29, 2023, in Department 17 of the Tulare County Superior Court, South County Justice Center, the court sentenced Jose Delgado, age 34, to 5 years, 4 months in state prison for possession of fentanyl for sale and gun crimes.

In March 2023, Tulare Police Department officers received a tip about drugs being sold out of a home. During surveillance, officers noted a car arrive and leave just a few minutes later. The officers conducted a traffic stop and contacted Delgado and co-defendant Amanda Martinez. Officers searched the vehicle and located over 200 fentanyl pills, 6.1 grams of fentanyl powder, 7.5 grams of methamphetamine, and two handguns. Both Delgado and Martinez were taken into custody.

In early September 2023, Delgado pleaded guilty to possession of fentanyl for sale and felon in possession of a firearm. Delgado, a six-time convicted felon, possesses a 2019 strike offense for assault with a firearm. In July 2023, Martinez pleaded guilty to misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance.

The case was prosecuted by the TCDA South County Division.

Since 2012, the Office of the District Attorney has hosted the California Rural Crime Prevention Task Force Rural Crime School in Tulare County.

Over the course of 40+ hours, law enforcement officers throughout the state and as far away as Massachusetts learned about wire theft, livestock identification, animal fighting, cargo theft, equipment protection, and agro-terrorism from law enforcement and industry experts. This year’s class comprised of over 40 officers.

“It has been an honor to host this school for more than a decade,” said District Attorney Tim Ward. “Protecting this vital industry is important to our state and nation, and I cannot be prouder that we in the Tulare County were able to grow this school to what it is today. Congratulations to TCDA staff who worked diligently over the years to create a world class law enforcement educational experience.”

Yesterday the court sentenced Lucas Floyd, 24, of , to life in prison for the s*xual assault of a child. Read more at https://tinyurl.com/2ymhf56e.

MAN CONVICTED OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, TORTURE

Yesterday in Department 17 of the Tulare County Superior Court, South County Justice Center, TCDA prosecutors secured guilty verdicts against Felimon Salas, age 37, for domestic violence and torture.

From January 18, 2021, to January 20, 2021, Salas repeatedly and violently beat the mother of his child with his fists, cooking utensils, and beer bottles causing significant lacerations and bruising to her head and neck, as well as cracked teeth. Salas’ abuse also included biting, shoving, and depriving her of sleep and medical care. In one instance, Salas drove the injured victim to the base of a hill and made her walk up it to “earn her spot back in their family.”

It is believed that the pattern of abuse existed well before these incidents.

On January 20, 2021, Salas drove the victim to the home of family members. He then fled to Mexico to avoid contact from law enforcement for over a year. Using a tip that Salas was back in the area, law enforcement contacted him in February 2022. He was arrested and held on $500,000 bail. At a later court date, despite his flight risk and propensity for violence, the court lowered his bail to $50,000 and released him over the fervent objection of prosecutors. Salas began his criminal trial out of custody.

At trial, Salas failed to appear for the final day of arguments. Nevertheless, he was convicted of torture, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, and five counts of domestic violence. Numerous counts are enhanced with special allegations that the crime used a deadly weapon, and that great bodily injury was inflicted.

“Prosecutors worked diligently to bring justice in this case. If you are a victim of this type of crime, do not hesitate to reach out to those who can help,” said District Attorney Tim Ward. “After being a fugitive from justice for a year, it is mind boggling that this defendant was afforded such a significant bail reduction. In 2021, he fled accountability, and it is tragic that this victim and other victims of violent crime have their justice eroded by progressive policies. This is one of the more glaring examples of our legislative and societal push toward severely degrading the cash bail system.”

Salas faces life in prison at sentencing. A warrant for his arrest was issued. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact law enforcement immediately.

Recently TCDA Sergeant Beatriz Nicholson graduated from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SLI), Class 51. SLI provides front line supervisors with a high-quality training experience where they can hone their leadership skills and team building techniques over a series of months. It is an intensive training with an extensive curriculum, an insightful final written project, and public speaking tasks. Sergeant Nicholson was selected by her peers to be one of the class speakers during graduation. This honor is reserved for a sergeant who will represent the class and their goals in the most professional manner. Congratulations, Sergeant Nicholson!

MAN SENTENCED TO 885 YEARS-TO-LIFE IN PRISON

Yesterday Arthur Pena Alvidrez, age 76, was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of 61 counts of child molestation in July. The crimes were committed between 2007 and 2018 against four minor victims. Read more at https://tinyurl.com/43h2ccvv.

PAROLE DENIED FOR CONVICTED S*X OFFENDER

On September 14, 2023, via a virtual hearing, TCDA prosecutors secured the denial of parole for Luis Gonzalez, age 76. Gonzalez is currently serving a life sentence at the California Substance Abuse Facility in for child molestation.

From 2002 to 2006, Gonzalez molested two minor victims. In 2010, Gonzalez was convicted by a jury of 13 counts of child molestation and was sentenced to 195 years-to-life in prison.

This was Gonzalez’s first parole hearing and is not eligible for a second hearing until 2029.

The Office of the District Attorney regularly attends life parole hearings and a prosecutor argued against the inmate’s release in this case.

A little older, a little wiser, and always a good boy! Happy 8th birthday to Fortune!

Be sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram stories for some behind the scenes photo shoot fun.

District Attorney Tim Ward is pleased to announce the promotion of Josh Rowlett to the position of Assistant Chief Investigator in the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigations.

Beginning his TCDA career in 2001 as an investigator aide, Rowlett became a Criminal Investigator in 2007. A project-oriented investigator, Rowlett planned and implemented systems related to agricultural crime surveillance as part of the DA Agricultural Crimes Unit. An expert in economic crimes and fraud, Rowlett built the Bureau’s Complex Fraud Unit. In 2017, Rowlett was promoted to Supervising Criminal Investigator (Sergeant). Since his promotion, he has graduated from both the Los Angeles Police Department Leadership Program and the prestigious Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute. In addition to his supervisor duties, Rowlett also served as the Bureau’s rangemaster for several years, insuring the highest level of safety and training for investigators.

“Josh has worked nearly every assignment within BOI over the last twenty-plus years and has excelled at every one of them. I look forward to what he will accomplish in his new role,” said Chief Investigator Lindy Gligorijevic.