Second Suspect Arrested In Child Abuse Case

Jimmy M. Vanater has now been arrested in relation to a child abuse case.  Vanater contacted the Mesa Police and came in for an interview.  Based on the investigation, he was arrested for (5) counts of child abuse.  Raecherl Chidester, the mother of the child, had already been arrested for (9) counts of child abuse related to the case.

Media Release - Child Prostitution Arrests

On 12/11/2014 the Mesa Police Department conducted operation "Buyer Beware." The operation was conducted by undercover detectives posing as underage females. During the operation, five suspects responded to the designated location to pay for sex with who they believed was a 16 year old female.

The suspects arrested ranged in age from 26 to 49 years old. Subsequent to the arrest, all of the suspects admitted that they knew they were coming to the location to have sex with a 16 year old female. Through the investigation, it was also learned that Solomon Bandiho is a Catholic Priest at a local parish in Mesa.

Crimes involving children are of the highest priority for the Mesa Police Department. Operations of this type have shown time and again to be successful and remove dangerous child predators from our community.

All of the suspect were transported and booked for Child Prostitution. 13-3212.B.2, a class 2 Felony.

Suspects:

Eric Mohren, 34
Christopher Sherman, 48
Solomon Bandiho, 49
Jose Flores-Nunez, 31
Santiago Robles, 26

Crime Stats - November 2014

The following are the top 5 calls for service and arrests for each patrol district -- 11/01/2014 through 11/30/2014. FIESTA CENTRAL Call Type Frequency Call Type Frequency Subjects Disturbing 348 Subjects Disturbing 356 Check Welfare 338 Check Welfare 328 Other Agency Assist 209 Other Agency Assist 206 Loud Music/Noise 191 Loud Music/Noise 169 Suspicious Activity 133 Warrant Arrest 168 Arrests Frequency Arrests Frequency Homicide 0 Homicide 0 Rape 0 Rape 3 Robbery 3 Robbery 6 Aggravated Assault 8 Aggravated Assault 12 Breaking & Entering 7 Breaking & Entering 6 Theft 63 Theft 103 GTA 1 GTA 0 Alcohol/DUI 48 Alcohol/DUI 56 Other Assaults 28 Other Assaults 52 Disorderly Conduct 18 Disorderly Conduct 22 Drugs 72 Drugs 68 Fiscal/Forgery 4 Fiscal/Forgery 13 Loitering/Runaway 7 Loitering/Runaway 3 Sex Offenses 2 Sex Offenses 5 Vandalism 24 Vandalism 15 All Other 161 All Other 239 TOTAL 446 TOTAL 603 RED MOUNTAIN SUPERSTITION Call Type Frequency Call Type Frequency Subjects Disturbing 322 Check Welfare 283 Check Welfare 320 Burglary Alarm 234 Loud Music/Noise 231 Subjects Disturbing 216 Suspicious Activity 189 Other Agency Assist 185 Burglary Alarm 186 Suspicious Activity 163 Arrests Frequency Arrests Frequency Homicide 0 Homicide 0 Rape 3 Rape 1 Robbery 1 Robbery 6 Aggravated Assault 12 Aggravated Assault 5 Breaking & Entering 3 Breaking & Entering 3 Theft 85 Theft 87 GTA 2 GTA 0 Alcohol/DUI 56 Alcohol/DUI 33 Other Assaults 37 Other Assaults 22 Disorderly Conduct 20 Disorderly Conduct 18 Drugs 56 Drugs 21 Fiscal/Forgery 7 Fiscal/Forgery 13 Loitering/Runaway 7 Loitering/Runaway 4 Sex Offenses 1 Sex Offenses 1 Vandalism 19 Vandalism 4 All Other 110 All Other 64 TOTAL 419 TOTAL 282

Media Release - Operation Fade to Black Friday

On November 21 and 22, 2014, the Mesa Police Department conducted a shoplift reduction detail called Operation Fade to Black Friday. This is the second year of the operation, targeting repeat offenders and retail theft rings. Retailers worked with Mesa PD by staffing extra loss prevention officers in various stores.

A cooperative effort between Mesa detectives and patrol officers resulted in 49 arrests over the two days. Three arrests were made for Organized Retail Theft and four additional Organized Retail Theft investigations were launched as a result of the operation. The operation encompassed several thousand dollars of merchandise.

With Black Friday approaching, the Mesa Police Department recognizes the impact of shoplifters to our local retailers as they attempt to keep merchandise stocked and affordable during the holiday season. The Mesa Police Department wants the public to know we are working closely with our retailers and take all shoplift crimes seriously. Mesa PD plans to conduct more shoplift reduction projects throughout the shopping season. Special thanks are being given to Walmart, Target, CVS Pharmacy, Home Depot, JC Penny and Kohl's for their cooperation.

Here are a few of the highlights:

Anthony Grant was recognized by loss prevention when he returned to steal two cases of ammunition valued at $399, which he hid in a backpack before walking out of a store. (see first video)

Vincent Borunda was recognized by loss prevention officers for stealing Blue Ray DVDs in the past. During the operation he removed 4 DVDs valued at $152 from the packaging and hid in his pockets before paying for other merchandise. (see second video)

Edward Hill had stolen a $479 laptop six days before and was recognized by loss prevention officers when he stole a $198 Airsoft BB gun during the operation.

Brian Cochran was arrested for stealing 12 video games valued at $240. He admitted to being paid for each game he stole by a known associate.

 

 

Crime Stats - October 2014

The following are the top 5 calls for service and arrests for each patrol district -- 10/01/2014 through 10/31/2014. FIESTA CENTRAL Call Type Frequency Call Type Frequency Subjects Disturbing 362 Subjects Disturbing 395 Check Welfare 351 Check Welfare 326 Other Agency Assist 198 Other Agency Assist 225 Loud Music/Noise 181 Loud Music/Noise 177 Suspicious Activity 166 Trespass 167 Arrests Frequency Arrests Frequency Homicide 0 Homicide 3 Rape 0 Rape 2 Robbery 1 Robbery 5 Aggravated Assault 8 Aggravated Assault 15 Breaking & Entering 9 Breaking & Entering 10 Theft 52 Theft 132 GTA 3 GTA 2 Alcohol/DUI 94 Alcohol/DUI 65 Other Assaults 41 Other Assaults 55 Disorderly Conduct 18 Disorderly Conduct 30 Drugs 74 Drugs 75 Fiscal/Forgery 14 Fiscal/Forgery 16 Loitering/Runaway 7 Loitering/Runaway 7 Sex Offenses 0 Sex Offenses 4 Vandalism 17 Vandalism 20 All Other 153 All Other 284  TOTAL 491 TOTAL 725 RED MOUNTAIN SUPERSTITION Call Type Frequency Call Type Frequency Subjects Disturbing 369 Check Welfare 282 Check Welfare 305 Burglary Alarm 223 Other Agency Assist 210 Subjects Disturbing 223 Suspicious Activity 196 Other Agency Assist 200 Loud Music/Noise 193 Suspicious Activity 178 Arrests Frequency Arrests Frequency Homicide 0 Homicide 0 Rape 0 Rape 0 Robbery 1 Robbery 4 Aggravated Assault 12 Aggravated Assault 4 Breaking & Entering 5 Breaking & Entering 7 Theft 81 Theft 73 GTA 4 GTA 2 Alcohol/DUI 78 Alcohol/DUI 35 Other Assaults 47 Other Assaults 36 Disorderly Conduct 32 Disorderly Conduct 22 Drugs 60 Drugs 20 Fiscal/Forgery 15 Fiscal/Forgery 7 Loitering/Runaway 9 Loitering/Runaway 12 Sex Offenses 4 Sex Offenses 4 Vandalism 14 Vandalism 10 All Other 103 All Other 65 TOTAL 465 TOTAL 301

Walgreens Burglary

On September 15, 2014, the pictured male entered the Walgreens at 1159 E. Southern Ave. and headed to the perfume and cosmetics department. Once there, the male is seen on video as he walks behind the counter and begins to push and manipulate the glass doors of the perfume cabinet until he is able to open it. He then takes approximately six bottles of various perfume valued at $314.94 and conceals them in the purse he is carrying. He then leaves the store without making any attempt to pay. The female subject is seen in the store with the male and by the perfume counter has he manipulates the doors.

The male is described as a Hispanic male, 20-30 years old, short dark hair, 5'6" to 5'8" tall. He was wearing a black T-shirt with a small logo on the front and a large round logo on the back and blue jeans. The purse he carries has a black and white block pattern.

The female is described as White or Hispanic, 20-30 years old, medium length dark hair. She was wearing tight white pants and a sleeveless shirt with flowers on it. She was carrying a large white purse.

Please submit any information regarding the crime or identity of the suspect(s) through one of the following. You can remain anonymous.

Use our online form found here – https://www.tipsubmit.com/webtipforms/webform.aspx?id=51&AgencyID=836.  Please fill in the case number (
#20142590267) in the Case Number field under Incident Information.

Text information to 274-637 (CRIMES). Begin your message with MESAPD.

Call our non-emergency number at 480-644-2211 and select option 2.

Media Release - Public Assistance Needed to Identify Armed Robbery Suspect

On September 7, 2014, Mesa Police began investigating an armed robbery that occurred at the Circle K store located in the 800 block of E. Southern Avenue. The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, approx. 5' 9" tall, 190 - 200 lbs and wearing a black shirt, gray shorts and a black baseball hat. The suspect also has tattoos on both arms and a mustache. The suspect was armed with a handgun, which was used in the robbery. He fled in an unknown make or model four-door white passenger car.

Please submit any information regarding the crime or identity of the suspect(s) through one of the following. You can remain anonymous.

Call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.

Use our online form found here – (https://www.tipsubmit.com/webtipforms/webform.aspx?id=51&AgencyID=836.)

Text information to 274-637 (CRIMES). Begin your message with MESAPD.

Call our non-emergency number at 480-644-2211 and select option 2.

Sex Offender Notification

The Mesa Police Department is releasing the following information pursuant to ARS 13-3825, the Community Notification on Sex Offenders Law. Notification must be made when certain sex offenders are released from the Arizona State Prison, accepted under an interstate compact agreement or released from a county jail back into the community.

It is the responsibility of the Chief Law Enforcement Officer having jurisdiction where the offender intends to reside to inform the community. The person who appears in this notification has been convicted of a sex offense that allows the Mesa Police Department to make community notification. The sex offender has advised the Mesa Police that he will be living at the listed location. This person is not wanted by the Mesa Police Department or any other law enforcement agency at this time. This individual on probation or parole. This notification is not intended to increase public fear; rather it is to inform the community of a sex offender living in the city and to comply with ARS 13-3825, Community Notification on Sex Offenders Law in making our community an informed and safer community. Citizen(s) use of this information to threaten, intimidate, harass or cause any harm to this person will not be tolerated and are subject to charges being filed against anyone violating the law.

To search for sex offenders in your local area or to register to receive email alerts, visit http://www.communitynotification.com/cap_main.php?office=54998.

William Sabatasso (pictured)
3925 E. Arbor Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85206

Age: 59
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 248 lbs.
Hair Color: Gray
Eye Color: Brown

In 1978 in CA, Mr. Sabatasso was convicted of Rape by Threats and sentenced to ten months in jail and five years of probation. In 1979 in CA, Mr. Sabatasso was convicted of Rape and sentenced to six years in prison. In 1987 in CA, Mr. Sabatasso was convicted of Unlawful Sexual Intercourse and sentenced to one year and four months in jail. In 1988 in CA, Mr. Sabatasso was convicted of Rape by Force/Fear and Oral Copulation with Force and sentenced to ten years in prison. The five victims ranged in age from fifteen to twenty six and were not known to Mr. Sabatasso.

Mailer can be downloaded from http://www.mesaaz.gov/police/PDF/SexOffenderNotifications/SabatassoWilliamL3.pdf

Theft of Credit Card

On July 28, 2014 at 8:19 pm, the male suspect pictured here (blue shirt) used the victim's debit card number to make a purchase at RackRoom Shoes inside Fiesta Mall and Denny's at 1150 S. Country Club Drive. The victim was unaware his debit card number had been compromised, as he still had custody of the card.

Please submit any information regarding the crime or identity of the suspect(s) through one of the following. You can remain anonymous.

Use our online form found here – (https://www.tipsubmit.com/webtipforms/webform.aspx?id=51&AgencyID=836.)
Please fill in the case number (2014-2120537) in the Case Number field under Incident Information.
or
Text information to 274-637 (CRIMES). Begin your message with MESAPD.
or
Call our non-emergency number at 480-644-2211 and select option 2.

Subject Arrested for Assaulting Bus Driver

The Mesa Police Department arrested Robert Nathaniel White, 27, (pictured) on one count of Aggravated Assault for the assault of a Valley Metro bus driver on September 29, 2014.

On September 8, 2014, the Mesa Police Department received reports from witnesses that a Valley Metro bus driver had been assaulted by a passenger in the area of Main Street and Sycamore in Mesa. Officers made contact with the witnesses and the 60-year-old victim and learned that a passenger had become upset at the bus driver for not moving the bus to a dry location before he exited. The passenger wanted to remove his bicycle off of the front bike rack without getting wet. The roads in that area of Mesa were flooded with several inches of water due to the rain storms throughout the day.

Robert Nathaniel White became confrontational with the victim and began punching him several times in the face. The victim was seat belted into the driver's seat and could not escape the attack. Once the assault stopped, Robert White retrieved his bicycle from the front rack and fled the scene. The victim sustained multiple head injuries.

Following the assault, video of the attack was released and aired on several news outlets. Family members of the suspect recognized him from the video and encouraged him to "do the right thing," and turn himself in. The suspect, through his brother, contacted the Phoenix Police Department and turned himself in. Mesa detectives went to Phoenix and took custody of Mr. White. In an interview, White said that he was upset because he had to work and did not want to get wet removing his bike from the rack on the front of the bus.

Following the interview, White was booked on the listed charges.

Copper Wire Theft

We have been seeing an increase in copper wire theft in the East Mesa area. Suspect/s are pulling the wire from the ground utility boxes along the side of the roadways and in City retention basins. The wire is pulled from the ground and the suspect/s return later to retrieve the wire. This has disrupted power to street lights in the areas hit and is very expensive to repair.

We are asking that if you see anything suspicious, please call 480-644-2211, and select option 2 when the menu prompt begins. You can also submit information through our online form or by text message. You can remain anonymous.

Use our online form found here – (https://www.tipsubmit.com/webtipforms/webform.aspx?id=51&AgencyID=836.)

or
Text information to 274-637 (CRIMES). Begin your message with MESAPD.

Theft

On August 29, 2014 at 12:56pm, the pictured suspect entered a jewelry store in the 6000 block of East McKellips and asked about some bracelets. The employee removed a T-bar stand containing bracelets and men's watches. The suspect asked if the employee could order a bracelet from the catalog. The employee left the counter to get the catalog. At that time, the suspect grabbed the jewelry from the T-bar and fled the business. An employee in another business close by observed the suspect get into the driver's seat of a silver 4-door sedan, possibly a Mitsubishi Galant.

Please submit any information regarding the crime or identity of the suspect(s) through one of the following. You can remain anonymous. Refer to case number 20142410382.

Use our online form found here. Please fill in the case number in the Case Number field under Incident Information.

Text information to 274-637 (CRIMES). Begin your message with MESAPD.

Call our non-emergency number at 480-644-2211 and select option 2.

Crime Stats - September 2014

The following are the top 5 calls for service and arrests for each patrol district -- 09/01/2014 through 09/30/2014. FIESTA CENTRAL Call Type Frequency Call Type Frequency Subjects Disturbing 372 Subjects Disturbing 395 Check Welfare 345 Check Welfare 342 Other Agency Assist 160 Other Agency Assist 177 Suspicious Activity 154 Warrant Arrest 173 Trespass 152 Burglary Alarm 142 Arrests Frequency Arrests Frequency Homicide 1 Homicide 0 Rape 0 Rape 3 Robbery 4 Robbery 3 Aggravated Assault 14 Aggravated Assault 17 Breaking & Entering 6 Breaking & Entering 12 Theft 63 Theft 90 GTA 3 GTA 2 Alcohol/DUI 79 Alcohol/DUI 63 Other Assaults 41 Other Assaults 39 Disorderly Conduct 12 Disorderly Conduct 34 Drugs 66 Drugs 72 Fiscal/Forgery 7 Fiscal/Forgery 20 Loitering/Runaway 6 Loitering/Runaway 7 Sex Offenses 1 Sex Offenses 2 Vandalism 12 Vandalism 18 All Other 145 All Other 257  TOTAL 460 TOTAL 639 RED MOUNTAIN SUPERSTITION Call Type Frequency Call Type Frequency Check Welfare 391 Check Welfare 325 Subjects Disturbing 361 Subjects Disturbing 243 Burglary Alarm 222 Burglary Alarm 217 Other Agency Assist 216 Other Agency Assist 202 Suspicious Activity 194 Suspicious Activity 158 Arrests Frequency Arrests Frequency Homicide 0 Homicide 0 Rape 0 Rape 0 Robbery 3 Robbery 1 Aggravated Assault 10 Aggravated Assault 9 Breaking & Entering 6 Breaking & Entering 5 Theft 70 Theft 72 GTA 3 GTA 1 Alcohol/DUI 57 Alcohol/DUI 25 Other Assaults 54 Other Assaults 26 Disorderly Conduct 19 Disorderly Conduct 10 Drugs 62 Drugs 24 Fiscal/Forgery 19 Fiscal/Forgery 9 Loitering/Runaway 5 Loitering/Runaway 2 Sex Offenses 0 Sex Offenses 4 Vandalism 20 Vandalism 14 All Other 131 All Other 68 TOTAL 459 TOTAL 270