2009

Paso Robles Police officer presides over fraudulent charity

By KAREN VELIE State Attorney General Edmond G. Brown filed a lawsuit against the California Organization of Police and Sheriffs (COPS) alleging they engage in “unlawful, unfair, and fraudulent business practices,” on May 29. Paso Robles Police officer Nicki Woods currently holds... (Continue reading)

U.S. Marshals seize Hertel and Fowler’s yacht, guns, and ammunition

By KAREN VELIE Federal authorities seized bankrupt developers Ronald Hertel and Robert Fowler’s 2005 Bertram yacht including guns and ammunition, and a 1988 Broward yacht under purchase by Hertel earlier this year as part of an ongoing effort to recoup funds... (Continue reading)

FBI accuses Miller of racketeering and money laundering

By KAREN VELIE The FBI seized proceeds from Hurst Financial Inc. (HFI) President Jay Miller’s home May 27 because of allegations of racketeering, money laundering, and wire fraud, according to the seizure warrant. “A racket is an illegal business, usually run as... (Continue reading)

Elementary school students suspended for kill list and sexual threats

By KAREN VELIE A group of parents allege Santa Margarita Elementary School officials have failed to provide a safe environment and have chosen to keep their children home until their concerns are addressed. After numerous complaints, two Santa Margarita Elementary students have... (Continue reading)

Ask Edge: Define harassment

Recent reports of the firing of county administrative chief David Edge include admissions by Edge to The Tribune that he supported his second in command by providing her a book called “Getting Naked.” Gail Wilcox responded by leveling a "hostile... (Continue reading)

Gearhart hiding assets

By KAREN VELIE Bankruptcy trustees have seized a collectable car and are looking into allegations ex-North county developer Kelly Gearhart and his wife, Tamara Lowe, have hidden assets during their high profile bankruptcy. Bankruptcy trustees seized a yellow 1935 Packard Gearhart and... (Continue reading)

David Edge fired by supervisors

By DANIEL BLACKBURN San Luis Obispo County's top administrator, David Edge, was fired Tuesday afternoon by the Board of Supervisors following a week of speculation about his fate. Edge spoke to the board for 10 minutes before the vote, calling their... (Continue reading)

Guth and Yaguda plead not guilty

By KAREN VELIE Estate Financial Principles Karen Guth and Joshua Yaguda Friday pleaded not guilty in San Luis Obispo Superior Court to charges they defrauded millions of dollars from more than 3,000 people. Prosecutors have charged Guth and her son Yaguda with... (Continue reading)

CMC lieutenant flees from officer

By KAREN VELIE A California Men’s Colony (CMC) lieutenant slipped away from a Pismo Beach police officer who had arrived to break up a fight in which the intoxicated officer was involved at Harry’s Night Club and Beach Bar on April... (Continue reading)

Edge’s job on the line

By KAREN VELIE The County Board of Supervisors will evaluate whether to terminate County Administrative Officer David Edge at their next meeting on May 19. Both Edge and Assistant County Administrative Officer Gail Wilcox are on paid administrative leave. A source told... (Continue reading)