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Key figure in SV Bank fraud dies in car wreck

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Sonoma Valley Sun

The real estate developer under indictment for defrauding Sonoma Valley Bank was found dead Tuesday in a solo car wreck on Mt. Tamalapais. Bijan Madjlessi, 58, was reported missing from his Mill Valley home on Sunday.

His Mercedes was found Tuesday in deep brush 300 feet down a ravine off Shoreline Highway. The body pulled from the wreckage was later identified as Madjlessi by the Marin County coroner.

Madjlessi was out in bail after his April 9 arrest on numerous charges of fraud and money laundering that preceded the collapse of Sonoma Valley Bank in 2010.

He was also facing charges of insurance fraud regarding claims after a fire at a Reno development in 2008. While his family reportedly feared him suicidal after he disappeared Sunday, his lawyer, Steven Bauer, stated Medjlessi was looking forward to clearing his name in the upcoming court cases.

Sonoma PD cites 71 distracted drivers

As part of Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April, the Sonoma Police Department took part in the statewide campaign to discourage the use of cellular phones while driving. During the month, 71 drivers were cited for distracted driving violations in Sonoma. “While the distracted driving campaign is over, deputies will still be vigilant in enforcing distracted driving laws,” said Sgt. Spencer Crum.

Arrest, escape in ID theft ring

Two suspects in an ID theft operation successful enough to get the attention of the Secret Service and Homeland Security were found April 29 in San Pablo. One was booked, the other got away. A tip lead Sonoma County Sheriff’s Detectives to an apartment with warrants for Jasmine Mitchell and Roy Kim, wanted for multiple identity thefts throughout the Sonoma County. Kim was also on parole for possession of stolen property, and wanted in Santa Clara for commercial burglary. A search of the apartment uncovered a large-scale identity theft/credit card operation. Four subjects, including Harley Logsdon, on probation out of Napa County for forgery, were inside at the time. Mitchell arrived at the apartment complex parking lot in a Mercedes. When detectives attempted to arrest her, she rammed her car into an unmarked police vehicle, and struck another car before speeding away. Kim was located in a taxi in the city of Richmond and was arrested by Sonoma County Detectives. Mitchell remains at large.




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