OCSD DUI Court Sting Operation Nabs 3 of 14 and impound 2 vehicles

Posted By CotoBlogzz

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA - On Monday, March 2, 2015, deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) conducted an undercover ‘Court Sting’ operation at Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach, targeting suspected DUI drivers whose licenses where suspended/revoked as well as drivers who were driving without a license.   

Fourteen offenders were followed by deputies from courtrooms to their vehicles to ensure that they were not driving. While most offenders complied with the law and had other means of transportation, three individuals in court proceeded to get behind the wheel and drove away from the court house, according to OCSD's spokesperson. Emily Osterberg. 

Those who chose to drive were stopped near the court house by waiting deputies. Among those stopped for driving while their license was suspended or driving without a license were Joel Mardoqueo, 35, Oraine Anthony Hibbert, 30,  and Stephen Jake Gibbs, 28. All three offenders received a misdemeanor traffic citation and two of the offenders had their vehicles impounded for thirty days.

Those arrested could face additional jail time, longer driver license suspensions and other financial hits including attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work and the potential loss of a job or job prospects. When family, friends and co-workers find out, violators can also face tremendous personal embarrassment and humiliation.  In other words. It is not worth it.  Don't do it!

This special DUI operation was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

Please help the Orange County Sheriff’s Department every day of the week: Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1!