A Chicago-area musician with a large following of teenage girls was ordered held Thursday on $100,000 bond after a criminal complaint filed this week alleged he “enticed” two minors to film themselves in sexually compromising videos.

Internet celebrity Austin Jones, 24, of Bloomingdale, also was forbid by the judge from using computers or social media. In addition, Jones was ordered to participate in home monitoring, turn in his passport, avoid contact with any victims or witnesses and promise not to use alcohol in excess or narcotics of any kind.

The only thing Jones said during the proceedings was "yes, sir."

Jones, who once publicly apologized for asking underage fans to “twerk” for him on social media, was charged with producing child pornography. He was arrested at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago on Monday, the U.S. Attorney’s office said.

Jones chatted with one victim in August 2016 and with the other victim last month on Facebook and via iMessages, according to the complaint filed in Chicago.

The victim from August stated in a Facebook chat with Jones that she was his biggest fan. Jones repeatedly told her she was “lucky” to have his attention, and that she needed to “prove” that she was his biggest fan by producing the sexually explicit videos and sending them to him, according to the complaint.

Jones also said in numerous text conversations that he knew the girls were underage and encouraged them to make sexual videos for him which included them dancing partially naked—and admitted as much to Homeland Security Investigators who arrested him, the complaint states.

“Jones is an Internet personality who has accumulated hundreds of thousands of followers on various social media platforms and some level of celebrity by posting music videos online in which he performs covers of other artists’ songs,” the complaint says. “Jones’ YouTube page has dozens of videos in which he performs other artists' songs, as well as some of his own original music. His videos have been viewed on the Internet millions of times.”

The complaint says that, based on a review of Jones’ social media accounts, the majority of his fans “appear” to be girls.

The two victims in the complaint are identified as Victim A and Victim B.

In a Facebook chat included in the complaint, Victim A asks Jones for reassurance that he won’t post a video she plans to send him anywhere, according to the complaint.

“Right. I delete them after I score them,” Jones responds, the complaint alleges.

After the girl sent Jones the video, the complaint says, he sent her more specific instructions, such as suggesting she is 14 years old while dancing, directing which ways to position the camera and saying, “We should spice up your outfit!”

After Victim A explained she felt tired and wanted to stop, Jones encouraged her to continue dancing and told her she was “giving up” and she should “take this seriously,” the complaint says.

The girl also told Jones she was uncomfortable with the idea of “showing you everything,” but said “maybe I should get a thong tomorrow,” before adding “my moms [sic] a little overprotective,” the complaint states.

Victim A also acknowledged that she knew Jones was 24 and he told her to “talk about your age the whole time” she was to dance for him, the court document says.

She sent Jones about 15 videos, the document alleges. Jones instructed her to delete all of the messages so Victim A’s sister, with whom she shared a phone, would not see them, the complaint states.

In a video sent on May 4 by Victim A, the complaint reads, the victim looks into the camera and says “Hey Austin, my name is [Victim A’s first name] and my butt is 14 years old.”

Jones and Victim B also acknowledge one another’s age in a conversation from August 2016, the complaint states.

“Wait… you’re 14?” the court document says Jones asked of the underage girl. “I seriously shouldn’t even be talking to you.”

When the girl asks why, Jones allegedly responded “I’M 23!!”

Jones also repeatedly told Victim B how lucky she was to have his attention and that she needed to prove she was his biggest fan and assured her “nothing is going to happen,” when she showed concern for getting in trouble, the document says.

“I bet you had NO IDEA when you met me that just 1 day later you’d get to show me your ------- how special do you feel?!” Jones asked the girl, according to the complaint.

Victim B sent Jones about 25 videos, according to investigators.

Authorities traced Jones’ IP address to his home in Bloomingdale.

Each count of production of child pornography is punishable by a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years.

Jones was ordered to remain in federal custody by U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael T. Mason until a detention hearing on Wednesday.

In 2015, Jones was accused of soliciting videos from girls “twerking,” prompting him to publish a response and apology on his Facebook page, which was in turn published by Alternative Press.

“Here's the truth: I NEVER asked them to do anything more than send a twerking video,” Jones wrote. “Nothing EVER went beyond that.”

A Change.org petition from 2015 with 9,096 signatures demanded Jones be removed from Vans Warped Tour after the first allegations surfaced. The petition links to videos shared on Twitter, purportedly of an unwitting Austin, as the singer solicits videos from fans and instructs them how to dance by demonstrating the “twerk” move.

Vans and a Jones' publicist did not immediately respond to request for comment on Tuesday.

If you believe you are a victim of sexual exploitation, you are encouraged to call the ICE Tip Line at 1-866-DHS2-ICE (1-866-347-2423) or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678. The hotlines are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A partnership forged while patrolling streets in San Diego’s South Bay sparked an idea for San Diego police officers Aida Liufau and Esmeralda Sanchez.

"We would go to radio calls where we started to see the common theme of girls not making the best choices," said Sanchez, a Community Relations Officer for the San Diego Police Department (SDPD).

Sanchez said some of those choices included inappropriate behavior on social media, skipping school, staying out past curfew, and going to parties in Tijuana.

"There are all these resources for young ladies and juveniles who are at-risk. But we want to get to them before they get to at-risk," said Liufau.

"Ever since Captain Rudy Tai was here (Captain Tai is currently assigned to Operational Support), the emphasis in community policing came about, and we really wanted to get back to that, to get back to the grassroots of it," Liufau added.

Liufau and Sanchez each grew up with strong female role models and continue to have a lot of support from other women.

Thus, with that common thread and vision to help girls in the community, a new “squad” was born.

The officers wanted to mentor girls and teach them life skills in a setting where the girls could talk openly about their problems.

"We want to be somebody that they can run to when they're in need, not to run away from," said Liufau, who also serves on SDPD's Juvenile Services Team.

"When people see us coming, they don't see us as a person, they just see us as a uniform," explained Liufau. "We walk into a room, and they're like, 'What happened?' It's always a negative. We just want to emphasize, were just here, we want to come say hi.”

The officers reached out to the YMCA and met with school counselors in Otay Mesa, San Ysidro, and Nestor to get the word out about their group, the "Southern Division Girls Squad."

As they reviewed applications and interviewed candidates to join their program, the officers learned all of the girls wanted to work on public speaking and self-esteem.

In July 2016, Sanchez and Liufau started "Southern Division Girls Squad" with 15 girls. 

Liufau and Sanchez, along with other SDPD female officers and sergeants, led the monthly group meetings at SDPD's Southern Division.

Quickly, their time with the girls in the group began to make an impression.

"We learned a lot about body positivity and self-image, so we became more confident," said participant Lourdes Guerrero. "We learned about the real world."

Guerrero's mother, Isabel Alcala, said she has noticed her daughter is less shy after joining Girls Squad last year.

Another participant, Clarissa Valdez, said the group meetings helped her speak up more frequently.

"If I hadn't been in the girl squad I probably wouldn't be speaking right now," said Valez. "But they've taught me how just to be myself and just be out there."

Many of the girls and their family members said they were also pleasantly surprised with their new perspective of police officers after getting to know them in this type of setting.

"We've seen them in a totally different light. They had to create and think of the things they were going to be doing with the girls," said Alcala. "It wasn't just a job with them. It was about much more. You could feel it."

This month, the seven of the 15 girls who stayed with the program for the entire year graduated in front of their families.

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During a special ceremony hosted by Southern Division, and attended by members of SDPD command staff, the seven girls accepted their flowers and certificates with feelings of pride and accomplishment.

They are also keeping in mind the big task they now have ahead of them.

"I'm going to go back and mentor now, and help other girls, in the way that the police officers helped me, just gain more positivity with self-esteem," said Valdez.

And for Sanchez and Liufau, the end of their inaugural program is the start of something new.

"This will be the beginning of a great mentorship and friendship that we can have with the girls," said Sanchez. "So it's not the end of the program, that's it, you're off on your own. This is going to be the beginning of a relationship with them."

The officers are now reviewing candidates for the next squad session, which starts next month.

"We want girls that want to be here, that aren't made by their parents to be here," said Liufau. "We want those girls that want to learn more about themselves, and grow as an individual, and gain those basic life skills, that confidence, that interaction with other people, and that want to give back to their community."

Welcome to your weekend, San Diego! Sure, we may be experiencing a little bit of June Gloom but these events will surely brighten up your days. Get out there and explore everything our incredible city has to offer.

Thursday, June 15

2017 San Diego County Fair
11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Del Mar Fairgrounds
Yee-haw! The San Diego County Fair is in full swing, offering rides, entertainment and, of course, gloriously unhealthy fried food. This year’s theme is “Wild, Wild West,” so expect a rootin’ tootin’ good time. The fair runs through July 4. Admission is $18 for adults ages 13 to 61; $11 for those 62 and older and for kids ages 6 to 12. Little ones 5 and younger get in free. You can also buy the “Best Pass Ever” for $26, which gets you admission for all 26 days of the fair or check out some deals and discounts here.

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San Diego International Boat Show
12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Harbor Island
Yearning for a yacht? Check out boats and the newest nautical gear, gadgets and accessories at the four-day San Diego International Boat Show on Harbor Island. More than 80 luxury yachts will be on display throughout the weekend, plus opportunities to test out watersports like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, as well as a “Sailing Simulator” that shows how a boat reacts to wind and waves without ever leaving dry land. Boating seminars will be held throughout the weekend, too, in which experts will share tips and tales from the high seas. The event includes a Kids Zone for little skippers, where they can partake in arts and crafts. Tickets are $15 per adult. Kids 12 and under get in free. The show runs from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. It may be a cool way to celebrate Father's Day with dad.

Liberty Public Farmers Market
2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Near Liberty Public Market at Liberty Station
Liberty Station’s brand-new weekly farmers market goes down every Thursday near Liberty Public Market, off Perry Road. The farmers market features more than 60 vendors, from local produce growers and specialty food purveyors, to artisan gift merchants. While you peruse vendors, enjoy live performances from local musicians.

Music in the Gardens: Gold Standard
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens - Escondido
Enjoy craft beer, live music and lush gardens at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens in Escondido (1999 Citracado Parkway) during the brewery’s summer music series. All season long, patrons can groove to all kinds of musical styles – from folk and soul, to rock and pop.

Meet the Artists of Kilowatt OB
6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Kilowatt Brewing Ocean Beach
The Kilowatt Brewing tasting room in Ocean Beach (1875 Cable St.) is a colorful space filled with murals and artistic masterpieces. On Thursday night, grab a beer and meet the artists who helped create the décor, including muralists like Amber Jahn, Azul Gutierrez, Jorge Gonzalez and Mateo Vega, to name a few. This event is free.

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5-Course Cocktail & Cheese Pairing
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., You & Yours Distilling Co.
You & Yours Distilling Co., this cozy, female-led distillery that opened a few months ago in the East Village, will partner with Venissimo cheese shop for a night of cocktail and cheese pairings at the You & Yours tasting room. Head distiller Laura Johnson and Venissimo’s “Professor Cheese” Rob Graff will guide guests through five courses of cocktails and cheese each carefully selected to complement one another. Tickets to this 21+ tasting event cost $50 per person. Reserve your post by calling (619) 955-8755. To learn more about Johnson’s distillery, read this story.

Sunset Poolside Jazz Series
6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., The Westgate Hotel
Downtown’s Westgate Hotel kicks off its “Sunset Poolside Jazz Series” Thursday night, an event series featuring a different performance every week from Southern California’s finest jazz talents at the hotel’s pool. The event includes drinks and appetizers, available for purchase. Attendees are asked to spend at least $25 on drinks and food; the entertainment is free. The series runs each Thursday through Aug. 31; the Leonard Patton Trio is performing on June 15.

Santee Summer Concert: The Cat-illacs
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Town Center Community Park East
Santee kicks off its Summer Concert Series with vintage classic rock band, The Cat-illacs. The community event is free, with a different band performing every Thursday through the summer at Town Center Community Park East (550 Park Center Dr.). Bring the family and a blanket – and some money to buy snacks from several food trucks lined up on the field.

Grand Funk Railroad
7:30 p.m., Heineken Grandstand Stage at San Diego County Fair
Longtime classic rockers Grand Funk Railroad hit the stage Thursday night at the San Diego County Fair, hopefully performing many of their hits including “Some Kind of Wonderful” and “Locomotion.” The concert is free with paid admission to the fair if you watch from the standing floor section or the unreserved 3rd and 5th level seats. Otherwise, tickets start at $28.

The Bodyguard: The Musical
7:30 p.m., San Diego Civic Theatre
This Broadway adaptation of the hit 1992 movie starring the late Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner plays at the San Diego Civic Theatre through Sunday. The award-winning musical – currently on its U.S. tour – stars R&B singer Deborah Cox in Houston’s role as superstar Rachel Marron. The romantic thriller is about the lengths that former Secret Service Agent-turned-bodyguard, Frank Farmer, will go to protect the starlet. We will always love this story. Tickets start at $22.50.

All-Star Mainly Mozart Festival Orchestra Concert
7:30 p.m., Balboa Theatre
Amid the Mainly Mozart Festival running through June 25 comes this concert from the Festival Orchestra, with concertmaster William Preucil at the helm and Australian musician Andrew Bain. Tickets start at $15.

Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story
7:30 p.m., Horton Grand Theatre
This musical, presented by Intrepid Theatre and New Village Arts, is set between 1957 and 1958, when Buddy Holly and the Crickets had seven Top 40 songs, including “Peggy Sue.” The production celebrates the legacy of the young man with thick-rimmed glasses whose career during the golden period of rock ‘n’ roll was cut short by his tragic, untimely death. Tickets to this toe-tapping show start at $24. The musical runs at this venue through July 2.

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Latin Thursdays
9 p.m., Harrah’s Resort Southern California
Enjoy live Latin music at Harrah’s Resort Southern California every Thursday night this month at this 21+ fiesta. The shows cost $10 and are available at the door.

Friday, June 16

Coronado’s Free Summer Shuttle Service
8:57 a.m. to 9:42 p.m. (shuttle service times), Coronado
Coronado’s free summer shuttle service is back, running now through Labor Day. The service aims to make it easier for locals and visitors to cruise around Coronado and catch a ride to popular spots during the busy summer months. Hop on!

Food Truck Friday
4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Plaza de Panama at Balboa Park
Balboa Park’s “Food Truck Friday” returns for the summer, bringing more than a dozen food trucks to the Plaza de Panama and El Prado walkway every Friday evening through Sept. 29. As you grab some food, you’ll also be able to enjoy live entertainment at the park. Stick around and check out “Balboa Park After Dark” (see below), happening simultaneously at the park Friday nights this summer.

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Cruisin’ Grand Escondido
5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Downtown Escondido(235 East Grand Ave.)
Downtown Escondido’s free, weekly vintage car show continues, running every Friday night through Sept. 29. Cruisin’ Grand Escondido takes over historic Grand Avenue, with more than 500 cool cars lining the streets. The event, now in its 18th year, draws thousands of attendees. Each Friday night, awards are given to the most impressive pre-1973 American-made cars. This Friday night, the musical entertainment includes: DJ Dino (spinning on Broadway); Rapsody (performing on Juniper Street); Satinettes (performing at Maple Street Plaza); Gino & Lone Gunmen (performing at Kalmia & Grand). 

Balboa Park After Dark
5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Balboa Park
Balboa Park’s sundown summertime program returns, with eight museums offering extended late-night hours every Friday through Sept. 29. Some museums are even offering $5 admission deals. Food vendors and live entertainment will also fill the landmark during this “Balboa Park After Dark” series.

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Summer Movies in the Park
6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Locations Vary
San Diego’s fun (and free!) “Summer Movies in the Park” series continues, this time with movie screenings at four different parks across the county. At Flinn Springs County Park (14787 Olde Hwy. 80), “The Secret Life of Pets” will play on the big outdoor screen, with the event running from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. There are no concessions at this park, so you might want to pack a picnic. The same movie will play at Scripps Ranch Community Park (11454 Blue Cypress Dr.), with the event running from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (with food truck on site with snacks available for purchase). “The Secret Life of Pets” will also play at downtown’s Waterfront Park (1600 Pacific Highway) from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Finally, the classic 1978 musical, “Grease,” will light up the big screen at Nobel Community Park (8810 Judicial Dr.), with that event running from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Grab a blanket, some snacks and the family and enjoy a movie under the stars.

Salsa Under the Stars
6 p.m. to 9 p.m., The Headquarters at Seaport
Hit the courtyard at The Headquarters at Seaport for this free Friday night salsa dancing session under the stars. The Manny Cepeda Orchestra will provide the toe-tapping tunes; no partner or experience necessary to join this fun event.

15th Annual Beer & Sake Festival
7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Harrah’s Resort Southern California
The Japan Society of San Diego & Tijuana host the 15th annual Beer & Sake Festival at the Events Center at Harrah’s Ricon Southern California. The fundraiser features food from local restaurants and sips of sake and craft beer from local breweries, plus art booths, a raffle, a silent auction and live entertainment from San Diego Taiko. Attendees will also be treated to tuna cutting and sword fighting demonstrations. Tickets start at $60; proceeds support educational and community outreach programs.

Darius Rucker
7:30 p.m., Heineken Grandstand Stage at San Diego County Fair
Former Hootie & the Blowfish frontman Darius Rucker showcases his pipes at the San Diego County Fair Friday night. Tickets start at $15, if you’ve already paid admission to the fair. 

Def Leppard, Poison & Tesla
7:30 p.m., Mattress Firm Amphitheatre
Spend your Friday night rocking out with some classics as Def Leppard, Poison and Tesla take over Mattress Firm Amphitheatre in Chula Vista. Lawn seating starts at $33.

Saturday, June 17

Tony Gwynn 5.5K Run and Walk
8 a.m., Alesmith Brewing Company
Run – or walk – 5.5K this Saturday morning to pay tribute to Mr. Padre, Tony Gwynn. The Hall of Famer, coach, teammate and dad is a beloved San Diego player. The funds raised at the event will raise money for the Tony and Alicia Gwynn Foundation.

Brats and Beer on the Bay
10 a.m., Maritime Museum of San Diego
Enjoy a beautiful day on the bay this Saturday with the whole family. The day starts at 10 a.m. as attendees have a chance to grab some food: bratwurst, sandwiches, chips, in addition to cold beer. Then, it’s all aboard as attendees board a boat for a three hour sailing trip. Tickets start at $48.

Taste of Gaslamp
1 p.m., Gaslamp Quarter
Take a culinary tour of San Diego at this 23rd annual event. More than 25 restaurants from Gaslamp will have samples available for San Diegans on their walking tour. The party isn’t over when the event end, though. Stop by Altitude Sky Lounge for cocktails and large bite portions. Tickets start at $30.

The Old Man and The Old Moon
2 p.m., Old Globe Theatre
Cinematic shadow puppetry meets exuberant folk music and fantastical fables in “The Old Man And The Old Moon.” PigPen Theatre Co. comes sailing into San Diego with this imaginative new production, fresh off award-winning runs in New York, Chicago and Boston. When The Old Man's wife unexpectedly leaves home one day, The Old Man leaves his post refilling The Old Moon's light that spills out each night and goes on a journey to find his love. 

Little Italy Summer Film Festival
8 p.m., Amici Park
Every Saturday night this summer, stop by San Diego’s Little Italy Amici Park and enjoy a series of Italian films with English subtitles. The screenings start at 8 p.m. The entry fee is a $5 donation.

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Sunday, June 18: Happy Father's Day!

Father’s Day Concert and BBQ
11 a.m., Hotel Del Coronado
Take in the beautiful Coronado island – and the historic Hotel Del – this Sunday. Enjoy barbeque food and cold drinks as the whole family listens to the Gary Sinise and Lt. Dan Band perform cover hits. More than a thousand are expected to attend the event. Attendees can bring their own blankets, chairs and umbrellas. At 11 a.m., the beach opens to ticketed guests. The concert begins at 5 p.m. with a special skydiving show. Tickets are $75. A portion of the proceeds go to support the Gary Sinise Foundation. 

La Jolla Playhouse’s “Escape to Margaritville” 
2 p.m., La Jolla Playhouse
The world premiere of “Escape to Margaritaville” kicks off its first weekend at the Playhouse. The production features some of Jimmy Buffett’s best-known hits, in addition to new songs written especially for the musical. The story follows a part-time bartender, part-time singer on a Caribbean island who falls for a beautiful tourist, a woman who makes him question the life he thought he had figured out. Playwrights Greg Garcia ("My Name Is Earl", "Raising Hope") and Mike O'Malley ("My Name Is Earl", "Justified", "Glee") blend a story in the works for years with Buffett classics, under the direction of award-winning director Christopher Ashley. Read more about how the cast and crew paid tribute to Buffett’s music here. 

San Diego Musical Theatre’s “Damn Yankees”
2 p.m., Spreckels Theatre
Don’t miss this Broadway favorite in San Diego, as put on by San Diego Musical Theater. The musical comedy is a retelling of the 1950s Faust legend, during the time when the Yankees dominated baseball. The show runs until June 18.

The Old Globe’s “King Richard II”
8 p.m., Old Globe Theater in Balboa Park
The Globe opens their summer season this Sunday with the Shakespeare favorite “King Richard II”. Actor Robert Sean Leonard returns to the Globe to take on the title role in one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays. The play runs through July 15.

Free or Cheap Things to Do in San Diego
Times and locations vary
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Looking to save some cash, but still enjoy the city? In San Diego, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy for free or on the cheap. Go for a hike at Torrey Pines State Park or Cowles Mountain, stroll Balboa Park, try a new craft brewery, admire the murals of Chicano Park or read a book at a downtown park. Get out there and explore America’s Finest City.

The accused DUI driver and U.S. Navy sailor behind the wheel of a truck was driving approximately 81 miles per hour on the Coronado Bridge four seconds before his car flew off the bridge and crashed into a crowded park below. 

California Highway Patrol (CHP) Investigator Snider detailed the moments leading up to the crash on Oct. 15, 2016, when Richard Anthony Sepolio, 25, was behind the wheel of his truck. The vehicle plunged 60 feet off the Coronado Bridge transition ramp, landing on a large crowd below in Chicano Park. 

Four people were killed in the fiery, chaotic crash: Cruz Elias Contreras, 52; AnnaMarie Contreras, 50; Andre Christopher Banks, 49; Francine Denise Jimenez, 46.

A judge is set to decide if the case will move to trial once testimony concludes.

Snider testified that in the second before the crash, data by the air bag system on the truck shows the car collided with a barricade before hitting the last barricade and going airborne. However, the defense questioned the reliability of that narrative. 

The car was going an estimated 63 miles per hour before the crash, Snider testified. 

"As the vehicle impacted, as it transitioned across the roadway from the left barrier to the right barrier, as we can see by the marked tire marks, the vehicle was slipping sideways slightly as it moved to the second contact," Snider explained at the preliminary hearing.

"Because of that slippage, what was recorded on the speedometer was not necessarily the true vehicle speed," he said.

Four seconds before the crash, it was estimated to be going 81 miles per hour. 

The only signs of braking were at one second prior to the event, Snider testified. 

Sepolio, an active duty service member stationed in Coronado, has been jailed since October 2016. In early November 2016, a San Diego judge rejected a request from Sepolio's attorney to release the suspect into the care of the U.S. military, ordering him to stay in jail. That day, the judge set Sepolio's bail at $2 million.

Sepolio was seriously hurt in the crash, suffering injuries to his back, ribs and hands.

Prosecutors said his injuries prevented officials from performing an accurate breathalyzer test and that blood drawn later provided a more accurate measurement. An hour after the initial tests, a blood sample was drawn and Sepolio's BAC was measured at .08. Prosecutors have also said Sepolio was distracted behind the wheel, sending a text message on his cellphone.

Sepolio's defense, San Diego attorney Paul Pfingst, known for his work on high-profile cases, has argued that his client was not drunk and was not texting.

"The breath tests that were taken shortly after the accident show that his blood alcohol level was below the legal limit,” Pfingst said in court last year.

The defense attorney also said Sepolio took his cellphone out after he crashed to call for help, but he was not texting prior to that.

Sepolio pleaded not guilty to multiple charges related to the fatal crash, including four counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and counts of driving under the influence causing injury or death.

Pfingst said that prior to this, Sepolio had no criminal record and had been proudly serving his country. The attorney has argued that Sepolio was "forced off the bridge by another vehicle," which ultimately led to the tragic crash.

However, in prior court proceedings, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office maintained there is no evidence the defendant was forced off the bridge.

If convicted on all counts, Sepolio could face a maximum sentence of 23 years and eight months in prison.

A heat wave is set to sweep San Diego County over the course of at least five days – striking a bit earlier than usual in the soon-to-be summer season.

“This is a weather pattern that would typically occur in late June or early July,” NBC 7 meteorologist Jodi Kodesh explained. “This year, it’s early. Temperatures over the next several days will be 10 to 20 degrees above average.”

To that end, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a heat advisory for San Diego County, in effect from 11 a.m. Saturday to 9 p.m. Wednesday.

The NWS said temperatures could reach a high of 98 to 106 degrees on both Saturday and Sunday and increase to 100 to 110 degrees Monday through next Wednesday.

The five-day heat wave will bring with it the potential for heat-related illnesses.

“That’s why people, especially in the mountains and deserts, need to be extra cautious of the time they are outside, over the next several days,” said Kodesh. “Mountains will climb into the mid and upper 90s, and deserts will soar to as high as 118 degrees.”

“A major cause of heat exhaustion and heat stroke is that sometimes, people refuse to run the air conditioner, or don’t take precautions to be somewhere cool. They think that a fan will be enough to cool them. But, when temperatures top 90 degrees, a fan cannot adequately cool your core, and overheating becomes very easy,” Kodesh added. “People can go from feeling hot to heat stroke, without much time passing at all. It is imperative to keep an eye on those that are susceptible, like children, elderly, or people that are sick.”

For times of extreme heat like this, San Diego's designated "cool zones," often established at local libraries or recreation centers, provide respite. Here's a current list of cool zones operating across the county.

The NWS said the heat wave might continue beyond Wednesday – maybe even through the end of next week. The NWS said there would also be an excessive heat warning for San Diego’s deserts, including areas like Borrego Springs and Banning, in effect from 11 a.m. Friday until 9 p.m. Wednesday.

These conditions increase the risk of wildfire danger across the county as well.

A historic Route 101 sign was unveiled in San Diego's Morena neighborhood on Thursday, recognizing the the road as part of the original U.S. Highway Route 101 in San Diego.

The sign is located on Morena Boulevard, south of Tecolote Road, just east of Interstate 5 and Mission Bay.

For 35 years, Pacific Highway was part of Route 101 that stretched from the Mexican border to Olympia, Washington. Prior to the opening of Pacific Highway in 1933, other local roads in San Diego carried 101 traffic.

“Today is a great day to remember the past, when cars like the Model A’s, T’s, Packard’s, Buick’s and Chevy’s graced this road as the official highway from the Mexican Border to Washington State.  This was all made possible by Dave Potter and the Clairemont Town Council, Linda Vista Town Council, Linda Vista Community Development Corporation and the Morena Business Association who provided the vision and funding,” said Councilmember Lorie Zapf.

Similar signs will be installed in Bay Park and Linda Vista, noting this historical route.

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) crews offloaded about 18 tons of cocaine seized from across the eastern Pacific Ocean in San Diego Thursday.

Crews used interceptor boats to go after drug smugglers from different parts of south and central America for the past three months. Several suspects were taken into custody to face prosecution in the U.S.

"When they go out at night in rough seas in the dark, they don't know what they're going to face," said commanding officer of USCG Cutter Waesche Capt. James Passarelli. "And despite those fears, despite those challenges, despite the dangers, the crew will take that on."

Crews had mostly finished off-loading an estimated 36,000 pounds of cocaine, valued at more than half a billion dollars, Thursday morning from the Cutter Waesche.

One member of the U.S. Coast Guard, Danielle Sanchez, said this was her first deployment and she was glad to make a difference, she told NBC 7.

"I think it's awesome to see all these drugs, and actually see all the drug smugglers," said Sanchez. "We are the first people on scene with the law enforcement. It's amazing -- I never thought I'd be able to do this."

The Waesche worked along with seven other cutters to make more than 17 drug seizures from March to June 2017, usually in dark, rough waters. The cutters include crews from the U.S. Coast Guard Cutters Waesche, Hamilton, Mohawk, Dependable, Valiant, Active, Campbell and Confidence.

The load of cocaine was seized from 15 interceptions of suspected drug smuggling vessels, known as pangas, along with three cases of seized bales of cocaine dumped by suspected smugglers, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

"Our nation faces significant threats posed by transnational organized crime networks that spread violence and instability throughout the Western Hemisphere," said Capt. Passarelli in a statement. "The crew of Waesche meets those threats head on as far from the U.S. border as possible."

Last year, USCG crews seized more than a record 400,000 pounds of cocaine. They are currently on track to pass that record again this year.

San Diego Fire-Rescue Department will celebrate the graduation of the 83rd Basic Fire Academy Thursday.

Thirty-three recruits successfully completed the rigorous, sixteen-week academy. They will now spend the next year as probationary firefighters, continuing their training while on the job.

“We are excited to welcome the next generation of firefighters,” said Chief Brian Fennessy in a statement. “As one of the finest departments in the nation, we have a lot to offer them and we look forward to their service to the San Diego community.”

The graduation will take place at 6 p.m. at The Rock Church on Rosecrans Street in San Diego.

Wednesday marked the official opening of the Military Tribute in Mission Valley's Civita Park, which honors San Diego's distinguished history of military service.

The monument features a 100-foot flagpole displaying the American flag, surrounded by the flags of all five branches of the service.

There are also five engraved 6-foot-tall monuments that describe San Diego's military history in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.

Civita Park is located at the intersection of Civita Boulevard and Russell Parkway, just north of Friars Road in Mission Valley.

Through a returning partnership with the California Summer Meals Coalition, several San Diego County school districts and city library branches are serving free, healthy lunches during the summer for children 18 years old and under.

To help address the nutritional needs of families during the summer break, several locations are offering free lunches to students 18 years of age and younger, with no enrollment process.

The locations running the free summer meal program include:

• Chula Vista Main Public Library (365 F Street; month of June; 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
• South Public Library (389 Orange Avenue; month of June; 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
• Rogers Elementary School (510 East Naples; month of June; Breakfast: 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.; Lunch: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)
• Chula Vista Middle School (415 5th Avenue ;June 5 to July 7, no meals July 4; Lunch: 10:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.)
• Hilltop Middle School (44 East J Street ;June 5 to July 7, no meals July 4; Lunch: 10:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.)
• Montgomery High School (5430 Torrance Boulevard ;June 5 to July 7, no meals July 4; Lunch: 10:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.)
• San Ysidro High School (5353 Airway Road ;June 5 to July 7, no meals July 4; Lunch: 10:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.)

County libraries are also offering free lunches at the Borrego Springs Library, Casa de Oro Library, Chula Vista Library, El Cajon Library, Jacumba Library, Julian Library, Lincoln Acres Library, Ramona Library, Spring Valley Library, Valley Center Library, Vista Library, among others.

The Oceanside Unified School District received a $20,000 grant from the National League of Cities to address student hunger during the summer, and is offering free meals at 16 locations throughout the Oceanside area, including the Abby Reinke Youth Center, the City of Oceanside Library, Oceanside and El Camino High Schools, and all of their elementary schools. Meals for adults are also available for a $4.00 fee.

A 2012 report from the National Summer Learning Association found that proper nutrition promotes brain development and improves cognitive functioning. Inadequate nutrition, the report found, is associated with physical and mental health issues, emotional and behavioral problems, learning deficiencies, lower grades, and repeating a grade in school.

To find the nearest location offering free meals in San Diego County, parents can text "food" to 877-877 or call 2-1-1 for more information.

Puerto Rico’s governor campaigned in Washington Thursday to make the U.S. territory the 51st state, touting a vote that showed 97 percent support for statehood and brushing aside critics who questioned its legitimacy. 

More than 500,000 people on the island voted for statehood in a non-binding referendum this past weekend. But eight out of 10 eligible voters did not vote, a historically low turnout. The main opposition party and other parties boycotted the referendum, calling it a waste of resources in a time of financial crisis. 

“A waste of resources is not having equal rights," Governor Ricardo Rosselló told NBC following an appearance at the National Press Club. "A waste of resources is being on a Medicaid cliff because of the people of Puerto Rico, the citizens of Puerto Rico, don’t have the same access to resources than in the United States." 

Rosselló said that there have been two plebiscites in the past five years and the previous one had "similar results" with an 80 percent voter participation rate. 

The 2012 vote delivered 61 percent support for statehood, though half a million people left ballots blank, according to The New York Times. 

Puerto Ricans on the island are U.S. citizens, but can’t vote in presidential elections and have a non-voting member of Congress. They are also exempt from paying federal income taxes, but pay into Social Security and Medicare and receive less federal funding than U.S. states, The Associated Press has reported. They also pay local taxes. Unemployment is 12 percent on the island, where millions have fled a 10-year recession.

It’s up to the U.S. Congress to decide whether to take up the issue of Puerto Rico’s status. 

During his appearance at the National Press Club, Rosselló was accompanied by Reps. Don Young, R-Alaska, and Darren Soto, D-Fla. 

"As part of the democratic exercise last Sunday on our island, today we are making sure that Congress and other international organizations such as the OAS [Organization of American States] receive the message that Puerto Ricans are claiming equal rights as American citizens," Rosselló said. "It is up to this generation of Puerto Ricans to demand the end of the undignified colonial relationship, and begin a process of transition for the incorporation of Puerto Rico as the new state in the union."

The family of Stephanie Crowe, a 12-year-old Escondido girl murdered in 1998, is urging the San Diego County Board of Supervisors not to appoint one of the prosecutors on their daughter's botched homicide case to the position of District Attorney.

In a brutal, 22-page letter sent to the Board of Supervisors on Monday, the slain girl's parents accuse top prosecutor, Summer Stephan, of perjury, and of using her role in the prosecution of their daughter's murder to get ahead politically.

"Stephan is using my dead daughter to promote her political ambitions through falsehood and misrepresentation," the legally-phrased letter states. "I am not going to let her get away with it."

In her application for appointment to DA, Stephan wrote that she followed her conscience on a tough and complicated case, and "did the right thing."

Stephan released this statement to NBC 7 on Thursday:

"My heart goes out to the Crowe family for the loss of their daughter and their understandable grief nearly 20 years after this terrible crime. I can’t imagine the additional pain of not having closure through the justice system in that no one stands convicted of this murder.

I’ve been able to help hundreds of families get justice over the last 27 years, and I wish I could have done that for this family. The courts are the place where claims of misconduct are reviewed, and in my case, there is a clearly established timeline and decisions by objective courts that did not find misconduct and that confirm the truth of my statements."

In 2004, a federal court judge ruled Stephan had committed no wrong-doing during the prosecution of the Crowe case.

Before Stephan's involvement, prosecutors charged the victim's brother and two of his high school friends with the murder.

Later, Crowe's blood was found on the shirt of transient Richard Tuite, who was seen near her home on the night she was killed.

The case remains unsolved and among the most controversial crimes in San Diego's history. Many in the community remain upset no one was ever held accountable for the horrific murder of a bright, young girl.

Last month, Stephan told the Union-Tribune “all the decision-making had been made” by the time she got involved in the Crowe murder case.

Stephan filed papers to run for DA in 2018 and has also applied to finish District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis' term.

Dumanis is planning to step down from office in July as she ponders a bid for a seat on the Board of Supervisors. Her early resignation clears the path for her second-in-command Chief Deputy DA Stephan to step into the elected office as an interim replacement, and then run as an incumbent in 2018.

Stephan has been extremely visible in recent years, as a tireless advocate for victims of human trafficking, and her supporters say she has nearly unanimous support from her colleagues in the DA's office, as well as endorsements from top law enforcement labor unions and Sheriff Bill Gore. 

The letter, which appears to be written by an attorney but is signed by Cheryl and Stephan Crowe, also slams Dumanis.

A spokesman for Dumanis did not comment on the letter.

NBC 7 requested to interview the Crowe's about the letter, asking specifically who wrote it and who paid for the legal research that likely went into producing the document.

"I stand by everything in my letter and have nothing to add," Cheryl Crowe told NBC 7.

We also called the Crowe's civil attorney, Milt Silverman, to find out if he assisted in the research for the letter. Silverman did not return requests for comment. 

A San Diego jury has convicted a Colorado man of violently raping a German tourist at knifepoint on New Year's Eve in Pacific Beach. 

Jacob Skorniak, 49, was convicted of forcible rape and kidnap for rape, with allegations that he used a knife during the rape and moved the victim to a place of increased harm. The jury found all allegations to be true. 

The 21-year-old German victim was spending New Year's Eve with friends on Dec. 31, 2015, when she encountered Skorniak. She was just returning to her Pacific Beach place when she first saw him. 

She got out of her taxi, and the next thing she remembers is riding in Skorniak’s truck as he held her at knifepoint.

"She said one of the first things she recalled was seeing a person with a knife in his hand holding the steering wheel," testified San Diego Police Department Sargent Rich Forsey.

DiTillio said Skorniak pulled down a dark street, parked and used the knife to tear off some of the victim’s clothes.

He then forcibly raped her as she begged him not to hurt her. As the assault was happening, the German victim pocket dialed her father in Germany, who heard a portion of the assault on the live phone line. 

"He said he heard (the victim) say something to the effect of, take what you want, leave me alive," Forsey testified. "She said it a couple of times, she was distressed. He heard a lot of sounds like she was being assaulted."

That family member called police while Skorniak drove to a gas station, where he was seen on surveillance video paying for gas inside.

DiTillio said the victim was too scared to run, but she motioned to someone at the gas station, indicating that she was in danger.

The bystander wrote down the truck’s license plate number, which was registered to Skorniak’s father. The truck was in Skorniak’s possession at the time, according to DiTillio.

Skorniak then drove the victim back to the area of her home, but soon saw police surrounding the house, investigating the relative’s call. Skorniak continued to drive away with the victim still in the truck.

The victim was finally able to convince the suspect to release her, and he dropped her off several blocks from her home. Her clothing ripped from the knife Skorniak used to cut them, she ran to police. 

After getting the victim's description of the suspect and his truck, investigators identified the rape suspect as Skorniak. A statewide manhunt ensued, and Skorniak was arrested on Jan. 22, 2015 in Santa Barbara, with the same truck in his possession.

Forsey testified that at the time of his arrest, memory cards were found inside Skorniak’s truck. On one, there were travel shots and pictures of girls in bikinis on San Diego beaches. On another, there was a short video. Forsey says it shows a woman being sexually assaulted.

“Then the image panned up and showed the female was not wearing any upper clothing, her breasts were exposed,” Forsey said. “It appeared to be (the victim)…She seemed like she was pretty much passed out. She was moaning, but pretty much passed out.”

Investigating Officer Forsey testified that the victim identified Skorniak in a photo lineup.

According to police, Skorniak, a Colorado resident, has served two decades in prison for robbing a bank in Colorado and was on federal parole at the time of the alleged rape. DiTillio said his criminal history dates back to the 1980s, including burglary with an escape and a robbery in 1995.

A sentencing will be set for a later date. He could face 65 years to life. 

As the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program created by the Obama administration turns five years old, young undocumented immigrants are waiting in fear of the day President Donald Trump follows through on his campaign promise to end their protected status which allows them to work and stay in the U.S.

"I don’t think I ever felt 100 percent secure with DACA," said recent college graduate Renata Borges Teodoro. "DACA has definitely changed my life a lot of different ways for the better, but DACA is only a temporary fix and it’s scary because we’ve known it’s something that can be taken away."

While many DACA recipients are college graduates and business owners, the federal government made no headway on proposals to let them and many more immigrants without legal status move toward legal residence and citizenship.

A new Chick-fil-A restaurant is opening next week in La Mesa – and 100 fans will have a chance to win a year’s worth of free food during the overnight grand opening celebration.

The eatery – located at 8200 Parkway Drive, in the Grossmont area – officially opens on June 22. However, fans are invited to line up in the parking lot the day before – as early as 6 a.m. on June 21 – for the chain’s “First 100” pop-up party.

From that crop of patrons, the first 100 eligible adults will win free Chick-fil-A meals for a year – which includes a chicken sandwich, medium waffle fries, and a drink). If there are more than 100 people at the party, a drawing will be held to randomly select the lucky 100.

Those who make the “First 100” cut will be asked to camp out in the parking lot overnight to secure their spot in line when the restaurant actually opens the following morning. The campout event is open to those living in specific zip codes around the restaurant. Those eligible zip codes can be found here.

But it’s not all about freebies at the campout. Patrons will be put to work, too, piecing together 10,000 meals to donate to hungry locals in need via the organization, Feeding Children Everywhere.

The chain’s “First 100” campouts have been a tradition nationwide for the past 13 years meant to celebrate a restaurant’s grand opening while also giving back to the community. In other parts of the U.S., devoted Chick-fil-A fans have camped out in snow and below-zero temperatures or in extreme heat with tents, chairs, TVs and other overnight gear just for a chance to be in the “First 100” group.

The La Mesa Chick-fil-A is the first to open in that area and the 11th location within 50 miles in San Diego. The first location in San Diego opened in 2004 at Eastlake Terraces; before La Mesa, a Chick-fil-A opened in Del Sur this past February.

The chain said this 4,500-square-foot location includes free Wi-Fi and a two-story, interactive, indoor play area for kids. The dining room seat 150 patrons; the drive-thru has two ordering lanes. The location is open Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and closed on Sundays, like all Chick-fil-A restaurants.

It’s operated by franchisee Rick Preciado, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. The company said this location brings about 100 new jobs.

Preciado will also be hosting a children’s book drive at his restaurant during grand opening week. The books will be put into a wooden “Book House” that will eventually serve as a free exchange library at a local organization.

San Diego's first local production of Disney's popular stage musical "Newsies" and a revival of a local favorite are among four shows coming to Moonlight Stage Productions next year.

“The 2018 season has everything Moonlight audiences want and more,” said Producing Artistic Director Steven Glaudini in a statement. “We are excited to offer to our audiences four titles that have never been seen before on our stage."

The company's 38th season will open next summer with the ABBA-inspired musical "Mamma Mia!", opening on June 13, 2018. The feel-good musical follows a daughter's journey to learn the identity of her father. 

Disney's popular "Newsies", a stage adaptation of the movie that follows newsboys striking for fair wages, will open on July 18, 2018, and run until Aug. 4. 

Both "Mamma Mia!" and "Newsies" will mark the first time both productions will be produced locally. Previously, only touring productions had brought the shows to San Diego. 

La Jolla Playhouse-born "The Hunchback of Notre Dame", from Oscar-winning team Alan Menken ("Beauty and the Beast", "Aladdin") and Stephen Schwartz ("Wicked"), will open on Aug. 15, 2018. 

The season will close out in September 2018 with "Chicago", the Tony Award-winning musical about fame, fortune, and acquittal. The longest-running American musical on Broadway features a score by John Kander. 

"Chicago" is one of the most-requested productions, Glaudini says. 

Subscriptions for the 2018 season will go on sale in January. Single tickets will go on sale in March. 

For years people have injected insulin to treat diabetes, but now, thanks to medical advances, people living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can also inhale insulin.

A powdered medicine called Afrezza hit the market roughly two years ago but is just now gaining traction with doctors.

Steven Edelman, MD, an Endocrinologist at the University of California, San Diego calls the product a "game changer" because it’s easier to use and delivers the insulin in a way that more closely mimics a normal working pancreas.

It’s "rapid on, rapid off" characteristics keep patients from experiencing highs and lows.

“It works super quickly to control your blood sugars after eating and it gets out of your system, which is super important because if you still have insulin on board for several hours like the injected insulin has, you get problems with low blood sugar later on," Edelman said.

Edelman added Afrezza dissipates in about an hour and half, compared to four or five hours from an insulin injection.

The drug isn't approved for kids under 18-years-old and won't work for people with lung problems, such as asthma.

Edelman is a big believer in the inhalable insulin based on professional experience, but also personal experience.

He was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes as a teenager and now uses it regularly with great results.

Along with practicing medicine, he formed the non-profit Taking Control Of Your Diabetes (TCOYD)  roughly 20 years ago with the goal of bringing medical advances straight to the consumer.

“Anytime you introduce a medication to American medicine, probably true in other areas, it takes years and years and years for physicians to learn about it," said Edelman.

TCOYD will host a conference for adults with Type 1 Diabetes June 23 to June 25 at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina San Diego.

The conference will lay out the latest medical information for people with Type 1 Diabetes which includes inhalable insulin.

Crews are working to put out a fire at a house in Vista Thursday afternoon, confirmed North Comm Fire.

Firefighters were called to a house fire around 4:10 p.m., on the 1100 block of Robin Place. Crews say the fire is mainly burning in the kitchen of the home, and has started spreading to the roof.

North Comm Fire officials say the crews are working to extinguish the flames. No further information was immediately available.

Check back on this developing story for updates.

Dozens of veterans gathered at Torrey Holistics Thursday, a medical marijuana collective in San Diego, to buy cannabis, with profits going towards the 'Weed For Warriors Project'.

The Weed for Warriors Project provides medical marijuana information to veterans who struggle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other medical conditions. They strive to deliver free medical marijuana to vets who need it.

"I never dealt with my experiences with PTSD. They didn’t talk about that in the military when I got out," said Sean Kiernan, founder of Weed for Warriors. "I started to go off the rails, just to be honest with you. I hit rock bottom and had a suicide attempt.”

Kiernan said medical marijuana helped him to get back on his feet. He started the nonprofit to help other veterans discover the benefits of medical cannabis.

“Cannabis allows you to calm down immediately, go out and get reintegrated into the social environment, which is one of the big healing processes.”

The Veterans Benefit Project event is going on at Torrey Holistics on Roselle Street in San Diego until July 4th. Veterans with proof of service and a medical recommendation may be eligible to receive free medical marijuana samples.