Public’s Help Sought in Finding Fugitives

Ventura County Sheriff’s Department investigators are seeking help in locating four men on outstanding felony warrants.

James Raymond Balch, 24, is a suspect in a stabbing at a house party in Camarillo in March 1995, investigators said. The bail on the warrant is $200,000.

Balch, an alleged gang member, is described as 6 feet tall and 170 pounds, with brown eyes and hair. He has tattoos on his back reading “805,” “Small Town 13” and “Sur,” authorities said.

His last known address was 146 Pepper Road in Newbury Park. Balch may have dyed his hair blond and may be using the first name Anthony.

Brian Steven Echternach, 40, allegedly violated the terms of his probation. He had been convicted of inflicting injury on a spouse, intimidation of a witness and violation of a court order, authorities said.

His last known address was in the Ventura Avenue area of Ventura.

Echternach is described as 5 feet, 11 inches, 195 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair. He often uses the name Brian Stevens.

Investigators are also looking for Ronald Houston, 47, who allegedly violated the terms of his probation. He previously fled to Georgia, authorities said. He has been convicted of writing bad checks and of felony drunk driving.

Houston, who often uses the name Ronald Stover, is described as 5 feet 9 inches, 145 pounds, with brown hair and eyes. He has a tattoo that says “Ronnie” on his right arm. His last known address was on Neath Street in Ventura.

Investigators are also looking for James Lewis Wilmot, 29, who also uses the name Harmon Earl Williams. He has been convicted of perjury, filing false information with the Department of Motor Vehicles, selling a controlled substance, failure to provide child support and violation of the terms of his probation, authorities said.

Wilmot has lived in Camarillo and Oxnard.

He is described as 6 feet tall and 170 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.

Anyone with information on any of the fugitives should call the Ventura County Crime Stoppers’ hot line, 385-8255 or 494-8255. Tipsters can call anonymously. If the information leads to an arrest and conviction, tipsters could receive rewards of up to $1,000, officials said.