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Gymnastics coach arrested on suspicion of felony sex charges

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YORBA LINDA, Calif. (Dec. 24, 2025) On Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, Orange County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Detail (SVD) investigators arrested Jacob Alexander Demmin, 25, of Yorba Linda, following allegations he groomed and had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a minor female. 

In Dec. 2025, Special Victims Detail (SVD) investigators were contacted by the victim after she learned that Demmin was still coaching minor children. The victim reported that in 2021, while Demmin was employed as a gymnastics coach at Firestorm Free Running and Acrobatics Gym in Santa Ana and Westminster, he groomed her, engaged in inappropriate communication and had an inappropriate sexual relationship with her while she was a minor.

During the investigation, SVD investigators learned that Demmin currently works as a gymnastics coach at Ultimate Ninjas Gym in Anaheim Hills, Calif.

Demmin was booked into Orange County Jail for PC 286 (B)(1), sodomy with a person under 18 years; PC 288.3(a), contacting a minor with the intent to commit lewd acts; PC 287(C)(2)(A), sexual penetration with a foreign object; PC 647.6(A)(1), Annoy or molest a victim under 18, and PC 261.5(C), unlawful sex with a minor. 

Due to Demmin’s access to minors through his employment, SVD investigators believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with information, or anyone who believes they may have been a victim, is urged to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Detail at 714-647-7419 or 714-647-7000. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS.

Captain Matt Timmins selected as North Patrol Chief of Police Services

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SANTA ANA, Ca. (Dec. 23, 2025): Captain Matt Timmins has been selected as the new North Patrol Chief of Police Services, serving the city of Villa Park and the county’s northern unincorporated areas. He will begin his new assignment Friday, Dec. 26.

“I look forward to working alongside the dedicated professionals who provide exceptional service to the county,” Captain Timmins said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute my experience and leadership to this hardworking team.”

Captain Timmins joined the Sheriff’s Department in 2007 and worked in custody operations before serving as a patrol deputy in Dana Point, where he served as a field training officer and a school resource officer. 

He promoted to sergeant in 2019 and was assigned to the Men’s Central Jail before joining the Media Analysis Bureau, where he developed and implemented the department’s body-worn camera program in 2021. Captain Timmins’ integral leadership ensured the efficient and effective deployment of this large-scale program to more than 1,000 personnel.  

Captain Timmins also served as a patrol sergeant in Yorba Linda, a supervisor in the SAFE Division, overseeing internal affairs investigations, and as the department’s Public Information Officer, handling media relations and communications.  

Most recently, Captain Timmins served as a lieutenant with the Custody Operations Division, managing day-to-day operations at the Intake Release Center. 

Captain Timmins has a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Phoenix and a master’s degree in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego. He also served four years in the United States Air Force, leading teams to protect high-level security assets. 

When not working, Captain Timmins enjoys spending time with his family, camping, golfing, and snowboarding. 

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23-026059 Use-of-Force

In July of 2023, a deputy was involved in a use of force while on uniformed patrol in the city of San Clemente.  The use of force and actions done during the incident were determined to be outside of policy.  The violations were addressed and discipline was issued.

 

https://cpraazlrshotprod1.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/cpraprod1/Mediazip/SF-Unreasonable%20or%20Excessive%20Force/SF%20of%20Excessive%20Force.23-147.zip

 

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18-030260 Use-of-Force

In July of 2018, a deputy was involved in a use of force at the Theo Lacy Facility.  The use of force was determined to be outside of policy with policy violations being addressed and discipline issued.

 

https://cpraazlrshotprod1.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/cpraprod1/Mediazip/SF-Unreasonable%20or%20Excessive%20Force/SF%20of%20Excessive%20Force.18-165.zip

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16-083 Use-of-Force

In May of 2016, deputies were involved in a use of force at the Central Men's Jail in Santa Ana.  The use of force was determined to be outside policy, and other violations were identified as well.  All the violations were addressed and discipline was issued.

 

https://cpraazlrshotprod1.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/cpraprod1/Mediazip/SF-Unreasonable%20or%20Excessive%20Force/SF%20of%20Excessive%20Force.16-083.zip

 

Please note that due to the size of the files, and depending on download speeds, it could take several minutes for the files to open.

Orange County Sheriff’s Department Awarded DUID Testing and Training Grant

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SANTA ANA, Calif. (Dec. 17, 2025): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department – OC Crime Lab has been awarded a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for training and enhanced drug-impaired driving testing.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will use the nearly $160,000 in funding to facilitate the efficient testing of all blood samples collected in DUI investigations for the presence of drugs, regardless of the blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

“We continue to see the impacts of legalization of marijuana and the increase of opioid abuse in our community, including on our roadways,” said Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner. “Enhanced testing and training provided by this grant helps us hold accountable those who endanger our community by choosing to drive impaired.”

The prevalence of drug-impaired driving is increasing on our roadways. Based on case derived data collected by the Orange County Crime Laboratory, more than half of drivers arrested for DUI in Orange County have at least one impairing drug in their system other than alcohol.

Illicit drugs and certain prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause impairment in an individual. These substances in combination with even a small amount of alcohol can cause a person to become unable to operate a motor vehicle safely.

“Drug-impaired driving is a significant concern in California,” OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty said. “Effective drug testing helps with understanding the scope of the problem and assists in the prosecution of people who put lives at risk by driving impaired.”

While alcohol remains the worst offender for DUI crashes, The Orange County Sheriff’s Department reminds drivers that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, cannabis products and other drugs, or in combination with alcohol, may also cause impairment and can result in a DUI arrest.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

OC Sheriff seeks public’s help to identify John Doe

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SANTA ANA, Calif. (Dec. 15, 2025): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is seeking the public’s assistance in attempting to identify a man whose remains were discovered off the Santa Ana River Tail, near Yorba Regional Park. 

On Oct. 11, a citizen discovered the skeletonized remains while walking the river trail and contacted the Sheriff’s Department. 

The unidentified man is suspected to be Caucasian, between 25 and 40 years old, approximately 5’10” and possibly with short brown hair. John Doe was wearing an XL/XXL black T-shirt with the word “fuego” written on the front, tan-colored “Dickies” pants size 38 x 34, white Nike “AirForce Ones” and white socks. Although the clothing was oversized, the man is believed to be of average size and build. No further identifying information was available.

Earlier this month, Orange County Coroner officials contacted forensic artist Carl Koppelman, to develop this possible likeness of the individual. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Orange County Coroner’s Office at (714) 647-7400

Freelance photographer arrested on suspicion of felony sex charges

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STANTON, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2025): On Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, Orange County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Detail (SVD) investigators arrested Steven Jourdan Castro, 29, of Chino Hills, following allegations he engaged in inappropriate communication with a minor female between September and November 2025. 

In November 2025, SVD investigators were contacted by the victim’s parents after they discovered inappropriate communications between their daughter and Castro. Investigators contacted the victim and initiated an investigation. The victim reported that Castro, while working as an independent freelance photographer at Pacifica High School, groomed her and engaged in inappropriate communication.

During the investigation, SVD investigators learned that Castro has worked as a freelance photographer for several high schools in north Orange County and the San Gabriel Valley.

Castro was booked into Orange County Jail for PC 288.2(a)(1), distribution of harmful matter to a minor; PC 288.3(a), contacting a minor with the intent to commit lewd acts; PC 288.4(a)(1), arranging to meet a minor for lewd purposes, and PC 311.4(c), attempted sexual exploitation of a minor by soliciting images. 

Due to Castro’s access to minors through his freelance photography work, SVD investigators believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with information, or anyone who believes they may have been a victim, is urged to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Detail at 714-647-7419 or 714-647-7000. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS.

Investigators Arrest Suspect for Child Sexual Abuse, Seek Additional Victims

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LAGUNA HILLS, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2025): On Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, Orange County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Detail (SVD) investigators arrested Cameron Taylor Heath, 39, following an investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse involving a male victim who was 12 to 13 years old at the time of the reported incidents.

In early October 2025, deputies responded to a call for service. During the follow-up investigation, it was discovered that several years earlier, the victim was sexually abused by the family’s bible study group leader, Cameron Heath.

During the course of the investigation, SVD investigators learned that Heath was actively involved in several community and faith-based organizations. He served as a member of Generations Church in Placentia, owned and operated (2010-2012) the “Action Kids” youth fitness center in Placentia, led a bible study group known as “The Branch”, and was the founder and president of “Deed and Truth Ministries”, a San Diego–based non-profit supporting orphanages in Baja California.

Heath was booked into Orange County Jail for PC 288(a) Lewd and Lascivious Act with a minor under 14 years of age.

Due to Heath’s access to minors, SVD investigators believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with information, or anyone who believes they may have been a victim, is urged to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Detail at 714-647-7419 or 714-647-7000. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS.

Orange County Sheriff’s Department Focuses on the Dangers of Distracted Driving

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Yorba Linda, Calif. (Dec. 6, 2025): On Dec. 8, 2025, the Orange County Sheriff’s will conduct an enforcement operation focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” Sergeant K. Ishii said. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.” 

If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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