STANTON, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2026): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have extra officers on patrol Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 in the City of Stanton looking specifically for violations made by drivers and motorcycle riders. 

The top primary crash factors for motorcycles are unsafe speed, improper turning, right-of-way violations, driving under the influence and unsafe lane changes. Speeding is the most common factor, accounting for nearly a third of all crashes in the state.

To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:

Drivers

• Always check twice for motorcycles in your mirrors and blind spots.
• Use your signal when changing lanes.
• Never follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.
• When at an intersection, allow enough space before turning.

Motorcyclists

• Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and protective gear.
• Consider adding reflective tape to make it easier for other drivers to see you.
• Always keep your lights on, even during the day.
• Don’t assume drivers see you: signal well in advance before changing lanes and watch for turning vehicles.
• Although lane splitting is legal, the practice is not encouraged at high speeds in free-flowing traffic.

LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif. (Jan. 3, 2026): On Jan. 5, 2026, 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.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, (Calif. Jan. 1, 2026) – On Jan. 3, 2026, 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.

In July of 2019, deputies were involved in a use of force while on uniformed patrol in the city of San Clemente.  As a result of the use of force, the suspect sustained injuries.  The use of force was determined to be within policy, but other issues were identified and addressed.  

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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.

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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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