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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
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
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.
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.
YORBA LINDA, Calif. (Dec. 31, 2025): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, January 2nd, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city of Yorba Linda.
DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Deputies will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with deputies checking drivers for proper licensing.
The Sheriff’s Department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.
The Sheriff’s Department offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun that doesn’t involve a DUI:
Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not. Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses, not to mention possible jail time.
Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Sheriff’s Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
San Clemente, Calif. (Dec. 27, 2025): On Dec. 29, 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.
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.