TUSTIN, Ca. (June 27, 2024) – The Sheriff’s Department today hosted the grand opening of the new OC Sheriff’s Technology Center, which will bring three divisions under one roof for enhanced operational efficiency and effectiveness. 

The 120,000-square-foot facility located in Tustin will be home to the department’s Technology Division, Operations Support and Intelligence Division and components of the Special Operations Division.  

The Sheriff’s Technology Center grand opening also marks the launch of the OC Sheriff’s Real Time Operations Center, which leverages technology to improve public safety and response to critical incidents.

The Sheriff’s Technology Center is a state-of-the-art facility that addresses a variety of incidents by combining real-time crime analysis with public safety resources, such as emergency communications, federal partnerships and technology. 

“The heart of providing exceptional service is our people, but giving them the space and tools they need enhances their ability to protect our community,” said Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner.  “We are driving a culture change in the way we utilize technology, and I look forward to seeing the solutions-focused ways we will prevent crime, solve cases and improve quality of life for our residents.”

In June 2022, the County of Orange purchased the building. The facility is estimated to cost $110 million, which includes all security, audio/visual and structural upgrades. 

The Sheriff’s Technology Center will house the department’s Technology Division, which is comprised of six teams with varying critical roles. Their responsibilities include maintaining the county’s 800 MHz radio infrastructure, conducting information technology services and providing technological vehicle up-fitting for more than 100 county agencies. 

The Operations Support and Intelligence Division also will operate out of the new center. That division includes the Real Time Operations Center, Sheriff’s dispatch and Control One, and the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center.  

As part of the Special Enforcement Bureau, the SWAT team and Hazardous Devices Section will also run their operations out of the Sheriff’s Technology Center in a space that can adequately support the bureaus’ personnel, tools and assets.  

In addition, the facility offers large training and meeting rooms, a media briefing room, collaborative spaces and eventually will include a museum space dedicated to preserving and honoring the rich history of the Sheriff’s Department.

ORANGE, Ca. (June 24, 2024) – On Monday, June 24, 2024, an inmate housed at the Theo Lacy Facility in Orange died at a local hospital. 

The 51-year-old inmate was booked into jail on February 1, 2024, by the Santa Ana Police Department for multiple counts of oral copulation or sexual penetration of a child 10 years old or younger, two counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a minor under 14 years old, and one count of continuous sexual abuse of a child.  The inmate’s name is being withheld pending notification to next of kin.

The inmate was pronounced deceased at the hospital after being transferred there on June 6 for a medical issue. A final cause of death will be determined following toxicology and an independent autopsy. 

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office will investigate the in-custody death. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will conduct an in-custody death review. No additional information will be released at this time.  

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In November of 2020, a deputy was found to be dishonest in the performance of duty. Discipline was issued and served.
 

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In March of 2017, 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 of policy with policy violations addressed and discipline issued. 
 

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In October of 2016, deputies were involved in a use of force at the Central Women's Jail in Santa Ana.  The use of force was determined to be outside of policy with policy violations addressed and discipline issued. 
 

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Santa Ana, Ca. (June 14, 2024): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has identified a Jane Doe homicide victim whose remains were recovered more than 41 years ago. 

In April 1983, children discovered a human skull in a culvert while playing in the area of Canada and Old Trabuco roads in what is now the city of Lake Forest. An excavation was performed and approximately 70 percent of a female’s human remains were recovered. 

An anthropology examination showed the victim was a black or mixed-race female, 18-24 years old, 5’3 to 5’6 with a slight build, and a distinctive gold tooth. Efforts to identify the victim over the years were unsuccessful.

In 2022, a DNA sample from Jane Doe was submitted to Othram Laboratories in cooperation with the National Missing and Unidentified Person System (NamUs), who provided the funding for the DNA extraction and testing, and a genetic profile was successfully obtained. OCSD’s Cold Case investigators began conducting investigative genetic genealogy in partnership with the FBI’s Regional Genealogy Team. After years of work, a direct family line for the Jane Doe was unable to be identified. In addition, multiple forensic renderings of Jane Doe were released over the years. 

In late 2023, investigators contacted a distant genetic relative of the victim, who suggested Jane Doe’s forensic renderings be posted to a Facebook group for Jane Does and missing women from the 1970s and 1980s. Approximately one month after the posting, a woman contacted investigators and said she believed the Lake Forest Jane Doe could be her missing mother.

Maritza Glean Grimmett, a Panamanian native, married a US Marine in the summer of 1978 and gave birth to a daughter. In late 1978, the family moved to the US. The family resided in Columbus, Ohio and Millington, Tennessee in late 1978 through mid-1979. In July 1979, the couple began divorce proceedings. Maritza told her sister she was going to California. Her family never heard from her again.

Maritza’s relatives submitted DNA samples and Jane Doe was positively identified as Maritza Glean Grimmett, who was 20 years old at the time of her disappearance.

Investigators are actively investigating Maritza’s homicide. Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Investigator Bob Taft at 714-647-7045 or coldcase@ocsheriff.gov. Anonymous tips may be submitted to OC Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227) or at ocsheriff.gov/occrimestoppers.

                            2019

                            2022

               Maritza Glean Grimmett

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LAKE FOREST, Ca. (May 21, 2024): The city of Lake Forest has selected Captain David Pultz as their new Chief of Police Services. 

“I am humbled to be selected and serve alongside an incredible team in Lake Forest,” Captain Pultz said. “Having worked in multiple demanding and dynamic units throughout my career, I look forward to bringing that experience to the city.”   

Captain Pultz joined the Sheriff’s Department in 1998 and first worked in three of the department’s jail facilities – James A. Musick, Theo Lacy and the Intake Release Center. In 2007, he served in Patrol Operations for the city of Rancho Santa Margarita and then the city of San Clemente, where he was named Deputy of The Year.  

He was selected for the Special Investigation Bureau’s South Gang Enforcement Team in 2011 and served nearly four years leading investigations into various gangs. 

Captain Pultz promoted to investigator in 2015 and worked a variety of assignments, including the Professional Standards Division as a background investigator, the North Vice and Narcotics Detail and Special Operations, running dignitary protection and conducting criminal investigations. 

In 2019, he was promoted to sergeant and worked for the Special Services Bureau, Patrol Operations in Mission Viejo and led the South Directed Enforcement Team, among other assignments. 

Most recently, Captain Pultz served as a lieutenant at the Intake Release Center, overseeing the operational authority and safety of inmates and personnel. 

Captain Pultz began his assignment as Lake Forest Chief of Police Services on May 17. 

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LAGUNA HILLS, Ca. (June 25, 2024): – The Sheriff’s Department will take part in a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation aimed at educating bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians on traffic laws, rules, and responsibilities.

On Thursday, June 27, deputies will be looking for violations made by bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians that put roadway users at risk. These violations include drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, failing to stop for signs and signals or any other dangerous violation. 

Deputies will also look for pedestrians who cross the street illegally or fail to yield to drivers who have the right of way. Bike riders will be stopped when riding on the wrong side of the road, not complying with stop signs and signals, or other violation of the same traffic laws that apply to them as drivers. 

Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are rising at an alarming rate. In 2016, 138 bicyclists and 867 pedestrians were killed on California roads. Pedestrian fatalities are up nearly 33 percent from 2012, and the number of bicyclists killed are up nearly 25 percent over the past five years. 

People walking should only cross the street using crosswalks or intersections, preferably with a stop sign or signal. People on foot should also look for cars backing up and avoid darting between parked cars, make eye contact with drivers and wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.

Drivers should wait for pedestrians to cross the street, avoid distractions like using a cell phone, and be courteous and patient. All bike riders are reminded to always wear a helmet; helmets are required by law for those under 18. Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow moving vehicle.

The Sheriff’s Department supports the new OTS public awareness campaign, “Go Safely, California.” To find out more about ways to go safely, visit gosafelyca.org. 

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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DANA POINT, Ca. (June 22, 2024): – The Sheriff’s Department will take part in a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation aimed at educating bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians on traffic laws, rules, and responsibilities.

On Monday, June 24, deputies will be looking for violations made by bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians that put roadway users at risk. These violations include drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, failing to stop for signs and signals or any other dangerous violation. 

Deputies will also look for pedestrians who cross the street illegally or fail to yield to drivers who have the right of way. Bike riders will be stopped when riding on the wrong side of the road, not complying with stop signs and signals, or other violation of the same traffic laws that apply to them as drivers. 

Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are rising at an alarming rate. In 2016, 138 bicyclists and 867 pedestrians were killed on California roads. Pedestrian fatalities are up nearly 33 percent from 2012, and the number of bicyclists killed are up nearly 25 percent over the past five years. 

People walking should only cross the street using crosswalks or intersections, preferably with a stop sign or signal. People on foot should also look for cars backing up and avoid darting between parked cars, make eye contact with drivers and wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.

Drivers should wait for pedestrians to cross the street, avoid distractions like using a cell phone, and be courteous and patient. All bike riders are reminded to always wear a helmet; helmets are required by law for those under 18. Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow moving vehicle.

The Sheriff’s Department supports the new OTS public awareness campaign, “Go Safely, California.” To find out more about ways to go safely, visit gosafelyca.org. 

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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LAGUNA WOODS, Ca. (June 19, 2024): – The Sheriff’s Department will take part in a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation aimed at educating bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians on traffic laws, rules, and responsibilities.

On Friday, June 21, deputies will be looking for violations made by bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians that put roadway users at risk. These violations include drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, failing to stop for signs and signals or any other dangerous violation. 

Deputies will also look for pedestrians who cross the street illegally or fail to yield to drivers who have the right of way. Bike riders will be stopped when riding on the wrong side of the road, not complying with stop signs and signals, or other violation of the same traffic laws that apply to them as drivers. 

Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are rising at an alarming rate. In 2016, 138 bicyclists and 867 pedestrians were killed on California roads. Pedestrian fatalities are up nearly 33 percent from 2012, and the number of bicyclists killed are up nearly 25 percent over the past five years. 

People walking should only cross the street using crosswalks or intersections, preferably with a stop sign or signal. People on foot should also look for cars backing up and avoid darting between parked cars, make eye contact with drivers and wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.

Drivers should wait for pedestrians to cross the street, avoid distractions like using a cell phone, and be courteous and patient. All bike riders are reminded to always wear a helmet; helmets are required by law for those under 18. Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow moving vehicle.

The Sheriff’s Department supports the new OTS public awareness campaign, “Go Safely, California.” To find out more about ways to go safely, visit gosafelyca.org. 

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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