SANTA ANA, Ca. (January 14, 2022): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department today promoted 33 personnel, including two Assistant Sheriffs.

Assistant Sheriff Jeff Puckett will oversee the Department’s Custody Operations Command, one of the largest jail systems in the country. This includes managing collaborative efforts with community partners for inmate programming focused on re-entry services and adopting an integrated services approach for inmates with mental health and substance use disorders.

Assistant Sheriff Andrew Stephens will oversee the Investigations and Special Operations Command, which includes the Investigations Division, Orange County Crime Lab, Orange County Coroner, Special Operations, and Emergency Management.

“Assistant Sheriffs Puckett and Stephens have a demonstrated history of effective and innovative leadership in their tenure with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and I look forward to the contributions they will make in their respective commands,” said Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner. “They embody what it means to serve with integrity, humility and a genuine care for the men and women of this department and the residents of Orange County.”

Thirty-one additional personnel also were promoted today including seven investigators, ten sergeants, eight lieutenants, and six commanders.

Assistant Sheriff Jeff Puckett
Assistant Sheriff Puckett joined the Sheriff’s Department in 1998 as a Sheriff’s Special Officer before becoming a deputy in 1999. He has served as a patrol deputy and investigator and held multiple specialty assignments including SWAT, Tactical Apprehension Team, and the Sheriff’s Response Team.
Assistant Sheriff Puckett has served in leadership positions in the Custody, Training, and Patrol commands. Most recently, he served as the Southwest Operations Division Commander, overseeing operations for seven contract cities, the traffic office and the Behavioral Health Bureau.

He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Chapman University, a master’s degree in emergency services administration from California State University, Long Beach, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Class #279.

Assistant Sheriff Andrew Stephens
Assistant Sheriff Stephens joined the Department in 1993 as a deputy sheriff where he worked in custody operations before transferring to patrol to serve the city of Lake Forest. As a deputy, he earned several specialty assignments including Field Training Officer, Critical Incident Response Team, Crisis Negotiation Team, Special Enforcement Team and Directed Enforcement Team.

In leadership roles, Assistant Sheriff Stephens has served in the Custody, Professional Services, Patrol Operations, and Investigations commands. He was promoted to Commander in 2019 and assigned to investigations, which included the Criminal Investigations Bureau, Special Investigations Bureau, and the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center. Most recently, Assistant Sheriff Stephens served as the Training Division Commander, overseeing approximately 300 recruits a year at the Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy and the daily operations of the Sandra Hutchens Regional Law Enforcement Training Center.

Assistant Sheriff Stephens has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from California Coast University and is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

SANTA ANA, Ca. (December 29, 2021): Investigators are looking to identify a person of interest in the 1980 homicide of 15-year-old Kerry Patterson.

Kerry was last seen on June 26, 1980 walking in the area of Parks Junior High School in the 1700 block of Rosecrans Avenue in Fullerton. Investigators believe she was heading toward her home in the 1700 block of Peacock Lane. She was last seen wearing loose-fitting blue pants, white Vans and either a white T-shirt or Hawaiian print blouse. Kerry also was wearing a yellow pendant necklace that said #1. 

On December 27, 1980, remains were found in a field near Tonner Canyon and the 57 freeway in Brea. The remains were later identified as Kerry Patterson.

Over the years, investigators have continued to pursue the case and work to establish new leads.  

In January 2020, an individual came forward with information about a man believed to be in the area at the time of the Kerry’s disappearance. That individual was able to provide a description and a composite sketch was created.

Investigators are looking to identify this person of interest because it is believed he may have valuable information that may assist in the case.

If anyone can identify this individual or provide any information on Kerry Patterson’s disappearance please contact Investigator Bob Taft at 714-647-7045 or coldcase@ocsheriff.gov. Anonymous tips can be submitted to OC Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227) or at occrimestoppers.org.

SANTA ANA, Ca. (Date, 2021): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department – OC Crime Lab has been awarded a $117,000 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 funding to facilitate the testing of all blood samples collected in DUI investigations for the presence of drugs, regardless of the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and research related to oral fluid toxicology testing.

“Drug-impaired driving poses a substantial threat to our community and we are committed to holding accountable those who choose to put others at risk,” said Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes. “This funding plays an important role in helping us deliver on that mission.” 

The prevalence of drug-impaired driving is increasing on our roadways.  Based on case derived data collected by the Orange County Crime Laboratory over 50% 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 problem in California,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “Effective drug testing is needed to combat the rise in cases and assist in the prosecution of those who put lives at risk.”

 While alcohol remains the worst offender for DUI crashes, The Orange County Sheriff’s Department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.”  Prescription medications and marijuana can also be impairing by themselves, or in combination with alcohol, 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.

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SANTA ANA, Ca. (December 23, 2021) – The Orange County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Unit, in partnership with the DNA Doe Project, have released a newly updated image in hopes of identifying a John Doe found in Trabuco Canyon nearly 25 years ago.

On Dec. 13, 1996, Coroner Division and OCSD Homicide Investigators responded to reports of human remains found in a wilderness area east of Trabuco Creek Road in the unincorporated area of Trabuco Canyon. At the time, it was estimated the remains had been there up to two years, with environmental factors affecting their condition. Investigators believe the decedent went missing sometime in 1995 or 1996.

Based on initial anthropological estimates from 1996, it was believed this unknown male subject was around 15-19 years old, approximately 5’2” to 5’8” with a medium build. An odontologist’s report, which showed the decedent’s teeth were in poor condition, was submitted to a Department of Justice database. He was given the name John Doe as investigators worked to learn his identity.

In 2020, the Coroner Division partnered with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in an attempt to generate leads that might deliver an identification. In 2020, a computed tomography (CT) scan of the skull was created and submitted to NCMEC, which used the latest reconstruction techniques to develop renderings of what John Doe may have looked like. With the new information, NCMEC modified their initial sketch from 2019 to produce a new likeness that reflects the suspected Latin American decent of John Doe.

In 2020, the Sheriff’s Department partnered with the DNA Doe Project in an attempt to identify the subject. Based on further genetic testing, it is believed the subject is likely from a remote/rural area in Latin America due to the very low threshold of genetic matches.

In September 2021, a new team of volunteers was brought onto the case by DNA Doe Project Case Managers that are specialists in Spanish Language databases. In conjunction with this renewed effort, a forensic artist affiliated with the DNA Doe Project has provided an additional rendering of the unidentified subject. Anyone who has any information about John Doe can contact the Orange County Coroner Division at 714-647-7400 or coroner@OCSheriff.gov, reference case number 96-07901-MU.

STANTON, Ca (January 11, 2022) – The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, January 14, from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city of Stanton.

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.

In 2018, 1,235 people were killed in alcohol-involved crashes on California roads.

The Sheriff’s Department offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun that doesn’t involve a DUI:

• Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation – to get home.
• See someone who is clearly impaired try and drive? Take the keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
• Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
• Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who are drinking and how they are getting home.

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.

­­FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                  

YORBA LINDA, Ca. (December 15, 2021): The city of Yorba Linda on Tuesday, December 14, selected Captain Joses Walehwa as their new Chief of Police Services.

“I am honored to have been selected the next Chief of Police Services for the city of Yorba Linda and look forward to serving the residents as a member of an exceptional team,” Captain Walehwa said.

Captain Walehwa was born in Kampala, Uganda and immigrated to the United States with his family in 1976. He joined the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in 2005 when he transferred from the Scott County Sheriff’s Office in Iowa.  

In his time with the Sheriff’s Department, he has worked in Custody Operations, Court Operations, Patrol Operations, the Professional Standards Division and the Training Division. He also has served on the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team and as the department’s Public Information Officer.

Most recently, Captain Walehwa served as Academy Commander for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Regional Training Academy overseeing the training and mentorship of future peace officers from agencies across Southern California.

Captain Walehwa holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Iowa and a master’s degree in criminal justice from Saint Ambrose University.

Captain Walehwa will begin serving as Chief of Police Services on January 14. Yorba Linda’s current Chief of Police Services, Cory Martino, will be promoted to Commander of Southwest Operations on January 14.

­­FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                  

Public Information Officer, Sergeant Todd Hylton                            

THylton@OCSheriff.gov | C: 714-904-7042

Don’t Let Drunk, or “High,” Drive: Celebrate the Holiday Season Responsibly

National “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Enforcement Campaign Begins Dec. 15

SANTA ANA, CA. (December 15, 2021): This holiday season, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department reminds the public to celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is committed to keeping our community safe and encourages everyone to stay in for the night or use a designated sober driver if you have alcohol, marijuana, prescription, or over-the-counter drugs that may impair.

From Dec. 15 through New Year’s Day, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The extra enforcement effort is part of a national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, with the goal of stopping suspected impaired drivers who put others on the road at risk.

“When it comes to consuming drugs and/or alcohol and driving, there is a right and wrong choice,” Sergeant Ryan Dierckman said. “Make the right choice by not driving impaired so everyone is able to enjoy the holidays.”

Impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Do your research and understand how certain drugs may affect your driving ability.

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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SILVERADO CANYON, Ca. (December 14, 2021): Effective Tuesday December 14, 2021, at 5 p.m. Evacuation Orders (Mandatory) are lifted for Williams Canyon and Modjeska Canyon. Evacuation Orders (Mandatory) remain in place for Silverado Canyon while crews clear debris from roadways. The Silverado Canyon Evacuation Order will be lifted once roads are passable, expected to be later this evening.

Road closures are lifted for Santiago Canyon Road, Williams Canyon, and Modjeska Canyon at the Grade.  Hard road closures remain in place for Modjeska Canyon Road at Santiago Canyon Road and Silverado Canyon Road while crews from OC Public Works and the Orange County Fire Authority are working to clear debris from the roadways. 

To report storm-related issues with a County road or flood control channel, call the Orange County Public Works Storm Center 714-955-0200 during standard business hours and 714-955-0333 during flash flood events and emergencies when OC Public Works’ Department Operations Center is activated.

A map with detailed depictions of the areas under evacuation can be found at www.ocsheriff.gov/bondfire

Evacuation Areas

• Silverado Canyon - Evacuation Order (MANDATORY)

• Williams Canyon - Evacuation Lifted

• Modjeska Canyon - Evacuation Lifted

Hard Road Closures

• Modjeska Canyon Road at Santiago Canyon Road

• Silverado Canyon Road

Sheltering

A Care and Reception Center remains available at the Lake Forest Sport Park located at 28000 Rancho Parkway, Lake Forest CA 92630. Directions are available here:https://www.lakeforestca.gov/722/Address-Directions

Orange County Public Works, the Orange County Fire Authority and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department are working in Unified Command.

Residents are encouraged to check regularly for updates through local media and on Facebook and Twitter following #OCCanyonFlood at:

@OCSheriff
@ocfireauthority (Twitter) @OrangeCountyFireAuthority (Facebook)

@OCPublicWorks

SILVERADO CANYON, Ca. (December 14, 2021): Effective Tuesday December 14, 2021, at 11:01 a.m. an Evacuation Order (Mandatory) is issued for Silverado Canyon, Williams Canyon and Modjeska Canyon in the Bond Fire burn area due to imminent debris flows along or near the burn scar.

The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning for the burn scar area at 11:01 a.m. Tuesday, December 14, 2021. The Evacuation Order (Mandatory) is expected to be in place through the Flash Flood Warning.

Canyon residents are strongly encouraged to evacuate now, especially those with disabilities, access and/or functional needs, and canyon residents with large animals.

Any person with disabilities and those with access and/or functional needs requiring evacuation assistance should call Orange County Sheriff’s Department Dispatch at 714-647-7000.

Any person needing assistance with animal or large animal evacuations should call Orange County Animal Care 714-935-6848.

To report storm-related issues with a County road or flood control channel, call the Orange County Public Works Storm Center 714-955-0200 during standard business hours and 714-955-0333 during flash flood events and emergencies when OC Public Works’ Department Operations Center is activated.

A map with detailed depictions of the areas under evacuation can be found at  www.ocsheriff.gov/bondfire

Evacuation Areas

• Silverado Canyon - Evacuation Order (MANDATORY)
• Williams Canyon - Evacuation Order (MANDATORY)
• Modjeska Canyon - Evacuation Order (MANDATORY)

Road Closures

• Hard road closures will be in place at canyon entrances

Sheltering

A Care and Reception Center will be available after 4:00 PM at the Lake Forest Sport Park located at 28000 Rancho Parkway, Lake Forest CA 92630. 

Meeting Room A will be available for residents to wait out the storm and county reception center staff will be on-site to offer assistance.

Orange County Public Works, the Orange County Fire Authority and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department are working in Unified Command.

Residents are encouraged to check regularly for updates through local media and on Facebook and Twitter following #OCCanyonFlood at:

            @OCSheriff

            @ocfireauthority (Twitter) @OrangeCountyFireAuthority (Facebook)

            @OCPublicWorks

SILVERADO CANYON, Ca. (December 13, 2021): Effective Monday December 13, 2021, at 2 p.m. an Evacuation Warning (Voluntary) is issued for Silverado Canyon, Williams Canyon and Modjeska Canyon in the Bond Fire burn area due to possible debris flows along or near the burn scar.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for the burn scar area in effect from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, December 14, 2021, for the expected rain event. The Evacuation Warning (Voluntary) is expected to be in place through the Flash Flood Watch.
If the National Weather Service issues a Flash Flood Warning, meaning a flash flood is imminent, an Evacuation Order (Mandatory) will be issued for Silverado Canyon, Williams Canyon and Modjeska Canyon.

Canyon residents are strongly encouraged to prepare and evacuate now, especially those with disabilities, access and/or functional needs, and canyon residents with large animals.

Any person with disabilities and those with access and/or functional needs requiring evacuation assistance should call Orange County Sheriff’s Department Dispatch at 714-647-7000.

Any person needing assistance with animal or large animal evacuations should call Orange County Animal Care 714-935-6848.

To report storm-related issues with a County road or flood control channel, call the Orange County Public Works Storm Center 714-955-0200 during standard business hours and 714-955-0333 during flash flood events and emergencies when OC Public Works’ Department Operations Center is activated.

A map with detailed depictions of the areas under voluntary evacuation warning can be found at www.ocsheriff.gov/bondfire 

Evacuation Areas
• Silverado Canyon - Evacuation Warning (VOLUNTARY)
• Williams Canyon - Evacuation Warning (VOLUNTARY)
• Modjeska Canyon - Evacuation Warning (VOLUNTARY)

Soft Road Closures
• Soft road closures will be in place at canyon entrances beginning at 6 a.m. Tuesday, December 14, 2021, open to local traffic only

Sheltering
Residents are encouraged to leave early and plan for alternate shelter with friends, family or at a local hotel outside of the evacuation area.
The Orange County Social Services Agency and the American Red Cross are working to establish a Care and Reception Center to provide information and shelter to evacuated residents. The Care and Reception Center location will be shared via @OCSheriff social media as soon as it is available.

Orange County Public Works, the Orange County Fire Authority and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department are working in Unified Command.
Residents are encouraged to check regularly for updates through local media and on Facebook and Twitter following #OCCanyonFlood at:
@OCSheriff
@OCFA_PIO (Twitter) @OCFireAuthority (Facebook)
@OCPublicWorks
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