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. 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.

Mission Viejo, Calif. (Dec. 6, 2025): – On Dec. 8, 2025, The Orange County Sheriff’s will conduct a traffic safety operation on Monday, in the City of Mission Viejo focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk.

These violations include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to bicyclists or pedestrians, or failing to stop for signs and signals.

“We all have places to be and not everyone gets there by car,” Sergeant K. Ishii said, “Bicyclists and pedestrians have the same rights to the road but face even more risk without the protections vehicles have. We should all be looking out for one another.” 

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department offers steps drivers and pedestrians can take to greatly reduce the risk of getting injured or in a crash:

Pedestrians 

• Be predictable. Use crosswalks, when available.
• Take notice of approaching vehicles and practice due care.
• Do not walk or run into the path of a vehicle. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.
• Be visible. Make it easy for drivers to see you – wear light colors, reflective material and carry a flashlight, particularly at dawn, dusk or at night.
• Be extra careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night when it is harder to see, or when crossing busier streets with more lanes and higher speed limits.

Drivers 

• Do not speed, and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks, and between intersections where pedestrians may cross.
• Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
• Never drive impaired.

Bicyclists

• Obey traffic laws, use hand signals, use lights at night (front white light and rear red reflector), and wear a helmet.
• Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.
• Avoid the door zone: do not ride too closely to parked cars.
• If there’s a bike lane, use it, unless making a left turn, passing, or approaching a place where a right turn is allowed.
• Yield to pedestrians. Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections, and between intersections where pedestrians may cross.  

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. 08, 2025) – The holiday season can be dangerous for people on the roads. In December 2023 alone, 1,038 people were killed in the U.S. in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department wants to remind the public of the dangers of driving impaired and to celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence.

From December 12 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 high-visibility 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 at risk.

“We want to make sure everyone gets home safely so that they can celebrate the holiday season with their families and loved ones,” Traffic Bureau Sergeant Ishii said. “Not only is driving impaired illegal, but it is also dangerous and never acceptable. We are asking everyone to do their part to keep themselves and everyone on the roads safe.”

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department encourages everyone to stay in for the night or plan ahead by designating a sober driver, using public transit or calling a taxi or rideshare service if you intend to drink.

Impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, cannabis products and other drugs may also cause impairment. If you plan on drinking or taking medications with a driving warning label, let someone who is sober drive. If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, call 9-1-1.

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

Stanton, Calif. (Dec. 19, 2025): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, Dec. 19, from 6 p.m. to 2 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.

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.

Dana Point, Calif.  (Dec. 1, 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.

DANA POINT, Calif. (Nov. 18, 2025) On Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at about 8:18 a.m., Orange County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian near the intersection of Park Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive in Dana Point.

Deputies arrived and found Luis Adrian MoralesPacheco, 13, of San Juan Capistrano, with severe injuries. Luis was transported to a local area hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Based on a preliminary investigation, the driver of a white GMC pick-up truck struck the victim and then left the scene. With the help of witnesses, deputies were able to locate the driver of the GMC, approximately 2-3 miles away. The suspect, Bradley Gene Funk, 59, of San Juan Capistrano, was arrested and booked at the Orange County Jail.  Bradley has two prior arrests for driving under the influence and was on probation for the same.  His charges include those related to the hit-and-run, as well as suspicion of driving under the influence, and murder. 

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) is investigating the collision. If anyone has additional details that may assist investigators or witnessed this traffic collision, they are asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Traffic Bureau at 949-425-1860. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.