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OC Sheriff arrests suspects in distraction theft crimes

SANTA ANA, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2026): Orange County Sheriff investigators have arrested three suspects allegedly running an ATM distraction theft operation involving multiple counties and at least a dozen victims across the state of California. North Operations investigators on Jan. 6 arrested three Romanian nationals on suspicion of multiple distraction...

Sheriff Barnes: Public Safety Outlook 2026

Orange County remains one of America’s safest communities, thanks to the dedicated work of our first responders and the strong partnerships we have with community organizations, businesses, and our elected representatives. Maintaining that safety requires continued action against evolving threats, including crime, terrorism, border security challenges, malicious drone activity, cyberattacks...

In-Custody Death of an Inmate from the Theo Lacy Facility

ORANGE, Calif. (Feb. 8, 2026) – On Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, an inmate housed at the Theo Lacy Facility in Orange died at a local hospital. The 31-year-old inmate, Dennis Gomez, was remanded by the courts to the custody of the Sheriff and booked on Feb. 2, 2026, for PC...

In-Custody Death of an Inmate from the James A. Musick Facility

Irvine, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2026) – On Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, an inmate housed at the James A. Musick Facility in Irvine died. A 54-year-old female inmate was booked by the Anaheim Police Department on Feb. 26, 2026, for H&S 11377-Possession of a Controlled Substance and H&S 11364 Possession of...

Captain Matt Stafford selected as Stanton Chief of Police Services

STANTON, Ca. (March 3 , 2026): Captain Matt Stafford has been selected as the Chief of Police Services for the City of Stanton. He begins his new assignment on Friday, March 6. “I’m honored to stand beside the men and women who deliver exceptional service to the great city of...

OC Sheriff celebrates promotions for 26 personnel

SANTA ANA, Calif. (March 4, 2026): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department on Wednesday celebrated the promotion of 26 personnel, including two new commanders, in a ceremony held at the Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy. “This is always an exciting time of year as we express gratitude for those who...

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Drivers are urged to keep their eyes forward and hands on the wheel SANTA ANA, Calif. (Apr. 1, 2026) – April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department wants to remind drivers to stay focused, keep their eyes forward and hands on the wheel. Distractions...

Orange County Sheriff’s Department Focuses on the Dangers of Distracted Driving

DANA POINT, Calif. (Apr. 1, 2026) – On Apr. 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...

Orange County Sheriff’s Department Focuses on the Dangers of Distracted Driving

LAKE FOREST, (Calif. Apr. 4, 2026) – On Apr. 6, 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...

Investigators Arrest Homicide Suspect in Stanton

STANTON, Calif. (April 8, 2026): On Sunday, April 5, 2026, at around 5:30 a.m., deputies were called to the area of Main Street and Pacific Street in Stanton after reports of a possible dead body. Deputies arrived and discovered a man, later identified as Anthony Lee Carlos, 37, of Fullerton...