More:ACLU joins calls for outside investigation of deaths in Riverside County jails, More:Riverside sheriff failed to report inmate deaths to state on time; names of dead made public. (File photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley DailyBulletin/SCNG). "The attorney general's announcement affirms what families impacted by sheriff's violence have long demanded," said Luis Nolasco, senior policy advocate with the ACLU. Anyone with information relevant to the investigation can contact the California Department of Justices Civil Rights Enforcement Section atPolice-Practices@doj.ca.gov. The Riverside County Sheriffs Office wants to remind citizens of the dangers of illicit narcotics, many of which may contain Fentanyl. Inmates complained about unsafe crowding, a lack of personal-care supplies and dirty jails. Headquarters . RIVERSIDE, Calif. (PRWEB) April 21, 2021 Court records show that on March 26, 2021 a civil lawsuit was filed naming the County of Riverside and former sheriff deputy Michael Dean, Riverside County Superior Court Case No. 35000 Block of Sugar Maple Street, French Valley, Sergeant Rick Espinoza, Central Homicide Unit. 0:57. This Official Arrest Record was reported on March 1, 2023. For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau. Thursday was the attorney general's first acknowledgement that an investigation is underway. The original item was published from 2/25/2021 5:01:20 PM to 2/27/2021 7:50:03 PM. Bonta noted he assumed an investigation of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, and accountability actions in connection with the Torrance and Bakersfield police departments. The male was revived; however, the female was pronounced deceased by hospital staff. The District Attorneys Office declined to file charges against the deputies in Serranos death from a methamphetamine overdose after deciding that their actions were lawful. That lawsuit was settled in 2015. (File photo by Andrew Foulk, Contributing Photographer), In an image from a Riverside County sheriffs deputys uniform-worn camera video, deputies hold down Ernie Serrano after placing a mask on him to prevent him from spitting on them at the Stater Bros. in Jurupa Valley on Dec. 15, 2020. Calhoun began working as a Riverside County Sheriff's Deputy on February 24, 2022. In-Custody Deaths Posted on: December 29, 2022 2022-10962. 1,072 Following. The agency announced the deputy is in serious condition. Press Releases A A Special Investigations Bureau 2 Stories Posted on: February 1, 2023 Operation Reclaim and Rebuild 2023 Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Jeff Hammond File # N/A Details: During the week of January 23, 2023, the Riverside County Sheriff's Office participated in Operation Reclaim & Rebuild. The Riverside County families and advocates, meanwhile, have demanded outside investigations of the deaths and more transparency from the sheriff's department, which has not responded. There are no outstanding suspects and anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Corporal Stavness or Investigator Birmingham at the Cabazon Sheriffs Station at 951-922-7100 or the Riverside County Sheriffs Department at 951-776-1099. Bonta clarified that a pattern or practice investigation is different from a criminal investigation of a particular incident or person, but is meant to identify wrongdoing and compel the correction of systemic constitutional violations. Wildomar man arrested on suspicion of. He told reporters that his office has been tracking deaths in jail, use of deadly force and other statistics in Riverside County for some time. Press Releases Riverside County Sheriff, CA CivicEngage Neighboring Orange and San Bernardino counties have not reported more than 13 and 15 deaths in a year, respectively. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department encourages anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Central Homicide Investigator Darryl Robertson at (951 . 4 min read As President Biden escalates his administration's efforts to. Additionally, deputies found several thousand rounds of ammunition, a suppressor, explosive-making materials, and a stolen rifle. The shooting happened on the 18500 block of Hilldale Lane in the unincorporated community of Lakeland Village. A retired Riverside County sheriff's captain plans to run against Sheriff Chad Bianco in the June 7 election. Hopefully this investigation is just the beginning of accountability in the deeply troubled Riverside County Sheriffs Department. Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Deirdre Vickers File # F230130025 . Press Releases Riverside County Sheriff, CA CivicEngage Press Releases. Over the next several months, the investigation was relentlessly worked and a suspect, Kevin Bryant (51 years old) from Carlsbad, was identified as being the suspect responsible for selling the Fentanyl that killed Trask. In September 2021, a coalition of criminal justice reform advocates, including the ACLU of Southern California, called on Bonta to investigate the sheriffs office, citing concerns about access to mental and physical health treatment for inmates, COVID-19 protocols in jails, use of force by deputies and the rate at which homicides are solved. This is an active investigation and no additional details are currently available. Press Releases Riverside County Sheriff, CA CivicEngage Phillips, dissatisfied with the countys response to the courts questions about how inmates were being protected, threatened to order inmates transferred unless the county provided an acceptable plan. Riverside County Sheriff California - Opening of the Lake Mathews Aaron Ferrel Arrest Record Details | Local Crime News in riverside It's these kinds of statistics, not any one incident, Bonta said Thursday, that lay the foundation for his pattern or practice investigation. Coronavirus Updates, 2023, Gulf-California Broadcast Company Palm Springs, CA USA, Download the News Channel 3 News app here, according to a letter from inmate advocacy groups to the Board of State and Community Corrections earlier this month. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department said in a statement . Lisa Matus heard about her son's death from her other son, who was also in custody. Morning Forecast "As part of my offices ongoing efforts to support constitutional policing, the California Department of Justice is opening a civil rights investigation into the Riverside County Sheriffs Office. "With regard to RCSO [RSO], the Attorney General has made no determinations at this time about specific complaints, allegations, or the agencys overall policies and practices," reads the announcement by the AG's office. 334-0407, mariomoreno@rivcoda.org or Riverside County Sheriff's Investigator Jarred Bishop at 951-955-1700. During elections, we meet with candidates for office and the proponents and opponents of ballot initiatives and then make recommendations to voters. Press Releases Riverside County Sheriff, CA CivicEngage Sort By: Colorado River Station 1 Story Posted on: December 16, 2022 Narcotic Sales and Weapons Arrest Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Bryan Whitley File # A223490022 Details: The California attorney general has launched an investigation into whether Riverside County Sheriff's Department practices have violated civil rights, citing a sharp and "disturbing" rise in deaths in the county's jails, as well as allegations of excessive force and other misconduct. All Californians deserve fairness and respect from the institutions that serve them,said Attorney General Bonta. Riverside County will fully cooperate (with the investigation) and provide any information that is available, County Executive Officer Jeff Van Wagenen said in an email. On February 26, 2023, at 1:17 am, Romero was located and taken into custody for attempted murder. Follow the instruction of this link: https://helpahero.com/campaign/deputy-darnell-calhoun. At least two incarcerated people and two sheriff's deputies have died from complications related to COVID-19, according to reports. Press Releases Riverside County Sheriff, CA CivicEngage This is an active investigation and no additional details are currently available. Press Releases. On Friday, January 13th, 2023, Deputy Darnell Calhoun made the ultimate sacrifice." Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco will hold a news conference at 9:00 p.m. in Wildomar. Riverside County that April submitted a plan that included changes in housing, sanitation practices and personal hygiene. In the month of February, the Riverside County Sheriffs Office has seen an increase in jewelry thefts with similar circumstances. AG Rob Bonta opens investigation into Riverside County Sheriff's Dept Last September, this editorial board called for an investigation into the Riverside County Sheriffs Department, noting, [Sheriff Chad]Bianco lucked out having no serious competition in the most recent election. California Department of Justice opens needed, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), California Department of Justice opens needed investigation into troubled Riverside County Sheriffs Department, Riverside Countys public sector pension woes will persist for many more years, To save legal marijuana market in California, cut the red tape of taxes and over-regulation, Californias Eric Garcetti and Julie Su are bad picks by President Biden, Gov. If anyone has information regarding this investigation, they are encouraged to call Investigator Mendoza of the Central Homicide Unit at (951) 203-2474 or Sergeant Pelato of the Hemet Sheriffs Station Investigation Bureau at 951-791-3400. Those who have asked the sheriff's department for details about the deaths and what was done to prevent them have often been told that lengthy investigations, sometimes extending to more than a year, prevented the rapid release of autopsy reports or other vital information. City Stations. SACRAMENTO, CA(2/27/23)Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) announced today he received the Riverside Sheriffs' Association's 2023 State Elected Official Award from the association at the group's annual Board of Directors Awards Banquet. Non-Emergency Dispatch. California Department of Justice opens needed investigation into Lawsuit alleging illegal searches by Riverside County Sheriff's settled Riverside County Sheriff , state California ( By Press Release office) Feb 15,2023 Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Reynoso File # A230290023 Details: The Colorado River Station Special Enforcement Team ( SET ) and Investigations Bureau developed suspect information for a robbery that occurred at the Mesa Drive Valero Gas Station on January 29 , 2023 . He added that his department has not made any determination and said the investigation will be impartial. Riverside Police Department Morning Forecast Christopher Damien covers public safety and the criminal justice system. That investigation is ongoing. The Coroners Bureau determined Trask died as a result of Fentanyl Poisoning and the case was immediately assumed by the Riverside County Sheriffs Office Overdose Death Investigations and Narcotics Unit (ODIN). The Riverside County Sheriff's Department encourages anyone with information or video regarding the incident to contact Central Homicide Investigator Button at (760) 393-3531 or (951) 955-2777. Lake Elsinore Station Posted on: February 28, 2023 Lewd Acts With a Child. This investigation is ongoing and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Investigator Garcia-Flores at 951-955-1700. Headquarters and Specialized Divisions. Ernie Serrano, 33, a longtime drug addict, fought with a security guard at a Stater Bros. market in Jurupa Valley on Dec. 16, 2020. Big Bear Lake. Unfortunately, it is clear that amid concerning levels of in-custody deaths and allegations of misconduct too many families and communities in Riverside County are hurting and looking for answers. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco appeared in court in November to explain that Rivera was released because the county jail system was overcrowded with inmates who were sentenced to state. For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau. Be the first to know when news breaks in Coachella Valley. Sheriffs Investigators responded and assumed the investigation. Court records allege that Sheriff Deputy Michael Dean demanded that Plaintiff perform sexual acts. "I am honored and proud to receive this award from the men and women who place their lives on the line to protect Nigro told The Desert Sun that she doesn't trust the sheriff's department to do an impartial investigation of his death. If you have a question or story idea about politics or the inner workings of government, please let Jeff know. For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau. Unfortunately, it is clear that amid concerning levels of in-custody deaths and allegations of misconduct too many families and communities in Riverside County are hurting and looking for answers.. Deputies put a spit mask on Serrano and placed him face down on a checkout counter. (File photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG), The California attorney generals civil rights probe of the Riverside County Sheriffs Department announced Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, does restore my faith in justice, thats for sure, county Democratic Party Chair Joy Silver said. Press Releases Riverside County Sheriff, CA CivicEngage ACLU joins calls for outside investigation of deaths in Riverside County jails, Riverside sheriff failed to report inmate deaths to state on time; names of dead made public, The Desert Sun found last year that Bianco's department broke the law when it failed to report some inmates' deaths to the state Department of Justice, Santa Clara Sheriff Laurie Smith was convicted in a civil corruption trial, sent a letter to the attorney general and the county's board of supervisors, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Breaking News Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, seen Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, said the investigation of his department by the California attorney generals office is a politically motivated stunt. In April 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, Prison Law Office asked U.S. District Court Judge Virginia A. Phillips to enforce the terms of the settlement. A Riverside County Sheriff's deputy has been shot near Lake Elsinore, the agency confirmed just after 5:00 p.m. Friday. When some communities dont see or feel they are being treated equitably by law enforcement, it contributes to distrust and hurts public safety. That's the same number that triggered an investigation by the California State Auditor of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department in 2021, which found that a county oversight board was lacking and, in part, recommended the attorney general's office expand its role there. On Friday, November 15, 2019, at 5:50 PM, deputies from the San Jacinto Station responded to a call of an assault with a deadly weapon in the 100 Block of Jordan Ave in the city of San Jacinto. Riverside County Sheriff , state California ( By Press Release office) Feb 17,2023 Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Ignacio Robles File # EV230470055 Details: On February 16 , 2023 , about 6:35 PM , deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff's Office , Jurupa Valley Station , responded to the report of a major - injury traffic collision at the . Coroner. Enjoy the Super Bowl Responsibly: Choose a Sober Way to Go. Riverside County sheriff's deputy dies of the coronavirus as toll on Thursday, February 23, 2023 Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov LOS ANGELES - California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced opening a civil rights investigation into the Riverside County Sheriff's Office (RCSO). Elias Miranda, 21-year-old resident of San Jacinto and Ramon Mora, 41-year-old resident of San Jacinto, were both already in custody for unrelated charges. Desert - (760) 956-5001 Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 100 times stronger than morphine and can cause death or serious bodily harm. Posted on: December 8, 2022 Storage Unit Burglary Series Suspect Arrested. Press Releases Riverside County Sheriff, CA CivicEngage Inmate dies at Riverside County jail in Murrieta 2 California Sheriff's Deputies from Same Department Killed in Separate In 31 of those cases, the victims were not perceived to be armed with a firearm, bringing into question whether RSD used deadly force only when necessary or in defense of life, as required by law., In the years 2013 to 2021, RSD deputies killed more people in the course of making arrests than almost all (92%) of California sheriffs departments., Despite increases in funding, the RSD solved fewer homicides than 72% of sheriff departments in the state.. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco faces challenge - Press Enterprise We hope that this will lead to meaningful accountability and oversight over a department rife with in-custody deaths of county residents.. The manner with which they treated Ernie Serrano was outrageous, said Guizar, who has a lawsuit pending against the county that he filed on behalf of Serranos family. This is the second Riverside County Sheriff's deputy to be killed in a shooting in a little over two weeks. Today, the California Department of Justice announced it was opening a civil rights investigation into the Riverside County Sheriffs Department. "This investigation is based on nothing but false, misleading statements, and straight-out lies from activists, including their attorneys," Bianco said. . Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that a civil rights investigation is being opened into Riverside County Sheriff's Department (RSO). ", Later in the statement, he said, "We have absolutely nothing to hide and will be more than cooperative and accommodating with this investigation. the ACLU wrote a letter to the AG calling for an investigation on the Riverside County Sheriff's Dept. And public calls for more information about the increased rate of death have been met with virtual silence from the sheriff's department and county officials. We will be completely open, honest and share everything we can with our community throughout this investigation because we have serious concerns that Bontas DOJ will not.. He noted that the supervisors in that county had opened several investigations into the conduct of the sheriff and conditions in the county's jails, even before the attorney general got involved. Gunzenhausen, Bavaria, Germany Hourly Weather | AccuWeather Be the first to know when news breaks in Coachella Valley. In the meantime, we will continue our work with elected leaders, the sheriffs department and other partners to identify system improvements.". Sheriff Stan Sniff's policy on who gets to carry concealed weapons in Riverside County is unconstitutional because it excludes legal U. Riverside County Sheriff's Department CA Online Carry Concealed Weapon. There are no further suspects. The announcement comes as 20 inmates have died in the county's jails since January 2022, often with the sheriff's department releasing scant information about the individuals and virtually no public discussion of how to stop further loss of life. Contests & Promotions Riverside Sheriff ' s Lake Mathews Station Lake Mathews Facebook PR Feed Press Releases Riverside County Sheriff, CA CivicEngage Local news- Press Release Riverside County Sheriff California - Porch Pirate Arrested 01 March 2023 ( news ) Riverside County Sheriff , state California ( By Press Release office) Mar 01,2023 | 2 | 1 Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Robert Martinez File # MV230590142 Details: On February 27 , 2023 , the Moreno Valley Sheriff's Station's Robbery . The investigation reve On February 23, 2023, members of the Thermal Station Special Investigations Unit and the Fugitives & Warrants Enforcement Team were investigating a robbery in the 50200 block of South Ba On January 12, 2023, Thermal Station patrol units responded to Bagdouma Park in the city of Coachella regarding a robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. The Riverside County Sheriffs Hazardous Device Team responded to the location and took possession of the explosive materials. Its approximately 3,500 inmates are dwarfed by San Bernardino's 5,000 and just shy of Orange County's 3,700. The Desert Sun newspaper has done a stellar job of tracking not only an unusual spike in Riverside County jail deaths last year, but also pointing out the secretive nature of the Sheriffs Department. In a statement through a spokesperson, county CEO Jeff Van Wagenen, who reports to the board of supervisors, said: "The county will fully cooperate and provide any information that is available. Information and evidence discovered during the subsequent investigation led investigators to arrest Raymond Tyrrell, 18 years old out of French Valley for murder. Navarro is still in critical condition. News Channel 3 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation. Bonta has repeatedly shown he bows and caters to activists instead of hearing from all Californians who the attorney general is supposed to represent, the sheriff said. County Supervisor Kevin Jeffries said he is concerned by the jail deaths, including those from drug overdoses, and hopes the attorney general's investigation will find solutions. : CVRI2101557. You can imagine a lot of people in the jails are Ernie Serrano types, he said. Lawsuit Alleges Sexual Misconduct by Riverside County Sheriff Deputy When some communities dont see or feel they are being treated equitably by law enforcement, it contributes to distrust and hurts public safety. On Thursday, March 2nd, 2023, around 11:49 p.m., deputies from the Thermal Station responded to a call of shots fired near the 84000 block of Lingayan Avenue in the unincorporated area of C On February 23, 2023, Thermal Station patrol units responded to the 45900 block of Adams Street in the city of La Quinta regarding a robbery that occurred at 8:20 PM. Deputy Isaiah Cordero was honored by family, friends, and colleagues during a memorial service jushttps://twitter.com/RSO/status/1614066032800583680t last week. Press Releases Riverside County Sheriff, CA CivicEngage