Crime Reports

MONTEREY COUNTY — In light of recent reports of pets being abandoned during challenging times, both Hitchcock Road Animal Services and SPCA Monterey County are joining messages to remind all pet owners that dumping or abandoning animals is both illegal and inhumane. California law explicitly...

GREENFIELD — While on patrol in a school zone Friday morning, a Greenfield police officer observed a vehicle driving recklessly. When the officer attempted a traffic stop, the driver failed to yield. The vehicle eventually came to a stop after a short pursuit, at Highway...

SOLEDAD — On Sept. 18, a Monterey County jury found David Fernando Hernandez, 34, of Soledad, guilty of felony resisting an officer with force or violence, misdemeanor driving under the influence of a drug, misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor possession of drug...

GREENFIELD — Greenfield resident Julio Martinez, 43, was sentenced Aug. 28 to 18 years in prison for committing two counts of lewd acts upon a child under 14 years of age and two counts of assault with intent to commit a lewd act upon...

SOLEDAD — Salinas Valley State Prison inmate Lawrence Adams, 45, was convicted by a jury on June 26 of first-degree murder, assault by a life prisoner and custodial possession of a weapon. Judge Stephanie E. Hulsey presided over the four-day trial. On Oct. 5, 2022, Adams...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County District Attorney’s Office announced July 22 that four owners of local smoke shops and markets throughout Monterey County have paid civil penalties for unlawfully selling flavored tobacco products, among other violations of law. The sale of flavored tobacco products is...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Fraud affects everyone, whether it’s higher insurance rates, lost wages or even threats to homes. That’s why the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office has formed specialized teams focused on fighting fraud and protecting local residents from financial harm. These dedicated units target...

GREENFIELD — A Monterey County jury found Erik Sanchez, 52, of Greenfield, guilty of battery on June 30. After the jury returned a guilty verdict, Sanchez pleaded no contest to two other open cases for violating the terms of a protective order, vandalism and resisting...

CENTRAL COAST — Utility scams have continued at an alarming rate during 2025, with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customers reporting over $190,000 in losses to scammers. To stop this trend, PG&E is committed to helping customers recognize the signs of a scam to...

SOLEDAD — California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials are investigating the June 27 death of incarcerated person Jose Rodriguez at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) in Soledad as a homicide. At approximately 3:34 p.m., staff observed cellmates Steven Miranda and Rodriguez, noting Rodriguez...