Crime Reports

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...

Police Reports are obtained from the local police departments. KING CITY June 912:52 a.m. Bench warrant on Canal St.10:02 a.m. Found property on Canal St.10:29 a.m. Vehicle towed (expired registration over six months) on River Dr.11:41 a.m. Lost property on Amherst Dr. June 1012:02...

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...

Police Reports are obtained from the local police departments. KING CITY June 11:05 a.m. Violation of Probation on King St.4:40 a.m. Domestic Violence on S. San Lorenzo Av.7:35 p.m. Dog at Large on River Dr.9:17 p.m. Domestic battery on River Dr.10:10 p.m. Sexual...

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...

Police Reports are obtained from the local police departments. SOLEDAD June 299:48 p.m. Violation of Probation on Main St.11:05 p.m. Domestic Violence on Sausalito Pl.11:20 p.m. Info Report (mutual combat) on Oak St. June 303:11 p.m. Traffic violation (hit-and-run) on Metz Rd.4:54 p.m. Fraud on...

SOLEDAD — Soledad resident Giovanni Lopez Orozco, 25, was sentenced on June 24 to six years in prison for committing one count of lewd act upon a child under 14 years. “This offense is a serious and violent felony and is considered a strike under...