Crime Reports

SOLEDAD — California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials are investigating the Oct. 14 death of an incarcerated person at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) in Soledad as a homicide. At about 5:15 p.m., staff observed Orlando Ochoa assaulting Israel Mendoza and responded by utilizing chemical...

SOLEDAD — Soledad Police Chief Patrick Valenzuela recently announced that Lt. Juan Santiago has successfully graduated from the 295th session of the FBI National Academy. The graduation ceremony was held at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va., on Sept. 4. Santiago is only the...

GREENFIELD — Several community members in Greenfield had their catalytic converters stolen overnight on Oct. 14, according to Greenfield Police Department. Similar thefts were also reported in other South Monterey County cities, including Soledad and King City. A catalytic converter is part of a vehicle’s exhaust...

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...