OC Politics Blog | Category Archives: OC Sheriff

OCSD to serve as the primary O.C. Search and Rescue agency in remote areas

Posted on January 16, 2018 by Editor Posted in OC Sheriff, OCFA, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Ca. (Jan. 16, 2018) -The Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) will serve as the County’s primary responders for remote-area rescues as an agreement with the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) for a dual-agency approach expires today.

A 2016 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) took a dual-agency approach for air search and rescue missions in remote wilderness and park areas. The MOU was set to expire in August 2017, however Sheriff Sandra Hutchens has extended the MOU multiple times. Sheriff Hutchens announced today she will not issue another extension. Continue reading→

OC Sheriff Hutchens reacts to the new California State Sanctuary law

Posted on October 7, 2017 by Editor Posted in California, Immigrants, OC Sheriff, Orange County 1 Comment

OC Sheriff Sandra Hutchens’ Statement on SB 54

SANTA ANA, Ca. (Oct. 5, 2017) – Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens released the following statement reference the signing of SB54:

“Approval of SB 54 presents California law enforcement with a significant challenge. Restrictions on our ability to communicate with federal authorities will hinder current collaborative efforts to remove serious offenders from our community. This law is inconsistent with widely accepted best practices of open communication amongst all levels of law enforcement.

Unfortunately, as Sheriff I must comply with the State’s new law. Based on case law and direction from legal counsel, a Sheriff is responsible for following all State statutes unless they are formally ruled unconstitutional by a court. Until a statute is ruled against, it is presumed to be constitutional and thus law enforcement is obliged to follow the provision. While I strongly disagree with the law and believe it to be poor public policy, l am compelled to abide by the decision of our legislature and Governor. Continue reading→

Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens to retire at the end of her current term

Posted on June 28, 2017 by Editor Posted in OC Sheriff, Orange County, Sandra Hutchens, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens to retire at end of current term

Endorses Undersheriff Don Barnes as her successor

Santa Ana, CA – – Sandra Hutchens, Sheriff-Coroner of Orange County, announced today that she will not seek reelection in 2018 and is endorsing Orange County Undersheriff Don Barnes.

“At the end of my current term, I will have spent almost 40 years in law enforcement and over 10 years as Sheriff of Orange County,” said Hutchens. “It has been a great honor and privilege to serve as Sheriff and I would not even consider retiring if there was not a highly qualified and electable candidate ready to serve. Continue reading→

OC Sheriff Hutchens responds to complaints about Theo Lacy Jail

Posted on March 9, 2017 by Editor Posted in Immigrants, OC Sheriff, Orange County, Sandra Hutchens 1 Comment

Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens Responds to Homeland Security Report

Yesterday, a report was released concerning the Theo Lacy Jail. Several things in the report were not accurate and did a disservice to the hard working individuals who operate our custody facilities. Unfortunately, some media outlets choose to cover the report in a sensational manner that painted a misleading “Shawshank-like” picture of Orange County jail facilities.

The report was based on an inspection done by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General in November 2016. Some legitimate issues were identified in the report and were quickly addressed. Many of the other issues raised were inaccurate and can be refuted. In an effort to provide the public with transparency and a more accurate account of our operations, I have itemized the concerns raised in the report and provided our response (see below). Continue reading→

The O.C. Sheriff’s Department selects Lane Lagaret as their new Public Information Officer

Posted on March 3, 2017 by Editor Posted in OC Sheriff, Orange County Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. (March 3, 2017) – The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is pleased to introduce our new Public Information Officer (PIO), Lt. Lane Lagaret.

Lt. Lagaret has worked for the Sheriff’s Department for 27 years, serving in a variety of roles in the organization. Before promoting to Sergeant in 2006, he worked as a Jail Deputy, Patrol Deputy, Motorcycle Deputy and a Tactical Officer at the Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Academy. Continue reading→

Former OC Deputy Sheriff convicted of faking a workers’ comp injury while doing CrossFit

Posted on February 21, 2017 by Editor Posted in Crime, OC Sheriff, Orange County Leave a comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY NEWS RELEASE

Case # 16CF2709

Date: February 21, 2017

FORMER OCSD DEPUTY CONVICTED AND SENTENCED TO SIX MONTHS IN JAIL FOR COMMITTING INSURANCE FRAUD AGAINST COUNTY OF ORANGE

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A former Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) deputy was convicted and sentenced to six months in Orange County jail and three years informal probation today on charges for committing insurance fraud by failing to disclose his true physical abilities and activities to his health care providers. Nicholas Zappas, 36, Laguna Niguel, pleaded guilty to six misdemeanor counts of insurance fraud. In addition to his jail time and probation, Zappas was ordered to pay $34,838.97 in restitution to the County and $1,000 to the Worker’s Compensation Fraud Assessment Fund. The defendant is also required to dismiss his 2011 and 2015 worker’s compensation claims with prejudice as a condition of his probation.

At the time of the crimes, Zappas was employed as an OCSD deputy for approximately 14 years. Continue reading→