We look forward to the conclusion of this inquiry. Members of the public may also send information to the California Department of Justice in other languages. This site is not monitored 24/7, in case of an emergency call 911. On Friday, January 13th, 2023, Deputy Darnell Calhoun made the ultimate sacrifice." The California attorney generals civil rights investigation into the Riverside County Sheriffs Department provides long-overdue oversight and accountability for the countys largest law enforcement agency, say frequent critics of the department and its elected leader, Sheriff Chad Bianco. I am certain that fellow members of the Board of Supervisors will be looking for options to seek continuing improvements., He added: If the review by the AG is not political in nature and is an honest evaluation of how the department can improve its anti-smuggling efforts and improve its life-saving responses to overdoses, the recommendations could be a win for everyone looking for life-saving improvements.. Deputies put a spit mask on Serrano and placed him face down on a checkout counter. That year, Riverside County had a rate of 3 in every 1,000 die. Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Jeff Reese File # L222630043 . The probe will determine whether Biancos department engaged in a pattern or practice of unconstitutional policing amid deeply concerning allegations relating to conditions of confinement in its jail facilities, excessive force, and other misconduct, a California Department of Justice news release states. Breaking News During the search warrant, SET deputies located 31 additional weapons, which included illegal assault rifles and un-serialized firearms. The investigation revealed the suspect identified as, Jesse Romero 46-year-old resident of Bellflower, had fled the scene. For more information on the Lake Mathews Sheriff's Station or what is happening in your area please see the their webpage or Facebook at the links provided below . During the course of the investigation, attorneys and special agents at the California Department of Justice will work diligently to consider all relevant information, including from community members and organizations, local officials, oversight entities, RSO, and individualdeputies. The Riverside County District Attorneys Office declined to file charges against the five deputies involved, though an autopsy by the Riverside County Coroners Office determined their actions contributed to Serranos death by overdose. Other problems have surfaced through litigation, including warrantless raids on the properties of an elderly couple by sheriffs deputies which resulted in a six-figure settlement last year. Business owners and residents are encouraged to report criminal activity directly to law enforcement by calling Sheriffs Dispatch at (951) 7761099 or 911 if the matter is an emergency. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here. At least two incarcerated people and two sheriff's deputies have died from complications related to COVID-19, according to reports. Hopefully this investigation is just the beginning of accountability in the deeply troubled Riverside County Sheriffs Department. The deputy has died, the Riverside County Sheriff's Dept announced. Severe Weather The letter detailed their requests for more oversight of the sheriff's department and the deaths in the jails. 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. He was identified by the agency as Deputy Darnell Calhoun. Coroner Press Release - San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Coroner Press Release 702301385: On Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at 6:18 pm, Ontario Police Department responded to I-10 East bound on ramp and Euclid Ave. for a reported traffic collision. That coalition included Corona-based Starting Over Inc. Starting Over is grateful that the families who have lost loved ones to violence and neglect from the Riverside County Sheriffs Department will see some oversight from the Department of Justice, Avalon Edwards, Starting Over policy associate, said via email. Bonta said Thursday that his office could request that a court order changes to how the department operates if problems are found. 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. New group aims to oust Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco in 2022 A political action committee formed earlier this year with the goal of unseating Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, seen Feb. 22, 2021, in the 2022 election. In the meantime, we will continue our work with elected leaders, the sheriffs department and other partners to identify system improvements.". "This will prove to be a complete waste of time and resources. In September, the group also sent a letter to the attorney general and the county's board of supervisors asking for outside investigations of the deaths and to create a separate coroner's office to investigate them in the future. The deputy was rushed to the Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar for treatment. 0:57. The Riverside County Sheriffs Department encourages anyone with information or video regarding the incident to contact Central Homicide Investigator Button at (760) 3933531 or (951) 9552777. It's disturbing.". If you are interested in a career with us, please apply . The male was revived; however, the female was pronounced deceased by hospital staff. (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. RIVERSIDE SHERIFF PRESS RELEASE - On February 3, 2023, deputies from Lake Elsinore Sheriff's Station responded to the 21000 block of Grand Avenue, in. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and his wife, Denise Bianco, enjoy the Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, ceremony at which he was sworn in for a second term on the steps of the Riverside Historic Courthouse. He similarly announced a pattern and practice investigation of the Santa Clara Sheriff's Office in January 2022, citing concerns about its management of county jails. (File photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG) ", Later in the statement, he said, "We have absolutely nothing to hide and will be more than cooperative and accommodating with this investigation. Through our staff-written editorials, we take positions on important issues affecting our readership, from pension reform to protecting our regions unique natural resources to transportation. 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. Bianco, who didnt require jail employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and once said If you are afraid to go to jail and catch the virus, then dont go to jail, dont break the law, defended the quality of care provided to inmates at the time. If you are interested in a career with us, please apply at joinrsd.org or call 1-888-Join-RSD, Attempt Murder Domestic Violence / Strangulation, Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Checkpoint, Sales of Narcotics/Possession of Loaded Firearm, Message from the Family of Deputy Darnell Calhoun, Public Intoxication/Failing to Register as a Sex Offender. . Booking # 202239734 Mora, Ramon (Last RSO booking-currently I/C with Bureau of Prisons). On February 24, 2023, at 12:00 pm, the Lake Elsinore Station Special Enforcement Team (SET) deputies conducted a traffic enforcement stop in the 20000 block of Van Buren Avenue in the city of Riverside. March 2, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. The name of the decedent is not being released at this time. 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. The Riverside County Sheriff's Hazardous Device Team responded to the location and took possession of the explosive materials. The decedent was identified as a 16 year old female from French Valley. Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. (File photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley DailyBulletin/SCNG). Delgado was found to be in possession of illegal narcotics and weapons. When some communities dont see or feel they are being treated equitably by law enforcement, it contributes to distrust and hurts public safety. 43.4K Followers. 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. For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau. A few hours later, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco posted a video response to Bonta's announcement, calling it a political stunt. Follow the instruction of this link: https://helpahero.com/campaign/deputy-darnell-calhoun. Ernie Serrano, 33, a longtime drug addict, fought with a security guard at a Stater Bros. market in Jurupa Valley on Dec. 16, 2020. A retired Riverside County sheriff's captain plans to run against Sheriff Chad Bianco in the June 7 election. Sources with knowledge of the department's history said it's the first-ever pattern or practice investigation of the Riverside County sheriff by the attorney general. On February 28, 2023, investigators identified the two remaining suspects in the homicide of Christopher Antonio Gutierrez, a resident of San Jacinto. The Riverside Sheriffs' Association tweeted, "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Deputy Darnell Calhoun. If you are interested in a career with us, please apply at joinrsd.org or call 1-888-Join-RSD. On February 26, 2023, at 1:17 am, Romero was located and taken into custody for attempted murder. 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.