UKIAH- On November 14, 2024, a Mendocino County Superior Court jury found Clayton Joel Sternick, 44, of Willits, guilty of misdemeanor driving a motor vehicle while unlawfully under the influence of a drug, driving on a suspended license, and hit-and-run driving.

After the jury was excused, Sternick admitted as true that he had also previously been convicted of misdemeanor driving on a suspended license in 2018 and 2021.

The law enforcement agencies that provided testimony during the three-day trial were the California Highway Patrol and the California Department of Justice Toxicology Laboratory.

“The criminalists working at California Department of Justice labs assist with evidence that can lead to conviction or exoneration.  They’re assistance is key in investigations and court cases.  We thank them for their contribution to public safety and criminal justice,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.