California Statewide Law Enforcement Association
My union, My Choice!
“It’s just a matter of time now before investigators have answers to their cold cases thanks the work of intelligent forensic scientists who are working with new technology to solve cases, including the identity of Jane and John Does. We thank the criminalists at the California Department of Justice for the incredibly valuable work that […]
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 […]
“DNA evidence and new technology is leading investigators to answers in cold cases that have gone unsolved, in this case, for 45 years! Thank you to criminalists at California DOJ who work to evaluate evidence and provide answers for law enforcement.” CSLEA President Alan Barcelona RIVERSIDE COUNTY –On November 20, 2024, the Riverside County District […]
HUMBOLDT COUNTY – On November 14, 2024, the California Department of Justice (DOJ) notified the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) that it had linked a bone discovered in the Redway area of Humbolt County back in July to a person missing since 2017. When the bone was discovered in July 2024, HCSO conducted a search […]
DA recognizes CSLEA Member Richard Johnson from the California Department of Justice for his “invaluable investigative work” “We are very proud of our CSLEA members who work in forensics at the California Department of Justice as they assist prosecutors with their cases. Their work is the, often times, unseen layer in public safety and criminal […]
California DOJ criminalists assisted with cold case investigation MONTEREY COUNTY – On October 17, 2024, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of Pamela Ferreyra, 60, of Watsonville, in connection with the death of a baby boy found dead in a bag on December 3, 1994. The baby was discovered by someone searching for […]
Yolo County DA praises the Department of Justice for expert assistance throughout the case “Criminalists with the California Department of Justice provided expert testimony regarding evidence in this case. We are proud of the work that California DOJ criminalists do in labs throughout California. Their work is vital to public safety and criminal justice.” –CSLEA […]
Department of Justice Criminalists in Chico conducted firearms analysis “Prosecutors relay on the vital assistance that California DOJ criminalists provide in analyzing evidence. Science is everything in some cases. California counties are fortunate to have the criminalists at California DOJ to help determine the truth in what happened and who did it.” – CSLEA President […]
New AC-DOJ President Gunther Scharnhorst to attend first CSLEA Board meeting as CSLEA Director on September 24th SACRAMENTO – On September 9, 2024, California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) Director and Association of Criminalists – Department of Justice (AC-DOJ) President Sara Penn announced that she is stepping down from her association positions as a result […]
“Mysteries and crimes are being solved due to the dedication and work of investigators and forensic scientists. We appreciate the time and energy spent on cold cases to help provide families and investigators with vital information.” – CSLEA President Alan Barcelona SOLANO COUNTY – On august 28, 2024, the Solano County Sheriff’s Office announced the […]
California DOJ criminalists confirmed gun in then-suspect’s possession was the murder weapon “California DOJ criminalists evaluate evidence, including firearms and ballistics to assist law enforcement departments with their investigations and district attorneys’ offices with prosecutions. They provide an invaluable service to law enforcement, public safety and criminal justice in our state.” CSLEA President Alan Barcelona […]
“The arrest of a suspect in this rape and murder committed 51 years ago is a testament to the incredible work performed by California Department of Justice, Bureau of Forensic Services criminalists. Always advancing in technology and never wavering in their commitment to criminal justice, these public safety professionals are helping to solve cold cases […]
California DOJ assisted Riverside Police Department with investigation “We very much appreciate the combined efforts of those in forensics who work with detectives in solving cold cases such as this one. It provides answers and leads to identifying victims and aids in the search for a suspect leading to criminal justice.” CSLEA President Alan Barcelona […]
The California Department of Justice conducted forensic and DNA testing in support of the investigation STANISLAUS COUNTY – On July 19, 2024, The Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office announced that Ivan Garcia Jr., 26, of Turlock, was convicted by a jury of forcible rape. The conviction relates to a sexual assault that occurred on June […]
California Department of Justice forensic lab work key to identifying suspect “California DOJ criminalists consistently assist law enforcement investigators with identifying potential suspects to further their investigations and assist with prosecutions. This is important work as it contributes to the safety of all of us.” –CSLEA President Alan Barcelona BUTTE COUNTY – Following a preliminary […]
“California Department of Justice criminalists assist with investigations at crime scenes and in labs throughout California. Their work is thorough and often greatly assists in convicting or exonerating a suspect. They are of great value to law enforcement and criminal justice.” CSLEA President Alan Barcelona MENDOCINO COUNTY – On June 29, 2024 at approximately 11:07 […]
“A 42-year mystery is now solved thanks to advances in science, technology and the work of California DOJ criminalists and their partners at Othram. Families get answers and investigators get leads.” –CSLEA President Alan Barcelona MARIN COUNTY – On June 25, 2024, the Marin County Sheriff’s Office announced the identity of a man whose skeletal […]
Masked man identified with DNA evidenced processed by California DOJ “Within less than six weeks following the attack, California DOJ criminalists identified the suspect using DNA collected from evidence and police were able to arrest him. Their work may take place in a lab, but it has a sweeping positive public safety impact across California […]
UKIAH – On May 22, 2024, a Mendocino County Superior Court jury returned from its deliberations in less than 30 minutes to announce it found Melissa Heather Derenia, 37, of Covelo, guilty of driving a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of .08 or greater and unlawfully carrying a loaded firearm in a motor […]
The California DOJ, Bureau of Forensic Services Crime Labs in Watsonville, Richmond and Fresno assisted with this case “California Department of Justice criminalists work in forensic labs throughout the State of California, assisting law enforcement with the investigation of some of the most horrific crimes committed. We applaud their dedication and service to criminal justice.” […]
