California Statewide Law Enforcement Association
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“The criminalists at California DOJ conduct forensic work that greatly assists with public safety. We are grateful to their contributions to keeping the public safe from harm.” –CSLEA President Alan Barcelona MODESTO – On February 11, 2024, the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office issued a community alert regarding seized fentanyl that criminalists at the California […]
PLACER COUNTY – On February 10, 2025, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office announced the identity of human remains found in 1990 as Wendy Abrams-Nishikai. Abrams-Nishikai was last seen on October 31st, 1989, at the age of 21. Her remains were discovered off an embankment on Yankee Jims Road in Colfax, and had remained unidentified for […]
Loma Rica man found guilty “The actions of this defendant and details presented in this trial will likely sicken, and/or haunt, all those who had to investigate, examine and/or listen to the evidence and testimony. We are grateful to those who were a part of coming to the rescue this child and protecting her from […]
“Science and technology are assisting investigators with cold cases that remained open for years. We owe a great deal of gratitude to those who work in forensic science and genealogy. This is leading to answers for families as well as investigators.” CSLEA President Alan Barcelona CALAVERAS COUNTY – On January 23, 2025, the Calaveras County […]
California DOJ Criminalists assisted with firearm and shell casing analysis “The work done by California DOJ criminalists is of great assistance to police investigations and the prosecution of suspects accused of crimes big and small. California DOJ criminalists are true partners in public safety and criminal justice. We thank them for their service to the […]
“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 […]
