SLO County Sheriff

From patrol to play 🏀💙 Deputy Martinez and the Pleasant Valley School kids getting a quick game in, can’t beat it!

POV: you’re a shelter dog named Canela and you get to leave Animal Services for something special 🐾 Through a partnership between the Sheriff’s Office and Animal Services, you spend the day meeting a whole new group of people, offering comfort, getting love, and making a lot of new best friends along the way. For a little while, you’re not just a shelter dog… you’re someone’s reason to smile. Then it’s time to head back, but your tail is still wagging, and your heart (and theirs) is a little fuller 💛 Meet Canela 🐶 Pit Bull Terrier ✨ Spayed female, 10 years old 24petconnect.com/SLOCAdopt/Deta… Ready to make her your forever best friend.

Found: Band Style Ring 💍🔍 If you believe this ring might be yours, please contact the Sheriff’s Property Office to identify it. 📞 Call us at 805-781-4533. Help us reunite this ring with its rightful owner. Share this post to spread the word!

The next generation of deputies is ready. Last night, we celebrated the graduation of two of our cadets from the Ventura County Criminal Justice Training Center POST Academy, held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Please join us in congratulating Deputy Farfan and Deputy Wilbanks, along with the entire Class 2025-2. We’re proud to welcome them to our team as they officially make the transition from cadet to deputy and begin their service to our community. #SLOSheriff #Deputy #LawEnforcement #Class20252

The Sheriff’s Office has issued a press release regarding a drowning at Lopez Lake. On 3-22-26 at approximately 4:20 PM, Sheriff’s Dispatch received a 9-1-1 call reporting a man drowning at Lopez Lake. Deputies responded to assist CAL FIRE, along with other emergency responders, and began a coordinated search of the area. The Sheriff’s Office later assumed the investigation. Reporting parties stated the 25-year-old had been swimming when he became distressed and appeared to be drowning before going underwater. He was not wearing a life preserver. Family members attempted to locate him but were unsuccessful. The individual has been identified as Sergio MendiolaGarcia, 25, of Santa Maria. Due to limited visibility, the search was suspended shortly after 8:00 PM on 3-22-26. The search resumed the morning of 3-23-26 and was conducted by the Sheriff’s Office Underwater Search and Recovery (Dive Team) and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Team. At approximately 11:52 AM on 3-23-26, Sergio was located underwater by divers from the Sheriff’s Office Dive Team. Next of kin has been notified. This is a tragic loss, and our thoughts are with Sergio’s family and friends. slosheriff.org/article/?id=ea…

Last night, we received a 9-1-1 call reporting a possible drowning involving an adult male at Lake Lopez. Emergency crews responded immediately, however, he was not located. Our Unmanned Aerial Systems (Drone Team) and Underwater Search and Recovery (Dive Team) have been actively searching since early this morning. Our dive team is currently in the water conducting search operations, and efforts are ongoing. We will provide updates as more information becomes available. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.

Our Digital Forensics Unit uncovers the evidence hidden in digital devices, helping investigations across San Luis Obispo County. In 2025, they examined 241 devices including phones, tablets, and computers, providing critical evidence for cases ranging from narcotics and violent crimes to coroner investigations, child sexual abuse material, homicides, and more. #SLOSheriff #DigitalForensics #CyberForensicLab

140 feet of connection. Our new communications tower keeps first responders linked and our community safe. 📡 #SLOSheriff #PublicSafety

The Sheriff's Office is issuing a release regarding an asphalt paving scam alert. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a recent increase in asphalt paving scams reported in the area. Deputies have responded to calls for service related to these scams in Huasna Township in January and again last week in Nipomo. These incidents involve individuals posing as contractors who approach homeowners offering discounted driveway paving services. Each time, after the work was done, the scammers demanded much more money than what was verbally agreed upon with the homeowner. Sometimes the price was inflated two, three, even ten times more than the agreed upon cost, with the hopes the homeowner would "settle" for a higher price. Asphalt paving scams typically involve traveling sales crews who claim they have “leftover” materials from a nearby job and can complete work quickly at a reduced price. In reality, these materials are rarely leftover, and the work performed is often substandard. Victims frequently report that the asphalt applied is too thin, improperly installed, or of inferior quality, resulting in driveways that begin to crack and deteriorate shortly after completion. In many cases, these suspects go door-to-door, use high-pressure tactics to rush homeowners into making immediate decisions, and insist on cash-only payments. Once the work is completed, or sometimes before, it becomes difficult to locate the individuals, leaving homeowners with costly repairs and little recourse. Common Asphalt Paving Scam Tactics Include: Claiming to have “leftover” asphalt from a nearby job and offering a discounted price Traveling from out of the area and leaving before issues with the work become apparent Demanding cash-only payments to avoid detection Using high-pressure sales tactics to secure immediate agreement Performing poor-quality work, such as applying a very thin layer of asphalt or using improper materials Increasing the price significantly after the job has already begun How to Protect Yourself: Do not accept unsolicited, door-to-door offers for paving services Verify the contractor’s license and insurance through the California Contractors State License Board or the Better Business Bureau Obtain at least three written estimates from reputable, local companies Require a written contract that includes the company’s name, address, phone number, license number, and a detailed scope of work Avoid paying in cash. Use a check or credit card to ensure a record of the transaction

5,835 volunteer hours last year. 50+ volunteers. Countless lives touched. Our Search and Rescue team keeps San Luis Obispo County safe every day. 🚨💪 #SLOSheriff #SearchAndRescue #Volunteer #SAR

When the stakes are highest, preparation matters. Our Special Enforcement Detail operators complete 200+ hours of training each year to be ready for the most dangerous situations. #SLOSheriff #SED #SWAT #Training

The Sheriff's Office has issued a press release regarding an inmate death. On 3-14-26, as medication was being dispensed to incarcerated persons at the County Jail, jail and health staff recognized an incarcerated person was in medical distress. Custody and nursing staff immediately attempted to render medical aid and CPR until paramedics arrived. The inmate, identified as 48-year-old Trenidad Castilleja of San Luis Obispo, remained unresponsive and was pronounced deceased by paramedics at approximately 8:59 PM. Castilleja was arrested by the San Luis Obispo Police Department on 12-18-2024 and had been in custody on three separate cases. Two cases had been resolved, and he was pending sentencing on the third at the time of his death. Castilleja had a long history of being booked into the jail with more than 24 such occurrences since 1998. A cause of death is unknown until an autopsy can be performed. No foul play is suspected. Next of kin has been notified. No further information is available at this time.

The 2018 murder investigation of Nancy Woodrum in rural Paso Robles is getting nationwide attention. ABC News 20/20 recently spent time talking with Sheriff Parkinson, Detective Clint Cole, and retired Forensic Specialist Jeanine West, along with family members and friends about the case. ABC News Correspondent Whit Johnson delves into the investigation which started as a missing person case and then became a major whodunit. Cutting-edge technology and the determination of detectives helped solve this case and bring justice to Nancy's family. The episode "The Vanishing of Nancy Woodrum" airs tonight at 9:00 PM on ABC TV.

Today we held our Annual Awards Ceremony, recognizing the members of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office for outstanding service and actions that took place in 2025. Our 2025 Employees of the Year were Correctional Deputy Joel Avila (Custody), Dispatcher III Clayton Cullen (Civilian), and Deputy Jacob Gersh (Patrol). Each was recognized for exceptional dedication, leadership, and commitment to serving both their colleagues and the community. Deputy Bryan Martinez Guzman was awarded the Medal of Valor for his courageous actions during a shooting incident near Templeton High School, where he confronted and subdued an armed suspect who had fired at deputies. Life Saving Medals were awarded to Correctional Deputies Misael Quintanar-Franco, Kobe Mohler, and Domonic Ponce, as well as Deputies Diego Segovia, Nicholas Curley, and Nicholas Chapman. Each acted quickly during critical emergencies, performing CPR, preventing a suicide attempt, or assisting individuals experiencing life-threatening medical events. Detectives Spencer Garrett and Jacob Gersh received Meritorious Service Medals for their work on a complex missing person investigation that ultimately led to the recovery of the victim and the arrest of two suspects in a homicide case. Software Engineer Tanisha Basrai received a Distinguished Service Award for her exceptional work supporting the Sheriff’s Office IT team and the success of the CalAIM initiative, developing innovative systems that improved operations and saved the County significant resources. Senior Deputies Tyler Hammon, Jared Hamman, Jerrod Place, Mitchell Fessler, Dennis Coffee, and Deputies Nicholas Jones, Joshua McClenathen, Dillon Little, and Matthew Shields received Distinguished Service Medals for their coordinated and professional response during the Templeton shooting incident. We also recognized members of our team for their years of service. Volunteer milestones included David Running (10 years), John Hofstra (25 years), Jason Waddell (30 years), Jens Hansen and Mark Calcagno (40 years), and Steven Frank (45 years). Staff service awards were presented to Henry Jenkins, Tyler Hammon, and Amanda Guillory (5 years), and Shawna Schaffer and Rebecca Waddell (25 years). We are grateful for the dedication, professionalism, and commitment shown by all of the members recognized today, and proud to serve alongside them. #SLOSheriff #EmployeeOfTheYear #LifeSaving #Valor #Volunteers

Today we recognize the women who serve our community with professionalism, compassion, and dedication. On International Women's Day, we celebrate the women of the Sheriff’s Office and the many women throughout our community who make a difference every day. From deputies and correctional deputies to dispatchers, professional staff, and volunteers, women play an essential role in the work we do. We’re grateful for the women pictured here, and the many others across our agency and community whose dedication helps keep San Luis Obispo County strong. #InternationalWomensDay #SLOSheriff #WILE

Service with a view tonight. 🌅🚓 #LOVR #Sunset #SLOSheriff

The Sheriff's Office has issue a press release regarding an arrest for possession of child sexual abuse material. On 2-17-26, the Sheriff's Office responded to a report of suspected child sexual abuse material. During the course of the investigation, the suspect was identified as 46-year-old Michael Schmidt of Oceano. Sheriff's Detectives learned Schmidt was employed by the San Luis Obispo County Health Department, assigned to their Information Technology Department. On the morning of 3-5-26, Sheriff's Office Detectives, along with the Fresno County Internet Crimes Against Children Task force (ICAC) served a search warrant at the residence of Schmidt in Oceano. Schmidt was taken into custody, without incident, for possession of child sexual abuse material. During the investigation, investigators discovered Schmidt was also a local cub scout leader in the Five Cities area. Anyone with additional information can contact the Sheriff's Office Detective Division at (805)781-4500 or Crimestoppers at (805)549-7867. slosheriff.org/article/?id=4e…

Today we visited our recruits at the Basic Law Enforcement Academy at @HancockCollege as they head into week 8 and they are crushing it. Every recruit passed their first comprehensive written exam. Hard work paying off! Proud of this group and excited to see what’s next. If you want to get paid to become a deputy, now is your chance. We are hiring and ready to send more cadets to the academy. Apply now: governmentjobs.com/careers/slocou… 🚔💪 #SLOSheriff #Deputy #NowHiring

💣 In 2025, our Bomb Task Force responded to 40 explosive/bomb-related calls for service across the county. When high-risk situations arise, this team answers. What makes it even more impressive? Every member serves full-time in other assignments throughout the county, and comes together as a specialized unit when called. Grateful for the training, teamwork, and dedication behind the scenes that keep our community safe. #BTF #BombSquad #SLOSheriff