Kern County Sheriff's Office

08/18/2026

🚨 SCAM ALERT

Beware of phone & text message scams!

Scammers are posing as Sheriff's Office personnel, demanding payment for fake warrants, missed jury duty, or court issues. They often ask for gift cards, Bitcoin, or other electronic payments and may threaten arrest.

Some are now sending text messages claiming you owe toll road or DMV fees. These are fake. Do not click links or send payment.

NEW SCAM:
Scammers are also calling and claiming to be KSCO employees, saying you must pay for the use of ankle monitors for an incarcerated friend or family member upon their release. This is a scam. Do not send money.

Red flags:
🚩 They spoof official numbers
🚩 Demand urgent payment
🚩 Won't let you hang up
‼️ The Kern County Sheriff's Office will NEVER ask for money or payment over the phone or via text.

If the call seems suspicious, hang up.

Report scams: (661) 861-3110

08/18/2026

A lengthy narcotics investigation was concluded with the ex*****on of a search warrant that resulted in the seizure of approximately 216 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 3 gallons of methamphetamine in solution, 1 loaded firearm, 2 pounds of ma*****na, the dismantlement of a methamphetamine conversion lab in a residential home in California City and the arrest of one (1) suspect.

On August 17, 2026, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, Kern County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (KC-HIDTA) was assisted by Wardens from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (Cannabis Enforcement Program) and Task Force Officers with the Bakersfield Police Department in the ex*****on of a search warrant at a residence in the 100 block of Camp Fire Drive, California City.
KC-HIDTA lab personnel accessed the property with respect to the dangerous chemicals/ hazards present at the conversion lab, dismantled the conversion lab and notified Kern County Environmental Health. California City Code Enforcement responded, investigated the hazards present at the residence, and tagged the residence unsafe for occupying.

Juan Manuel Castro Lopez (age 54) from Sinaloa, Mexico was booked into the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, Lerdo Justice Facility for the following charges: manufacturing a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of sales, maintaining a residence/place for drug sales and possession of a loaded firearm while in possession of a controlled substance.

08/17/2026

On August 13, 2026, detectives from the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Rural Crimes Investigations Unit and deputies from the Buttonwillow and Delano substations served a search warrant in the 16000 block of Wildwood Road at Wildwood Estates, outside the city of Wasco, related to a copper wire theft investigation.

During the service of the search warrant, detectives located Ramon Araujo (age 34), Amador Fraijo Villegas (age 49), Luis Osbaldo Valdez (age 31), and Martin Fernandez (age 44) on the property. During the search, deputies located eight fi****ms, including shotguns, handguns, and an AR-15-style rifle. Detectives also located approximately six pounds of suspected methamphetamine, along with items consistent with the sale of methamphetamine.

All four subjects were arrested on various charges, including PC 29800(a) - Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm, PC 30305(a) - Prohibited Person in Possession of Ammunition, PC 487j - Grand Theft of Copper Materials, H&S 11378 - Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sale, and H&S 11370.1(a) - Possession of a Firearm While in Possession of a Controlled Substance, among other charges.

Araujo and Fraijo Villegas were also arrested on outstanding warrants.

08/15/2026

Congratulations, POST Academy 26-33!

Today, 18 new law enforcement officers celebrated a major milestone, graduating from our Regional Training Center surrounded by their families, friends, and the agencies who supported them along the way.

We couldn’t be more proud of this class and the dedication, commitment, and sacrifice they’ve shown throughout their training. We’re excited to see the difference they’ll make in the communities they serve.

Step up. Stand out. Serve. Join KCSO
Apply online KCSOjobs.org

08/14/2026

Looking to step up, stand out, and serve your community? Kern County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a Medical Transcriptionist Recruitment Event!

🗓️ Wednesday, August 19, 2026
⏰ 4:30–6:30 pm

📍 Sheriff’s Support Services
34970 McMurtrey Avenue

✅ Q&A
✅ Application assistance
✅ Learn more about this rewarding career path

Your career with KCSO starts now!

💼 Salary: $21.24–$25.39/hr

08/13/2026

08/11/2026

📞 KCSO Call Count at a Glance

July 2026

Each month we’ll share a look at the work our deputies do across Kern County. These numbers highlight the calls for service, proactive enforcement, and community contacts handled by our deputies as they serve Kern County.

08/10/2026

08/10/2026

08/07/2026

Multi-Location Enforcement Operation Conducted in East Bakersfield and Oildale
​​​​​​​
This morning, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office led a coordinated enforcement and outreach operation across multiple locations in East Bakersfield, as well as the areas of Olive Drive and Knudsen Drive. The operation focused on addressing outstanding warrants, mitigating public safety concerns, and offering services to individuals experiencing homelessness.
Deputies contacted approximately 30-40 subjects throughout the operation. The total arrest numbers were as follows:
Felony Warrants: 10
Misdemeanor Warrants: 4
Misdemeanor Open Arrests: 4
All individuals who were contacted but not arrested were offered assistance, including services from Flood Ministries or transportation to local homeless shelters. All subjects declined these services.

LOCATIONS COVERED IN THE OPERATION
Alleys and roadways on River Blvd. from Columbus St. to Bernard St.
Encampment in the dirt lot in the 600 block of Goodman St.
Alleys and roadways from Virginia St. to Mt. Vernon St. between Niles St. and Flower St.
Alleys and roadways on Niles St. from Mt. Vernon to Oswell St.
2110 Niles St. — abandoned, red‑tagged building occupied by multiple transients
Encampment on Sterling Rd., north of Niles St., dirt lot with multiple encampments
Monica St./Rosewood Ave., dirt lot with multiple encampments
Olive Dr./Knudsen Dr., area with transients loitering in business and hotel parking lots causing public nuisance issues
Following the enforcement actions, Code Compliance and deputies cleared all encampments in the listed areas. Approximately 1.5 tons of soiled trash and debris were removed as part of the cleanup effort.

The Kern County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to ensuring public safety while coordinating with community partners to offer support services to individuals in need.