Shasta County Sheriff's Office

08/31/2026

MEDIA RELEASE
Human Trafficking Operation at Shasta Lake Nets Eight Arrests

On Friday, August 28, 2026, and continuing into the early morning hours of Sunday, August 30, 2026, Major Crimes Unit (MCU), AB109/SAFE, SINTF Detectives, and additional personnel with the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office, along with Detectives from the Redding Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), conducted an undercover human trafficking operation at Shasta Lake. It should be noted that the location of this operation was chosen by law enforcement and no marinas or businesses on the lake were involved in any illegal activity.

As part of the operation, detectives utilized a houseboat along the shoreline as an undercover meeting location. Detectives communicated online with individuals seeking to purchase s*xual acts as well as individuals advertising commercial s*xual services. The operation was designed to identify and arrest those creating the demand for commercial s*x, identify individuals profiting from the prostitution of others, and provide resources to individuals who may be vulnerable to trafficking or exploitation.

The operation resulted in the following arrests:

Billy Chapman, age 29, of Bakersfield — 69(a) PC, 647(b)(1) PC, 266h(a) PC, and 3455(a) PC. Chapman agreed online to perform s*xual acts in exchange for money and traveled to the Redding area for the arranged meeting. When detectives attempted to take Chapman into custody, he physically resisted, resulting in a struggle with detectives. During the subsequent investigation, detectives developed evidence that Chapman had also been transporting a woman to commercial-s*x appointments and financially benefiting from her prostitution activity. Chapman was also determined to be on Post Release Community Supervision.

Robert Earl Mandrell, age 58, of Shasta Lake — 647(b)(1) PC. Mandrell communicated with an undercover detective and agreed to pay money in exchange for s*xual acts before arriving at the arranged location.

Robert Tennise Logan, age 44, of Anderson — 647(b)(1) PC, 11350(a) HS, and 1320(a) PC. Logan communicated with an undercover detective and agreed to pay money in exchange for s*xual acts before arriving at the arranged location. During the investigation, detectives also located suspected Percocet that was not prescribed to Logan and determined he had an outstanding warrant.

Brandon Jennings Mendez, age 42, of Redding — 647(b)(1) PC and 11377(a) HS. Mendez communicated with an undercover detective and agreed to pay money in exchange for s*xual acts before arriving at the arranged location. Detectives subsequently located suspected methamphetamine in his possession.

David Allen Declusin, age 37, of Washington — 647(b)(1) PC. Declusin communicated with an undercover detective and agreed to pay money in exchange for s*xual acts before arriving at the arranged location.

Liam G. Mahoney, age 30, of Junction City — 647(b)(1) PC. Mahoney communicated with an undercover detective and agreed to pay money in exchange for s*xual acts before arriving at the arranged location.

Mark Anthony Hill, age 32, of Redding — 266h PC. During the operation, detectives developed evidence that Hill was assisting one of the contacted s*x providers with commercial-s*x activity financially benefiting from her prostitution activity.

Jennifer Lynn Valenzuela, age 44, of Redding — Arrested on an outstanding work-release warrant and for possession of suspected co***ne.

Detectives also contacted numerous individuals providing or advertising commercial s*xual services during the operation. Recognizing that many individuals involved in commercial s*x may have histories of exploitation, coercion, substance dependency, financial vulnerability, or trafficking, detectives offered resources and assistance to those contacted.

A significant focus of the operation was directed at those seeking to purchase s*x, commonly referred to as “johns.” The demand for commercial s*x creates a market from which traffickers and others who exploit vulnerable people can profit. Reducing that demand is an important part of disrupting the commercial-s*x market and preventing future victimization.

The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office will continue to use a combination of victim-centered outreach, enforcement against traffickers and pimps, and demand-reduction operations targeting those who purchase commercial s*x as part of its ongoing effort to combat human trafficking in Shasta County.

Anyone with information regarding suspected human trafficking or s*xual exploitation is encouraged to contact law enforcement. The National Human Trafficking Hotline can also be reached 24 hours a day at 1-888-373-7888.

Case #: SCSO26-004368
Contact: Detective Sergeant J. Duncan #212
Phone: (530)245-6135
Date: 08/31/2026

08/31/2026

Year 3 of Cops & Cones is officially in the books, and it was a smashing success! 🍦🚔
It was great to see so many people come out yesterday for ice cream, fun, and a chance for kids to interact with officers from several Shasta County law enforcement agencies.
Thank you to everyone who came out and helped make this event such a great success. We can’t wait to do it again!
See you next time!

08/29/2026

08/28/2026

Are you a current CCW permit holder? Here is an important notice for Renewal applicants:
Effective September 1, 2026, California law requires fingerprints to be provided for all concealed carry weapon renewals. Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 26185, any renewal applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, must include fingerprints captured through Live Scan.
This new requirement will increase the cost of a Renewal CCW $25.
CCW holders who expire on or before December 1, 2026, can avoid this fee increase by submitting their renewal application prior to September 1, 2026. As a reminder, completing the eight-hour renewal class is not required prior to submitting their application. The class will be necessary prior to issuance of the new permit.
Reminder, the public can apply for, renew or modify a permit at this location on our website:
https://www.shastacounty.gov/sheriff/page/ccw-information

08/28/2026

It’s hot outside, and we are hearing reports that phone scammers are turning up the heat as well!

The Sheriff’s Office has received reports over the past couple of weeks of an increase in “high-pressure” calls targeting the public, where callers fraudulently claim to be employees of the Sheriff’s Office. Some even use the names of real staff members and provide official-looking documents via text.

While scenarios can differ, a common thread is that the scammer claims the victim has a warrant for their arrest for incidents like a failure to appear for jury duty. As the call continues, they inform the victim that the warrant can be cleared by paying them. Keep in mind, scammers often have been able to gather your personal information through social media or other internet sources.

If you get a phone call or text like this, it is not legitimate. The Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement organizations will never seek payment over the phone to clear fines or other penalties. If you are concerned after getting a call like this, you can call your local law enforcement agency to report it.

08/25/2026

MEDIA RELEASE

On August 25, 2026, it was brought to Sheriff Michael L. Johnson and the Sheriff’s Office’s attention that a press conference was scheduled for today at 300 Park Marina Circle, Redding, California. Though it is not clear who is responsible for organizing the press conference, there is an announcement circulating on social media titled: Patriots are Organizing.
To eliminate any confusion on behalf of the public, Sheriff Johnson did not schedule this press conference. In reviewing the announcement, there are references regarding incidents involving the Registrar of Voters (ROV) Office, which also references “Clint,” which is being interpreted as Clint Curtis.
The announcement is calling for action regarding the following issues: a request for Sheriff Johnson to sequester alleged illegal or illegitimate ballots locked in the ROV’s office, addressing threats made to burn down the facility, and a unified call to action for attendance.
Sheriff Johnson is aware of the incidents surrounding the Elections Office. Sheriff’s Office personnel have already reached out to Mr. Curtis, who agreed to provide a statement regarding the person who allegedly mentioned damaging the facility. This is considered an active investigation; therefore, no additional information is going to be released at this time. However, as information can be released, Sheriff Johnson will ensure to disseminate that information to the public in a manner that will not compromise the investigation.
As previously mentioned, Sheriff Johnson is aware of the controversy involving the ROV and ballots. It is the Sheriff’s understanding that the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) is investigating the matter; therefore, Sheriff Johnson is urging members of the public to be patient and await the results of that investigation. At this point, launching a second investigation could complicate a process already in place.
Sheriff’s Office personnel are actively working on incidents that have occurred in our region in recent days, including a critical incident in the neighboring jurisdiction of Modoc County, where Sheriff Johnson is currently located to offer support.
In closing, Sheriff Johnson is acutely aware of the concerns surrounding the ROV Office and remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community. The Sheriff’s Office continues to actively investigate matters within its jurisdiction, respond to critical incidents, and provide support to neighboring agencies when needed. Our priority remains protecting the public, maintaining the integrity of active investigations, and providing accurate information as it becomes available.

08/25/2026

Nearly four decades passed before answers finally emerged in the 1984 murder of 18-year-old Terry Arndt near Burney.
At this year’s California Homicide Investigators Association (CHIA) annual conference, members of the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office had the opportunity to present this case to hundreds of homicide investigators, prosecutors, forensic specialists, and other professionals from across the country.
The case, which remained unsolved for more than 40 years, was reopened by SCSO investigators working closely with the District Attorney’s Office. Old leads were revisited, witnesses were re-interviewed, and evidence was reevaluated. Advances in forensic DNA technology and genetic genealogy ultimately provided investigators with the breakthrough needed to identify Roger Neil Schmidt Sr.
In 2025, investigators located Schmidt in Arizona, where he ultimately confessed to Arndt’s murder and the s*xual assault of the surviving victim. He was later sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Presenting this case at CHIA is about more than sharing investigative techniques and lessons learned. It represents the persistence required to pursue justice when decades have passed and demonstrates how evolving technology can help investigators uncover answers that once seemed out of reach.
Most importantly, it is a reminder that time does not diminish the commitment to victims and their families.
We are proud of the investigators, prosecutors, and everyone whose dedication contributed to bringing this tragic case to a successful resolution. Our deepest respect and condolences remain with the victims and their families.
Cold cases will continue to be pursued, and the search for answers will continue, no matter how much time has passed.

08/25/2026

Please join us in congratulating Deputy Plummer on receiving his first award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for his outstanding work identifying impaired drivers and helping keep our roads safer.
Deputy Plummer has been with the Sheriff’s Office since 2022, and in 2025, he made 14 DUI arrests. His dedication and proactive efforts to remove impaired drivers from our roadways have made a meaningful contribution to protecting the lives of those in the Shasta County community.
Deputy Plummer, we are proud of your hard work, dedication, and commitment to preventing impaired driving. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
Thank you for helping make our roads safer.

08/25/2026

The Sheriff’s Office is excited to have some more experience on our local waterways!
Please join us in welcoming Deputy Rhoads to our Boating Safety Unit (BSU).
A law enforcement and Army veteran, Deputy Rhoads holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and brings more than two decades of experience to the team. He began his law enforcement career with Sacramento PD before joining the Redding Police Department, where he served in a variety of roles, including K9 Officer, Park Ranger, Field Training Officer, Defensive Tactics Officer, EVOC Instructor, and Peer Support member.
We’re lucky to have Deputy Rhoads on the BSU team and look forward to the experience and dedication he’ll bring to keeping our lakes and rivers safe.
Welcome aboard, Deputy Rhoads!

08/24/2026

Please join us in congratulating Sergeant Salazar on his well-deserved promotion!
Sergeant Salazar was sworn in this morning by Sheriff Michael Johnson and is settling into his new Sergeant's stripes.
He began his law enforcement career in 2017 with the Solano County Sheriff’s Office and Dixon Police Department before joining the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office in 2022. During his time with our agency, he has served as a Jail and Patrol Deputy and Major Crimes Detective.
We’re proud of Sergeant Salazar and his dedication to serving our community.