Nevada County District Attorney's Office

10/30/2026

𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊 𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐃𝐄

Nevada City, Calif. — The Nevada County District Attorney's Office is filing petitions against four juveniles in connection with the November 7, 2025 homicide at Condon Park. The petitions include allegations of murder, robbery and carjacking.

We know this case has weighed heavily on our community. From the start, residents have wanted answers and assurance that those responsible would be held accountable. We want to recognize the Grass Valley Police Department and every investigator, officer, and partner agency whose persistent, thorough work led to these filings.

Unlike adult criminal cases, juvenile proceedings are subject to strict confidentiality laws that significantly limit what prosecutors may share publicly. Because these matters are proceeding in juvenile court, our office cannot release the names of the minors, details of the evidence, or other case-specific information at this time. These limits are set by law and apply in every juvenile case, no matter how serious.

California law prohibits prosecuting anyone under 16 at the time of the offense as an adult, with some narrow exceptions. Juveniles who were 16 or 17 at the time of the alleged offense may be considered for adult prosecution only through a judicial transfer hearing, where a judge makes that decision.

Our office remains committed to accountability under the law, supporting victims and their families, and protecting public safety while complying with the legal requirements that govern juvenile cases.

10/23/2026

𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: 𝗝𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺 𝗙𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗲𝘅𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱

NEVADA CITY, CA — On Thursday, October 21, 2026, a Nevada County Superior Court jury found William Ferris guilty on both counts as charged. The first count was oral copulation of a child 10 years of age or younger (Penal Code § 288.7(b)). The second was a lewd and lascivious act upon a child under the age of 14 (Penal Code § 288(a)). The verdicts came after a three-week jury trial and the jury's deliberations.

District Attorney Jesse Wilson prosecuted the case, with assistance from Deputy District Attorney Patrick Beauchamp. The Nevada County Sheriff's Office investigated the case, led by Sergeant Richie Osborne.

"Society has no place for individuals who prey on our most vulnerable population, and the law reflects that," said District Attorney Wilson. "We will be seeking punishment to the fullest extent of the law in this case. Our hearts are with the victim and the victim's family, and we hope today's verdict brings them a measure of closure as they continue to heal."

The District Attorney's Office sincerely thanks the members of the jury for their service. They reviewed the evidence carefully and with dedication throughout a lengthy trial and deliberations. The office also thanks its law enforcement partners at the Nevada County Sheriff's Office, and Sergeant Osborne in particular, and the Department of Justice, Bureau of Forensic Services.

Ferris faces a maximum sentence of 23 years to LIFE in state prison. That is 15 years to life on the § 288.7(b) count, plus a consecutive upper term of 8 years on the § 288(a) count. He will also be required to register as a s*x offender for life. A sentencing date is expected to be set soon.

In the interest of privacy, no further details about the victim will be released.

10/22/2026

10/12/2026

Join us October 27th, at 5:30pm for a presentation on Scam & Fraud Prevention.

The Nevada County District Attorney's Office and Grass Valley Police Department are partnering for this 2 hour class at ANEW DAY in Nevada City. Space is limited, so register now to reserve your spot! Please click the link below for more information and register.

Learn how to protect yourself and loved ones from financial abuse in a digital world.

09/15/2026

𝗡𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗱𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆'𝘀 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗲𝘇𝘇𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶-𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Nevada City, CA - Nevada County District Attorney Jesse Wilson announced today that felony charges have been filed against Miranda Brown for embezzlement, following an extensive investigation by the District Attorney’s Office which started back in 2025.

Embezzlement, as defined under California law, occurs when a person who has been lawfully entrusted with property or funds, often due to a position of trust, employment, or leadership role, unlawfully converts that property to their own use. Unlike theft, which involves taking something without permission in the first place, embezzlement involves a betrayal of trust already given.

According to the evidence gathered during this investigation, Brown served as the President of the Water Otters swim program in Lake Wildwood for many years. Between the years of 2022 and 2025, the evidence indicates that Brown systematically diverted program funds for personal use, resulting in losses believed to total many thousands of dollars during each of the years alleged. The District Attorney's Office's investigation into the full scope of the financial loss is ongoing, and the office is committed to determining the most accurate and complete accounting possible as the case proceeds.

As with all criminal charges, Brown is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

We encourage anyone with information related to this case to contact our office at [email protected] and speak with an investigator.

𝘼 𝙈𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮

This case is a reminder of something every small community depends on, the trust we place in the people who lead our local organizations. Community groups, service organizations, youth programs, and similar nonprofits are often run by volunteers and staff who dedicate enormous time and energy, and the residents and families who support them do so in good faith.

Whether an organization is large or small, public or private, volunteer run or professionally staffed, that trust needs to be matched with real financial safeguards; regular audits, dual authorization on accounts, transparent recordkeeping, and clear oversight by a board or governing body. These aren't signs of distrust in the people running these organizations, they are basic protections for the funds that hardworking community members contribute.

The District Attorney's Office encourages every local organization that manages community funds or donations to review their financial controls and ensure the people and resources our community relies on are properly protected.

09/01/2026

Case Update: People v. Andrew Gall - CR0006968

On Friday August 28th, the Court issued its ruling following a preliminary hearing in the case of Andrew Gall, arising from the February 2025 death of Shondra Zimmerman.

After hearing approximately three hours of testimony regarding the investigation, the Court found sufficient evidence to establish probable cause and ordered the defendant held to answer on the alleged charge of furnishing a controlled substance and the allegation that great bodily injury or death resulted from the alleged conduct; Health and Safety Code section 11352(a) and Penal Code section 12022.7(a).

The Court found the evidence presented at the preliminary hearing, including circumstantial evidence, sufficient for the case to proceed. A preliminary hearing is a probable-cause proceeding and is not a determination of guilt.

Mr. Gall has not been convicted of the charged offenses and is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

He is scheduled to be arraigned on the Information in Department 4 on September 28, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. The Information is expected to include the charges for which the defendant was held to answer, along with allegations concerning prior convictions and other alleged aggravating factors.

Mr. Gall faces a separate felony evasion charge, Vehicle Code section 2800.2(a), arising from an incident on February 20, 2025. That case, CR0005744, is also post preliminary hearing.

The Nevada County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the seriousness of the allegations involving fentanyl and the tragic loss of life in this case. The Office will continue to pursue fentanyl-related prosecutions when the evidence supports the filing and prosecution of criminal charges.

08/28/2026

CASE UPDATE – PEOPLE V. ANTHONY STEWART

On July 29, 2023, a shooting occurred in the North San Juan area that resulted in the death of Daniel Joseph Leidel. The Nevada County Sheriff's Office conducted an investigation into the incident, and homicide charges were subsequently filed against Anthony Stewart.

On August 27, 2026, following a weeks-long jury trial, a Nevada County jury found the defendant not guilty of homicide, concluding that the evidence did not establish beyond a reasonable doubt that the shooting was unlawful.

While we are disappointed by the verdict, we respect the jury’s decision and its important role in our criminal justice system. We thank the jurors for their thoughtful deliberation and for the time, care, and attention they devoted to this matter.

The case was prosecuted by Supervising Deputy District Attorney Casey Ayer. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Nevada County Sheriff's Office for its thorough investigation, hard work, and diligence throughout this case.

Finally, our thoughts and deepest condolences remain with Mr. Leidel’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.

08/24/2026

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENDER SENTENCED

On August 18, 2026, the Honorable Judge Yvette Durant sentenced Devin Smith to 180 days in custody and four years on formal probation, with domestic violence terms pursuant to Penal Code section 1203.097, to include a 52 week batterer's treatment program. In addition, Smith is ordered to complete 20 hours of community service. A five year criminal protective order was issued, mandating peaceful contact with the victim in the matter.

The sentencing comes after a two-week trial in the Superior Court in Truckee that concluded on July 10, 2026. The jury found the defendant guilty of Causing Injury to a Dating Partner, in violation of Penal Code section 273.5, and Interference with a Wireless Communication Device, in violation of Penal Code section 591.5.


The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Ashlyn Clark and investigated by Nevada County Sheriff's Office

08/18/2026

Strengthening Families, Supporting Survivors

In March 2026, we opened the Family Justice Center, creating a single, safe location where survivors of domestic violence, s*xual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, and human trafficking can access coordinated support.

We’re sharing a video that highlights the need for the Center and the services now available to our community. As we move forward, we’re committed to continuing to expand and improve our services to better support survivors and their families.

Thank you to our partners and community members who made this possible. Together, we’re building a safer Nevada County.

07/29/2026

National Night Out 2026 is almost here!! Next Tuesday, we’ll be partnering with our local first responders and community organizations to bring safe family fun to Pioneer Park in Nevada City and hope you will join us. We’ll be handing out lots of free goods and the color run is always a huge hit. We hope to see you there!