Monterey County Sheriff's Office

10/30/2026

UPDATE - PRESS RELEASE - Missing Juvenile Has Been Located -

17-year-old Rafaela Morales Blanco has been located safely. Thank you to all who assisted in helping with locating her.

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10/30/2026

Monterey County Sheriff’s Office extends our sincerest condolences to the U.S. Forest Service - Los Padres National Forest as they mourn the passing of Robert Taylor.

We express our deepest sympathies to Robert Taylor’s family, friends, and to all who served with him as we honor his legacy and remember his dedication to the forest service.

U.S. Forest Service - Los Padres National Forest

While assigned to the Plaskett Fire on the Monterey Ranger District, longtime Dozer 3 module team member Robert Taylor suffered a medical emergency last week and was hospitalized in critical condition. Robert was surrounded by family members who made the difficult decision this week to discontinue further life-supporting efforts on the advice of his doctors. Robert passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening, Oct. 27. Mr. Taylor – as he was affectionately known by his coworkers whom he referred to with the same formalities – appropriately began his US Forest Service career on Earth Day, April 20, 2003, and served on the Dozer 3 team for many fire seasons. Robert was admired by his colleagues for his eagerness to assist with any project, large or small. He was responsible for leading a dozer module that was the tip of the spear for clearing roads impacted by fires and storm damage.

“Mr. Taylor embodied the ethos of the Forest Service,” said Santa Lucia Division Chief Pete Stephenson who supervised Robert. “He was passionate about protecting natural resources and preserving these wild areas for future generations to enjoy. He was absolutely beloved by his coworkers because of his diligence and can-do attitude. He exemplified the core principles of duty, respect and integrity in all he did.”

Los Padres National Forest mourns along with the Taylor family as we honor Robert's legacy. Rest in peace, Mr. Taylor.

10/29/2026

WANTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER

The Greenfield Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Ponciano Guzman Martinez, who is wanted for attempted murder.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts should contact the Greenfield Police Department at 831-385-8311.

If you see him, DO NOT APPROACH. Call 911 immediately. You can remain anonymous.

Please refer to the attached flyer for additional information.

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SE BUSCA POR INTENTO DE HOMICIDIO

El Departamento de Policía de Greenfield solicita la ayuda de la comunidad para localizar a Ponciano Guzman Martinez, quien es buscado por intento de homicidio.

Si tiene información sobre su paradero, comuníquese con el Departamento de Policía de Greenfield al 831-385-8311.

Si lo ve, NO SE ACERQUE. Llame al 911 de inmediato. Puedes permanecer anónimo/a.

Consulte el volante adjunto para obtener más información.

from Greenfield Police Department CA

10/29/2026

10/29/2026

🎃👻 Can you guess which deputy works the graveyard shift? 💀🚔

That’s right . . . ALL OF THEM! 🌙

Wishing our community a safe and spooky Halloween from Monterey County Sheriff’s Office! 🎃🕸️



County of Monterey, California

10/29/2026

PRESS RELEASE - Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Receives $60,000 Grant to Fight Alcohol-Related Harm from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control -

Monterey County – Monterey County Sheriff’s Office announces they have been awarded a $60,000 grant from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to reduce alcohol-related harm in their community.

“This grant provides us with additional resources to address alcohol-related concerns in our communities, particularly those involving underage drinking and public safety,” said Sheriff Tina Nieto. “We appreciate the continued partnership with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and the opportunity to work together to create safer environments for our residents and businesses.”

The grant is one of nearly 50 awarded in California to local law enforcement agencies through ABC’s Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) program.

These grants strengthen local law enforcement efforts by combining theirs with ABC agents who have expertise in alcoholic beverage laws to help reduce alcohol-related harm within their community.

“Our Alcohol Policing Partnership program can improve the quality of life in neighborhoods,” said ABC Acting Director Paul Tupy. “The communities where the grant program’s resources have been invested have seen a real difference.”

The APP program was created in 1995 to strengthen partnerships between ABC and local law enforcement agencies. The program is designed to keep alcohol away from minors and prevent harm to the community.

The funds will be used to help prevent alcoholic beverage sales to minors and obviously intoxicated patrons, illegal solicitations of alcohol, and other criminal activities such as the sale and possession of illegal drugs.

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About the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control

The mission of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is to provide the highest level of service and public safety to the people of the State through licensing, education, and enforcement.

10/28/2026

PRESS RELEASE - Monterey County Jail Resumes Normal Operations -

Monterey County Jail resumed normal jail operations at 8:00 PM on Tuesday October 27th, 2026, after a brief lockdown.

There was no impact to incarcerated people scheduled to be released and all releases took place following normal protocols and schedules.

These temporary lockdown measures took place from approximately 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and were implemented out of an abundance of caution to maintain a safe environment for everyone in and around the jail facility.

Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto stated, “We continue to work with our county leaders to ensure the safety of everyone, including our incarcerated population, jail staff, law enforcement personnel, and community members who have gathered to express their concerns.”

10/28/2026

PRESS RELEASE - Monterey County Jail Has Been Placed on Lockdown -

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has placed the Monterey County Jail on lockdown.

Effective immediately, the Monterey County Jail is not accepting any new bookings, all inmate releases have been temporarily suspended, and the facility is closed to all public visitation, with the exception of attorneys visiting their clients.

These temporary measures are being implemented out of an abundance of caution to ensure everybody’s safety. Our priority remains maintaining a safe environment for everyone in and around the jail facility.

10/27/2026

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office is sharing this information just released by the Salinas Police Department

🚨 WANTED SUSPECT – MAY BE ARMED AND DANGEROUS 🚨
On October 18, a shooting occurred in the 600 block of Fremont Street, leaving a victim fighting for his life. What happened that night has forever impacted a family, and they deserve answers, accountability, and justice.
Through their investigation, Salinas Police Detectives have identified 18-year-old Ivan Anaya Melgoza as the suspect.
Ivan Mondoza is wanted for attempted murder and gang-related offenses. He is considered ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
If you know the suspect’s whereabouts or have information that could lead to his arrest, please contact:
📞 Detective Miller: 831-758-7954
📞 Anonymous Tip Line: 831-775-4222 See less

10/27/2026

PRESS RELEASE - Monterey County Sheriff’s Coroner Detectives Investigating Discovery of Human Remains -

Monterey County Sheriff’s Coroner Detectives are investigating the discovery of human remains in the Salinas Riverbed near King City. The remains were found on Friday October 23rd, 2026.

Due to the advanced state of decomposition, investigators have not yet been able to determine the identity or s*x of the decedent. A forensic examination has been scheduled in an attempt to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office at (831) 755-5111.