Sweep Nets 15 Sex Offenders, 15 Arrests Across Sonoma County

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Sonoma County authorities say a joint operation with the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force led to more than a dozen arrests, uncovered multiple suspected sex offender registration violations, and cleared dozens of outstanding warrants across Northern California.

A regional law enforcement operation swept through Sonoma County and the East Bay last week, resulting in 15 arrests, the clearance of 25 active arrest warrants, and new cases against registered sex offenders accused of violating California's registration laws.

The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office said it partnered with the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force for a three-day countywide operation from June 23 through June 25.

The effort also included officers from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's Division of Adult Parole Operations.

According to the Sheriff's Office, the partnership allows local investigators to locate and arrest suspects wanted for crimes committed in Sonoma County, even when they have fled elsewhere in the United States or, in some cases, foreign countries.

The collaboration also helps federal, state, and local agencies monitor registered sex offenders to ensure they comply with California's registration requirements.

During the operation, investigators completed 168 compliance checks involving registered sex offenders. Deputies arrested three people during those checks.

Authorities said another nine registrants were found to be out of compliance after investigators determined they were not living at their registered addresses or otherwise failed to meet registration requirements.

Detectives assigned to the Sheriff's Office Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit are preparing arrest warrants for those nine individuals.

Investigators also arrested 12 additional suspects wanted on outstanding warrants, clearing a total of 25 active arrest warrants. Those arrests occurred in Sonoma County, the East Bay, and as far away as California's Central Valley.