Mohave County Sheriff's Office

06/12/2026

FRAUD- KINGMAN

On May 21, 2026, Mohave County Sheriff’s Office Deputies took a report of a Fraud. The victim, who resided in the Kingman area, had befriended a person on social media approximately six months prior. During their conversations, the person had discussions with the victim about investing his money into cryptocurrencies. The victim stated that he had given this person cash money on three different occasions, totaling $113,000.00. The victim was provided with a fake phone application that showed their investment and the interest this money was supposedly accruing.

The victim would withdraw cash, photograph it, and send the photograph to the person. The person would then send the victim a photograph of a one-dollar bill, that would later be used to identify the “courier” picking up the cash. The person would then have a “courier” meet with the victim at a local business in the 3700 block of N. Stockton Hill Rd., where the “courier” would show the victim the one-dollar bill. The victim would then hand over the cash to the “courier”.

The victim later learned that this was Fraud and contacted the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office. However, the person continued to communicate with the victim. The person had requested an additional $100,000.00 in cash but had later changed it to $65,000.00.

Detectives assumed the identity of the victim and arranged for the transaction. The person had requested a photograph of the initial $100,000.00 cash. Detectives, with the help of a local bank, provided a photograph of the $100,000.00 cash. The person then changed the amount to $65,000.00 cash. An additional photograph was sent to the person and a transfer of the money to the “courier” was arranged. The person had sent a photograph of a one-dollar bill that the “courier” was supposed to provide to the victim for confirmation of the transaction.

On Friday (6/12), Mohave County Sheriff’s Office Detectives, with the assistance of the Kingman Police Department Street Crimes Unit, conducted the operation in the 3700 block of N. Stockton Hill Rd. At approximately 12:12 P.M., the “courier” arrived at the location where he was taken into custody without incident. The subject was identified as Jay Jin Xia, 40 of Hacienda Heights, California and an American citizen. Xia was found to have evidence on his person, including the phone used to communicate and the one-dollar bill that tied him to this investigation.

Xia was transported to the Mohave County Adult Detention Facility where he was booked for Fraud. Additional charges are pending further investigation into this incident. This investigation is ongoing.

06/12/2026

After 20 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Mohave County, Deputy Kenneth Whitton is hanging up the patrol uniform, but not fully stepping away from serving our community.

Over a career spanning two decades, Deputy Whitton has answered countless calls for service, mentored many employees, and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to protecting and serving others. His professionalism, integrity, and dedication have left a lasting impact on all of us.

While we congratulate him on his retirement from patrol duties, we're excited that this isn't goodbye. Kenny will be beginning a new chapter as a School Resource Officer, where he will continue making a difference by mentoring students, building positive relationships, and helping keep our kids safe.

Please join us in thanking Deputy Whitton for 20 years of service and wishing him success in his new role. We know the students and staff at his new assignment are gaining an outstanding role model and resource.

06/11/2026

UPCOMING TESTING DATE: JULY 6-7

📍 Desert. River. Mountains. One Badge. Endless Opportunities.

From the rugged backroads of the Arizona desert to the waters of the Colorado River and Lake Havasu, no two days as a Mohave County Deputy Sheriff are the same.

🚔 Patrol thousands of square miles of scenic desert terrain
🚤 Protect residents and visitors on some of the busiest waterways in the Southwest
👮 Make a difference in the communities you serve every single day

Whether you're navigating mountain trails, patrolling vast desert landscapes, or conducting enforcement on the water, Mohave County offers opportunities and experiences you won't find anywhere else.

If you're looking for a career that combines service, adventure, and purpose, we're looking for you. Apply today and start your next adventure with the Mohave County Sheriff's Office.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mohavecountyaz/jobs/5176072/deputy-sheriff?page=2&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

06/10/2026

It’s fire season, and every motorist can help prevent roadside wildfires by taking a few simple precautions:

🔥 Keep your vehicle away from dry grass and brush.
🔥 Check tires and brakes regularly to avoid failures that can cause sparks.
🔥 Dispose of ci******es properly—never toss them from a vehicle.
🔥 Secure all tow chains before every trip.
🔥 Report vehicles dragging chains by calling 911.

06/10/2026

BRING YOUR EXPERIENCE AND YOUR FUTURE TO MOHAVE COUNTY

Already AZ POST certified? The Mohave County Sheriff's Office is seeking lateral Deputy Sheriffs.

From vast desert landscapes and rural communities to busy waterways and growing cities, Mohave County offers opportunities that few agencies can match. Whether your passion is patrol, investigations, waterway enforcement, K-9, training, or leadership development, your experience can help make an immediate impact.

Why make the move?
✅ Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience
✅ Take-home vehicle and uniform allowance
✅ Public Safety Personnel Retirement Savings (PSPRS)
✅ Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
✅ Paid holidays, paid time off, and wellness programs
✅ Overtime opportunities and performance-based salary increases
✅ Advancement and training opportunities

If you're an AZ POST-certified peace officer looking for a department that values professionalism and community service, we want to hear from you.

Apply today and take the next step in your law enforcement career.

06/08/2026

Update 6/8/26 2:30pm - Raymond Smith has been located deceased. Our condolences are with his family. Please respect their privacy at this time.

06/05/2026

We would like to congratulate our newest deputies on their graduation from the Western Arizona Law Enforcement Training Academy. Deputies Derick Hale, Ryan Niederberger, and Zakee Rayford have completed their 21 week academy, where they gained knowledge in criminal and traffic law, criminal investigation, defensive tactics, and much more.

During the ceremony, Deputy Niederberger was recognized and awarded for his top academic and physical scores, and was also voted by his peers as Class Speaker. The graduates were then presented with their badges by Sheriff Doug Schuster and sworn into office by the Honorable Judge John Crombach.

We are extremely proud of our new Deputies and the commitment they have already given to our agency. Please help us congratulate them on this important milestone and welcome them to our MCSO family!

06/05/2026

Mohave County will be under a Fire Weather Watch this weekend due to an elevated fire risk. Please obey all fire restrictions and recreate responsibly.

Hot, dry, and windy conditions will result in elevated fire danger for portions of southern Nevada and northwestern Arizona over the weekend. Any fires that develop will have the potential to spread rapidly, make sure to obey all fire restrictions!

06/04/2026

Anyone who knew Sonya Langan or may have information related to her disappearance or death can contact the Bullhead City Police Department at (928) 763-9200.

BULLHEAD CITY COLD CASE HOMICIDE - VICTIM IDENTIFIED

After nearly four decades, the Bullhead City Police Department has made a significant breakthrough in an unsolved homicide investigation through the use of advanced DNA genealogy testing conducted by the DNA Doe Project.

The unidentified young woman whose remains were discovered in 1989 and known for decades as “Castleberry Kate” has now been positively identified as Sonya Alice Langan.

On May 15, 1989, a construction crew discovered skeletal remains buried in a vacant lot on Castleberry Lane in Bullhead City. Investigators believed the victim was a female between 17 and 19 years old. Evidence indicated she had been deceased for approximately two to ten years prior to the discovery. A bullet recovered from her skull confirmed the case as a homicide. Despite extensive investigative efforts over the years, the victim remained unidentified and the case went unsolved.

In 2024, the Bullhead City Police Department was approached by the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit regarding the possibility of federal grant funding for forensic genealogy testing in the case. The grant was approved, allowing evidence from the case to be submitted to the DNA Doe Project. Investigative genetic genealogists were able to develop a 99% match identifying the victim as Sonya Langan in late 2025.

Bullhead City detectives conducted follow-up investigations and contacted surviving relatives. Detectives learned that Sonya had never been formally reported missing to law enforcement. According to family members, Sonya was approximately 17-18 years old when she left home around 1982. Detectives also learned that strained family relationships and extended periods without contact among relatives were not uncommon, leading family members to believe she had voluntarily left due to unhappiness at home.

Family members fully cooperated with investigators and provided DNA samples to assist in confirming Sonya’s identity. In May 2026, Sonya Langan was positively identified as the victim in this cold case homicide investigation.

The Bullhead City Police Department extends its gratitude to the DNA Doe Project, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), SIU Investigator Lori Miller with the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, and Anthropologist Dr. Bruce Anderson with the Pima County Medical Examiner’s Office for their assistance in helping identify Sonya and advance this investigation.

This homicide case remains open and under investigation. Detectives are asking anyone who knew Sonya Langan or may have information related to her disappearance or death to contact the Bullhead City Police Department at (928) 763-9200 and ask to speak with detectives.

Family members stated Sonya dropped out of Kingman High School as a Freshman in 1979, before the family moved to Bullhead City. Family members recalled they lived near River Glen Drive in Bullhead City and Sonya worked at Burger King before she left home.

Investigators hope to provide answers and closure for Sonya’s family after all these years.

06/03/2026

REACH OUT FACILITY GRAND OPENING

Today, the Mohave County Sheriff's Office proudly hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for the new Reach Out Facility in Kingman.

Established in 2022, our Re-Entry Program was modeled after a program offered by Yavapai County. After much collaboration with Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes, the goal was created to bring a similar program to Mohave County.

Made possible through grant-funding and funds from the Opioid Settlement Agreement, the Mohave County Reach Out Facility represents an important investment in public safety and community support. The facility was created with the primary goal of reducing recidivism by providing recently jailed individuals with access to mental-health support, substance abuse treatment, and other services that can help them successfully transition back into our community.

With the new building strategically located outside the Adult Detention Facility’s release doors, the Reach Out Facility aims to break the cycle of repeated incarceration and create a direct pathway toward long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
This collaborative effort reflects our commitment to enhancing public safety through proactive solutions that benefit both individuals and the community.

We would like to extend a huge “Thank You” to Sheriff David Rhodes, Senator Hildy Angius, the Mohave County Board of Supervisors, retired County Manager Sam Elters, Concord Construction, and LGA Architecture for their participation in bringing this vision to life.

Together, we are creating opportunities for positive change and building a safer, stronger Mohave County.