Yuba County Sheriff's Department

06/13/2026

06/11/2026

𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐨 𝐆𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤; 𝐍𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝟑𝟎 𝐏𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝, 𝟏𝟐 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝
𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘𝐒𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄, 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐟.

Following a lengthy and extensive investigation, the Yuba County Sheriff's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have dismantled a significant drug trafficking network responsible for supplying co***ne to members and associates of the Norteno criminal street gang operating throughout the Yuba-Sutter region.

During the investigation, authorities identified multiple drug trafficking organizations with ties to the Sinaloa Cartel that were allegedly supplying co***ne to members and associates of the Nortento criminal street gang.

On June 9, 2026, the Yuba County Sheriff's Office and DEA launched a coordinated enforcement operation, executing multiple federal search warrants simultaneously across Yuba County and Sacramento County. The operation involved numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement personnel and marked the culmination of months of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and investigative work.

As a result of the operation, authorities seized nearly 30 pounds of co***ne, dismantled an indoor ma*****na cultivation operation containing nearly 1,000 ma*****na plants, seized five fi****ms, and arrested 12 individuals on state and federal charges.

Federal indictments were obtained for the following individuals:
• Hector Lopez-Rivas, of Sacramento
• Gonzalo Lopez, of Sacramento
• Ivan Rojas-Rincon, of Marysville
• Fredy Dominguez-Zapien, of Olivehurst
• Javier Alvarez, of Yuba City
• Henry Gomez, of Yuba City
• Jesus Vega, of Yuba City
• Julian Ayala, of Palermo
• Marcus Rubio, of Yuba City
The following individuals were arrested on state charges:
• Aaron Powar, of Yuba City
• Alexis Medina-Munoz, of Olivehurst
• Teresita Rodriguez-Aguirre, of Sacramento

Investigators believe the disruption of this trafficking network will have a significant impact on the flow of co***ne into Yuba and Sutter counties and will hinder the ability of criminal street gangs to profit from the sale of dangerous narcotics.

The success of this investigation is the direct result of strong partnerships between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Through intelligence sharing, coordinated enforcement efforts, and a shared commitment to public safety, investigators were able to identify key individuals involved in this criminal enterprise and bring them before the justice system.

While this enforcement action represents a significant victory, the Yuba County Sheriff's Office and DEA emphasize that efforts to combat gang activity and drug trafficking in the region remain ongoing. Additional arrests and enforcement actions may follow as the investigation continues.

The charges and allegations referenced in this release are accusations only. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

06/05/2026

Yuba County Sheriff’s Office Problem-Oriented Policing (POP) Team conducted a series of proactive enforcement operations throughout the month of May targeting illegal narcotics trafficking and unlawful firearm possession within Yuba County.

These cases remain part of ongoing investigations, and information released at this time is limited to protect the integrity of those efforts and any associated prosecutions.

The POP Team continues to focus on identifying and disrupting individuals involved in the distribution of dangerous controlled substances and illegal fi****ms. Through aggressive follow-up on investigative leads, proactive enforcement, and targeted operations, the team works daily to reduce the presence of narcotics and fi****ms-related violence in the community.

06/03/2026

On June 2, 2026, the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office Ma*****na Enforcement Team (METYU) served a search warrant in Camptonville, California, as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.

During the service of the warrant, investigators located and seized multiple controlled substances and other evidence of illegal drug sales and possession. Items recovered included psilocybin mushrooms, approximately seven ounces of co***ne, L*D, M**A, nearly four pounds of ketamine, thousands of ma*****na seeds, a 1911-style firearm, and approximately $14,000 in U.S. currency.
29 year old Arion Demarco of Camptonville was taken into custody at the scene without incident. Demarco was subsequently arrested and booked into the Yuba County Jail on charges related to narcotics and firearm offenses.

This investigation remains ongoing, and no further details are being released at this time.

The Yuba County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that information related to illegal drug activity can be reported anonymously.

06/01/2026

On Friday May 29, members of the Yuba County Sheriff's Office put their culinary skills to the test at the second annual California State Sheriffs’ Association BBQ Competition, joining agencies from across the state in a friendly but competitive showcase of barbecue talent.

The event, hosted at Travis Air Force Base, brought together Sheriff’s Offices from throughout California. In addition to the competition, participating teams served more than 300 members of the United States Air Force, providing a meal in appreciation of their service and dedication. Teams competed head-to-head in three categories: Chicken, Tri-tip, and Ribs. The judges for the event consisted of Former MLB slugger Barry Bonds, Former Sacramento Kings forward Harold Pressley and Travis Air Force Base Col. Nelson Prouty.

The Yuba County Sheriff’s Office team delivered standout performances across the board, earning 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐧 and ultimately being named 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 of the competition.

05/29/2026

🔥💙2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics! Today, Yuba and Sutter County law enforcement agencies came together proudly carrying the “Flame of Hope” for athletes in our community.

From deputies, officers, and support staff — this event represents unity, inclusion, and commitment to making a difference beyond the badge.

Thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and cheered on the runners throughout the community. Together, we continue carrying the Flame of Hope forward. 🔥🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️💙

05/22/2026

Last week, we had the honor of attending National Police Week in Washington, D.C.

Our Community Services Officer, Rosa Leon, was invited to accompany Marysville Police Officer Rodarte’s widow, children, and mother as Officer Rodarte’s name was added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

The week included:
• Police Unity Tour bicycle ride-in and wreath-laying ceremony
• Candlelight vigil
• Bagpipe memorial march
• Survivor speaking sessions
• Kids Camp
• National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service

It was deeply meaningful to witness a powerful tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice — and to stand alongside the families, friends, and agencies forever impacted. Thank you to the other agencies for your roles in also honoring Officer Rodarte (Lincoln Police Department & Huntington Beach Police Department)

Thank you to Officer Rodarte’s family for allowing us to walk beside you through this journey. Your resilience continues to inspire us all.

05/21/2026

Today the Sheriff’s Department congratulated their Communications Manager Rachael Nauman for her dedication and completion of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SLI) program. SLI is an intensive 8-month leadership program designed to develop law enforcement leaders. Well done, Rachael 👏