Merced County District Attorney

08/28/2026

08/26/2026

Today is National Dog Day. On June 17, our facility support dog, Parker, was sworn in to serve with our Victim Witness team. From his first day, Parker has helped comfort victims and witnesses, including children during some of the hardest moments they face.

We’re grateful for the work he and his handler do every day.

08/17/2026

NOW HIRING

The Merced County District Attorney’s Office is looking for an Extra Help Post Bar Law Clerk to join our team. This is your gateway to becoming a prosecutor in Merced County!

In this position, you will gain legal experience, work alongside prosecutors, and strengthen your legal research and writing skills. Become a part of the Merced County District Attorney’s Office where we seek truth, advocate for victims and use innovative strategies to create a safer community. Come join our team and service the community in a meaningful way.

08/14/2026

On August 13, 2026, Alejandro TorresMacias was sentenced to 12 years and 8 months to life. The defendant was found guilty on one count of first degree attempted murder, one count of first-degree burglary, and carrying a loaded handgun. Deputy District Attorney Rodrigo Aguilar and Supervising Deputy District Attorney Sara Rosenthal prosecuted the case. The Honorable Judge Monika Donabed sentenced the defendant to 7 years to life for first degree attempted murder consecutive to five years and 8 months for the remaining charges.

08/11/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Merced County District Attorney’s Office Statement on the Investigation Involving the Dog Known as “Sweetie”

Merced, CA — The Merced County District Attorney’s Office is aware of the substantial community concern about the welfare of a Husky known as Sweetie and the related investigation by the Merced Police Department.

We share the public’s concern for the welfare of animals and take allegations of animal cruelty seriously. Our office is committed to seeking justice in every case where the evidence supports it, while carefully following the law and due process.

At this time, our office has been in communication with Merced Police Department and is awaiting the complete investigative file from the Merced Police Department. Once all reports and evidence have been received, prosecutors will conduct a thorough review to determine whether charges are appropriate under California law.

The District Attorney’s Office is committed to transparency and will provide updates as the review process allows.

Anyone who has information about this matter that has not already been reported is encouraged to contact the Merced Police Department so it can be properly documented and considered.

We understand the strong feelings this situation has generated. Our commitment is to a careful, evidence based review that respects both the welfare of animals and the requirements of the justice system.

Contact: Public Relations Coordinator Moises Onsurez at [email protected], Merced County District Attorney’s Office

08/10/2026

The first day of school is almost here!

Across Merced County, families are checking off school supply lists, picking out first day outfits, and getting back into those early bedtime routines. It’s an exciting time filled with new beginnings for our children.

At the Merced County District Attorney’s Office, we believe that keeping our kids in school and engaged creates a safer community. That’s why our Here to Learn program is dedicated to improving school attendance and helping students build a strong foundation for success. Every day in the classroom is another step toward a brighter future for our children, and for our community.

Parents, what are your favorite tips or traditions for making the first day of school a success? Share them in the comments and help inspire other families as we start a new school year!

08/03/2026

Before the new school year begins, we’re excited to help students head back to class feeling confident and “Ready to Learn.”

As students prepare to head back to school, we’re proud to partner with the Milan Institute of Merced and the Merced County Office of Education through the Merced County District Attorney’s Here to Learn program to offer FREE youth and teen haircuts.

The event will be held this Saturday, August, 8, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. We hope to see you there!

07/31/2026

After 40 years in the legal profession, our Chief Deputy District Attorney Thomas Pfeiff is retiring. He is closing an extraordinary chapter of service and dedication to justice.

Thomas Pfeiff started with the Merced County District Attorney’s Office in November of 1991 and worked with our office until August of 1997. After moving to private practice, Chief Pfeiff returned to finish out his job, here at the Merced County District Attorney’s Office in May of 2019.

Throughout his career, he has prosecuted countless cases, mentored attorneys, and helped shape the pursuit of justice in our community. Chief Pfeiff stated in part, “For a lawyer, being a prosecutor is the best job. Your only job is to do the right thing every time, every day, every decision. I am proud that is what I was striving for, our team was striving for, and our office.”

Thank you for your service and your leadership. We wish you a well-deserved retirement filled with happiness, good health, and new adventures. Congratulations on an incredible career!

07/30/2026

Happy National Intern Day!

Today, we recognize and celebrate the hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm of all our interns at the Merced County District Attorney’s Office. Their contributions help support our mission of serving the community and pursuing justice every day.


National Intern Day is also a reminder that internships can be the first step toward a meaningful career in public service. One great example is Deputy District Attorney Jacob Pilkington, who once served as an intern in our office and now proudly serves the people of Merced County as a prosecutor.


We’re proud to invest in the next generation of legal professionals and grateful for the interns who choose to learn, grow, and serve alongside our team.


Happy National Intern Day to all of our interns past and present!

07/29/2026

Tomorrow is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The Merced County District Attorney’s Office stands with victims and survivors of human trafficking.

Human trafficking is a crime that exploits people through force, fraud, or coercion for labor or commercial s*x. It can happen in any community and often hides in plain sight.

Warning signs may include:

Someone who appears controlled by another person.
Individuals who are unable to come and go freely.
Signs of physical abuse, fear, or intimidation.

Report human trafficking to local law enforcement. Together, we can raise awareness, protect vulnerable members of our community, and hold traffickers accountable.