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INCIDENT: Marijuana Search Warrant
INCIDENT DATE: July 25, 2024
REPORTING DEPUTY: Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET)
CHARGES: 1- Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana
2- Unlawful Appropriation of Water
DETAILS: On July 25, 2024, the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) with the assistance of Josephine County Public Health & Building Safety, executed a search warrant in the 3000 Block of Southside Road, Grants Pass, regarding an illegal marijuana grow site.
During the execution of the warrant, over 700 marijuana plants were seized and destroyed.
The property also had multiple water and solid waste code violations. These violations could result in the criminal forfeiture of the property.
The primary suspect was not at the location during the search. They will be charged with Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana and Unlawful Appropriation of Water if located.
At the time of this press release the investigation is ongoing and no further details are being released.
RELEASE DATE: July 19, 2024
INCIDENT: Marijuana Search Warrant
REPORTING DEPUTY: Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET)
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JULY 17, 2024 - GREENVIEW RD, CAVE JUNCTION
ARRESTED: Alvaro Rodriguez-De La Paz, 28 years-old
Julio Rodriguez-Cardinas, 48 years-old
CHARGES: 1- Unlawful Possession of Marijuana
2- Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana
DETAILS: On July 17, 2024, the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) executed a search warrant in the 800 Block of Greenview Road, Cave Junction, regarding an illegal marijuana grow site. The search warrant was executed with the assistance of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Josephine County Public Health & Building Safety.
During the execution of the warrant, over 3,100 marijuana plants and approximately 2,000 pounds of processed marijuana were seized and destroyed. Additionally, a large amount of cash and 3 firearms were seized on scene.
The property also had multiple electrical, water, and solid waste code violations. These violations could result in the criminal forfeiture of the property.
Alvaro Rodriguez-De La Paz and Julio Rodriguez Cardenas were both taken into custody and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana and Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana.
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JULY 18, 2024 - CLEAR CREEK RD AND PINE TREE WAY, SELMA
INCIDENT DATE: July 18, 2024
ARRESTED: Rainy Jeanne Gauvain, 51 years-old
CHARGES: 1- Unlawful Possession of Marijuana
2- Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana
DETAILS: On July 18, 2024, the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) with the assistance of Josephine County Public Health & Building Safety, executed a search warrant in the 300 Block of Clear Creek Road, Selma, regarding an illegal marijuana grow site.
During the execution of the warrant, over 1,400 marijuana plants were seized and destroyed. Additionally, a large amount of cash and 2 firearms were seized on scene.
The property also had multiple electrical, water, and solid waste code violations. These violations could result in the criminal forfeiture of the property.
While investigators were on scene, they discovered a second illegal marijuana grow site nearby on Pine Tree Way. Detectives subsequently wrote and executed another search warrant, yielding over 590 marijuana plants that were seized and destroyed. The responsible party is known at this time and charges will be referred to the District Attorney’s Office.
Rainy Jeanne Gauvain was taken into custody and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana and Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana.
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At the time of this press release the investigations are ongoing and no further details are being released.
Feel Good Stories from the Front Line:
It’s not too often that we get to share stories with a happy ending, but it brightens all of our days when they do happen. This week was no exception!
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The first part of the week, we were notified of a stranded hiker in the Rogue Wilderness area after the heat got to them. Their hiking partner continued on the trail, after leaving them food and water, and was able to call for help. Two of our deputies set out very early that next morning to hike 6 miles in to assist the hiker, where they found him alive and well but too exhausted to hike themselves out. Due to the remoteness of the location, an extraction plan was needed. The U.S. Coast Guard was contacted through Oregon Search and Rescue and they were able to get near the location and fly the individual to safety. They were unable to carry our deputies, so they were forced to hike back out in the over 100-degree weather while encountering several rattlesnakes along the trail.
As a side note, the hiker was very experienced, but at the end of the day, the extreme heat got to him. In fact, it was so hot, that his expensive hiking boots were slowly disintegrating as he was hiking along the hot rocks. Please make sure you are prepared when heading out to explore our beautiful wilderness areas!
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Later that day, one of our Animal Control Officers was heading home, when he came upon a vehicle crash. He was first on scene and jumped into action to provide lifesaving efforts to the individual in the crash. They were recognized a few days later by AMR for correctly providing medical care, giving emergency responders time to arrive and take over care of the patient. They praised him in giving the patient a chance for survival in the face of serious trauma.
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Patrol Deputies have been visiting fundraiser car washes, which is always a great opportunity to chat with citizens.
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One of our Booking Clerks in the jail, Jo, celebrated her 25th anniversary working with us!
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Sheriff Daniel beat the heat this weekend by volunteering to participate in a dunk tank fundraiser. To make it even better, one of his own Deputy’s kids hit the bullseye, plunging him into the water. We don’t think he minded the quick cool off though.
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It can be a difficult time for families and friends when someone they care about gets sentenced to prison. It can also be a confusing time as far as how to handle their belongings, personal business, etc. while they are away. Our reception staff was recognized by an individual who was going through just that. They were very complimentary towards all of the assistance offered and kindness that was displayed toward them as they were trying to navigate their loved one going to prison.
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We successfully hired 5 new employees this past month! 1 Patrol Deputy, 2 Corrections Deputies, 1 Dispatcher and 1 Marine Safety Officer! We are still actively recruiting for Patrol, Corrections, and Dispatch.
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We are lucky enough to witness the amazing things our dedicated team does every single day both out in the field and behind the jail walls and we hope you enjoyed us sharing them with you.
INCIDENT: Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash – Lower Grave Creek Road
RELEASE DATE: July 10, 2024
CASE NUMBER: 24-15175
INCIDENT DATE AND TIME: July 9th, 2024, at 4:07pm
REPORTING DEPUTY: Sergeant Craig Ricker
DECEASED DRIVER: Joseph John Tracey, 60 Years Old
SINGLE INVOLVED VEHICLE: Red, 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
DETAILS: On July 9th, 2024, at 4:07pm, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a motor vehicle crash in the 4000 block of Lower Grave Creek Road. Prior to law enforcement arrival, the driver, Joseph J. Tracey, was pronounced deceased by medical personnel.
Evidence at the scene indicated the vehicle was traveling north on Lower Grave Creek Road and failed to negotiate a curve.
Next of kin have been notified.
Rural Metro Fire District, American Medical Response, Oregon State Police and Three Boys Towing assisted at the scene.
Scammers are beating the heat by staying indoors and are very busy this week!
They are posing as employees of Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and demanding payment for civil and criminal matters. We have received reports of either an Officer Perry, Lieutenant Perry, Deputy Wolf, Deputy Cody and Deputy Diaz so far. They are using a prerecorded message and instructing people to either call a number back to make payment or to take payment to various stores around the area to make a deposit in a kiosk.
It appears that they are using an auto-dialer, so it will keep calling you back. Simply block the number on your phone to stop them.
Other common variations of this scam are being told you missed jury duty, a court appearance or have a warrant and there is now a fine due immediately or you will be arrested. Often times the scammers demand that you stay on the line with them until you have arrived at the destination they have instructed you to go to.
Things to know:
*Law Enforcement never operates in this fashion!!
*It is easy for scammers to “spoof” phone numbers so your caller ID will look like it’s a legitimate number that is calling you. These spoofed numbers also make it look like a local number, where in reality they could be anywhere in the world.
*It is easy for them to obtain personal information about you online so they have just enough information about you to make is appear believable.
*It is okay to HANG UP!
*Do not give them any form of money.
*Do not meet them anywhere.
Please share this with your elderly family and friends or those who do not have regular news sources.
7/8/24 7:00pm UPDATE: Boyd has been located and is safe.
Case: 24-15042
Name: Boyd Alvin Bandy
Age: 65
Sex: Male
Race: Caucasian
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 169lbs
Hair: Grey
Eyes: Brown
Information: On July 8th, 2024, we received a report that Boyd had walked away from his residence on Barbara Drive in Grants Pass, Oregon. Boyd was last seen wearing black jeans, a black jacket, and a black T-shirt with a graphic design on the front. Boyd is believed to be in the Josephine or Jackson County area.
Please contact the Josephine County Sheriff's Office with any information.
Office: 541-474-5123
7/4/24 Update: Makena was located by Eugene Police Department last night and returned to her mother.
7/3/24 Update: There was a confirmed sighting of Makena today in Eugene, Oregon. We have since received information that she could be traveling to California with another female and male.
Case: 24-14490
Name: Makena Bessette
Age: 12
Sex: Female
Race: Caucasian
Height: 5'3"
Weight: 150lbs
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Brown
Information: Makena was last seen at her residence on East Jones Creek Rd, Grants Pass. Her mother returned home and found she had packed a bag of belongings and left sometime in the afternoon. She did not give any indication she was leaving or where she may have gone. She has friends in the Eugene area and her mother believes she may try to hitchhike there.
Please contact the Josephine County Sheriff's Office with any information.
541-474-5123
07/03/24, 11:44am: Christopher has been located.
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CASE: 24-14391
NAME: CHRISTOPHER LLOYD SIMAS
AGE: 57
SEX: MALE
RACE: CAUCASIAN
HEIGHT: 5'8"
WEIGHT: 236lbs
HAIR: BROWN
EYES: BROWN
INFORMATION: The afternoon of July 1, 2024, we received a report that Christopher was last seen on June 29th, 2024 near the intersection of Highway 199 and Caves Highway in Cave Junction. He was on foot and is thought to still be in the Cave Junction area.
Please contact the Josephine County Sheriff's Office with any information.
541-474-5123
INCIDENT: Marijuana Search Warrant
INCIDENT DATE: July 2, 2024
REPORTING DEPUTY: Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET)
CHARGES: 1- Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana
2- Unlawful Possession of Marijuana
3- Unlawful Appropriation of Water
DETAILS: On July 2, 2024, the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) with the assistance of Josephine County Public Health & Building Safety, executed a search warrant in the 1000 Block of Crooks Creek Road, Selma, regarding an illegal marijuana grow site.
During the execution of the warrant, approximately 800 marijuana plants were seized and destroyed.
The property also had multiple electrical, water, and solid waste code violations. These violations could result in the criminal forfeiture of the property.
The primary suspect was not at the location during the search. They will be charged with Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, and Unlawful Appropriation of Water if located.
At the time of this press release the investigation is ongoing and no further details are being released.