Josephine Co. Sheriff's Office
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News Releases
Update: Located -- Missing Person: Sarah L. Palo - 09/22/23

UPDATE: Local Law Enforcement has made contact with Sarah. She is no longer considered missing.

Original Information:

***MISSING ENDANGERED PERSON – ATTEMPT TO LOCATE***

NAME: Sarah L. Palo

CASE:  23-24013

AGE: 43

SEX: Female

RACE: White

HEIGHT: 5'3"

WEIGHT: 135

HAIR: Brown

EYES: Hazel

INFORMATION: On September 19, 2023, we received a report that Sarah Palo was missing. She was last seen by family several months ago in the Cave Junction area. It is believed that she was possibly in the Medford, OR area trying to get back to Cave Junction.

Please contact the Josephine County Sheriff's Office with any information.  Please reference case 23-24013.

PHONE: 541-474-5123

Attached Media Files: Update: Palo Located
Medal of Valor Presentation
Medal of Valor Presentation
Medal of Valor Recipients (Photo) - 09/20/23

INCIDENT: Medal of Valor Recipients

FROM: Sheriff Dave Daniel 

DETAILS:

On Tuesday, September 20, 2022 Josephine County Sheriff’s Deputies and Oregon State Police responded to a call at the Manzanita Rest Area on I5, northbound.  The situation was violent and turbulent, with citizens’ lives being threatened along with the lives of responding Law Enforcement, by a male armed with a pistol and semiautomatic rifle.  The male had already shot a female twice before Law Enforcement arrived. The situation ended with an exchange of gunfire where the male succumbed to his injuries. The female received medical care on scene by Law Enforcement and survived. No other citizens or Law Enforcement were physically harmed.   

One year later, we are humbled to finally recognize the incredible professionals that I am privileged enough to work side by side with every single day.  It was my honor to present each of them with the Law Enforcement Medal of Valor on this unforgettable anniversary. 

Recipients of the Law Enforcement Medal of Valor are:

Undersheriff Travis Snyder

Sergeant Craig Ricker

Deputy Gerald Bayard

Deputy Tanner Sherrow

Deputy Chris Watson

To watch the full presentation, go to: https://youtu.be/Pis-4B_NHEY starting at minute 14. 

Attached Media Files: Medal of Valor Presentation
Press Release
Press Release
Marijuana Search Warrants 09/11/23 (Photo) - 09/12/23

INCIDENT DATE: September 11, 2023

REPORTING DEPUTY: Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET)

CHARGES: 1- Unlawful Possession of Marijuana

                   2- Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana

                   3- Unlawful Appropriation of Water                                 

DETAILS:

On September 11, 2023, the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) executed search warrants in the 600 and 900 Blocks of Garner Road, Cave Junction, regarding illegal marijuana grow sites. The search warrants were executed with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Josephine County Public Health & Building Safety.

During the execution of the warrants, over 3,300 marijuana plants were seized and destroyed.

The properties also had multiple electrical, water, and solid waste code violations. These violations could result in the criminal forfeiture of the properties. 

The primary suspect was not at the location during either search. They will be charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, 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.

 

Press Release
Press Release
High Visibility DUII Enforcement (Photo) - 09/11/23

INCIDENT DATE: August 19, 2023 – September 4, 2023

REPORTING DEPUTY: Undersheriff Snyder                

DETAILS:

The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office along with Oregon State Police participated in a high visibility DUII Enforcement during the last two weeks of August. The enforcement is funded from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  Events like this allow Law Enforcement to educate drivers and keep impaired drivers off of the road.  We encourage citizens who witness impaired driving to call 911 immediately.

Arrests/Citations/Warnings

DUII – 4

Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device – 2

Failure to Maintain Lane – 14

Failure to Signal – 3

Reckless Driving – 1

Careless Driving -1

Speeding – 91 

Seatbelt Safety – 2

Distracted Driving – 2

Other Stops - 84

Press Release
Press Release
Marijuana Search Warrant 09/07/23 (Photo) - 09/08/23

INCIDENT DATE: September 7, 2023

REPORTING DEPUTY: Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET)

CHARGES: 1- Unlawful Possession of Marijuana

                   2- Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana

                   3- Unlawful Appropriation of Water                

                 

DETAILS:

On September 7, 2023, the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) with the assistance of Josephine County Public Health & Building Safety, executed a search warrant in the 5000 Block of Rockydale Road, Cave Junction, regarding an illegal marijuana grow site.

During the execution of the warrant, over 2,400 marijuana starter plants were seized and destroyed.

The property also had multiple electrical and water 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 Possession of Marijuana, Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana, and Unlawful Appropriation of Water when located.

At the time of this press release the investigation is ongoing and no further details are being released.

 

Press Release
Press Release
Marijuana Search Warrant 09/06/23 (Photo) - 09/07/23

INCIDENT DATE: September 6, 2023

REPORTING DEPUTY: Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET)

ARRESTED: Devin Aymond, 42 years-old

CHARGES: 1- Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana

                   2- Unlawful Possession of Marijuana

                   3- Unlawful Appropriation of Water

                   

DETAILS:

On September 6, 2023, the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) with the assistance of Josephine County Public Health & Building Safety, executed a search warrant in 10000 Block of Artlin Road, Grants Pass, regarding an illegal marijuana grow site.

During the execution of the warrant, over 70 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. 

Devin Aymond was taken into custody and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, and Unlawful Appropriation of Water.

At the time of this press release the investigation is ongoing and no further details are being released.

Attached Media Files: Press Release , Artlin Rd SW , Processed , Plants 2 , Plants
Water Truck
Water Truck
JMET Search Warrant: Old Highway 199 (Photo) - 09/05/23

Release Date:  September 5, 2023
 

INCIDENT: Marijuana Search Warrant

INCIDENT DATE: August 31, 2023

REPORTING DEPUTY: Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET)

CHARGES: 1- Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana

                   2- Unlawful Appropriation of Water

DETAILS: In the evening hours of August 31, 2023, the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) with the assistance of Josephine County Public Health & Building Safety, executed a search warrant in the 20000 Block of Old Highway 199, Cave Junction, regarding an illegal marijuana grow site.

During the execution of the warrant, over 4,100 marijuana plants were seized and destroyed. Additionally, a water truck delivering water to the marijuana grow was seized. JMET received several complaints regarding this water truck and its activity with illegal marijuana grows and disruption to the community. The water truck is believed to have been involved with numerous other illegal marijuana grows in the county. 

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 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.

READY, SET, GO!
READY, SET, GO!
Smith River Fire Complex Evacuation Update (Photo) - 09/02/23

SMITH RIVER FIRE COMPLEX EVACUATION UPDATE:

All previous areas that were a Level 3 "GO NOW" have been reduced to a Level 2 "BE SET" in Josephine County including Highway 199 in O'Brien, south to the CA border. All other evacuation levels remain the same at this time.

For evacuation resources, information, access the interactive fire map and to sign up or to update your information for Citizen Alerts please go to www.rvem.org

Attached Media Files: READY, SET, GO!
Press Release
Press Release
Marijuana Search Warrants 08/29/23-08/31/23 (Photo) - 09/01/23

INCIDENT: Marijuana Search Warrants

INCIDENT DATE: August 29-31, 2023

REPORTING DEPUTY: Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET)

ARRESTED: Sou Chio Saechao, 55 years-old

                    Mey Chong Saephan, 56 years-old

                    Sage Moore, 24 years-old

                    Charles Thoman, 35 years-old

CHARGES: 1- Unlawful Possession of Marijuana

                   2- Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana

                   3- Unlawful Appropriation of Water

DETAILS:

Between August 29-31, 2023, the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) executed seven search warrants regarding illegal marijuana grow sites. The warrants were executed in the 3000 Block of Walnut Avenue, Grants Pass, the 600 Block of Naue Way, Cave Junction, the 400 and 600 Block of San Francisco Street, Grants Pass, the 300 Block of Mary Harris Way, Grants Pass, and the 100 Block of Barron Circle, Cave Junction.

During the execution of the warrants, more than 5,700 marijuana plants and over 1,000 pounds of processed marijuana were seized and destroyed. Additionally, 14 firearms and over $50,000 were seized from all the properties collectively.

All the properties had multiple water and/or solid waste code violations. These violations could result in the criminal forfeiture of the property. While authorities were investigating code violations, one of the marijuana grows was found to be using human feces from the properties septic tank to fertilize the plants.

Sou Chio Saecaho and Mey Chong Saephan were lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana and Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana. Sage Moore and Charles Thoman were lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana, and Unlawful Appropriation of Water.

At the time of this press release the investigations are ongoing and no further details are being released.

Attached Media Files: Press Release , Plants , Plants 3 , Plants 2 , Plants 1 , Aerial
Labor Day Boat Races
Labor Day Boat Races
Rogue River Closure (Photo) - 09/01/23

TO: Waterway Users

FROM: Josephine County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol

DATES:  September 2 & 3, 2023

RE: Water use regulations and race event schedule during the Labor Day Hydroplane Races              

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

During the Labor Day Hydroplane Races, the Rogue River will be closed in designated areas and during designated times (refer to the schedule below).  All spectators will remain off the water until the races are over.  All spectators will remain 50 feet from the waterway at all times.

Movement on the water is restricted to Law Enforcement, Rescue Personnel and Authorized Race Officials during the closures.  Private boats are not allowed to assist with crashes or rescue operations for safety purposes.

Boats can be anchored on the shoreline if it is deemed safe by Race Official and Law Enforcement. All users shall be OFF the water and in an approved area 1 hour prior to the start of the race.  Any unauthorized boats on the water during the closure may be cited for Reckless and Unsafe Operation (ORS 830.315 & 305) and are subject to a $440 fine.  Law Enforcement will be patrolling the waterways during race events. 

RIVER CLOSURES: 

CLOSED: SATURDAY 9/2/23 9:00AM – 2:00PM FROM FINLEY BEND TO FERRY HOLE

CLOSED: SUNDAY 9/3/23 12:00PM – 3:00PM FROM BAKER PARK TO GRIFFIN PARK

Attached Media Files: Labor Day Boat Races