The Anti-Drug Abuse Program prosecutes offenses involving commercial marijuana cultivation/distribution, and the manufacture, processing, sales, and distribution of controlled substances, typically methamphetamine; however, there have been recent increases in arrests for MDMA (ecstasy), as well as other hard drug arrests including cocaine and heroin. The ADA Prosecutor works closely with the Mendocino Major Crimes Task Force (MMCTF), a special unit of highly trained law enforcement officers dedicated primarily to the reduction of commercial drug activity in our county. Emphasis is placed upon the sentencing of those who plead guilty, with the prosecution arguing in favor of heavy prison terms for manufacturers and distributors of methamphetamine and other hard drugs. Large marijuana grows in our national forests and the manufacture/sales of controlled substances inflict immeasurable damage on Mendocino County's inhabitants and environment due to the toxic substances/chemicals and associated violent criminal acts accompanying the illegal drug trade. Anti-Drug Abuse Prosecutors work with Mendocino County Child Protective services (CPS) in a combined effort to protect drug-endangered children. Parents who make, sell, and use drugs around their children can expect to be criminally prosecuted for child endangerment. The District Attorney's Office, the MMCTF and Child Protective Services are united in a "Zero Tolerance" attitude toward adults whose irresponsible behavior with drug trafficking victimizes children.

The Consumer Fraud and Economic Crimes Division is responsible for investigating and prosecuting economic and environmental crimes including all civil and criminal violations of California's environmental protection laws and laws relating to unfair business practices. The unit consists of a Deputy District Attorney, a paralegal, and an assigned DA Investigator. Working together, this group has been sending people who commit fraud and embezzlement to prison.

Economic crimes prosecuted by this unit include major embezzlement, identity theft, counterfeiting, Internet fraud, tax crimes, welfare fraud, fiduciary elder abuse and public corruption cases. Identity theft continues to be the number one fraud issue (the unit is starting a new program to educate the public about identity theft); it is closely followed by employee embezzlement.

The District Attorney’s Office is dedicated to the prosecution of serious and violent felonies committed by gang members in our community. The Gang Division includes specially trained and highly experienced attorney and investigator who work on familiarizing themselves with the gang member’s background and prior criminal history. Gang crimes have been rising in our county and the District Attorney’s Office is dedicated in removing the most dangerous gang members from our streets.

The purpose of the juvenile court system is to provide for the protection and safety of the public and each minor under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court. The following considerations are applied in juvenile court:

• Safety & protection of the public
• Importance of redressing injuries to victims
• Best interest of the minor

Serious crimes committed by juveniles are a growing problem in Mendocino County. Violent crimes against the person, such as sexual assault, crimes where a weapon is used, or where a person is seriously injured are everyday facts of life in juvenile court. Unfortunately, these violent crimes are on the rise.

As a community, we must deal with the reality that juvenile gangs do exist in Mendocino County and gang activity has increased. Gang-related crimes are primarily physical assaults (to intimidate and retaliate against rival gang members) both at school and in the greater community. Since fiscal year 2007 through the present, several dozen juvenile wards had terms of probation ordered by the juvenile court, designed to prevent them from associating with other gang members. The social forces encouraging gang membership are widespread throughout California as evidenced by the ongoing gang problem in our larger cities as well as growing evidence of gang activities in the smaller rural communities of Mendocino County.

Juvenile crime encompasses elements of enormous tragedy as well as an opportunity to address and mitigate issues relating to juvenile criminal behavior. The juvenile court is required by law to both punish and rehabilitate. Punishment may include incarceration in Juvenile Hall or the California Youth Authority (CYA). Rehabilitation programs include: theft awareness, anger management classes, community service, supervised therapy, and education through juvenile probation department programs (Probation Alternative Counseling Education - PACE, and IMPACT) as well as out-of-home placement for minors who need more structure than their parents an provide.

The District Attorney regards crimes committed by juveniles with the utmost concern. Juvenile lawbreaking frequently involves inflicting injuries on others. Victims of serious crimes repeatedly come to court with compelling expressions of the pain and anguish these egregious offenses perpetrate. The District Attorney's Office is committed to advocating for appropriate sanctions against minors on behalf of victims. A further consideration involves the damaging effect of such crimes on parents, relatives, schools, neighborhoods and the community at large. Lesser juvenile offenses, such as skipping school, staying out late in violation of curfew and consuming alcohol or using drugs often wields a negative impact one everyone in the community as well. Juvenile crime drastically interferes with normal and positive activities that help children mature into functioning, well-adjusted, and productive adults.

Annual Report of Hate Crime Cases

• 2010 Annual Report of Hate Crime Cases