Month: February 2025

Here is a list of the bookings into the Glenn County Jail, with information provided by jail personnel, and the Glenn County Sheriff’s log. Remember: Everyone accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Thursday, February 13:

No one was booked into the Glenn County Jail on this date.

Friday, February 14:

1 p.m., Andrew Philip Salino, 39, of Carson City, Nevada, was booked into the Glenn County Jail without bail on an order of production for alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge, and an out-of-county detainer. He was also held on a Yuba County warrant alleging driving without a license, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of controlled substance paraphernalia (all misdemeanors), and a Contra Costa County Superior Court warrant alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. Total bail for the warrants was set at $16,000. He was taken into custody at the Sonoma County Jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, on December 11, 2021, Deputy Thompson was dispatched to a report of a shoplifting that had just occurred at Walmart in Willows. Deputies responded to the scene and located a blue and white Ford pickup leaving the area. The vehicle matched the description provided by the reporting party. An investigative stop was conducted and deputies contacted Andrew Salino and Kimberly Winters. After investigation, both were arrested for theft, conspiracy, and possession of narcotics paraphernalia. The vehicle was towed from the scene for storage by A+ towing.

1:08 p.m., Jesus Rafael Flores-Medina, 34, of Kerman, Fresno, Calif., was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, driving while under the influence of alcohol, and driving with a license suspended for driving while under the influence, with a prior (all misdemeanors). Bail was set at $15,000. He was taken into custody at the ampm, 1399 West Wood Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy. The next morning, he was found to have a Fresno County Superior Court warrant alleging possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm (a felony). Bail for this warrant was set at $50,000.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 12:39 p.m. on February 14, 2025, Violet Coffey called to report a reckless driver travelling west on Wood Street in Willows. The vehicle was described as a black BMW. Coffey updated GCSO Dispatch that she last saw the BMW at ampm, and the driver had gone inside the store. Deputy Gonzalez was dispatched to the call, and located the black BMW parked next to the pumps at ampm. The driver was contacted after he exited ampm with a new 3-pack of Bud Light beer. The driver was ultimately arrested for allegedly driving while under the influence of alcohol, and he was booked into the Glenn County Jail. The driver was identified as Jesus Flores Medina. He was also found to allegedly be operating his vehicle while his driver’s license was suspended, and he had an out-of-county warrant that he was also booked on.

6:20 p.m., Roberto Chavez Medina, 41, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging public intoxication (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $0. He was taken into custody at 1927 County Road QQ, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 5:57 p.m. on February 14, 2025, an anonymous caller requested a welfare check on a Hispanic male who was seen lying in a rice field near a ditch on the 1900 block of County Road QQ. Deputies responded and contacted Roberto Medina-Chavez. Medina-Chavez had fashioned clumps of rice straw into the back of his shirt’s collar and his pant pockets to where he resembled a scarecrow. Medina-Chavez’s speech was rapid, his body movements were jerky and his pupils were slow to react when subjected to direct light. After an on-scene investigation, it was determined that Medina-Chavez was allegedly under the influence and was unable to care for the safety of himself or others. Medina-Chavez was ultimately arrested and booked into the Glenn County Jail, to be released when sober.

Saturday, February 15:

There were no new bookings into the Glenn County Jail on this date.

Sunday, February 16:

12:58 p.m., Anthony Brian Pippin, 65, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging public intoxication (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $0. He was taken into custody in the parking lot of the Willows McDonald’s by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 3:39 p.m. on February 15, 2025, an anonymous caller contacted the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office and requested a welfare check on a man laying on a sidewalk over the overpass on Wood Street, in Willows. Deputy Chavez was responded. Deputy Chavez contacted Anthony Pippin, who was resting on an elevated walkway. Pippin was told of the call for service and agreed to move along.

At about 12:32 p.m. on February 16, staff at McDonald’s requested a welfare check on an individual who had been asked to leave the business. Staff said the individual smelled of alcohol and was laying outside near the fire lane. Deputies responded and contacted Anthony Pippin, who was allegedly found to be intoxicated and unable to care for himself. Pippin was placed under arrest and transported to the Glenn County Jail for alleged public intoxication, to be released when sober.

Old Glory adorned the main streets of both Orland and Willows on Presidents Day, formerly known as Washington’s Birthday, earlier today. In Orland, flags flew on both sides of Walker Street from the east side of the freeway to just east of Papst Avenue, and along Fourth Street from the post office to Walker Street. In Willows, flags were flown on Wood Street from North Humboldt Avenue to Tehama Street (Highway 99).

The Observer is the only news source that reports on Glenn County on a daily basis. Not even TV’s Action News Now broadcasts Glenn County news every day. On the other hand, since November 29, 2024, The Observer has published something every single day, missing only January 15, when, through no fault of our own, the Internet went down for the day.

This ugly thing is a solifuge. Solifuges are often mistaken for so-called potato bugs. A potato bug, however, is an insect. Like all insects, potato bugs have six legs. On the other hand, a solifuge is an arachnid, like spiders, scorpions, and ticks, all of which have eight legs. The solifuge shown in the above photo was found in a residence north of Orland several years ago. It was on the floor next to this reporter’s bare toe. As those mandibles indicate, it could have delivered a nasty bite. Fortunately, solifuges aren’t venomous. They aren’t very plentiful but, obviously, they pop up every now and then in Glenn County. So keep an eye on your toes! Glenn County Observer photo by Larry Judkins.

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

A reader of The Observer recently contacted this reporter, asking if there had been any “follow-up reporting and outcome from the story in The Glenn County Observer, about the female US Forest Service officer that was involved in the DUI and motor vehicle collision on 11/4/2022 on I-5.”

First, a review is in order. As The Observer reported on November 8, 2022:

“A U.S. Forest Service officer was arrested for allegedly driving while under the influence after she collided with the rear of a tractor-trailer on Interstate 5 on Friday, Nov. 4.

“According to Officer Barone of the California Highway Patrol, at about 3:27 p.m., Chelisa Chemayne Rodriguez, 31, of Shasta Lake, was driving a 2019 Chevy Silverado south on Interstate 5, south of County Road 3, at a high rate of speed.

“The Chevy driven by Rodriguez collided with the rear of a tractor-trailer. The force of the collision caused debris to cover both lanes of traffic.

“The driver’s name and make of the tractor are not mentioned in the CHP’s news release.

“After the impact, the Chevy turned to the right and came to rest off the roadway. The Chevy sustained major damage to its front end.

“Southbound I-5 was reduced to one lane of traffic for about 90 minutes.

“According to the CHP Traffic website, at 3:43 p.m., responders were warned of a firearm in ‘the vehicle.’ Presumably, this vehicle was the Chevy, and the weapon belonged to Rodriguez.

“Rodriguez sustained minor injuries in the collision and was transported to Glenn Medical Center for treatment. She was wearing her seatbelts at the time of the accident.

“She was later booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and driving while under the influence of alcohol (both misdemeanors).

“Her bail was set at $10,000.”

According to Glenn County Superior Court records, Rodriguez was also charged with two enhancements or special allegations, both violations of California Vehicle Code 23578: driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.15 or greater, and refusing to take a chemical test.

She was released on her own recognizance.

With Judge Donald Cole Byrd presiding, she was arraigned on April 11, 2023.

On November 21, 2023, she pled not guilty to the two main DUI charges, and denied the two special allegations.

Also on November 21, 2023, she was given an order granting pretrial military diversion, which, according to California state law, is a court document that allows a defendant, typically a veteran or current military member, to participate in a special pretrial diversion program where criminal proceedings are postponed while he or she receives treatment for conditions related to his or her military service, instead of immediately facing trial.

This option is usually available for misdemeanor offenses and requires demonstrating that the defendant’s military experience contributed to his or her alleged crime, allowing the defendant to potentially avoid a conviction if he or she successfully completes the treatment program.

Also on this date, a motion to seal the record was granted.

The diversion was reviewed on November 19, 2024. The charges and case were dismissed that same day.

The identity of the truck driver and his or her condition following the collision were never released to the public.

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

The Orland City Council plans on Tuesday to consider the aesthetics of the million-gallon water storage tank currently under construction.

The tank, reportedly measuring something like 80 feet by 35 feet, is to be located on the east side of Sixth Street, between Sixth Street and the railroad tracks, near Colusa Street.

The city council previously expressed interest in enhancing the appearance of the tank with artwork and landscaping.

According to the material accompanying the agenda for Tuesday’s meeting, “The contractor needs direction at this time as to the base color for the steel panels that will soon begin to be welded into a tank form. He suggests a light color to reduce inadvertent water heating during the hot summer months.”

At its February 12 meeting, the Orland Arts Commission considered the fact that “the tower will be composed of welded steel panels which will go up one at a time in March. Galvanized steel presents a much more complicated surface preparation painting a mural. This highly specialized prep process … is more costly and presents more risk for the durability of the artwork.

“At this point in time, we need to decide on whether to forgo a mural and let our concentration center on landscaping aesthetics, along with the wrought iron fencing we already approved (as opposed to chain link). These two factors can create a very pleasing visual aesthetic for the project, with less deterioration over time.”

In the city council’s material for Tuesday’s meeting, it is pointed out that the arts commission recommends “No mural – due to the welded steel panel construction.”

The commission also favors that the tank be painted “lemonwater”, the color shown at the top of this story.

The commission “reserves recommendation on landscaping at this time.”

City staff says, “The base color has no fiscal impact as the grant-funded project includes a one-color exterior treatment. Additional colors, artwork, and/or landscaping would be at City Water Fund expense.

The city council meeting is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, at the Carnegie Center, 912 Third Street, in Library Park.

Here is a list of the bookings into the Glenn County Jail, with information provided by jail personnel, the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, and the Orland police log. Remember: Everyone accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Monday, February 10:

5:50 a.m., Jaden Reilly Foard, 24, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging violation of a court order to prevent domestic violence (a misdemeanor), and warrants alleging violation of a court order to prevent domestic violence, and battery (both misdemeanors). Bail for the fresh charge was set at $5,000. Total bail for the three warrants was set at $120,000. He was taken into custody at 73 East Walker Street by an Orland police officer.

According to the Orland Police Department’s log, at about 5:27 a.m. on February 10, Orland police officers responded to a report of a disturbance at the Tierra Del Sol Apartments, 73 East Walker Street. Officers contacted Jaden Foard, 24, and Brooke Foard, 45, both of Orland. Following an investigation, Jaden Foard was arrested and booked for allegedly violating a court order and three misdemeanor Glenn County warrants.

9:10 a.m., Christopher Kavanaugh, 22, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a no-bail Placer County Superior Court warrant alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol (a misdemeanor), and a Butte County Superior Court warrant alleging disobeying a court order (a misdemeanor). Bail for this warrant was set at $1,000. He was taken into custody at the Glenn County Probation Department, Willows, by a probation officer.

Tuesday, February 11:

5:18 a.m., Christina Maureen Fisher, 42, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging carrying a concealed dirk or dagger (a felony), and possession of a controlled substance (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $10,000. She was taken into custody at the Economy Inn, 435 North Tehama Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 5:42 a.m. on February 11, an unknown female contacted the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office and said she needed law enforcement assistance but then disconnected. Deputies responded to the Economy Inn, 435 North Tehama Street, room #118, in Willows, from where the phone call plotted. Deputies contacted two people, Edgar Castro and Christina Fisher, both of Willows, near a black 2004 Ford Explorer. While conducting an investigation, Deputy Peterson discovered Fisher allegedly possessed a concealed fixed blade, methamphetamine, and a glass pipe on her person. Fisher was subsequently placed under arrest. She was transported to the Glenn County Jail to be booked and processed.

5:22 a.m., Edgar Castro, 42, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging kidnapping (a felony), and battery on a spouse, ex-spouse, date, etc. (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $105,000. He was taken into custody at the Economy Inn, 435 North Tehama Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 4:24 a.m. on February 11, deputies responded to the Economy Inn, 435 North Tehama Street, Willows, for an unknown disturbance. Deputies contacted Christina Fisher and Edgar Castro, both of Willows. Deputies conducted an investigation and ultimately arrested Castro for alleged kidnapping and domestic violence.

Wednesday, February 12:

No one was booked into the Glenn County Jail on this date.

Here are the latest sentencings in the Glenn County Superior Court, period ending Friday, January 24, as reported by the Glenn County District Attorney’s Office and other sources.

People vs. John Luna – Defendant was convicted of felony vandalism. He was sentenced to 180 days in county jail. This case was prosecuted by District Attorney Dwayne Stewart, with assistance from Glenn County Sheriff’s Deputy Chavez.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, on April 26, 2022, Edgar Ruiz contacted the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office to report three males had broken into an abandoned residence on Glennwood Lane in Willows and had toy firearms. Deputy Chavez responded. Deputy Chavez contacted two male juveniles and John Luna, who were running from the back door of the residence. Deputy Chavez located two airsoft handguns on the boys. Deputy Chavez initiated an investigation. Deputies ultimately determined the three males used force to enter the residence and vandalized the interior. The two boys, both from Willows (The Observer knows their names but will not publish them), were transported to the Tehama County Juvenile Hall and Luna was transported to the Glenn County Jail, to be booked by jail staff.

People vs. Tiana Melvin –Defendant was convicted of child endangerment (a misdemeanor). She was sentenced to four years’ probation and 171 days in county jail. This case was prosecuted by District Attorney Stewart, with assistance from Orland Police Sergeant Kyle Cessna.

People vs. Christopher Nunn –Defendant was previously convicted grand theft auto (a felony). He was also found in violation of probation for the third time and was sentenced to 143 days in county jail. This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Michael Coffey, with assistance from Glenn County Probation Officer Sweet.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, on January 8, 2023, Amire Douglas reported she had found her stolen 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander in the parking lot of 217 North Culver Street, Willows. Douglas reported the suspect, Christopher Nunn, was last seen running north through the alleyway of the apartment complex. Deputies found Dunn, who was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Deputies conducted their investigation and Nunn was ultimately placed under arrest for the possession of a stolen vehicle and the possession of methamphetamine.

People vs. Mike Dacey –Defendant was previously convicted of infliction of corporal injury of a spouse, ex-spouse, date, etc. (a felony). He was also found in violation of probation for the fourth time and was sentenced to 143 days in county jail. This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Coffey, with assistance from Glenn County Probation Officer Gray.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, on December 19, 2021, deputies were dispatched to an address in the 2500 block of County Road I for a report of a domestic violence incident that just occurred. While enroute, deputies located the suspect, Mike Dacey, at 115 North Villa Avenue, Willows, and detained him. Deputies contacted the victim and initiated an investigation. The victim reported Dacey placed his right hand around the front of her throat and squeezed for approximately 15 to 20 seconds. Deputies subsequently arrested Dacey and transported him to the Glenn County Jail.

People vs. T.J. Morrison –Defendant was convicted of violation of post-release community supervision (a felony). He was sentenced to 120 days in county jail. This case was prosecuted by District Attorney Stewart, with assistance from Glenn County Probation Officer Pfyl.

People vs. Brandon Heaton –Defendant was convicted of possession of a controlled substance (a misdemeanor). He was sentenced to 120 days in jail and probation was granted for one year. This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Coffey, with assistance from Orland Police Officer Ryan Martindale.

People vs. Scott Beavers –Defendant was convicted of possession of a fraudulent license plate and possession of methamphetamine for sales (both felonies). He was sentenced to two years’ probation, given 120 days in jail stayed, ordered to complete a rehab program, and completion of drug court. This case was prosecuted by District Attorney Stewart, with assistance from Glenn County Sheriff’s Sergeant Draper. In a separate case, Beavers was also convicted of possession of methamphetamine (a felony). He admitted his fourth violation of probation and was sentenced to 90 days. This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Coffey, with assistance from Glenn County Probation Officer Gray.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, on September 3, 2023, Deputy Turner responded to a suspicious vehicle on South Yolo Street near East Laurel Avenue, Willows. Deputy Turner located the vehicle and contacted the driver, Scott Beavers. Deputy Turner noticed a fraudulent license plate on the vehicle and initiated an investigation. Beavers was ultimately placed under arrest for drug and drug paraphernalia possession.

People vs. Jose Marmolejo –Defendant was convicted of violation of post-release community supervision (a felony). He was sentenced to 60 days in county jail and reinstated on post-release community supervision. The case was prosecuted by District Attorney Stewart, with assistance from Glenn County Probation Officer Ortiz.

People vs. Thomas Butler –Defendant was previously convicted of possession of ammunition by a prohibited person (a felony). He was also found in violation of probation for the fourth time and was sentenced to 60 days in county jail. This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Coffey, with assistance from Glenn County Probation Officer Gray.

According to the Orland Police Department’s logs, on November 30, 2023, Orland police officers responded to assist the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office with a report of a physical altercation involving a firearm. Officers arrived and detained Thomas Butler, then 29, of Orland. Officers assisted until no longer needed by sheriff’s deputies.

Glenn County Observer

The Glenn County Sheriff’s Office issued a press release Tuesday afternoon concerning the exchange of gunfire incident that occurred in Hamilton City on Sunday, February 9.

According to the GCSO, on Sunday, February 9, at about 3:57 p.m., the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a report of shots fired involving two vehicles in Hamilton City. The vehicles were described as a silver Ford Explorer and a tan Honda.

Deputies with the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Orland Police Department and the California Highway Patrol responded to the area, arriving at approximately 4:07 p.m.

While checking the area, an Orland police officer located the silver Ford Explorer as described by the reporting party. A high-risk stop (a stop at gunpoint) was conducted on the vehicle and two juvenile males were detained.

Sheriff’s deputies arrived on scene and found a bullet hole on the exterior of the vehicle and a shell casing inside the vehicle.

While conducting the investigation, a second reporting party contacted the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center with information that the Ford Explorer had been parked on Tropetros Lane prior to the enforcement stop. The citizen reported that he or she had confronted one juvenile outside the vehicle.

When the vehicle left the area, the citizen saw the incident on social media. The citizen found a pistol under the bushes where the boy had previously been standing.

A sheriff’s deputy responded to collect the pistol.

The second vehicle (a tan Honda) was not located.

This incident resulted in no injuries. The two teenagers were arrested and transported to the Yuba County Juvenile Hall by Glenn County probation officers.

The children were booked on the following charges:

1203.2 PC – violation of probation;

182 PC – conspiracy;

25850(c)(6) PC – carrying a loaded firearm by someone other than the registered owner;

26100 PC – shooting from a motor vehicle;

245(a)(2) PC – assault with a firearm; and

246.3(a) PC – negligent discharge of a firearm.

This incident is under investigation. Anyone with additional information regarding this incident should contact the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office at 530-934-6431.