On January 27, 2026, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office conducted a targeted...

On January 27, 2026, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office conducted a targeted operation at the Kern Valley Substation addressing illegal lodging/squatting activities and active arrest warrants in the Kern River Valley area. This enforcement action was part of an ongoing effort to maintain public safety and uphold state laws prohibiting unauthorized lodging on public and private lands.

During the operation, 14 individuals were arrested for violations related to unlawful squatting and outstanding warrants: Kennith Downhour (43) – Bakersfield Arron Doss (40) – Los Angeles Moses Vargas (48) – Wasco Danny Webb (51) – Washington Damon Hall (41) – Bakersfield Justin Tanner (32) – Lake Isabella Brandon Groover (44) – Lake Isabella Michell Sierra (58) – Los Angeles County David Urfer (32) – Lake Isabella Jason Schaapman (50) – Orange County Robert Laudermilk (56) – Bell Garden Richard Landress (72) – Oklahoma Donaciano Gonzalez (49) – Bakersfield Patricia Davis (50) – Los Angeles County

All individuals were booked into the Kern County Jail on charges related to unlawful squatting and active arrest warrants. The Kern County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of our communities and will continue to enforce laws that protect public lands and private property.