KRKC COUNTRY

  Four men were arrested during a multi-agency undercover operation targeting individuals allegedly using the internet to seek sexual contact with minors. The proactive operation was conducted August 14–15, 2026. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Francisco conducted the undercover online operation with assistance from the Monterey County Sheriff's Office and numerous local, state and federal law enforcement partners. During the operation, undercover investigators communicated online with individuals who allegedly sought to sexually exploit minors. Investigators identified individuals who engaged in sexually explicit communications and allegedly made arrangements to meet individuals they believed were underage for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. When the suspects arrived at predetermined locations, they were contacted by law enforcement officers and arrested. “This operation should send a very clear message to anyone who uses the internet in an attempt to prey u...

  SALINAS, CA  — On Tuesday, August 18 Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) announced that Monterey County has received $250,000 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Preventing Violence Affecting Young Lives (PREVAYL) funding opportunity. This grant will be used to extend the Monterey County Health Department’s STRYVE Program for another year, which implements evidence-based approaches to prevent youth violence.   “One of my top priorities in Congress is ensuring that our communities are secure and healthy places to live and raise a family,” said Rep. Lofgren. “I am very glad to see that Monterey County is receiving this federal funding that will be used to continue its youth violence prevention efforts. The data shows that we’re making progress, but there is still work to be done, and we need to continue creating an environment where young people feel safe."   "As a longtime partner of the Community Alliance for Safety a...

  At approximately 12:50 p.m. on Monday, August 17 officers with the Soledad Police Department were dispatched to the 500 block of Main Street regarding a report of a possible residential burglary in progress. Witnesses reported seeing 3 to 4 individuals jump a fence into the backyard of a residence. Upon arrival, officers located 3 individuals matching the description provided near a Little League Park. When officers attempted to contact them, all 3 fled on foot in different directions. Officers quickly apprehended 2 of the individuals in the surrounding area. while the third individual, later identified as 18-year-old Eduardo Zepeda of Soledad, fled toward the area of Dixie and Oak streets and was observed holding onto his waistband as he ran. As a precaution and due to the suspect’s actions, San Vicente Elementary School and Gabilan Elementary School were placed on secure campus status while officers searched the surrounding area. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office and Greenfi...

  SALINAS, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on August 13 that on August 11, 2026 that 57-year-old Curtis Hemphill, was convicted by a jury of assault with a deadly weapon by a state prisoner serving a life sentence. Judge Stephanie E. Hulsey presided over the trial. On July 4, 2023, Hemphill, during afternoon recall from the recreational yard at Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad, stabbed an on duty Correctional Officer with a 6-inch dagger style inmate manufactured weapon. Without warning, Hemphill lunged at the correctional officer and struck him in the chest, near his right arm pit. The officer suffered severe redness and bruising; fortunately, he was wearing a California Department of Rehabilitations and Correction’s issued protective vest. The jury also found true Hemphill has prior convictions for attempted murder, kidnapping, mayhem and assault with a firearm in Riverside County in 1998 and, voluntary manslaughter in Monterey C...

  Soledad, CA – On Sunday, July 19, 2026, the Soledad Police Department was notified of an incident involving an 8-year-old female victim who reported that an adult male had engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct in her presence. Through investigation and multiple follow-ups, officers positively identified the suspect as 52-year-old Jeronimo Macias Rodriguez of Soledad. During the investigation, officers also learned that Rodriguez may have had access to or contact with other female juveniles. On Tuesday night, August 11, 2026, at approximately 6:49 p.m., officers with the Soledad Police Department located and arrested Rodriguez near his residence in the 500 block of Front Street. Rodriguez was subsequently booked into the Monterey County Jail on charges related to the investigation. Due to concerns that Rodriguez may have had contact with other juveniles, the Soledad Police Department is asking for the community’s assistance. The Soledad Police Department encourages anyone who ma...

Salinas, CA – Monterey County Elections announces the 10-calendar day public review period for candidate statements and local measures.   The purpose of the public review period is to give voters an opportunity to review and/or challenge the language of a proposed ballot measure or candidate statement before it is published in the Voter Information Guide. During each 10-day public review period, any voter of the jurisdiction in which the election is being held may seek a judicial writ of mandate or injunction requiring any or all materials to be amended or deleted. The request for a writ of mandate or injunction against a statement or measure text in which Monterey County is the sole or lead county of the district shall be filed no later than the end of the review period with the Superior Court of the County of Monterey.   Multiple review periods will occur in relation to the Election. Each period opens immediately after the filing deadline for each type of electio...