Los Santos County Sheriff's Department "A TRADITION OF SERVICE" Monthly Press Release October 1st, 2025 |
- Fall is here! Some people call it “sweater weather,” while others head out to the orchards to pick apples and pumpkins. Here in the Sheriff’s Department, our deputies enjoy the cooler air, it’s the perfect excuse to put away the short sleeves and pull out the old winter jackets to stay warm on those colder days.
As a department, this season has been bittersweet. We’ve said goodbye to a few influential members of our command staff, but with their departure we were proud to welcome Clay Thompson to the command team! (See his section below for this month’s Deputy Spotlight.)
We’re always excited to put these newsletters together, and we hope you’ll take a few minutes to read through and get some insight into the work our department has been doing this month
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- As we turn the page into October, I want to take a moment to reflect on September, which proved to be one of the more eventful months for our department. We experienced both significant changes in leadership and important new opportunities that will shape our future.
Sheriff Bobby Kirk
First and foremost, I would like to congratulate several members of our team on their well-earned promotions. Clay Thompson has been promoted to Captain, and I am confident he will step into this role with the dedication and vision needed to carry our department forward. Dante Archer has been promoted to Commander after successfully serving as Interim Area Commander for the Sheriff’s Investigations Bureau. His leadership has already made a strong impact, and I know that will continue. In addition, Tom Brown and Fillmore Grayson have been appointed as Interim Area Commanders for Patrol Operations and Countywide Operations respectively. Both bring a wealth of experience, and I look forward to seeing their leadership in action.
At the same time, we also said goodbye to two valued leaders. Commander Noah Carlile and Commander Trent Williams departed the department in September. We are deeply grateful for their years of service and commitment to the community, and we wish them the very best in their next chapters.
While change can bring challenges, I am confident about our future. The new leaders stepping into these roles bring fresh energy and perspective, ensuring that our department continues to grow stronger and adapt to the needs of our community.
I also want to briefly acknowledge Assistant Sheriff Ian Walter’s ongoing judicial process. While the recent trial outcome was not what we had hoped for, we believe firmly in the rule of law and in the appeals process. Our department will continue to stand behind him as this process moves forward.
As we now enter October and the spooky season that comes with it, I want to thank our community for your continued trust and partnership. Together, we will keep working toward a safer and stronger county for everyone.
Sheriff Bobby Kirk
- Investigator Jackson Walter reinstated to the Sheriff's Department in the beginning of April 2025. Since their return, they have proven themselves to be hard-working and a trusted deputy, also shown by their divisional work. They are currently a member of the Traffic Services Detail, Field Training Division, Advanced Training Division, Recruitment and Employment Division, and most notably, the Gangs & Narcotics Division. We are proud to announce Investigator Walter as the Deputy of the Month for September 2025.
Investigator Jackson Walter
What is your favorite thing about being a deputy at the LSSD?
The LSSD community is top-notch. The friendly atmosphere here is unmatched compared to most departments in the city. And I'm proud to easily represent myself as a small part of the Sheriff's Department when I'm out in public.
What is your most memorable moment while serving as a deputy for the LSSD?
I'd say the moment of my reinstatement after four years. Seeing so many of my former colleagues, realizing they still remembered me, and feeling that same friendly atmosphere again, it was truly perfect, and I would always remember it.
Was there a career setback you faced that you later realized was an advantage?
Yes, it has happened to me many times, and most of those experiences really helped me realize things and learn them the hard way.
What goals do you have for your tenure within the Sheriff's Department?
As of now, I’d say this is the top spot I wanted to reach, and it's my ultimate goal rank-wise. My focus now is to put in my effort for the department, support new colleagues so they can grow and experience the same sense of pride I've felt all along, and, with the help of our community and department, work to keep the streets safe.
What advice do you have for someone new to the department?
Appreciate every tough moment your field training deputies or supervisors give you; it's always worth it. Those challenges are the golden lessons you gain during training, and you should use them for your personal growth rather than taking them personally.
Also, be a good person for the community. Show understanding when you can, there's no need to make people feel bad just because you're enforcing the law. If there's a small margin, give them the benefit of the doubt. Trust me, when you represent yourself as a "good person," it comes back to you and makes your time here much easier.
Is there a quote that motivates you?
Yes, "What other people think of you is none of your business."
- The Deputies Behind the Briefcase: Legal Affairs Division
Welcome to this month's LSSD Division Spotlight! While the sight of a black-and-white patrol car is a familiar one across Los Santos County, some of our most critical work happens away from the streets. This month, we're pulling back the curtain on a team whose members are as comfortable with legal briefs as they are with a duty belt: the Legal Affairs Division.
From the Street to the Courtroom
Ever wonder what happens after an arrest is made? How a deputy's detailed report transforms into a case presented before a judge? That's where our Legal Affairs Division steps in. Think of them as the vital bridge connecting street-level law enforcement with the complex world of the San Andreas Judicial Branch.
Their core mission is simple but crucial: to ensure that every action taken by our department is handled with the highest degree of legal integrity. They are the guardians of the "i's" dotted and the "t's" crossed.
A Day in the Life of Legal Affairs
The deputies in this division aren't just chasing down paperwork; they are actively shaping the course of justice. On any given day, you might find a Legal Affairs deputy:
- Collaborating with Prosecutors: They work hand-in-hand with the San Andreas Judicial Branch, providing them with all the necessary reports, evidence, and witness statements to build a strong case. This partnership is built on trust and a shared goal of seeing justice served.
- Advising from Within: Legal Affairs deputies act as internal consultants, offering guidance to other divisions on everything from new procedures to complex investigations. They help ensure our deputies on the street are equipped with the most current legal knowledge to do their jobs effectively and constitutionally.
- Preparing for Court: When a case goes to trial, these specialists are there to support the deputies involved, helping them prepare testimony and ensuring they represent the department with the professionalism and clarity the public expects.
Q&A with a Legal Affairs Specialist
To give you a more personal insight, we sat down with one of our own from the Legal Affairs Division to answer a few questions about this unique and vital role.
1. What is the single most important role the Legal Affairs Division plays in ensuring a case is handled fairly and effectively from the moment of arrest to a potential trial?
2. What is a common misconception the public might have about the legal side of law enforcement, and what's the reality from your perspective?I believe our most vital role is serving as the professional liaison between our deputies on the street and the San Andreas Attorney General's office. When a case is contested, my job is to work directly with the prosecution. We engage in detailed legal discussions, examining the facts of the case against the letter of the law.
This isn't just about defending the charges; it's about ensuring their integrity. Our collaboration can lead to several outcomes—confirming the initial charges, amending them to be more accurate based on the evidence, or even recommending charges be dropped if they aren't fully supported. Ultimately, our goal is to help the prosecution build the most accurate and just case possible.
3. What's the most challenging aspect of bridging the gap between active police work and the formal legal process in the courtroom?A common misconception is that law enforcement can place charges arbitrarily. People might think that once a charge is filed, it's set in stone. The reality is far more rigorous and accountable. Our division exists to ensure every charge is legally sound and justifiable. We have to be able to stand behind our deputies' decisions with solid evidence and correct legal reasoning when we present the case to the Attorney General's office. Everyone has the right to contest charges, and our work is a key part of that system of checks and balances that ensures justice is applied correctly.
4. For you personally, what is the most rewarding part of your job in the Legal Affairs Division? What makes you proud to be a part of this team?The most challenging—and important—part of the job is bridging the different worlds of street-level police work and the formal legal system. Our patrol deputies are experts in enforcing the law, but they aren't expected to be legal scholars.
My role is often that of a translator. I take complex legal procedures and requirements from the court and explain them in practical, straightforward terms to the deputies involved in a case. This involves guiding them on how to prepare witness statements that are factual, clear, and meet the high standards of the court, while avoiding common pitfalls like hearsay. It’s about ensuring that a deputy’s crucial firsthand account is presented in a way that is effective and respected within the courtroom environment.Without a doubt, the most rewarding part of this job is knowing that our division is often the final checkpoint in ensuring that true and proper justice is served. It's a profound responsibility. Our work isn't just about securing convictions; it's about ensuring the right outcome. That might mean presenting a rock-solid case so that accurate charges stick, or it could mean working with the prosecution to adjust or even dismiss charges if the evidence points that way.
Being part of that process—the one that guarantees integrity from the moment of arrest to the final verdict—is what makes me incredibly proud to be a member of the Legal Affairs team. We uphold not just the law, but the public's trust in it.
- Written by Mason Ross For this months spotlight I wanted to re-highlight a very important member of our department, (Brand New) Captain Clay Thompson. I first met him when I was a just a baby trainee deputy and Clay has watched and helped me and a majority of deputies grow into the deputies we are today.
Captain Clay Thompson
I reached out to Captain Thompson and tried to reach the core of what makes him tick. Let’s sit down and red this together
What first inspired you to join the Los Santos County Sheriff’s Department, and how has your perspective changed since then?
I was enticed by a Walk-in recruitment event during a time where I was seeking a career change. After serving LSEMS on and off for multiple years I looked towards serving my community in other ways. I can’t say my perspective has changed much since then, I still look at the State and its citizens as my main priority.
Can you share a memorable call or incident that shaped how you approach the job today?
During the early part of my career I was transporting a suspect to DOC. We had entered the processing area when I turned my back for a second to speak with a guard, this is when my suspect took the opportunity to bite the top end of my ear off, which I had to have cosmetic surgery to fix. This taught me very early on to never let my guard down for a moment even when it seems calm.
What does a “typical day” look like for you on shift, and how do you keep each day fresh?
There’s really no such thing as a typical shift in my opinion. I might start with routine patrols, traffic stops or administrative work and then find myself handling something completely different an hour later. What keeps it fresh is the unpredictability of the job. I try to approach each shift with a clean head and push myself to handle things a little better than I did the day before.
Which part of your division’s work do you think the public understands the least, and what would you like them to know?
I think a lot of people overlook how much time and effort goes into Recruitment and Employment. It’s not just reading applications and conducting interviews. We put a lot of focus into making sure we’re bringing in people who actually fit the standards and values of the department, because the quality of deputies we recruit today shapes the future of the County.
How do you stay calm and focused when a routine call suddenly turns high-risk?
In those types of moments you don’t really have a choice but to stay calm, your own safety and the safety of everyone around you depends on staying level headed. If you let panic take over, you’re not just putting yourself at risk, you’re putting your partners and even civilians in danger. Keeping a clear head is what allows you to make the right calls, communicate effectively and get everyone out of the situation alive.
What advice would you give to a new deputy starting their first day in the department?
Take your time and don’t try to prove everything on day one. You will make mistakes out there but what’s important is you learn and grow from them. Ask questions and give it your best, people will remember how you carry yourself out there, not the badge or rank on your sleeve.
Captain ► 
Commander
- Dante Archer
Lieutenant ► Captain
- Clay Thompson
Sergeant ► 
Staff Sergeant
- Cole Lawless
Sergeant ► 
Investigator I
- John Keys
Master Deputy ► 
Corporal
- Gavin Sands
Deputy Sheriff III ► Master Deputy
- Hossam Morrison
Deputy Sheriff II ► Deputy Sheriff III
- Lucas Laney
- Bryan Trey
- Jaiden Famingo
Deputy Sheriff II
- Rebecca Edwards (Transfer)
- Tanner Brooks (Transfer)
Deputy Sheriff I ► Deputy Sheriff II
- Thomas Lugo
- Frank Peters
- Osheen Doyle
- Dmitry Petrov
Deputy Sheriff I
- Eliza Emberlynn (Reinstatement)
Deputy Sheriff Trainee ► Deputy Sheriff I
- Jackson Woods
- Jay Alva
- Mavi Shinoda
Deputy Sheriff Trainee
- Dallas Harrington
- Kian Turner
- Omar Blake
- Driscoll Morgan
- Josh Majiedt
- Adam Bradford
- Jay Alva (Reinstatement)
- JOINT LSSD AND LSPD RAID DELIVERS DECISIVE BLOW TO EMPIRE OPERATIONS
- Blaine County: The Los Santos County Sheriff’s SIB and SEB, in close coordination with the Los Santos Police Department’s DB and METRO, successfully executed dual stash house raids targeting Empire members. The operation led to the seizure of 2 Class 3 firearms, 36 Class 2 firearms, and 17 Class 1 firearms, with an estimated value of $1,235,000. This action delivered a decisive blow to the Empire’s violent operations, disrupting their weapon supply lines and reducing their capacity for violence against both deputies and the public.
As stated in our previous press release, the LSSD has taken direct action against the Empire, systematically targeting the organization’s illegal operations with one clear goal: to end their violence against innocent civilians and deputies carrying out their duties. SIB investigators have worked tirelessly around the clock, while SEB units have risked their lives in tactical operations against Empire affiliates.
Due to the classified nature of these missions, full details cannot be disclosed. However, the recovery of several million dollars in illegal assets, coupled with the financial burden of prison debts on affiliated members, has produced highly promising results. The evidence of these efforts can be seen throughout the county.
There is no true “end” in the mission to eliminate threats to life, liberty, and the livelihoods of our citizens. How the Empire chooses to act within Los Santos County will determine the scale of our response. That decision rests with them, and we sincerely hope they choose peace this time.
The joint investigation by LSSD’s SIB and LSPD’s DB led to the identification of two stash houses operated by Empire affiliates, a group known for extreme violence. With a search warrant swiftly approved by a judge, combined SEB and METRO units moved on both apartment complexes to carry out the raids.
The operation was executed with speed and precision. Roads were immediately closed to secure the area, breach teams gained entry, and full searches were conducted. EOD specialists then deployed controlled explosives to open multiple locked safes inside the properties. Once cleared, DB and SIB units began cataloging and processing the recovered evidence.
During the raids, units encountered heightened gang activity nearby, with credible threats of an ambush. In response, heavily armed SEB teams secured the perimeter and maintained control, preventing any escalation. Thanks to this preparation, no violent resistance was encountered and no threat was posed to the public.
All evidence was processed on-site, then transported in secured vehicles to MRPD for safekeeping. The operation concluded successfully, striking a significant blow against the Empire’s criminal infrastructure.
The raids across both apartments resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of firearms with military-grade modifications, along with narcotics. Specifically recovered were:
- 2x Class 3 firearms
- 36x Class 2 firearms
- 17x Class 1 firearms
- 400 packs Illegal substances
Assistant Commanding Officer Lieutenant Cliff Derringer wrote:Shock, Awe, and Follow-through. Empire in their blatant and hateful aggression towards the Sheriff's Department witnessed first hand much like the affiliations that engaged us at Kutte Throat that our mobilized might is not something to be taken lightly. The counter-attack we launched was a resounding success which we believe has humbled to great extent this affiliation from further acts of wanton violence...at least for now. You can never expect a soulless, empty machine programmed for hatred and violence to do anything other than what it has designated itself to do, therefore we aim to be ever watchful and ready in the off-chance Empire dares to show such aggression to us again.
The Empire is an affiliation way below what we determine to be of any potential operational capacity to engage in such a heightened level of conflict, nor would there be any concern associated with our capacity to defend against such an attack, as history has already shown. In addition, our protocols and tactics have been well versed and adapted in preparation should such a conflict ever arise again.
There is always a risk associated with an affiliation that has expressively proclaimed itself and has been identified by our investigators as a violence-risk. They've proved that they have the capacity to exhibit and spread violence, and that has been addressed. In regards to the future should they choose to push said violence onto our peaceful county once more, I say human beings are generally programmed to understand the weight and measure of their actions when it comes to the consequences associated with them. I do believe and hope Empire has learned that the hot stove -will- in fact burn them if they touch it.###For Information, Contact:
Master Deputy, Ajani Delacroix
Community Relations Deputy, Sheriff's Information Division
Los Santos County Sheriff's Department
- Deputy Availability
Executive Staff | 7 | 7.07%
Sheriff | 1
Undersheriff | 2
Assistant Sheriff | 4
Command Staff | 7 | 7.07%
Commander | 2
Captain | 5
Supervisor Staff | 14 | 14.14%
Lieutenant | 4
Staff Sergeant | 3
Sergeant | 7
Supervisor in Training | 2 | 2.02%
Corporal | 2
Investigator I | 0
Field Staff | 69 | 69.70%
Investigator I | 7
Master Deputy | 11
Deputy Sheriff III | 12
Reserve Deputy Sheriff | 3
Deputy Sheriff II | 19
Deputy Sheriff I | 9
Deputy Sheriff Trainee | 8
Internal Patrol Paperwork
Arrest Reports | 631
Impound Reports | 48
Impound Release Reports | 6
Traffic Stop Reports | 100
Use of Force Reports | 2
Warrant Reports | 52General Statistics
Promotions | 17
Demotions | 1
Reinstatement/Transfers | 4
New Trainees | 6
Discharges | 16
Recruitment & Employment
Total Number of Applications | 10
Accepted Applications | 6
Pending Interview | 3
Pending Academy Graduation | 2
Denied Applications | 4
Number of Academies | 2
Field Training Division
Number of Sessions Conducted | 36
Active Trainees | 6
Passed Trainees | 4
Failed Trainees | 2
Internal Affairs Division
Received Reports | 16
Closed Reports | 13
Redirected Reports | 4
Active Reports | 2
Sustained (Disciplinary) | 3
No Misconduct | 2
Other | 8
Sheriff's Investigations Bureau
Crime Scene Reports | 7
Case Files Opened | 6
Robbery & Homicide Cases | 5
Vice Cases | 1
Active Case Files | 5
Cases Concluded | 19
Prosecuted Cases | 8
Not Resolved Cases | 7
Unfounded Cases | 2
Operations | 0
Interrogations | 1
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What's the most ridiculous, non-violent call you've ever been on? The kind of call that made you question if you were on a hidden camera show, or being pranked.
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- Staff Sergeant Scott Pierce
Responded to a 911 call for a bomb at Burgershot. I arrived on scene by myself, and there were 20 people. So I get all my gear on, getting everyone to clear the area, trying to understand the situation and figure out who called. I went inside and found an elderly man crawled up into a corner, who claimed there was a bomb going off in Vietnam! The old guy was tweaking out, pointing at the beeping oven across the room. I'm just standing there in full bomb squad kit, looking like a green marshmallow, just dumbfounded.
Captain Fillmore Grayson
Any and all interactions with Wolfgang Bathsheba.
Deputy Jay Alva
Arrived at a traffic stop in the middle of the night with four... strippers, in the back of a large pickup truck, very intoxicated. The noise and screeching was unnerving; it was painful to my ears.
Deputy Amir Sultan
I responded to a 911 call from the pop group, "The Girlies," for an emergency. I arrived on scene to find all of them asking for help to cross a puddle in the street, as they were wearing dresses and didn't want to get them dirty.
Commander Dante Archer
There was a 911 call at a business known as "G-Spot." I don't recall what the actual 911 call was about but... we were given a tour of the property by the owners, and it was, let's say, unique inside. Lots of "toys" and other weird things. Commander Kemp at the time was with me. It was a weird experience.
Staff Sergeant Cole Lawless
A 911 call came in from an individual trying to find the door from his vehicle, claiming it was stolen. So we spent all this time conducting an investigation trying to find a stolen car door. It was eventually found in his own trunk...
Investigator Jackson Walter
One day we responded to a 911 call, where a suspect claimed someone inserted a whole wine bottle... inside of him. We called MD to handle that situation; it was above my paygrade.
Lieutenant Leif Helgarson
At the time, the head of GSB's office was in the bathroom in City Hall. They had re-arranged furniture and ended up blocking the door out with a desk. They didn't realize a random citizen was inside the bathroom using it, and that person made a 911 call saying they were now trapped inside the bathroom of City Hall, so we had to go rescue them.
Deputy Lucas Laney
A 911 call came from the lobby of DOC, about human excrement spread all over the walls. Unfortunately there was no DOC staff on duty, so, I took it upon myself to handle it. Rolled up my sleeves, put some thick gloves on, plugged my nose, and got it done. I immediately went and took a shower after that, and I never want to do that again.
Deputy Dmitry Petrov
I had a 911 call where, upon arrival, there were taco trucks with people dancing on them, but the call was initiated because cars were randomly exploding. We called FD to check it out and they came, everything was fine. Not the funniest, but the incident of cars just exploding for no reason was a memorable one.
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Commander Amelia Clark
Commanding Officer, Sheriff's Information Division
(909) 474-8130 — [email protected]
Master Deputy Mason Ross
Community Relations Manager, Sheriff's Information Division
[email protected]
Investigator Tim Sutton
Community Relations Manager, Sheriff's Information Division
[email protected]
Deputy Sheriff III Ajani Delacroix
Senior Community Relations Deputy, Sheriff's Information Division
[email protected]
Sheriff's Information Division
Los Santos County Sheriff's Department
Procopio Promenade 1, Paleto Bay
Los Santos, SA, 909
