Investigation Services

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Investigation Services (707) 463-4211

Andy Alvarado
Chief Investigator/Peace Officer
(Joined the DA's investigative unit in 2007)

Bryan Arrington
Assistant Chief Investigator/Peace Officer
(Joined the DA's investigative unit in 2017)

Mariano Guzman

Investigator
(Joined the DA's investigative unit in 2013)

Tom Kiely
Investigator/Peace Officer
(Joined the DA's investigative unit in 2019)

Jim Schnitzius
Investigator/Peace Officer
(Joined the DA's investigative unit in 2020)

Alex Johnston
Investigator/Peace Officer
(Joined the DA's investigative unit in 2022)

Robert Simas
Investigator/Peace Officer
(Joined the DA's investigative unit in 2024)

Vacant
Investigator/Peace Officer

Naomi Carter
Investigative Technician
(25 years with MCDAO)

The primary purpose of the Bureau of Investigations is to provide professional investigative support for the prosecutors in the Office of the District Attorney. All District Attorney Investigators are sworn peace officers with many years of law enforcement experience. The Bureau is staffed with some of the most experienced investigators in Mendocino County. Members of the Bureau of Investigations are recognized throughout Mendocino County for their expertise in a wide array of investigative functions ranging from homicide investigations to complex and intricate white collar criminal activity.

Bureau staff members investigate all serious and sensitive matters submitted to the District Attorney's Office from local agencies. They also conduct follow-up investigations on cases submitted by law enforcement agencies that involve complaints or review. Additionally, Bureau staff members are part of the Mendocino County Officer-Involved Fatal Incident Protocol and frequently investigate officer-involved shootings.

Victim/Witness (707) 463-4218

Patricia Torres
Victim/Witness Advocate
(24+ years w/ MCDAO)

Ingrid Johnson
Victim/Witness Advocate
(5+ years w/ MCDAO)

Joseph Gallagher
Victim Witness Advocate
(<1 year w/ MCDAO)

Leslie Campuzano
Victim/Witness Advocate
(<1 year w/ MCDAO)

Athena Bolton
Victim/Witness Advocate
(<1 year w/ MCDAO)

Vacant

Staff Assistant

The Victims Witness Program provides assistance to crime victims and witnesses involved in the criminal justice system. Support encompasses crisis intervention, emergency assistance, and resource/referral. Victims/Witness Advocates work with the affected persons... not just the case. Furthermore, the Victims Witness Division provides outreach and training for other county criminal justice and victim agency partners to enhance the effectiveness of the victim/witness support network.

Since navigating the criminal justice system is often challenging, Victims/Witness services include notifying victims of upcoming court dates/times, keeping victims updated on case status and deposition, providing court escorts, and arranging case related transportation. Supportive measures include notifying victims' family and friends of the crimes, and help with funeral and burial arrangements.

Victims/Witness offers financial assistance to eligible victims for out of pocket expenses and help with completing Victim Compensation Government Claims Board (VCGCB) applications. VCGCB funds furnish victims of violent crime with mental health services, and paying bills incurred by the victim as a result of the crimes committed, as well as taking care of relocation expenses when necessary. Additional services encompass assisting victims in receiving restitution and in financial arrangements with the victim's creditors.

Websites

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