BUREAU OF INVESTIGATIONS

Chief Investigator Dan Kartchner
Deputy Chief Investigator Dennis Sowder

The District Attorney's investigative authority is independent of other local law enforcement agencies. District Attorney Investigators perform a broad range of investigations including investigations into specialized areas not handled by other local law enforcement agencies; investigations reflecting the areas targeted by the Shasta County District Attorney to "improve the administration of justice": investigations into areas targeted by the state; investigations to assist the operations of other departments/programs; and assistance in trial preparation investigations.

Investigators from the District Attorney's Office are part of the critical incident response team called out when an incident involving the use of "lethal force" by a peace officer occurs in the county. DA Investigators are also called upon to conduct investigations into suspected misconduct by government officials, public employees or local agencies.

Each Shasta County District Attorney Investigator working in the Bureau of Investigation is a sworn California Peace Officer as defined in Section 830.1 of the California Penal Code. DA Investigators are located at 1525 Court St., Redding, CA which is in the Public Safety building across from the Shasta County Court House. Funding for the DA Investigators is primarily by state and federal funding sources.

SPECIALIZED AREAS OF INVESTIGATIONS

Automobile Insurance Fraud and Workers' Compensation Fraud

Investigators of the bureau are assigned to investigate illegally obtained insurance benefits from either Automobile Insurance or from Workers' Compensation. The crimes targeted by these investigations are primarily 550 Penal Code - False or fraudulent claims or statements, 1871 California Insurance Code - The Insurance Fraud Prevention Act, 118 Penal Code Perjury, and 487 Penal Code - Grand Theft. Individuals investigated for one or more of these crimes are frequently involved in other criminal activity. Insurance fraud costs all consumers significant monies each year and individuals committing these crimes are actively investigated.

According to language in the California Insurance Code (Section 1871), automobile insurance fraud accounts for 15-20% of all insurance payments and automobile insurance fraud is the biggest and fastest growing segment of insurance fraud. Also noted in the California Insurance Code (Section 1871) is that workers' compensation fraud harms employers by increasing the cost of worker's compensation and self insurance coverage.

The investigators assigned to these investigations work closely with the assigned prosecutor to maximize the conviction of those committing these crimes. In addition to the recovery of illegally obtained monies, punishment through incarceration is also aggressively sought. Shasta County investigators work closely with the State Department of Insurance investigators and other law enforcement agencies in pursuing individuals committing these types of crimes.

The investigative activities are funded through grants from the State of California Department of Insurance (DOI). Information received by Shasta County investigators may be provided to DOI as investigations and actions are also taken by DOI and insurance companies.

To Report Automobile or Workers' Compensation Fraud: - Call (530) 245-6300

CONSUMER PROTECTION

As discussed in the page of the site titled "Criminal Prosecution Division", one of the areas of investigations is the investigation of complaints from Shasta County citizens who allege that a business may be in violation of consumer protection laws.

The investigator and the prosecutor work as a team to seek civil or criminal penalties if a violation is found. The types of allegations which may be investigated and sometimes prosecuted are false, misleading or unfair sales practices, false advertising, building contractor violations, weights and measures violations, price scanner errors, bid rigging, auto repair violations, and safety law violations.

Complaints received by the District Attorney may, based on the individual situation, be best investigated by another entity and the individual may be provided a referral to that agency for help. For example a referral may be made to the Contractor Licensing Board in an instance where someone alleges a violation by a licensed building contractor.

How to Report a Consumer Protection Violation:

The two methods to report a Consumer Protection Complaint are:

Call the Consumer Protection Unit at 245-6300 and either talk directly with the investigator or leave a message and your call will be return as soon as possible. You will be contacted, provided information, and be requested to provide the office, details of your Consumer Protection issue. You may also wish to contact us by email at consumerfraud@co.shasta.ca.us.

or

A copy of the Consumer Protection Complaint can be downloaded and printed in Adobe Acrobat Format. You may complete this form and mail it to the Consumer Protection Division at the address listed on the form. To download this form you must have the free download version of Adobe Acrobat Reader and select this link: Consumer Fraud Complaint.

To obtain a free download of Adobe Acrobat Reader select this link:

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INVESTIGATIONS TO "IMPROVE THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE"

ABDUCTED CHILDREN RECOVERY

District Attorney Investigators are assigned to investigate allegations of Child Abduction. Child Abduction is defined as "…taking, enticing away, keeping, withholding or concealing a child…" 278.5 Penal Code (PC). Child Abduction can be committed both by parents and by non-parents. Child Abduction is defined in sections 277 - 280 PC. An individual who violates the terms of a court order may be charged with violation of a court order 166.4 PC or with 278.5 PC.

Examples of Child Abduction:

Example #1

Mom and Dad are divorced. The court has issued a custody order giving Mom custody of the children and Dad the right to visit. Mom withholds or keeps the children from Dad denying him his rights to visitation. MOM HAS BROKEN THE LAW and could go to jail! The same rules apply to anyone who denies a lawful right to custody or visitation.

Example #2

Mom and Dad have a custody order giving Dad primary custody. Dad decides he wants to move to Arizona. If Dad moves without first going to court and having the custody/visitation order changed to allow for his relocation, Dad may be GUILTY OF CHILD ABDUCTION if the move with the child means that Mom's contact with the child is changed.

The initial report of a child abduction or of a violation of a family court order is often taken by the local police officer or deputy sheriff. However, the Child Abduction Unit of the District Attorney's Office is charged with the responsibility to investigate allegations of child abduction. Referrals are sent to the District Attorney's office from other law enforcement agencies.

The primary mission of the investigators working in the Child Abduction Unit is locating and often returning the child. It is not uncommon for the Child Abduction Investigators to recover children who are far from Shasta County. Cases will also be evaluated for filing of criminal charges.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What Do I do If My child Is Abducted?

File a police report immediately and provide the police in a copy of your most recent custody/visitation order signed by a judge.

If there is no court order, contact a lawyer or legal clinic right away for help in getting a custody order from the court. Ask the law enforcement officer to enter your child in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) computer system as a missing person. Call or email the Shasta County District Attorney Child Abduction Unit at (530) 225-5483 Shastaboi@co.shasta.ca.us.

You may also be assisted by a children's organization such as the National Center For Missing and Exploited Children (www.missingkids.com) at 1-800 843-5678

Can a Family Member Abduct his/her Own Child?

Yes! In fact the majority of abductions are committed by a mother, father, grandparent, or other relative. If you think that a family member who improperly takes his or her child is not breaking the law, you are wrong. CHILD ABDUCTION, EVEN BY A FAMILY MEMBER, IS A FELONY punishable by up to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Are There Any Exceptions?

Yes. A child may be kept away from the other parent or person with visitation or custody rights if that person is harmful to the child. If you think that taking or keeping a child in violation of the terms of a custody or visitation order would be justified for the safety of you or the child, you should call the Shasta County District Attorney at (530) 225-5483. BE AWARE, however, that if you don't really have a valid reason for taking or keeping the child, you could face charges of child abduction.

What If My Child Is Taken To Another State, Or Even Another country. Can I Still Get help From the District Attorney's Child Abduction Unit?

Yes. The Child Abduction Unit will take measures to locate your child and have your child returned.

I have a court order but I am still having problems with my custody or visitation rights what can I do?

Your court order must be clearly written , explaining visitation periods - preferably including days and times for visits. You can then make a report to you local police agency and provide them with a complete copy of your most current Court Order signed by the judge. Provide the Child Abduction Unit with the police or sheriff's report number and also a current copy of your Court Order. If your court order is not specific and contains terms such as "reasonable visitation", go back to court to have your order modified.

How can I apply for a court order for custody or visitation?

Hire an attorney, contact the Family Court, or call the Child Abduction Unit for a brochure.

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ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES UNIT

A DA Investigator and Investigative Technician are assigned to the Environmental Crimes Unit. The sole purpose of this unit is the investigation of people who illegally dump on public or private land in Shasta County. To report illegal dumping call 1-866-61-TRASH or email the Environmental Crimes Unit by selecting the email link on the below listed Contact Section. Rewards of up to $500.00 are being offered for the arrest and conviction of illegal dumping offenders. In-progress illegal dumping should be immediately reported to the non-emergency number of the local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction.

The illegal dumping on Shasta County property will be the responsibility of the County to clean and remove, however the cleanup and removal of illegally dumped material on private property is the responsibility of the private landowner. Should a suspect be convicted for illegally dumping on either County or privately owned property, the District Attorney's Office will attempt to seek restitution for the costs of cleanup through the criminal prosecution process.

BAD CHECK ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM INVESTIGATIONS

A DA Investigator is assigned to assist the Bad Check Enforcement Program. The investigator investigates individuals who fail to participant in the opportunity to pay back the monies lost by individual who they victimized with bad checks, or who fail to live up to their to the requirements of the Bad Check Enforcement Program. The investigator submits requests for criminal complaints for the charge of Section 476(a) of the Penal Code. Details of the Bad Check Enforcement Program are located on the page of this Web Site titled Bad Check Enforcement Program.

How do I report Someone Who Has Given Me A Bad Check?

Contact the Program by calling 245-6335 or email: sbates@co.shasta.ca.us. You may also download the Shasta County District Attorney's Office NSF Check Report and submit this report with the original check/s by mail to the Bad Check Unit. Mail this form and check/s to Shasta County District Attorney Bad Check Unit 1525 Court Street (3rd Floor) Redding, CA. 96001-1632. Click this link to download the NSF Check Report in Adobe Acrobat format: NSF Check Report. Note: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print this form, you can down Adobe Acrobat Reader for free at the below website.

To obtain a free download of Adobe Acrobat Reader select this link:

Note: The Bad Check Enforcement Program only deals with checks that are "Non-Sufficient Funds" (NSF) or "Closed Account" checks. If the check is a forged check, a fictitious check, or a fictitious document report these to your local law enforcement agency.

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REAL ESTATE FRAUD INVESTIGATIONS

The Shasta County District Attorney’s Office (SCDA) Real Estate Fraud Unit investigates real estate fraud related cases occurring in Shasta County. The types of cases which will be considered for investigation by the SCDA Real Estate Fraud Unit are frauds that result from various fraudulent real estate transactions and/or schemes such as, submission of forged loan application; fraudulent transfers of title or real property; recordation of fraudulent real estate documents; home equity sale contract fraud, and mortgage foreclosure consultant fraud.

When we receive a consumer complaint, we review all the information and the supporting documentation that is included. If the complaint does not meet the above described criteria to open a case, we will do our best to refer you to an agency that will appropriately handle the type of matter involved. Many real estate consumer disputes are not appropriate for government action, but are altogether proper for private legal action. It is generally a good idea to consult with private counsel to explore private legal remedies that might be available.

This office is not legally permitted to represent individuals in civil matters, take action in order to obtain money owed a consumer, help cancel any debt due on a contract that was signed, resolve or mediate individual consumer complaints, or obtain any other personal relief. Those functions are performed by a number of other government agencies established for that purpose.

How to Report A Suspected Real Estate Fraud Crime.

Contact the Real Estate Fraud Unit at (530) 245-6350 or complete the Real Estate Fraud Complaint Form and mail it the:

Shasta County District Attorney's Office
Bureau of Investigations
Real Estate Fraud Unit
1525 Court Street (3rd Floor)
Redding, CA. 96001-1632

To download the Real Fraud Complaint form select this link: Real Estate Fraud Complaint Form.

To download the instructions for completing the Real Estate Fraud Complaint Form select this link: Real Estate Fraud Complaint Form Instructions.

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WELFARE FRAUD

The Office of the District Attorney provides investigative services for the Shasta County Department of Social Services (DSS) in the investigation of allegations of welfare fraud. In March 1998 the investigation of welfare fraud transferred from DSS to the District Attorney's Office.

Welfare fraud is defined as obtaining public assistance (cash aid, Food Stamps, Medi-Cal) by means of false representation, false device, or omission of key facts. Individuals who commit welfare fraud can be charged with Welfare & Institution Code 10980 - Welfare Fraud, and Penal Code Section 118 - Perjury. In addition to recovery of the illegally obtained benefits, criminal penalties are also sought for individuals who commit welfare fraud.

Welfare Fraud investigations are in two major types. One type is focused at preventing welfare benefits from being issued to individuals who are not eligible. Investigators conduct field investigations to provide information to DSS staff in order for them to have accurate information before issuing welfare benefits and to assist in preventing the fraudulent receipt of welfare benefits.

A study was conducted in the mid 90's in a California county which provided information that a significant number of individuals (over 40%) applying for welfare benefits had provided inaccurate, or false information to the welfare agency and thereby received benefits to which they were not entitled. The results of this study played a major role in the implementation throughout California of welfare fraud investigations targeted at preventing fraud from occurring. In Shasta County, DSS and the DA's Office continue to take an active role in conducting investigations targeted at preventing fraud from occurring and/or minimizing the amounts.

The second type of welfare fraud investigation focuses on allegations that individuals had received benefits for which they were not eligible and potentially did so by fraud. The DA's Office and DSS receive allegations from numerous sources including several computer matches against state and federal information. The two most common types of welfare fraud allegations are that the "welfare family" has more income available to them than they report to DSS, and that more people are in the home than reported (it is not uncommon that one of the persons unreported in the home is the parent of one of children). Another allegation commonly received is that people have more "resources" (vehicles, property, bank accounts, etc.) than they have reported. Allegations that individuals have received aid in more than one county, that they have received aid under a fictitious name, or that they received fraudulent child care payments, are also investigated by the investigators assigned to Welfare Fraud cases.

The results of investigations can range from a finding that the allegation of fraud was unfounded, to a finding that fraud was committed and individuals fraudulently obtained welfare benefits over several years costing thousands of dollars. Criminal prosecution for welfare fraud, recovery of benefits fraudulently obtained and periods of disqualification from receiving future welfare benefits may all be part of the outcome of a welfare fraud case.

How To Report Suspected Welfare Fraud:

Shasta County District Attorney Welfare Fraud Investigators: Call (530) 225-5606
Note: Information may be reported confidentially

To Report Welfare in California: Call (1-800 344 TIPS)
California Welfare Fraud Hotline (1-800-344-8477)

To Report Food Stamp Fraud: Call (1-800-424-9121)
US Department of Food and Nutrition

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TRIAL PREPARATION INVESTIGATIONS

DA Investigators assist prosecutor staff in preparing for the various court processes on cases which were initially investigated by other law enforcement agencies. The bulk of the trial preparation activities were done by staff from the agency which originally investigated the case but there are often many other tasks which need to be done to successfully prosecute the case. These tasks ranged from interviewing witnesses, serving court documents, collecting additional evidence, and many other tasks. Major crime cases including homicides are often cases which require additional trial preparation work by all law enforcement agencies involved in the case including the DA's Office.

Conducting interviews using the investigative tool known as the Computer Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA) may also be part of the investigative steps taken by the investigators. The use of CVSA as an investigative tool may also be used in other investigations conducted by DA Investigators.

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CONTACTING MEMBERS OF THE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

Shasta County District Attorney	Telephone	Business Hours
1525 Court St. (3rd Floor) Redding, CA 96001 Located across the street from the Court house.	Main Number (530) 245-6300 FAX: (530) 245-6319 Bureau of Investigation Email	Office - 8 am - 5 pm Telephone - 8 am - 5 pm
	Child Abduction Only: (530) 225-5483 Child Abduction Email
	Environmental Crimes Unit To Report Illegal Dumping 1-866-61-TRASH 1(866-618-7274) Environmental Crimes Email
	Welfare Fraud Only: (530) 225-5606 Welfare Fraud Email
	Consumer Fraud Hotline (530) 245-6300
	Real Estate Fraud Unit (530) 245-6350

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