Sonoma County Deputy Sheriff's K9 Association

03/05/2026

Vader was invited to read to the kids at Bodega Bay School for Read Across America Week. He decided to tell the kids about a dog that ate homework, shoes, and everything else but bees, in “don’t eat bees”.

02/18/2026

Another great find by one of our own, Riggs!

02/14/2026

Deputy Rossich and K9 Kongo are now in service assigned to the Sonoma Coast after completing patrol school. Welcome, team Kongo!

02/14/2026

Great work team Benji

K9 Alerts Lead to 9-Pound Narcotics Seizure

A Sonoma County Deputy and his k9 assigned to the Sonoma Valley assisted another deputy on a traffic stop in the area of Highway 37 at Lakeville Highway. The deputy obtained consent for a narcotics search of the car. The k9 alerted to a briefcase in the trunk that had around 9 pounds of suspected methamphetamine.

Twenty-four-year-old Deissy Rodriguez-Mondragon and twenty-three-year-old Dionicio Navarro were arrested for possession of narcotics for sale, transportation of narcotics, and conspiracy. They were both booked into the Sonoma County Jail, and later released on zero bail.

This kind of alert-and-search highlights how effective K9 units can be in combating narcotics trafficking.

12/19/2025

This young man, Koa, won the 2025 Sheriff Holiday Card contest after centering his art around K9s. The K9 unit learned that Koa aspires to be a handler one day so we surprised him with some K9 Association swag and a hangout session with Duke. Thank you, Koa!

11/05/2025

Benji doing solid work out there

K-9 Benji Finds Hidden Drugs During Probation Search

On October 31, 2025, at about 1:21 p.m., deputies assigned to the Main Office conducted a probation search in the 2300 block of McBride Lane. Deputies contacted 36-year-old Timothy Karoki inside his car. Karoki is on searchable probation following a prior DUI arrest.

During a search of his vehicle, deputies located a black aluminum water bottle with a false bottom containing suspected co***ne.

A deputy and his K-9 partner, Benji, then searched Karoki's apartment, where they located additional suspected co***ne, a digital scale, narcotics packaging materials, currency, fi****ms, and ammunition.

Karoki was arrested and booked into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility (MADF) for the following felony charges: possession of narcotics while armed, prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and possession of drugs for sale, as well as a misdemeanor violation of pre-trial release. His bail was set at $55,000, and he was later released after posting bail.

Even on Halloween, our deputies and K-9 partners are sniffing out more than candy. The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office remains committed to keeping our community safe one paw-some find at a time. 🐾 🐶

09/08/2025

500 POUNDS! Way to be Duke and all of Narcs

Narcotics Unit Seizes 500 Pounds of Methamphetamine in Major Drug Bust

On September 6, 2025, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant in the 3000 block of Seven Trees Boulevard, San Jose, as part of an extensive investigation into methamphetamine distribution in Sonoma County. The operation followed a complex investigation into a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in the region.

During the ex*****on of the search warrant, detectives conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle linked to the target of the investigation. The car initially complied but then fled, leading to a pursuit that ended in a crash at a nearby intersection. The driver fled on foot and barricaded himself inside a nearby residence unrelated to him. The San Jose Police Department responded by establishing containment and securing an additional search warrant for the residence. Despite an extensive search, the driver was not located.

With assistance from the Narcotics Unit's K9, Duke, detectives seized approximately 500 pounds of methamphetamine. This significant seizure, believed to be one of the largest in Northern California in recent years, has undoubtedly made a substantial impact on the safety of our community. Additional items seized included approximately $4,000 in cash and a loaded firearm.

The primary suspect, identified as 40-year-old Jose Ortiz-Rivera, who was found to be using multiple aliases, was arrested along with 47-year-old Adela Lamas-Quintero. Both face numerous charges, including possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, transportation of a controlled substance, possession of narcotics while armed with a loaded firearm, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, offenses related to counterfeit identification documents, and conspiracy.

Following the arrests, Narcotics Detectives petitioned the Sonoma County Superior Court for a bail enhancement, which was granted. Both suspects were booked into the Sonoma County Jail with bail set at $500,000 each.

The Sheriff's Narcotics Unit, re-established in November 2024 to address rising narcotics activity, achieved its largest seizure to date with this operation. The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office sincerely thanks the San Jose Police Department, particularly its Metro Unit, for its invaluable support.

The Sheriff's Office remains committed to combating illegal drug activity and ensuring public safety.

Prepared by: Sergeant Juan Valencia, Public Information Officer
Media Inquiries: (707) 565-3941
Case No: 250906-019

08/20/2025

K9 Titan (Retired)
End of Watch: August 16, 2025

K9 Titan proudly served alongside Deputy Pasero with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit. Known for his unwavering work ethic, “King 3,” Titan, and Deputy Pasero served the people of Sonoma County from 2016-2024. During this time, Titan answered countless calls for service with dedication and loyalty.

Titan also excelled as an ambassador to the community. Whether at schools, fairs, or neighborhood events, he was always ready to greet children and families, leaving a lasting impression of kindness and approachability.

Deputy Pasero and Titan retired from the Sheriff’s Office in 2024. In retirement, Titan enjoyed a happy home life with his family. His favorite “treat” was an ice cube, and he became known for his uncanny ability to appear the moment he heard the freezer door open.

On August 16, Titan crossed the rainbow bridge peacefully, surrounded by his family and under the compassionate care of the team at TruVet in Petaluma. Titan’s legacy of service, loyalty, and his good-natured spirit will forever remain with those who knew him.

07/17/2025

K9 Scout EOW: 7/14/25

K9 Scout and Sergeant Negri served the County of Sonoma as a team from February 2015 to July 2020. K9 Scout was one of the designated K9s on the SWAT team and aided with several apprehensions and narcotics seizures.

K9 Scout enjoyed retirement life with the Negri family over the past five years. We’re thankful he was able to have a long and enjoyable retirement 🇺🇸

K9 Scout passed away peacefully surrounded by his immediate family and several members of the Sheriff’s Office. Thank you to K9 Scout for being such an asset to the community! We know you’re running wild on the other side.

06/04/2025

On 6/3/25, K9 Benji assisted Deputies assigned to the River Substation in a probation search after indications of narcotics sales were discovered the night prior. After a search of the property, Benji helped deputies locate 5 ounces of Co***ne, $2k and an imitation firearm.

***ne

01/30/2025

Thank you to for our updated team photo