Kern County District Attorney

Meet the dedicated attorneys at our East Kern Office! ?? This team handles the prosecution of cases committed in the areas of Tehachapi, California City, Edwards, Rosamond and of course Mojave - one of the busiest courts in Kern County. ???? From left to right: Edward Ortega, David Parsons, DA Cynthia Zimmer and Tyson Beers Yesterday, DA Zimmer awarded Deputy DA David Parsons his prosecutor badge, a recognition that is earned after successfully serving as a prosecutor with our office for a year. ???? Congratulations Mr. Parsons and thank you to this team for their dedication and commitment to the residents of East Kern! ??

Exciting news! ???? Please join us in congratulating Randall Meyer as the new Chief of the Bureau of Investigations. ??Chief Meyer was sworn in recently, surrounded by investigators and agency partners, following the retirement of former Chief Jared Kadel. Chief Meyer’s law enforcement career spans over two decades, beginning in 2001 as a Reserve Deputy with the Kern County Sheriff’s Office. He became a full-time Deputy Sheriff in 2005 and has held various roles, including Assistant Range Master in the Sheriff’s Shooting Range and Senior Deputy in the Sex Crimes and Homicide Units. He later advanced to Administrative Sergeant at the Central Receiving Facility followed by his transferring to the Training Section as the Academy Coordinator. Continuing his advancement, he achieved the rank of Lieutenant and served in the Watch Lieutenant Section before being selected to work in the Professional Standards Unit and the newly created Parks Bureau. ???? In July 2024, the District Attorney’s Office was proud to welcome Chief Meyer as Lieutenant, a role in which he quickly thrived, demonstrating the same dedication and expertise that had earned him respect throughout his career. DA Zimmer expressed her confidence in Chief Meyer, stating, “Former Chief Kadel set a high standard that I am confident Chief Meyer will meet. Chief Meyer has not only been one of the most dedicated law enforcement members in this county, but he has done so with exemplary leadership, compassion for crime victims, and a commitment to our community. I look forward to seeing the continued success of the Bureau under his leadership.” We look forward to the continued contributions of Chief Meyer as he leads the Bureau of Investigations! ????

This room is filled with appreciation as we celebrate Chief Jared Kadel’s well-deserved retirement from the Bureau of Investigations. ?? Today, current and former law enforcement members, community leaders, and DA staff gathered to honor his service and give our deepest thanks. Chief Kadel’s dedication to public service began at just 19 years old. At the DA’s Office, he has served in nearly every role within the Bureau, rising to Lieutenant in 2017 and Chief in 2020, where he played a key role in tackling crime and dedicating efforts toward improving rural areas of Kern County. ?? As an investigator, leader, and friend, Chief Kadel has made a lasting impact. ?? We thank you, Chief Kadel, for your dedication and extraordinary service to our community. Happy Retirement! ????

We’re excited to announce the appointment of Garett Sugimoto (right) as the new Director of the Kern Regional Crime Lab! ?? Additionally, please join us in congratulating David Zimmerman (left) on his promotion to Assistant Director. ?? ??Mr. Sugimoto steps into this leadership role following the recent retirement of the former director. Mr. Sugimoto has extensive education and knowledge in the field, serving as a Forensic Laboratory Technician, Criminalist and DNA Technical Lead Criminalist before being named Assistant Laboratory Director in 2023. He has casework experience in DNA Analysis, Biological Screening, Firearm Analysis, Shoe and Tire impressions, and Crime Scene Response. ??Mr. Zimmerman brings extensive experience to his new role, having previously served as a Criminalist and Supervising Criminalist. He has casework experience in the Toxicological Analysis Unit which includes Forensic Alcohol Analysis and Breath Alcohol Instrument Calibration. We are confident they will continue to lead the lab in justice through science. Please join us in celebrating their achievements and wishing them success in their new roles! ????

Every year, our entire staff gathers for the State of the Office, a year-end review led by District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer. This event reflects on the accomplishments of the past year and recognizes outstanding contributions to our office and the pursuit of justice. ??? As part of this tradition, we honor three individuals for their exceptional dedication to justice and service to victims. ?? Please join us in congratulating our 2024 award recipients: ??Justice Award: Supervising Deputy District Attorney Larry Fields In August of last year, Deputy DA Fields was appointed as a unit supervisor, following eight months in the Homicide Unit in 2024. During that time, he tried five homicide cases, spending an impressive 109 days in trial. One of his most notable victories was securing the conviction of Anthony Martin, who shot and killed a homeless man over a five-dollar drug deal. Martin was sentenced to 50 years to life for his crime. ?? Prosecutor of the Year: Deputy District Attorney Janae Knallay Deputy DA Knallay is a Special Victims Unit prosecutor who specializes in some of the most complex and heartbreaking cases—human trafficking. She works tirelessly to bring justice for some of our county’s most vulnerable victims and has secured several significant convictions. ?? Support Staff Person of the Year: Public Information Officer Daniela Gonzaga As Public Information Officer, Ms. Gonzaga plays a vital role in telling the story of the District Attorney’s Office—highlighting the efforts of our prosecutors, forensic lab, victim services unit and every division in between. Often behind the camera, she ensures our office’s mission is communicated effectively to the public by keeping the community informed about public safety updates, case developments, convictions, and legislative changes, helping to strengthen transparency and awareness. Congratulations to all! ??

Today, we say goodbye and congratulations to an invaluable member of our team—Tammi Noe, Director of the DA’s Kern Regional Crime Lab, as she embarks on a well-earned retirement. ?????? Ms. Noe’s journey with the crime lab began in 1989 as an intern, and in 1994, she officially started her career as a criminalist in Kern County. ?? Over the years, she worked in the Toxicology, Drug Analysis, and DNA Units before being promoted to Supervising Criminalist in 2012. In that role, she became the Quality Assurance Officer, ensuring the highest standards for the lab. In July 2015, she was appointed Laboratory Director, where she has since led the lab to become one of the most innovative in the state. ???? Her leadership, expertise, and commitment to justice have left a lasting impact on Kern County. While we are sad to see her go, we are grateful for her decades of service and dedication. ?? Please join us in wishing Ms. Noe a happy and fulfilling retirement! ??

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, a time to educate the community, honor survivors, and recognize the courageous efforts of law enforcement officers who work tirelessly to combat this devastating crime. ???????♂? This morning, DA Zimmer hosted an event to honor the men and women on the front lines of the fight against human trafficking. The event brought together partnering agencies, community dignitaries, prosecutors, and advocates who shared their gratitude for the officers' commitment. The overarching message was simple but profound: Thank you. Human trafficking investigators often work behind the scenes, their efforts unseen by the public due to the sensitive and confidential nature of their work. These officers—whose identities are protected even in these photos—are the unseen heroes who bring hope to victims who may feel hopeless. They devote long hours, carry out meticulous investigations, and conduct challenging operations to rescue individuals trapped in unimaginable circumstances. Without their dedication, justice and rescue would not be possible. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your unwavering commitment and partnership.

Happy Law Enforcement Appreciation Day! ??♂??? Today, we celebrate our AMAZING District Attorney Investigators and all the dedicated law enforcement agencies in our county who work tirelessly to keep our community safe. ?? From conduction operations and complex investigations to supporting our community in meaningful ways – what investigators do often happens behind the scenes, but their impact is felt in every aspect of our mission. To our DA Investigators: Thank you for your unwavering commitment to justice and for standing strong with crime victims in Kern County. ??

Happy Holidays from the Office of the Kern County District Attorney! ??? We wish you a season filled with joy, peace, and safety, surrounded by those who matter most.???? Please note the following holiday closures for both the District Attorney's Office and the Kern County Family Justice Center: ? Tuesday, December 24, 2024 ? Wednesday, December 25, 2024 ? Tuesday, December 31, 2024 ? Wednesday, January 1, 2025 We look forward to serving you in the New Year and hope you have a wonderful holiday season! ?

The day has finally come! ?? Proposition 36 goes into effect tonight at midnight. ?? Under this new law; ?? Repeat retail theft and smash-and-grab crimes will result in increased penalties. ?? Fentanyl will be added to the list of controlled substances that warrant increased consequences. ?? Non-violent offenders battling drug addiction will have the opportunity to undergo drug and mental health treatment programs instead of incarceration, focusing on long-term solutions for public safety. The law is now on our side and prosecutors finally have the ability to increase consequences for the criminals damaging our community. ???? We look forward to a safer California. ??