BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — 14 people were arrested after KCSO deputies conducted an operation addressing illegal lodging/squatting activities and active arrest warrants in the Kern River Valley area.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office said the targeted operation happened on January 27, 2026.
KCSO said this enforcement action was part of an ongoing effort to maintain public safety and uphold state laws prohibiting unauthorized lodging on public and private lands.
During the operation, 14 people were arrested for violations related to unlawful squatting and outstanding warrants.
Those arrested were identified as:
43-year-old Kennith Downhour of Bakersfield40-year-old Arron Doss of Los Angeles48-year-old Moses Vargas of Wasco51-year-old Danny Webb of Washington41-year-old Damon Hall of Bakersfield32-year-old Justin Tanner of Lake Isabella44-year-old Brandon Groover of Lake Isabella58-year-old Michell Sierra of Los Angeles County32-year-old David Urfer of Lake Isabella50-year-old Jason Schaapman of Orange County56-year-old Robert Laudermilk of Bell Garden72-year-old Richard Landress of Oklahoma49-year-old Donaciano Gonzalez of Bakersfield50-year-old Patricia Davis of Los Angeles County
Those arrested were booked into the Kern County Jail on charges related to unlawful squatting and active arrest warrants.
In a release, it said, “The Kern County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of our communities and will continue to enforce laws that protect public lands and private property.”