BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Kern County Sergeant Ryan Dunbier pleaded not guilty on Monday to five charges related to his alleged unauthorized entry into the sheriff’s office property room while off-duty, during which he allegedly took evidence, including suspected narcotics.

Dunbier was charged by the Kern County District Attorney’s Office last month. He was arrested in January 2026 after the Kern County Sheriff’s Office became aware of his unlawful conduct upon his arrival at work.

Court records show that Dunbier is set for two preliminary hearings in early August.

PREVIOUS REPORTING: KCSO sergeant arrested for allegedly removing evidence from property room

According to the sheriff’s office, KCSO Command Staff reviewed surveillance footage that revealed Sergeant Dunbier had entered the property room, which was closed for a holiday, and potentially removed unknown items of evidence. Following this discovery, investigators executed a search warrant at Dunbier’s home, where they allegedly found three items of evidence identified as drug paraphernalia, one of which contained a usable amount of suspected narcotics.

On January 21, 2026, the KCSO submitted a request to the Kern County District Attorney’s Office to file criminal charges. The DA’s office stated that after an initial review, prosecutors determined that further investigation was necessary to meet the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard.

After the completion of additional investigations, on April 24, 2026, the District Attorney’s Office filed five criminal charges against Dunbier, including:

Second-degree commercial burglary (Felony)Manufacture, sale, or possession of a short-barreled shotgun or rifle (Felony)Possession of an assault rifle (Felony)Under the influence of a controlled substance (Misdemeanor)Possession of an injection/smoking device (Misdemeanor)Comment with Bubbles

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Dunbier has been employed by the KCSO since 2001. He was placed on administrative leave following his arrest.

KSCO said that for the administrative investigation, these allegations will be submitted to the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) for an independent decertification review.

Dunbier was arrested and later posted bail on April 24, 2026. He is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on August 5, 2026.