For Immediate Release

Sergeant Tasha Thompson

On May 31, 2017, at approximately 12:06 pm, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a 14 year old female juvenile who fell approximately 50 feet while hiking near the Vikingsholm Trail.  Along with EDSO deputies, CHP, Cal-Star, CA State Parks, Lake Valley Fire and South Tahoe EMS personnel responded to assist.  An off-duty law enforcement officer who was recreating in the area began CPR on the victim prior to the arrival of on-duty first responders.

The victim sustained major injuries as a result of the fall. Extensive life saving efforts were conducted on scene. The victim was ultimately transported to Barton Hospital, where she unfortunately succumbed to her injuries.

Update Information: 06/02/2017

The 14 year old female juvenile who died in this tragic accident has been identified as Chloe Conn, a resident of Detroit Falls, Minnesota.

For Immediate Release

Sergeant Tasha Thompson

On May 18, 2017, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office received a report of child molestation which had occurred between 1999 and 2004. The victim reported that her gymnastics instructor, 54 year old Keith Willette of Cameron Park, had sexually abused her for multiple years. On May 25, 2017, Willette was arrested and booked into the El Dorado County Jail.

Based on the current investigation, it is known that Willette was a gymnastics instructor in El Dorado and Sacramento Counties, as well in Ohio, Minnesota, and Washington. Willette is also a professional photographer. Due to the circumstances surrounding this case, we feel that it is possible there may be more victims. If you have any information, please contact Detective Anthony Prencipe at (530) 642-4709.

Booking photo of Keith Willette

For Immediate Release

Sergeant Tasha Thompson

This past weekend, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Explorer POST 457 competed in a statewide competition at the California Highway Patrol Academy in Sacramento.  There were 43 Explorer Posts from across the state consisting of 330 Explorers that competed.

Explorers demonstrated their skills and were evaluated in several reality based scenarios including Crime Scene Investigation, Traffic Stops, Active Shooter, DUI Stops, Critical Incident, Officer Needs Assistance, Building Search, California Alert System, Felony Stop, Crisis Intervention, Court Testimony, Domestic Violence, and Shooting Skills. Our team was very competitive and brought home three trophies: 5^th place in Crisis Intervention, 4th place in Active Shooter and 1st place in Shooting Skills.

The Explorers compete in some of the best competitions available and this is a reflection of the continued training and support from their POST advisors, deputies, supervisors and managers within the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office. It was noted throughout the competition that our POST exemplified great communication and exceptional teamwork.