Critical Incident Investigation

For Immediate Release:

Sgt. K. Parker

On November 29, 2024, at about 5:30am an inmate in the El Dorado County Jail, South Lake Tahoe, 1051 Al Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA was located unresponsive in his cell. Correctional Officers, jail nursing staff, and El Dorado County Fire personnel attempted life saving measures however the inmate was pronounced deceased a short time later. The identity of the inmate will be provided by the Sheriff’s Office after next of kin has been notified. Due to the critical nature of the incident, the Sheriff’s Office initiated a critical incident protocol as part of the investigation. The El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office, the South Lake Tahoe Police Department, and the Placerville Police Department are assisting with the investigation. At this time the incident is an active investigation, and no further information will be provided at this time.

EDSO Correctional Officer Arrested

For Immediate Release

Sergeant Kyle Parker

Recently the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office became aware of potential sexual assault allegations involving a correctional officer and immediately began an investigation. On November 22, 2024, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Officer Michael Griffiths IV, 24 years old, was placed under arrest for sexual assault of an inmate. Correctional Officer Griffiths was booked into the El Dorado County Jail, Placerville for the criminal charge of 289.6(A)(2) PC (Consensual Sex with Adult Detained in Detention Facility) and with a bail amount set at $50,000.00. Correctional Officer Griffiths has been placed on administrative leave.

The investigation is ongoing and there is no further information to be provided at this time.