Latest News

Booking Photo (07/19/2023) Justin Tray Buchanan (DOB 07/30/1991) Sentenced

12/2/2025

Justin Tray Buchanan Sentenced to 30 Years to Life in Prison for Murder, Attempted Murder, and Assault with a Deadly Weapon

District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that Justin Tray Buchanan (34) has been sentenced to serve 30 years to life in State Prison. His future eligibility for early release is unknown at this time due to continuous changes to California law and regulation.

Dustin Robert Colyerworth (08-30-1979) DMV Photo, Charges Filed

12/1/2025

Felony Embezzlement Charges Filed Against Former Gala Pride and Diversity Center Executive Director Dustin Robert Colyerworth

On November 17, 2025, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office filed four counts of Grand Theft by Embezzlement, and sought an arrest warrant, against Dustin Robert Colyerworth (46) of Santa Cruz. Mr. Colyerworth formerly served as Executive Director of the Gala Pride and Diversity Center in San Luis Obispo.

Update: Andrew Frederick Rodriguez (DOB 11/22/1989) Sentenced

11/18/2025

Update: Explanation of Recent Sentence in Pismo Beach Stabbing Death

We understand the community has questions regarding why the District Attorney agreed to a plea of guilty to involuntary manslaughter and did not pursue the initially charged crime of murder in the death of Jonathan Perez. Here is a more detailed explanation:

Booking Photo (09/15/2024) Andrew Frederick Rodriguez (DOB 11/22/1989) Sentenced

11/17/2025

Andrew F. Rodriguez (35) Sentenced to Prison in Pismo Beach Stabbing Death

District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that Andrew Frederick Rodriguez has been sentenced to eight years in prison for the stabbing death of Jonathan Campbell Perez (39) which occurred on September 11, 2024, in the city of Pismo Beach.

Booking Photo (12/29/2023) Ryan James Johnson (DOB 11/18/1976)

11/6/2025

Ryan James Johnson Sentenced to 14 Plus 25 Years to Life in Prison Following Record of Recidivist and Violent Crime

District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that earlier this week, in Department 9 of the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court, the Honorable Judge Crystal Seiler sentenced defendant Ryan James Johnson (48) to serve 14 years plus 25 years to life in State Prison.

Human Sex Trafficking Guilty Booking Photos Heather Hunt (6/19/2023) Joshua Murphy (6/5/2023) Tremaine Jones (6/19/2023)

10/1/2025

Historic three-jury human trafficking trial results in prison sentences for all three defendants convicted of sex trafficking of a minor

District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that Tremaine Quincy Tejon Jones (32), Joshua Diante Murphy (31) and Heather Lynne Hunt (32) have each been sentenced to state prison for their part in the trafficking of a minor for sexual purposes.

6/26/2025

Charges Filed Against Gaea Powell for Election Fraud in 2022 and 2024 Elections

District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that charges were filed against Gaea Edde Powell (62) for election fraud in Arroyo Grande during the 2022 and 2024 election cycles.

Booking Photo (03/15/2025) Zachary Tomas Bernal (DOB 05/13/1993)

6/25/2025

Zachary Tomas Bernal (32) sentenced to 7 years in state prison for DUI hit and run causing the death of 11-year-old Jose

District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that Zachary Tomas Bernal (DOB 05/13/1993) of Atascadero has been sentenced to seven years in state prison, for the crimes of vehicular manslaughter while impaired by drugs, hit and run resulting in death, and possession of fentanyl.

Booking Photo 04/29/2024 Francisco Pablo Zaragoza Guzman (04/28/1979) Guilty

5/8/2025

Jury finds Francisco Pablo Zaragoza Guzman (46) of Paso Robles Guilty for sex crimes against multiple child victims

District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that a San Luis Obispo County jury has found Francisco Pablo Zaragoza Guzman of Paso Robles guilty of nine counts of committing sex crimes against multiple children under the age of 14 including three counts where the children were aged 10 or under.

District Attorney