From the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

Update on Our Ongoing Investigation into Miranda’s Rescue

We want to assure the public that investigative work is continuing and that neither the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office nor any of our state and federal partner agencies has concluded its investigation.

As we have previously explained, this is an extremely complex case. While we had hoped the investigation would be completed by now, it is not. Investigations of this nature often involve peeling back layers of information. As investigators uncover additional evidence, new questions arise, and additional leads must be pursued. We are continuing to determine the full scope of this case, and our investigative team remains committed to working diligently alongside our state and federal partners.

Our investigation remains focused on allegations of animal cruelty and fraud. At this time, we are not prepared to discuss specific evidence, investigative findings or potential criminal charges.

We want the public to understand that we are taking this investigation very seriously. Our priority is not simply to complete it quickly, but to ensure it is conducted thoroughly, objectively and professionally. Any criminal charges pursued must be supported by credible, admissible evidence that can withstand the legal process and establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

We recognize the significant public interest in this case and understand the community’s desire for answers and accountability. However, we also have a responsibility to protect the integrity of the investigation and any potential future prosecution. Those accused of crimes are entitled to a fair trial before an impartial jury. Releasing investigative details or evidence prematurely could jeopardize that right and compromise our ability to successfully prosecute those responsible.

We understand that the limited information we are able to share may be frustrating to those who have been closely following this case. Our discretion is intentional. Our responsibility is to seek justice based on the evidence, not to try a case in the court of public opinion.

My direction to our investigative team remains clear: uncover the truth, hold those responsible accountable when the evidence supports criminal charges, and never compromise the integrity of this investigation for the sake of providing premature updates.

We will continue to share information when it is appropriate to do so. However, we will not sacrifice the integrity of this investigation or any potential future prosecution to satisfy public curiosity.

This investigation is not over. Our work continues, and our commitment to getting it right remains unwavering.

Sheriff William F. Honsal

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PREVIOUSLY

• Search Warrant Served at Miranda’s Rescue Amid Allegations of Felony Animal Abuse, Fraud and Conspiracy
• Miranda’s Rescue Search Warrant Reveals Eight Dead Dogs Have Been Recovered; Sheriff’s Investigator Believes Miranda Killed Them for Financial Gain
• ‘This Case Remains a Priority’: Sheriff’s Office Issues Update on Miranda’s Rescue Investigation, Asks Public to Come Forth With Information
• (UPDATING) BREAKING: At Miranda’s Rescue, Multiple Agencies, Including the FBI, Execute Search Warrant Authorizing Excavation
• (VIDEO) More Than 700 Dogs From Miranda’s Rescue Remain Unaccounted For, Sheriff Honsal Says; Excavation of Grounds to Continue for Several Days
• ‘It’s Gruesome’: Investigators Dig Up More Than A Dozen Dog Carcasses at Miranda’s Rescue on Day Two of Excavations
• ‘This Investigation is Just Getting Started’: Sheriff’s Office Uncovers 117 Dog Carcasses, 21 Skulls and ‘Hundreds of Bones’ at Miranda’s Rescue
• Humboldt County Explains Why It Hasn’t Yet Shut Down Miranda’s Rescue
• (VIDEO) Humboldt County Sheriff Details Evidence From Barn ‘Kill Zone,’ Offers Updates on Miranda’s Rescue Criminal Investigation
• Legislators Mike McGuire and Chris Rogers Condemn Miranda’s Rescue Dog Killings, Thank Sheriff’s Office and Concerned Neighbors
• Shannon Miranda Admits Sending Fake Adoption Texts About Dogs He Shot Dead, Affidavit Says
• Microchips From Dogs Exhumed at Miranda’s Rescue Tied to 38 Registered Owners, Including Six Shelters or Rescue Orgs
• Oakland Nonprofit Dog Rescue Sues Shannon Miranda and ‘Co-Conspirators’ for Animal Cruelty and Fraud
• ‘I Will No Longer Stay Silent’: Shannon Miranda Issues Statement Decrying ‘Gestapo Tactics’ by Law Enforcement and ‘Lies’ From Critics
• County Suspends Miranda’s Rescue’s Permit and Bans Use of the Parcel Where ‘Kill Zone’ Barn and Burial Sites are Located
• Jennifer Raymond Files Complaint With State Over Miranda’s Rescue, Asking Attorney General to Remove the Remaining Animals and Dissolve the Organization
• ‘I’m Not This Big Monster’: In Extensive Interview, Shannon Miranda Denies Animal Cruelty and Fraud Allegations, Saying He’s Only Guilty of Bad Record-Keeping
• Miranda’s Rescue’s Permit Suspension Has Been Lifted; Animal Intakes and Adoptions Have Resumed
• Shannon Miranda Has Stopped Allowing Law Enforcement to Conduct Regular Inspections and Animal Wellness Checks at Miranda’s Rescue
• Miranda’s Rescue’s Permit Has Been Suspended Again; No Animal Intakes or Customer Traffic Allowed