NEVADA CITY, Calif. July 10, 2019 – Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon conducted the second swearing-in ceremony of the year today in the BOS Chambers, recognizing the new permanent employees. The addition of two Dispatchers deserves special recognition. Congratulations to all and thank you for your service to Nevada County.

Cory Woods – Administrative Analyst Senior

Cory previously served as vice president and president of Association of Criminal Justice Research. He is currently coauthoring an article regarding the use of artificial intelligence in criminal justice settings on behalf of Integrated Justice Information Systems. Cory is also a recipient for criminal justice research from California Probation, Parole and Corrections Association award.

Miranda Menig – Sheriff Dispatcher I

Miranda Menig was born and raised in Nevada County. After graduating from Sierra College with two AA degrees, she transferred to Chico State where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology.

Growing up, Miranda knew that she wanted to work along-side law enforcement but wasn’t sure in what capacity. When the opportunity came around to work as a Dispatcher in her home town, she knew she had to jump on the chance.

Miranda is looking forward to working with and giving back to the community in this unique way.

Rachaiel McKnight – Sheriff Dispatcher I

Rachaiel McKnight was born in the city of Sacramento and grew up right here in the beautiful Nevada County. She has lived all over the area from the outskirts of Nevada City to the winding roads of Alta Sierra, Grass Valley and has come to love and appreciate the community we all know and share. She attended Nevada Union and then went on to graduate from Forrest Charter High School.

She is currently enrolled in our local Sierra College and will graduate with an Associates of Arts degree this fall with the opportunity to transfer to a California State University, where she can pursue a Bachelor’s in psychology.

Taylor Ortega – Correctional Officer I

Taylor Ortega was born and raised in Nevada County by her mother and grandparents. After graduating high school Taylor worked a part-time job while attending Sierra College full-time. Although Taylor is one of our new employees she is not new to the Sheriff’s Office. Taylor has served as a very dedicated and reliable Volunteer through our Volunteer Program. Giving much credit to the Volunteer Program Taylor says she has learned more than she ever expected to learn, made friendships with incredible people who she will forever have in her life and began her law enforcement career.

Travis Peebles – Correctional Officer I

Travis Peebles was born at Beale Airforce Base and raised in Grass Valley by his mother, Diana, and his father, Tim. Before getting hired by the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office Travis worked as a Security Guard and as a Lube Tech at a local shop.

Travis attended high school at Sierra Foothill in Grass Valley. After high school he went on to attend Yuba College in Marysville. Travis hopes to have a positive impact on the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and to be a positive influence on everyone he meets.

Brianna Strachan – Correctional Officer I

Brianna is 6th generation, born and raised, in Nevada County. She’s proud of Nevada County and what the correctional department represents for the county. In her career she wants to encourage and help rehabilitate those who come through the facility doors and help keep Nevada County safe, not only for her own kids, but for the community.

When she is not working, Brianna is on the ball field playing softball. She plays against the Sheriff on the Tuesday Night Women’s League!

David Sawders – Correctional Officer I

David William Sawders was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Prior to working at Nevada County Sheriff Office he served 9 ½ years in the United States Marine Corps.

David has earned his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice and Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency and Disaster Management (cum laude). David received two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals for performances during deployments. He also earned a heroism award in 2007 while serving as a firefighter for pulling a man from a burning building.

Daniel Morales – Deputy Sheriff I

Daniel Morales was born and raised in Vallejo, California. He worked at the Yuba County jail for two years before getting hired with the Nevada County Sheriff Office.

Daniel is looking forward to serving and protecting the community with the upmost integrity.

Editor’s note: He also appears to be a man of few words.

Ryan Portillo – Deputy Sheriff I

Ryan was born in San Jose, CA and raised in the South Bay (of the Bay Area) between Sunnyvale and San Jose. Ryan studied Illustration at Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles. Before getting hired with NCSO Ryan worked in the Video Game industry as a Concept Artist.

Being an avid outdoor enthusiast, Ryan feels Nevada County will provide him more than ample opportunity for doing all things outside. He is very grateful to be able to put roots down and call it home. Ryan is excited to announce that in less than a year’s time he will be married to his wonderful fiancee.

Richard Osborne – Deputy Sheriff I

Richard Osborne was born and raised in Grass Valley, California. He held the position of Correctional Officer at the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility for five years. Richard wants to advance within the Sheriff’s Office and desires to contribute and be part of the great team of officers that Nevada County has.

Richard looks forward to being a part of the team that makes Nevada County a safe place to live, work and prosper.

Kelly Iott – Legal Office Assistant I