Litterbug Bust: Trash in Turnout Leads to Meth Arrests, says MCSO

This is a press release from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent unless guilty proven guilty:

On 07/07/2026, at approximately 9:35 A.M., a Mendocino County Sheriff’s Deputy contacted two individuals near a vehicle parked in a turnout along the 11000 block of East Side Road in Redwood Valley.

During the contact, Sheriff’s Deputies observed food garbage littered in the area and identified the two individuals as Robert Scott and Tiahna McGovern. A records check revealed Scott was on active California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) parole, allowing Sheriff’s Deputies to conduct a parole search of his person and vehicle.

During the search, Sheriff’s Deputies located suspected methamphetamine on the vehicle’s center console area, which was accessible to both occupants.

Both Scott and McGovern admitted to using methamphetamine but denied ownership of the narcotics. Based on the totality of the investigation, Sheriff’s Deputies determined there was probable cause to arrest both individuals for possession of methamphetamine.

Scott was arrested for felony possession of methamphetamine in violation of 11377(a) HS due to a qualifying prior criminal conviction requiring registration pursuant to 290 PC. McGovern was arrested for possession of methamphetamine in violation 11377(a) HS.

Both subjects were transported to the Mendocino County Jail for booking. Scott was additionally booked on a parole hold authorized by his supervising parole agent for 3056 PC. Scott is being held on a no-bail status due to his parole violation.

McGovern was later released on her signed promise to appear at the Superior Court of Mendocino County at a later date.

Anyone with information related to this incident is requested to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 707-463-4086 (option 1). Information can also be provided anonymously by calling the non-emergency tip-line at 707-234-2100.