Suspect Arrested for Criminal Threats and Stalking 

December 4, 2025 – Riverside County Sheriff’s Office officials report that in July of 2024, investigators assigned to the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station assumed an investigation of threats made against employees of a local news organization. The threats were in the form of letters mailed via the United States Postal Service and were explicit, naming individuals in the organization. Investigators worked closely with the United States Postal Inspector’s Service to identify the suspect responsible for the threats. Through follow-up on investigative leads, the suspect was identified as Johnnie Pagels, a 71-year-old resident of Palm Springs.

On December 3, 2025, investigators from the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station, along with personnel from the Business District Team, responded to a residence in the 200 block of East Alejo Road, Palm Springs, to serve a search warrant related to the investigation. While at the location, Pagels was located and taken into custody without incident. Pagels was arrested and booked at the John Benoit Detention Center on charges of criminal threats and stalking. This investigation is ongoing, and no additional details are available at this time.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Investigator Brown at the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station at 760-836-1600.

Reporting Supervisor: Sergeant Jeff Cryder

File # O240800009

Source: Riverside County Sheriff’s Office