Modoc County Jury Returns Guilty Verdicts in People V. Darrell Wood 

September 13, 2026 – ALTURAS, CA – A Modoc County jury found Darrell Wood guilty of two felony counts, following Modoc County DA Announces Serial Stalking Suspect Released Against ...proceedings presided over by Judge Wendy Dier.

The jury found Wood guilty of:

  • Felony Penal Code § 289(a)(1)(c) — Sexual penetration by a foreign object of a minor over the age of 14 by means of force, violence, duress, menace, and fear of immediate and unlawful bodily injury; and
  • Felony Penal Code § 289(i) — Sexual penetration by a foreign object
  • Aggravating Factor Rule of Court 4.421(a)(11) found to be true

The District Attorney's Office originally filed an information alleging 22 counts involving the sexual abuse of a minor, including allegations of sexual misconduct occurred in San Diego County. The Modoc County District Attorney's Office worked closely with the San Diego County District Attorney's Office to establish legal jurisdiction for all charges to be prosecuted in Modoc County, seeking to prevent the victim from having to endure separate trails in two counties. After the Court confirmed Modoc County's legal authority to prosecute the charges, Judge Wendy Dier ordered the charges severed, allowing only two counts to proceed to trial in Modoc County, over the strenuous objection of Modoc County Assistant District Attorney Richard Cotta, who diligently prosecuted the case on behalf of the People. District Attorney Nina Salarno stated, "Our office is deeply disappointed by this ruling and the trauma inflicted on the victim."

Despite the limitation on the charges presented to the jury, the Modoc County District Attorney's Office is grateful that the jury carefully considered the evidence and returned guilty verdicts on both counts. "Today, we recognize the courage of the victim who came forward and participated in this process," said Modoc County District Attorney Nina Salarno. "Cases involving the sexual abuse of children are among the most complex cases our office handles. We are committed to pursuing justice for victims and holding those accused of committing these serious offenses accountable within the law." The District Attorney's Office extends its sincere appreciation to the San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan and her office for its cooperation in resolving the jurisdictional issues in this case. Coordinated efforts between prosecuting agencies are essential when alleged criminal conduct crosses county lines, particularly when those efforts can help minimize additional trauma to a victim. Our Office also recognizes Modoc County Sheriff's Office and investigating officer Christopher Harrison whose thorough investigative work helped bring the case before Modoc County citizens who served as jurors, carefully fulfilling their civic responsibility by listening to the evidence, applying the law, and reaching their verdict.

The collaborative efforts of prosecutors, law enforcement, and our community are essential to pursuing justice, particularly in cases involving vulnerable victims. The District Attorney's Office remains committed to protecting victims, seeking justice, and ensuring that serious crimes are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. Sentencing hearing for this case is scheduled for 12/14/2026.

Source: Modoc County District Attorney's Office