February 10, 2026 - On Monday, District Attorney Jenecke announced that no criminal charges would be filed related to the installation of a fire hydrant on a county-owned waterline on High School Road. This comes after a months-long inquiry by the District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigations.

In September 2025, allegations related to the installation of a fire hydrant on a county-owned waterline on High School Road by Supervisor Holland were raised at a Board of Supervisors’ Meeting. Those concerns were forwarded in writing to the District Attorney’s Office and an investigation began into whether any criminal laws had been violated.

This investigation included interviewing past and present County employees plus a thorough review of available documents including written witness statements and county records.

The investigation concluded that no cost was incurred by the County related to installation of the fire hydrant and that billing records from the time the hydrant was installed to present showed zero (0) usage of water on the hydrant's line. As such, there was insufficient evidence to support charges of misappropriation of public funds, use of public resources for unauthorized purposes, or theft of utilities charges.

DA Jenecke stated, “By announcing our decision today, we address only those issues properly vested within our Office’s jurisdiction – namely, whether a criminal act had been committed related to the installation of the fire hydrant, and whether there was evidence to prove such act beyond a reasonable doubt. At this time, there is insufficient evidence to prove a crime was committed as it relates to installation of this fire hydrant. Whether any County policy or administrative law violations occurred is not for us to comment on.”

For more information or questions, please contact District Attorney Cassandra Jenecke at (209) 588-5450 or da@tuolumnecounty.org. 

Source: Tuolumne County District Attorney