TCSO Investigations

The Tehama County Sheriff’s Investigation Unit is a highly specialized team of well training detectives who are responsible for the more time intensive and sensitive criminal investigations. Each detective is assigned an individual case load and also works in harmony with the members of the unit, other agencies and patrol deputies to handle major felony cases from homicide to bank robberies. Often 100 major criminal cases are processed through the investigation unit each year.

Sergeant Greg Thompson

Sergeant Thompson has worked for the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office since 2005 where he began his career as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff. In November 2007, he was hired as a full-time Deputy Sheriff. In March 2021, he was promoted to Sergeant.

Sergeant Thompson has worked in the Jail, the Courts, as a K-9 handler, and for many years was a Field Training Officer responsible for training new Deputies hired by the Sheriff’s Office.

While assigned to Patrol, Sergeant Thompson received the California Highway Patrol and the American Automobile Association’s “10851” Award. This award recognizes Law Enforcement Officers throughout California who have been proactive in recovering stolen vehicles and apprehending criminals involved in auto theft.

Sergeant Thompson is currently assigned to the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Investigation Unit.

Detective Eric Patterson

Detective Eric Patterson is a lifelong resident of Tehama County. Detective Patterson’s family has been in the county since the late 1800’s. Detective Patterson is a Red Bluff Union High School Graduate and has attended Butte College, receiving a Degree in the Administration of Justice. Detective Patterson graduated from the Butte College 78th Basic Police Academy.

Detective Patterson’s first interest in Law Enforcement began as a teenager when he joined the Tehama County Sherriff’s Office Explorer Post. Detective Patterson was hired as a Deputy Sheriff in 1993.

Detective Patterson has worked in both the Custody Division as well as the Patrol Division.

In the Custody Division, Detective Patterson worked as a Jail Training Officer. Detective Patterson then spent many years as a Patrolman as well as a Field Training Officer.

Detective Patterson has worked in the Sheriff’s Office Boating Unit operating the Sheriff’s boats on the Sacramento River as well as Black Butte Lake.

Detective Patterson has worked as the Sheriff’s Office Background investigator conducting pre-employment background investigations.

Detective Patterson is a certified Computer Voice Stress Analyzer examiner. Detective Patterson has attended Advanced Examiners Training in the use of the CVSA.

Detective Patterson is a member of the Sheriff’s Office Crisis Negation Team.

Detective Patterson is currently assigned to the Investigations Division as Detective/ Investigator, primarily investigating crimes affecting children as well as other special victims.

In Detective Patterson’s off-time, he enjoys spending time with his family and is involved in youth shooting sports with the Nor Cal Junior Clay Busters.

Detective James White

Detective White began his career with the Corning Police Department in 2005. Detective White joined the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office in April, 2023.

Detective White spent 17 years as a Patrol Officer and was promoted to Sergeant with the Corning Police Department in 2020. During his time assigned to patrol Detective White served as a Field Training Officer and Range Instructor.

Detective White was previously assigned to the Tehama Major Crimes Unit where he investigated a variety of crimes including Narcotics and Homicide cases.

Detective White is a long time Tehama County Resident.  He is a Red Bluff Union High School Graduate.  Prior to Law Enforcement, Detective White worked as a Scientific Aid for the Department of Fish and Wildlife.  Detective White has an Associate’s degree from Shasta College and a Bachelor’s degree from Chico State University.  He graduated from the Butte College Police Academy in 2005.

Detective White has attended the Robert Presley Institute of Criminal Investigation for Homicide and Narcotics Investigation.

In Detective White’s off-time, he enjoys spending time with his family camping, golfing with his children and fly fishing.

Detective Rob Epperson

 

Detective Epperson began his law enforcement career in March 2019, where he was assigned to the patrol division at the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office. Detective Epperson progressed into numerous roles and responsibilities within the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office. By January 2020, Detective Epperson was selected as an operator for the Tehama County Inter-Agency S.W.A.T. Team. Since then, Detective Epperson has also taken on the responsibilities as a Tactical Firearms Instructor, Armorer, Chemical Agents Instructor, Field Training Officer (FTO), Boating Safety Officer, Drone Operator, Canine Agitator, and is a member of the Tehama County Honor Guard.

Prior to his career in law enforcement, Detective Epperson served in the military. In 2012, Detective Epperson enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he was stationed overseas in the Indo-Pacific Command. In 2015, while in the military, Detective Epperson was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant, and was assigned to 3rd Battalion 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division, in Twentynine Palms, California.

Following his military service in 2017, Detective Epperson moved back to Tehama County where he later graduated from the Fish and Wildlife Game Warden Academy in 2018. Detective Epperson continued his education, and by the end of 2020, had obtained an Associate’s of Science Degree in Law Enforcement with a Fish & Wildlife Emphasis, an Associates of Science Degree in Administration of Justice, and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Homeland Security in Emergency Management.

In May 2023, Detective Epperson was promoted to Detective where he is currently assigned to the Tehama Major Crimes Unit.