On May 8, 2025, investigators at the Lake Mathews Sheriff’s Station began looking into a Riverside County Sheriff’s Office employee accused of accessing confidential government database information for personal reasons.
The employee was identified as Deputy Michael Gene Schmidt, age 41. According to officials, Schmidt was arrested on August 7, 2025, in Murrieta without incident and booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center. He faces four counts of unauthorized computer access.
Schmidt has worked for the department since October 2008 and was most recently assigned to the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station. He is currently on paid administrative leave while an internal investigation is conducted.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing and no additional details are being released at this time. Anyone with information about the case can contact Investigator Andrews at the Lake Mathews Sheriff’s Station by calling 951-272-5600.
The Media Information Bureau is handling media inquiries related to this incident.
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