In July 2024, investigators from the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station began looking into threats made against employees of a local news organization. The threats were sent through the United States Postal Service and specifically named individuals at the organization. Investigators worked in cooperation with the United States Postal Inspector’s Service to identify who was responsible.
According to authorities, follow-up on investigative leads led them to Johnnie Pagels, a 71-year-old resident of Palm Springs. On December 3, 2025, law enforcement personnel served a search warrant at a residence in the 200 block of East Alejo Road in Palm Springs. At that location, Pagels was found and arrested without incident.
Pagels was booked at the John Benoit Detention Center on charges of criminal threats and stalking. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office states that this investigation is ongoing and no further details are being released 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.”
“For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.”
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