Former Community Development Director under investigation for possession of child pornography. 
Public Information Release
March 15, 2016
Lieutenant Steve Brooks, Public Information Officer
On March 14, 2016 at approximately 8:00 am, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation met with detectives from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. They were investigating a child pornography case involving 47 year old Richard James Coel of Lower Lake. Coel is the former Community Development Director for the County of Lake.
Detectives are working closely with the agents by providing any assistance needed to investigate the case. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting a parallel investigation concerning the child pornography allegations. On March 14th at approximately 11:50 am FBI Agents and Sheriff’s Office Detectives responded to Coel’s residence, which is located in the 6000 block of Sunrise Drive in Lower Lake. Coel’s computer was seized as evidence and is pending a forensic examination. Any additional information concerning Richard Coel should be requested through the County Administrative Office.
Address/Location
Lake County CA Sheriff's Department
1220 Martin St
Lakeport, CA 95453
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 707-263-2690