Acting Sheriff Jack Anderson made the following comments on May 1, 2001 when giving commendations to Investigator Jeffrey Brown, Crime Analyst Catalina Reyes and Tustin resident Michael Palacio. The three were responsible for the arrest and the large number of cases made against the individual accused of being the culprit who became known as "The O.C. Flasher."  

"On Saturday, February 2, 2008, Tustin citizen Michael Palacio was near an apartment complex when he noticed a nude male knocking on a window of an apartment. Mr. Palacio took immediate steps to confront the suspect, ultimately chasing him through the complex and apprehending him.

Our investigators suspect that this individual committed over 200 acts of indecent exposure from 2005 to 2008.

Today, family and friends gathered as we commended Mr. Palacio, Investigator Jeffrey Brown and Crime Analyst Catalina Reyes for their outstanding performance, diligence, and dedication for their efforts on this case.

Mr. Palacio's commendation reads in part: 'In 2005 the Orange County Sheriff's Department became aware of an individual who was accosting and exposing himself to lone female residents.' Based upon the suspect's method of operation, he left virtually no investigative leads or clues to his identity. The Orange County Sheriff's Department utilized all of its resources and manpower to identify and apprehend this suspect.

The Department organized and conducted covert surveillances, reviewed dozens of individuals previously convicted of indecent exposure and released a composite sketch of a suspect. For three years no suspect was identified.

The Department realized that the apprehension of this suspect would likely occur by the initial response of a patrol deputy or by the quick and decisive acts of a citizen.

Mr. Palacio's actions immediately halted the continuing victimization of women and, because of the extraordinary investigative work of Crime Analyst Catalina Reyes and Investigator Jeff Brown, the suspect will be accountable in a court of law for more than the single incident that occurred on February 2.

This is an extraordinary example of the work each of you performs on a daily basis with the support of the communities we serve. Thank you for all of your great efforts.