The California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) are proud to recognize two outstanding prosecutorial partners – San Diego County Deputy District Attorney Michael McCann and San Luis Obispo County Deputy District Attorney Ken Jorgensen – as 2025 Wildlife Co-Prosecutors of the Year.
Both honorees have demonstrated exceptional leadership, collaboration and dedication in safeguarding California’s natural resources.
California’s expansive border region, major seaports, diverse ecosystems and fisheries face constant pressure from poachers, wildlife traffickers, environmental crimes and chronic violators. This year’s award recipients have played pivotal roles in strengthening wildlife and environmental enforcement through innovative legal strategy, field partnership and unwavering commitment.
“Deputy District Attorneys Michael McCann and Ken Jorgensen exemplify what true partnership in wildlife protection looks like. Their commitment, legal expertise and willingness to work hand in hand with our officers have directly strengthened California’s ability to confront wildlife trafficking, environmental crimes and chronic violations,” said Nathaniel Arnold, CDFW Deputy Director and Chief of the Law Enforcement Division. “Their work protects not only our natural resources but the integrity of the systems that safeguard them. CDFW is proud to honor their exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to conservation.”
Deputy District Attorney Michael McCann – San Diego County
McCann is recognized for his critical role in a nearly two-year investigation into an underground trafficking ring dealing in exotic, venomous and restricted species. The case originated when CDFW investigators identified a social media seller offering restricted wildlife, including Morelet’s crocodiles that are native to part of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. McCann immediately committed resources, including two district attorney investigators, to support the operation.
The investigation revealed a criminal network trafficking caimans, Gila monsters, snapping turtles, palm pit vipers and Komodo Island pit vipers across the San Ysidro border crossing – posing significant threats to California’s biodiversity. McCann reviewed numerous warrants, provided around-the-clock legal guidance and drew on his narcotics prosecution San Diego County Deputy DA Michael McCann
expertise to help navigate evidence of firearm and drug trafficking uncovered during the operation.
When officers executing a residential warrant discovered evidence of additional crimes, McCann swiftly facilitated an expedited secondary warrant, ensuring the investigation moved forward without delay. He coordinated with CDFW’s Office of General Counsel, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and defense counsel to maintain a clear and effective prosecution plan.
The case resulted in multiple felony and misdemeanor charges including illegal wildlife sales, illegal firearms possession and possession for sale of controlled substances. McCann successfully negotiated a global plea agreement spanning San Diego and Orange counties halting the spread of unlawfully possessed wildlife and disrupting a sophisticated trafficking network. Evidence from the case continues to support additional investigations.
CDFW leadership describes McCann as an invaluable ally whose tenacity and professionalism have significantly advanced the state’s ability to combat wildlife trafficking.
“On behalf of myself and the San Diego District Attorney’s Office, it is a privilege to work with the hard-working men and women of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Your professionalism, dedication and commitment to justice is exemplary throughout our state,” McCann said. “My office and I are honored to receive this award, which was truly a team effort led by CDFW's Lt. Garrett Smittle and his colleagues who worked countless hours to prevent the trafficking of venomous protected reptiles, the sale of drugs, the transfer of assault weapons and child endangerment. We sincerely thank you for everything you do in protecting California’s wildlife, natural resources and habitat.”
Deputy District Attorney Ken Jorgensen – San Luis Obispo County
Jorgensen is honored for his exceptional skill, strategic leadership and transformative impact on wildlife and environmental enforcement in San Luis Obispo County. His partnership with CDFW has produced measurable progress in addressing commercial fishing violations that had historically gone under-prosecuted.
One key case involved a commercial fisherman with a 15-year pattern of violations, resulting in a $12,500 fine and five years of probation – reinforcing that persistent noncompliance will be met with meaningful consequences.
In a legal climate where fish and wildlife violations are commonly granted judicial diversion (a process where violators resolve their case by completing court-ordered requirements rather than receiving a criminal conviction), Jorgensen has strengthened enforcement by strategically pursuing civil actions when appropriate. He resolved two high-impact, unlawful guiding cases this year, achieving settlements nearly equal to illicit profits, securing permanent injunctions and ensuring portions of penalties remained local to support conservation through the San Luis Obispo County Fish and Game Commission.
Jorgensen’s persistence is especially evident in a multi-year case involving the unlawful destruction of habitat for the endangered Pismo clarkia, an annual herb that grows in Central California. Despite complex biological evidence, shifting personnel and evasive suspects, he led a coordinated, multiagency search warrant and crafted a creative legal strategy combining fish and wildlife statutes with Business and Professions Code authorities. The result was a landmark 2025 settlement totaling $165,350 and permanent injunctions preventing further habitat destruction and pollution.
“Congratulations to Ken on this prestigious award,” said San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow. “I am very proud of the outstanding work he has done alongside our entire Environmental Enforcement team. Ken’s professionalism and pursuit of excellence are invaluable assets when it comes to safeguarding our natural resources and serving our great community.”
Beyond casework, Jorgensen has strengthened regional environmental enforcement by establishing quarterly interagency roundtable meetings, expanding information sharing and best practices across jurisdictions. His participation in field operations and marine patrol ride-alongs further demonstrates his commitment to understanding the challenges faced by wildlife officers.
The Commission and CDFW proudly recognize McCann and Jorgensen for their extraordinary service, innovative legal leadership and vital contributions to protecting California’s fish, wildlife and natural habitats.
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CDFW Photo: Members of the California Fish and Game Commission stand with Deputy District Attorney Ken Jorgensen of San Luis Obispo County who was named one of the 2025 Wildlife Co-Prosecutors of the Year.
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Media Contacts:
Kory Collins, CDFW Law Enforcement Division, (310) 944-8182
Peter Tira, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858