South OC Times

The Orange County Sheriff's Department has announced the promotion of seven personnel, including an assistant sheriff and a commander. Assistant Sheriff Nate Wilson has been appointed to lead the Department’s Custody Operations Command. He will focus on maintaining secure facilities for incarcerated individuals, emphasizing re-entry services and support for inmates with mental health and substance use issues.

Wilson's promotion follows the retirement of Assistant Sheriff Andy Stephens, who served the community for nearly 32 years. "Assistant Sheriff Wilson is an effective, pragmatic and well-respected leader within our organization who has extensive experience in custody operations," stated Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner. "He has established himself as an expert in navigating the challenging issues we face in our custody system, and I look forward to the contributions he will make."

Commander Christopher McDonald was also promoted along with five lieutenants during a ceremony at the Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy. All personnel have commenced their new roles as of March 21.

Assistant Sheriff Wilson began his career with the department in 2000 after six years of military service. Throughout his tenure, he worked across various commands including custody, patrol, and administrative services. His previous assignments included working as a field training officer in Stanton and engaging with at-risk youth through GRIP to improve school attendance and reduce gang activity.

Promoted to sergeant in 2012, Wilson handled roles in custody, patrol, and internal affairs before becoming lieutenant in 2016. He was later assigned as Chief of Police Services for Stanton before advancing to captain where he led efforts within the Behavioral Health Bureau alongside local agencies to enhance crisis intervention services.

Wilson became commander in 2021 overseeing operations at a maximum security facility specializing in acute mental health cases among inmates. His command extended to transportation division responsibilities along with fugitive warrants and extradition details.

Wilson holds a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fullerton; certification as an American with Disabilities Act coordinator; and completed USC's Public Safety Leadership Program.

Commander McDonald joined the department in 1999 serving roles spanning custody operations to investigations involving OCIAC and FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force participation. As supervisor he engaged with Crime Analysis Bureau duties alongside crisis negotiation responsibilities before being promoted lieutenant overseeing Theo Lacy Facility operations until selected Chief of Police Services for Mission Viejo until April last year.

Recently McDonald captained Real-Time Operations Center utilizing technology combined data resources enhancing law enforcement responsiveness during crime incidents either ongoing or recently transpired.