‘Serial’ illegal camping violator arrested in industrial area north of Ukiah city for allegedly making huge mess that created health risk, bad smells.

Michael Menke, 33, has been arrested again on charges related to illegal camping. He has been arrested and charged in the past, back to 2023, with camping on private property, in a park, and various charges of storing camping paraphernalia illegally. He was placed into a diversion program. He also had shoplifting arrests and one conviction in Myrtle Beach and another location in South Carolina. His record is long but shows nothing but misdemenaors, almost all related to camping. He was once ticketed here for smoking in public in an area not allowed.

This time, the case related to his camping allegedly creating a huge mess and bad smells along North State Street in industrial north Ukiah, away from the main populated areas. He moved his stuff around, according to the press release but there was so much of it and now blocking the sidewalks, the sheriff’s department took him in and called for the stuff to be taken to the dump, numerous warnings having been given. The stuff was trashed using a determination that it posed a threat to public health, the press release shows.

The area of Ukiah north of State Route 101 on North State Street is one of the coolest industrial areas of the county and now home to a developing Amazon facility. Few people realize how this roughshod area of warehouses, shops of all kinds, junkyards and dealerships is actually a sensitive environment and not the place for pollution of any kind. We photographed this work on Ackerman Creek in 2025, where the whole bridge was wrapped in plastic to protect substances used in construction from running into the creek. The Russian River is just down the way and several other creeks drain this area.

This area features an auto junkyard across the street, numberous warehouses, many vacant but others hosting small businesses and Hollow Tree Creek Road.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Incident Number: 
2026-6137

Crime/Incident:
374.8(b) PC – Knowingly Disposing of a Hazardous Substance
372 PC – Creating a Public Nuisance

Location: 
2000 block of North State Street in Ukiah, CA

Date of Incident: 
04/04/2026

Time: 
5:50 P.M.

Victim(s): 
People of the State of California

Suspect(s): 
Michael Menke (33-year-old male from Ukiah, CA)

Written By: 
Sergeant J Woida #2710

Synopsis: 
On 03/26/2026, Deputies from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office began receiving reports of a significant illegal encampment and accumulation of waste in the 2000 block of North State Street in Ukiah, CA. The initial caller was a nearby resident who reported the encampment and waste was visible from her property which prompted the initial response.
 
This initial response was followed up with additional complaints regarding the encampment and waste. Over the following days, Deputies contacted the occupants of the encampment, which included Michael Menke (33-year-old male from Ukiah, CA). Menke acknowledged he was at the location without permission and he received repeated warnings and clear instructions to remove his belongings and properly dispose of the trash. Menke did not comply with the warnings and instructions to remove and dispose of the trash.

 
Deputies estimated the accumulation included over 10-cubic-yards of personal items and trash, creating a foul odor and presenting a health and safety hazard. Items observed included soiled bedding, clothing, food, plastic garbage bags, aerosol cans, lighter fluid labeled as extremely flammable, and a methamphetamine smoking device.
 
On 04/02/2026, Deputies provided final notice that the area must be cleared by 04/04/2026, or enforcement action would commence. On 04/04/2026, Deputies returned to the location and found the items remained but had been moved to an area that obstructed the public walkway along North State Street. Menke was arrested on an unrelated warrant, pending additional investigation. During an interview, Menke acknowledged ownership of the items and admitted that he failed to remove the items despite ample prior notice.
 
Deputies determined that the actions of Menke constituted a violation of California Penal Code 374.8(b) for unlawful accumulation and disposal of waste and maintaining a public nuisance under Penal Code 372. This determination was made due to the obstruction, unsanitary conditions, and hazards to public health and safety.
 
Menke was booked into the Mendocino County Jail for 374.8(b) PC and 372 PC in addition to the arrest warrant issued in Mendocino County for 11395(b)(1) PC – Possessing a controlled substance with two or more prior convictions. Menke is being held in lieu of $15,000 bail.
 
Mendocino Solid Waste Management Authority was contacted to assist with the removal of the waste which was the focus of this investigation.
 
Anyone with information related to this incident is requested to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 707-463-4086 (option 1). Information can also be provided anonymously by calling the non-emergency tip-line at 707-234-2100.

Approved by: 
Captain Quincy Cromer #2651