MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Authorities have launched a search operation to locate a Hidden Valley Lake man whose family reported him missing over the weekend.
Searchers are attempting to find 48-year-old Stephen Christopher Carter, 48, according to Lt. Steve Brooks of the Lake County Sheriff's Office.
Brooks said deputies responded to a missing person report regarding Carter shortly after noon on Saturday.
He said Carter's family told deputies that they last heard from him at approximately 6:05 p.m. Friday, when he sent a text message.
Brooks said Lake County Search and Rescue was activated on Monday to search the area believed to be Carter's last known location, which is off of Highway 29 near Middletown.
Brooks said a California Highway Patrol helicopter, H-14 from Redding, was set to join the search late Monday afternoon.
Carter is a white male with brown hair and green eyes, is 6 feet tall and 170 pounds.
His family told Lake County News that he was last seen wearing a black t-shirt and khaki shorts.
Carter is a well-known local defense attorney who for many years directed the county's indigent defense program.
Last year, the program was taken over by his wife under another legal entity because of legal issues he had, specifically, charges for drunk driving and unlawful entry.
District Attorney Don Anderson said his office reached an agreement with Carter several weeks ago for misdemeanor charges and probation in the case.
If anyone has information regarding Carter's whereabouts they are asked to immediately contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 707-263-2690.
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