CALIFORNIA CITY, Calif. — A San Diego private investigator working the missing California City boys case pro bono, confirmed with 23ABC News Thursday that he is stepping down from the case.

"I feel like I haven't been accepted as a professional in this particular case," Bill Garcia told 23ABC News.

Garcia's remarks come after 23ABC's story Wednesday, in which California City Police Chief Jon Walker thanked Garcia for his efforts, but also asked that Garcia tread carefully to not impede the investigation.

"I have run into this type of situation in the past," Garcia said. "It doesn't get better and it only spirals out of control. I recognize what is starting to happen with law enforcement. It's not productive for me to continue under these types of declining circumstances."

According to Garcia, the search he was coordinating for the boys in Tehachapi on Saturday, is now called off.