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SAPD police officers seized guns, drugs and cash from two probationers

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The SAPD’s AB 109 Task Force along with their Directed Patrol officers responded to the 4900 block of W. Crystal Ln. (a few blocks northeast of Mile Square Park) for a compliance check of a subject on probation.

During a search of the subject’s vehicle officers located a loaded 9mm “Ghost” gun, along with a large amount of fentanyl.

While conducting a traffic stop in the area of the 600 block of N. Harbor Blvd.,(a few blocks west of Cesar Chavez Campesino Park) SAPD MET detectives contacted two subjects in the vehicle.

The passenger advised detectives he had a firearm in his waistband and was on probation.

The subject was handcuffed and a loaded firearm was removed from his waistband.

The driver was also in possession of approximately 40 grams of narcotics and roughly, $5,000 in cash was also recovered from the vehicle.

19 indicted in massive O.C. heroin drug bust

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SANTA ANA, California – Law enforcement officials today arrested 12 defendants charged in a federal grand jury indictment with conspiring to distribute at least $2 million worth of heroin by operating two Orange County-based call centers that took telephone orders for deliveries of the drug.

The 13-count indictment returned on May 26 and unsealed today charges a total of 19 defendants with narcotics- and money laundering-related offenses. The 12 defendants who were arrested by special agents with the FBI via “Operation Horse Caller” are expected to be arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in Santa Ana. The seven remaining defendants are fugitives.

According to the indictment, from March 2017 to April 2021, Julio Cesar Martinez, a.k.a. “Primo,” 43, of Riverside, and his brother, Victor Martinez, a.k.a. “Hector,” 44, of Hemet, owned and operated a heroin distribution organization in Orange County, obtaining the drug from suppliers in Mexico and the United States. Heroin was transported to the organization by couriers who concealed the drug, sometimes in their body cavities, to Orange County.

Maricela Guerrero, a.k.a. “Carla,” 53, of Santa Ana, and Marla Portillo Cordova, a.k.a. “Yvette,” 34, also of Santa Ana, allegedly assisted in the daily operations of the distribution organization and, on an almost daily basis, accepted telephone orders for heroin. These four defendants allegedly directed other conspirators to deliver the heroin to buyers and collect payment in exchange for a cut of the proceeds.

The organization allegedly distributed $2 million worth of heroin. To conceal the source of the income the organization generated, from September 2013 to May 2019, Julio Cesar Martinez and Victor Martinez allegedly caused the deposit of the heroin sales proceeds into bank accounts held by Cordova and other individuals. Cordova and others, at times, allegedly structured the deposits into the bank accounts to evade federal reporting requirements by depositing the money at different banks and by breaking the deposits up into amounts $10,000 and under.

Victor Martinez allegedly directed Cordova and others to further conceal the heroin proceeds by transferring the money between various bank accounts held by family members. He also directed them to transfer heroin sales proceeds into an escrow account that was used to purchase property in Hemet for his benefit, according to the indictment.

These four defendants, along with others, are charged with conspiracy to distribute heroin and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Victor Martinez also is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, and, along with Cordova, is charged with four counts of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from unlawful activity.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The charges of conspiracy to distribute heroin and distribution of heroin each carry a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The charges of money laundering conspiracy and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from unlawful activity carry statutory maximum sentences of 20 years and 10 years in federal prison, respectively.

The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this matter. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the Newport Beach Police Department, the Costa Mesa Police Department, the Huntington Beach Police Department, the Oxnard Police Department, the California Highway Patrol and March Air Reserve Base provided substantial assistance. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph T. McNally and Kevin J. Butler of the Violent and Organized Crime Section are prosecuting this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan S. Galatzan of the Asset Forfeiture Section is handling the forfeiture portion of the case.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

15 ghost guns, meth and cash were seized by police from a suspect in Orange

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The Orange Police Department’s Special Investigation Unit conducted an investigation on drug sales and illegal gun manufacturing.

Their investigation led to a search warrant and for the business in the 1700 block of N. Tustin.

Detectives recovered a pound of meth, $20,000.00 in cash, a loaded unserialized handgun, a completed unserialized AR-15, and approximately 15 milled out handguns.

The police recovered the items used for manufacturing the ghost guns.

One suspect was booked at OCJ for sales of methamphetamine, possession of handgun during sales, Illegally manufacturing firearms, and being a prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition.

The HB Police took $3.5M worth of illegal drugs from a Mexican trafficking organization

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An estimated $3.5 million worth of drugs is off the streets thanks to the hard work of detectives at the Huntington Beach Police Dept.

Over the last 30 days, HBPD detectives have been conducting an ongoing investigation into a large drug trafficking organization out of Mexico. The drug organization has been distributing to various locations throughout Southern California, including Orange County, San Bernardino County and Riverside County.

The investigation resulted in the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of approximately 140 kilos of cocaine and heroin, 12 pounds of methamphetamine and over 1,000 fentanyl pills.

The SAPD seized ghost guns and drugs during several arrests this week

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SAPD police officers responded to reports of a man with a gun in the area of the 400 block of E. 16th Street. The officers reviewed surveillance video and confirmed the man was in possession of a firearm.

While the officers were still on scene, the suspect returned. Officers attempted to stop the suspect but he failed to yield and a vehicle pursuit ensued.

The suspect abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot, discarding a handgun as he ran. Officers apprehended the suspect shortly thereafter without further incident.

SAPD police officers conducting proactive enforcement in the area of Pacific Avenue and Lingan Lane observed three subjects walking away from them as officers approached the alley. All subjects ran from the officers and one discarded an item from his waistband. The officers detained all three suspects and recovered a loaded 9mm “ghost” gun from the area.

SAPD gang detectives observed a known gang member outside an apartment complex. Upon contact, the gang member discarded a loaded firearm and was detained without incident. A 9mm “ghost” gun was recovered.

SAPD gang detectives observed an individual walking in the area of the 900 block of W. Highland Street, when the subject grabbed his front waistband area and fled.

As gang detectives pursued the subject, he discarded a loaded firearm and was detained without incident. The firearm was recovered and found to be a 9mm “ghost” gun.

While conducting a probation compliance check of a documented gang member’s residence, SAPD Directed Patrol officers and AB 109 Task Force located 3 handguns, (including a .45 caliber ghost gun), a ½ pound of methamphetamine, more than 3,000 OxyContin pills, marijuana, heroin, U.S. currency and illegal fireworks.

SAPD gang detectives received information about an active gang member in possession of illegally possessed firearms. A search warrant was obtained for his apartment and the suspect was detained without incident.

A search of the apartment was completed and detectives located (4) AR rifles, (1) 9 mm semi-automatic pistols, 9 ounces of heroin, 8 ounces of methamphetamines, weapons manufacturing tools, several extended magazines, US currency and 320 pieces of illegal fireworks.

The subject was arrested for several felony violations and transported to the Santa Ana Jail.

Convicted O.C. felon is sentenced to 15 years in prison for drug and firearms charges

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On August 26, 2019, undercover Detectives from the Fountain Valley Police Department’s Crime Suppression Unit conducted an investigation into a subject, Tyler Conklin (30), who was wanted on a no-bail PRCS probation violation warrant.

Detectives initiated a surveillance on Conklin who, with the assistance of Costa Mesa Police Department, was arrested on multiple felony charges including firearms and narcotics offenses. When arrested, Conklin was wearing an empty firearm holster with a Glock-style privately made firearm (ghost gun/firearm manufactured by unlicensed subject) under the passenger seat where he was seated. The firearm had a round in the chamber and the magazine had seven additional rounds. Two additional magazines with seven rounds each were also found under the passenger seat.

A search of Conklin’s residence revealed multiple additional firearms, magazines and ammunition. Conklin was booked at the Orange County Jail with no bail.

In collaboration with agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), FVPD Detectives continued to investigate the case. Ultimately, Conklin was prosecuted federally for this case.

As a result of this prosecution, the defendant, Tyler Conklin, has been sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for his conviction on federal narcotics and firearms charges.

This was an excellent example of collaboration between FVPD and our Federal counterparts.

Here is the press release from the ATF regarding Conklin’s conviction:

LOS ANGELES – A convicted felon from Orange County has been sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for his conviction on federal narcotics and firearms charges, including that he possessed five privately made firearms without serial numbers, aka “ghost guns.”

Tyler Jacob “Jake” Conklin, 31, of Huntington Beach, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge James V. Selna. Conklin after he pleaded guilty in July 2020 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

Conklin was arrested following a traffic stop on an outstanding warrant in August 2019 for violating the terms of his Post-Release Community Supervision in relation to multiple drug dealing convictions from O.C. Superior Court dating back from August 2018.

When arrested, Conklin was wearing an empty firearm holster with a Glock-style privately made firearm (ghost gun) under the passenger seat where he was seated. The firearm had a round in the chamber and the magazine had seven additional rounds. Two additional magazines with seven rounds each were also found under the passenger seat.

According to the federal complaint, following Conklin’s arrest, his residence was searched and law enforcement seized 2,243 rounds of ammunition, various components to manufacture firearms, and four privately made firearms including:

  • One Glock-style, .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol bearing no serial number.
  • One SIG SAUER-style firearm, 9 mm semi-automatic, subcompact pistol bearing no serial number.
  • Two Glock-style, 9 mm semi-automatic pistols, bearing no serial number.
  • A Glock-style frame with rear rail system and locking block rail system installed.
  • Glock-style slide.
  • Three Glock-style barrels.
  • Jig and bits used to complete a SIG SAUER-style frame.
  • SIG SAUER-style barrel.
  • Springs and base plates for Glock-style magazines.
  • Fire control and other internal components for Glock-style and SIG SAUER-style pistols.
  • Five large-capacity magazines with capacities ranging from 17 to 33 rounds of ammunition.

Also seized at Conklin’s residence were various drugs including nine baggies totaling 189 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, empty baggies, syringes, glass pipes, and a ledger with pay-owe entries next to a list of firearm components consistent with those used to make private firearms. Conklin admitted in his plea agreement to possessing five privately made firearms without serial numbers.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Fountain Valley Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorney Bradley E. Marrett of the Santa Ana Branch Office prosecuted this case.

ATF recognizes the role privately made firearms play in violent crimes. ATF’s mission is to target armed violent offenders and career criminals, firearms traffickers, violent gang activity, and domestic and international arms traffickers. ATF investigates and recommends prosecution of these offenders to reduce the level of violent crime and to enhance public safety. ATF also strives to increase state and local awareness of available federal prosecution under federal statutes.

Felon arrested in Santa Ana had weapons and drugs in his possession

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On May 4, 2021, Detectives from the Fountain Valley Police Crime Suppression Unit received information that a wanted subject, 43-year-old David Kalani Gardner, an Orange County Probationer out of the City of Irvine, was hiding out at a Motel 6 in the City of Santa Ana.

Gardner was previously arrested in March 2021 by Fountain Valley Police patrol officers after a traffic stop was initiated in the area of Harbor Blvd and Heil Ave, in the City of Fountain Valley. During that incident, Gardner was in possession of a loaded handgun, approximately 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 1.5 ounces of heroin, and a large sum of cash. (DR# 21-07781).

Detectives worked with Special Agents from the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) to issue a federal complaint and warrant for Gardner regarding the previously mentioned case.

In an attempt to avoid apprehension, Gardner had fled to Northern California and Oregon. Upon his return to Orange County, Detectives conducted surveillance on Gardner and he was taken into custody for the federal warrant, as well as several other Orange County warrants. Detectives conducted a probation search of Gardner’s hotel room and located a stolen rifle, a loaded handgun, body armor, two rifle scopes, and methamphetamine.

Gardner was booked at Orange County Jail for the arrest warrants as well as various weapons violations charges, to include felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. (DR# 21-13728).

The Costa Mesa police made a drug bust after getting a tip from a resident

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Yesterday, the Costa Mesa Community Policing Unit responded to a call of a suspicious woman sitting in her car for over an hour in a residential area. The Costa Mesa police officers contacted her and saw she had drug paraphernalia sticking out of her pants pocket.

Upon further investigation, she was found to also be in possession of:

  • 10.5 grams of fentanyl
  • 21.4 grams of methamphetamine
  • 30 Suboxone strips
  • Pills of assorted prescribed medications
  • 1 baton
  • 1 Taser disguised as a flashlight
  • 1 pepper spray
  • $639.00 in cash, and miscellaneous drug paraphernalia

Officers promptly arrested the suspect thanks to the vigilant caller who saw something suspicious and reported it to the police.

The SAPD helped to make a big drug bust this week in Costa Mesa

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Early last week, Costa Mesa police officers assisted with a multi-agency drug sales investigation resulting in a search warrant service in the 400 block of Enclave Circle in Costa Mesa. During the search, 31 kilograms of cocaine, 130 pounds of methamphetamine, 2 pounds of liquid methamphetamine, 3 pounds of OxyContin pills, one and a half pounds of heroin, and $300,000 in cash were seized. One individual was arrested.

The Costa Mesa Police Department was assisted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, Alameda County Narcotics Task Force, Irvine Police Department, and the Santa Ana Police Department.

The next day, Costa Mesa Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations concluded a narcotics sales investigation. They arrested three individuals for narcotics trafficking and recovered approximately 24 pounds of methamphetamine. They arrestees were also booked on having previously purchased approximately 5 pounds of methamphetamine and approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills.

These are ongoing investigations and names of those arrested won’t be released at this time.

A resident tip led to the arrest of two package theft suspects in Irvine

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Yesterday afternoon, an Irvine resident saw a woman walk up to his doorstep after a package was delivered. She walked away after seeing the resident and got into a waiting vehicle. The resident called IPD and provided the license plate of the vehicle and a description of the female. Officers responded and stopped the vehicle as it was leaving the area. During the investigation, officers located crow bars, shaved keys, a stolen license plate and narcotics inside the vehicle.

The male driver, 38-year-old Cody Boardman, was arrested for possession of narcotics for sale, possession of burglary tools and possession of stolen property.

The female, 34-year-old Leah Ferguson, was arrested for possession of narcotics, providing false identification to a peace officer and a misdemeanor warrant.

The Irvine Police Department recommends that you retrieve your packages soon after delivery or have a neighbor pick them up for you to avoid being a victim of package theft.

Two armed suspects busted in Tustin for selling drugs

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Tustin Police Officers on patrol arrested two armed drug dealers. The police officers stopped a vehicle in the area of First Street and C Street, near Peppertree Park.

Resulting from the investigation, officers located a loaded 9mm handgun, nearly 200 grams of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, prescription pills, drug sales indicia, and drug paraphernalia.

Cassandra Perez and Eric Dearborn were booked into Orange County Jail for a multitude of felony offenses.

Turn in your unwanted, unused and expired drugs on April 24 at the SAPD Westend Substation

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The SAPD will accept your old, unused and expired medications on April 24, 2021, which is National Take Back Day, at the Westend Substation located at 3750 W. McFadden Ave., Suite I, in Santa Ana, from 10am – 2pm.

You can turn in your old medications for free, anonymously, with no questions asked!

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants, and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives in 2019. The survey also showed that a majority of misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.

If you can’t make it on April 24, the SAPD has also partnered with KidCents and The Rite Aid Foundation to bring a Safe Medication Disposal Box to be located in their front lobby at the SAPD HQ.

The SAPD seized more guns, cash and drugs in several arrests this week

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While conducting a traffic stop in the area of the 1700 block of N. Fairview Avenue, SAPD officers observed a firearm wedged between the driver and the center console. The driver was ultimately arrested for being in possession of a loaded .380 caliber firearm.

While on patrol in the area of Tech Center Drive and Dyer Road, SAPD officers stopped a vehicle for traffic violations. While talking with the driver, officers learned he was on parole for a firearms violation. A search of the vehicle was conducted and a loaded semi-automatic handgun was located in the glovebox.

Orange County Probation Officers and SAPD Gang Unit detectives contacted four subjects in the parking lot of El Salvador Park. They were all documented gang members and one of the subjects was on active probation for weapon violations. Detectives searched a vehicle associated with the group and located a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol, narcotics, scales, and US currency in the vehicle.

While conducting a traffic stop in the area of the 2600 block of W. Adrin Way, the driver attempted to walk away from SAPD MET Detectives, while at the same time discarding narcotics. The driver was contacted and additional narcotics were located inside the vehicle. A records check revealed the driver is prohibited from owning / possessing firearms. During the investigation, the driver admitted to having firearms in his residence. A search of his residence was conducted and two loaded semi-automatic firearms were recovered.

SAPD Gang Unit Detectives patrolling the alley of the 900 block of S. Standard Avenue made contact with a probationer. A search of his person and vehicle resulted in the recovery of a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol. Detectives completed a follow up search of the probationer’s residence and located additional ammunition and a holster for the seized firearm.

While completing a probation search of an active gang member on formal probation for weapons violations, SAPD Gang Detectives & Crime Suppression Officers seized a loaded semi-automatic AR-15 Pistol Rifle with an extended magazine, a loaded Glock 43 9mm and a loaded Taurus 9mm. A further search of the residence revealed narcotics packaging material, narcotics, and more than $14,000 in US currency.

SAPD MET Detectives conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot of the Hampton Inn Hotel. A records check revealed the driver had a recent arrest for narcotics sales from the City of Irvine, and the passenger was on probation with search and seizure terms. A search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of approximately 5oz of methamphetamine and a rifle cleaning kit. Subsequently a probation search was conducted of their hotel room which resulted in the recovery of an AR-15 pistol with ammunition, additional narcotics and an Aimpoint rifle scope.

This week’s SAPD gun-related arrests

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A team of SAPD Traffic Division motor officers responded to the 2400 blk of W. Edinger Ave. to serve a vehicle seizure court order as follow-up to an intersection takeover incident #STEARRD which occurred in January. The vehicle was located at the residence & the registered owner was contacted. During the inventory search of the vehicle, the officers located a loaded .40 cal. Glock handgun in the passenger compartment, with one round in an illegal high-capacity magazine.

While conducting a patrol check in the area of W. Myrtle St., the SAPD Gang Suppression Unit contacted an individual who was in possession of a loaded 9mm firearm.

During a traffic stop in the area of 5th St. and Sullivan St., the driver & passenger consented to a search of the vehicle. As a result, a loaded .22 caliber revolver was located adjacent to the driver’s seat.

SAPD MET detectives observed a vehicle commit traffic violations in the area of 1st St. and Newhope Ave. A search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of a firearm from the driver’s side door pocket & a loaded magazine from the glove box.

While on patrol in the area of Standard Ave and St. Andrew Pl,. SAPD Directed Patrol officers observed a vehicle driving erratically. Upon contact, the driver displayed signs of intoxication. A search of the driver’s vehicle revealed numerous open alcohol containers along with 2 unsecured semi-auto handguns.

SAPD Gang Detectives & State Parole officers completed a parole search of a documented gang member living in the City of Orange. A search of his residence revealed a loaded 10 mm Glock semi-automatic pistol. A further search of the residence, revealed 3 additional high capacity magazines with several rounds of ammunition.

SAPD Directed Patrol officers assisted Vice Detectives with a search warrant of an illegal marijuana distribution center. Upon searching the vehicle of an employee associated with the location, a loaded .45 caliber semi-auto handgun was recovered from the backseat.

While conducting a search of a vehicle due to a traffic stop, the SAPD Gang Suppression Unit recovered a loaded 9mm firearm.

While conducting a follow up investigation on a recent narcotic sales case, SAPD Directed Patrol officers responded to Motel 6 for a probation search where they encountered 4 people inside the room. During a search of the room officers located additional narcotics & a loaded .40 caliber handgun.

SAPD Civic Center Patrol officers assisted OC Probation officers with a probation check in the area of the 1400 blk of S. Shelton St. During the search of the residence, a loaded 9mm semi-auto handgun was recovered.

Costa Mesa K9 officers help to make a big drug bust

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Earlier this week, Costa Mesa police officers made a traffic stop of a vehicle that resulted in a search of the car.

The police officers located approximately 20 pounds of methamphetamine, an assault rifle with a drum magazine, a fully automatic “ghost gun,” ammunition, body armor, and other contraband.

Two Costa Mesa police K9s assisted with K9 Bodi helping to locate the drugs. An arrest was then made.