Yesterday, the Irvine Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) conducted surveillance on James Carton, 23, who had an outstanding warrant and was on probation for drug sales.
SIU located him near 18th Street and Santa Ana Avenue in Costa Mesa.
Carton was arrested, and during a search of his vehicle, officers discovered suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Hilariously Canton was carrying a bag that read “come back with a warrant.” however, as he was on probation and there was an outstanding warrant for his arrest the IPD police officers did not in fact need a warrant to search his vehicle.
Canton was booked at the Orange County Jail for the outstanding warrant and additional charges of possession of narcotics for sale.
Penalties faced by the suspect
James Carton, 23, was arrested on January 7, 2026, and faces multiple legal penalties in Orange County, California, due to new narcotics charges and existing legal status.
Potential Penalties and Charges
- Possession of Narcotics for Sale (HS 11351/11378): As a “straight felony” in California, this charge typically carries a sentence of two, three, or four years in county jail.
- Fines: Convictions for possession with intent to sell can include court fines and fees of up to $20,000.
- Probation Violation: Because Carton was already on probation for drug sales, his current arrest constitutes a violation. A judge may revoke his probation and sentence him to the maximum punishment allowed for his original offense, in addition to any new sentence.
- Aggravating Factors: The presence of fentanyl may lead to harsher sentencing under updated 2026 guidelines aimed at addressing the community health crisis.
- Ineligibility for Diversion: Unlike simple possession, charges for possession for sale make a defendant ineligible for drug diversion programs (such as Proposition 36 or PC 1000) that replace jail time with treatment.
Case Details
- Surveillance and Arrest: The Irvine Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) apprehended Carton near 18th Street and Santa Ana Avenue in Costa Mesa.
- Evidence Seized: During a vehicle search, officers found suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl.
- Booking: He was booked at the Orange County Jail for an outstanding warrant and the new narcotics sales charges.