Monterey County crackdown on south county gang crime, 10 arrested

The South Monterey County Violence Suppression Collaboration, formed by Sheriff Steve Bernal last month, said it’s making progress in its effort to crack down on gang crime.

The collaboration consists of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, police departments including Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield, King City, California Highway Patrol, Monterey County Probation and the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office.

SMCVSC said its goal is to share criminal intelligence to identify people involved in criminal street gang violence and to take enforcement action against them to curb violence.

The group investigated seven different incidents between June 29 and July 16, ending in 10 arrests, including eight adults and two teens. Below are those cases announced by the group:

On June 29, SMCVSC said a search warrant was served at 426 Robles Place, Soledad where they found a dangerous drug conversion laboratory. Two suspects were extracting concentrated cannabis from marijuana using butane, according to investigators.

In addition to the lab seizure, 3 pounds of marijuana was seized, SMCVSC said.

Nolberto Silva, 33, was charged with controlled substance manufacturing and child endangerment. Corina Romero, 33, was arrested for alleged controlled substance manufacturing and child endangerment.

On July 2, SMCVSC said a traffic stop was conducted on a known gang associate while he was under the influence of drugs and the car smelled heavily of marijuana. A vehicle search yielded pre-packaged methamphetamine ready for distribution, according to investigators. Maria Cavez Lara, 18, was arrested for alleged possession of a controlled substance for sale.

On July 12, SMCVSC said a search of a backpack located a loaded 9mm handgun, an imitation 9mm handgun and a handkerchief. Two teens associated with a street gang were identified and were arrested for alleged illegal possession of a firearm, according to investigators.

On July 12, SMCVSC said a traffic stop was conducted in Soledad where a passenger in the car had several felony warrants and gave a false name to the police. Investigators said the driver was found to be on probation and harboring the fugitive in the car. SMCVSC said this stop led to a probation search of one of the suspect’s residence where property was seized. Carlos Camacho, 20, was arrested for three outstanding warrants and allegedly providing false identification to police. William Dewitt, 20, was arrested for allegedly violating of probation and harboring a fugitive.

On July 13, SMCVSC said a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle known to have ties to gang members. Investigators said stolen property from a recent burglary was located in the vehicle and the passenger had several felony warrants while on probation. Catarino Quiroz, 34, was arrested for alleged outstanding warrants and possession of stolen property and drugs.

On July 16, SMCVSC said a probation search was conducted at 515 Granada Court, Soledad where almost a pound of methamphetamine, ounce of cocaine, marijuana, a loaded .45-caliber handgun and drug sales paraphernalia were located and seized. Ernesto Gonzalez, 27, was arrested for allegedly being a felon in possession of firearm, drug sales and a probation violation. Rolando Gonzalez, 31, was arrested for allegedly being a felon in possession of firearm, drug sales and a probation violation.