Parolee-at-large arrested in Milpitas
A little loud music landed a parolee-at-large back in jail earlier this month.
According to the Milpitas police department, officers responded to Sinnott Park on Clear Lake Avenue just after midnight on May 12 on a report of loud music coming from the area. Upon arrival, they contacted Lewis Eugene Valdez, 36, and a friend, who were sitting on a picnic table in the park.
Police say Valdez admitted to being a parolee and that he hadn’t been in contact with his parole officer in several months. Further investigation determined that Valdez was indeed in violation of his parole and he was arrested and booked into Santa Clara County Jail without incident.
Milpitas police are reminding the public that Assembly Bill 109, also known as prison realignment, took effect in California last October. The bill mandated the early release of non-violent criminal offenders from state prison and into county jails and, ultimately, into the community.
“Even though officers continue to proactively conduct random compliance checks on parolees and probationers that have fallen out of compliance with their terms, we appreciate the partnership with our community in reporting suspicious activity,” Milpitas police Sgt. Gene Smith said in a news release. “Because of the impact of the realignment plan and of the potential risk to our community, it has never been more important to work closely with our community to keep our city safe.”
The Milpitas Police Department reminds residents to take precautions to reduce the chance of becoming victims and urges people to report suspicious activity to police by calling (408) 586-2400. Anonymous tips may be left by calling (408) 586-2500.
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Milpitas Patch: Milpitas Police Arrest Parolee at Large