Search of Home Reveals Numerous Weapons
AROMAS—The Watsonville Police Department have had their eyes on 34-year-old Aromas resident Hector Rocha, under the “Adelante” Gang Grant, for numerous methamphetamine sales throughout the city of Watsonville.
On Monday, March 31, Watsonville Police after gathering enough evidence against Rocha served a search warrant at his residence on 800 block of Via Manzana in Aromas. The Santa Cruz County Gang Task Force and the California Highway Patrol assisted the Watsonville Police.
Aromas is a small community of under 3000 people that is part of both Monterey and San Benito Counties. It is just south east of Watsonville. Rocha’s residence is in the northern, mostly rural section of the town.
During the search Officers located six firearms, which included three semi-automatic pistols, a shotgun, an illegal sawed-off rifle and a banned assault rifle with a large capacity magazine. The firearms were all loaded, including the assault rifle.
With the exception of the pistol that was reported stolen out of Seattle, Washington, all other firearms belonged to Rocha. There is only one thing wrong with that statement, Rocha is a convicted felony and cannot legally possess or own any firearms.
Officers also located evidence of narcotic sales as well as illegal firearms transactions. Police also found “gang indicia” inside the residence.
“The ‘Adelante Initiative’ is a two year grant awarded to Watsonville Police geared towards gang prevention and suppression.” Watsonville Police Officer David Rodriguez said. “The Officers that were responsible for the arrest are assigned to the suppression aspect of this grant.”
Rocha was arrested on numerous firearm violations with gang enhancements. He was also charged with one count of child endangerment. Rocha was booked into jail and his bail was set at 300,000 dollars.
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KION 46: Aromas man arrested with numerous firearms, drugs
