BLYTHE — While serving a search warrant for narcotics, authorities discovered various other illegal drugs and a case of child endangerment.
Based on prior investigation, the Blythe Narcotic Enforcement Team (BNET) served a narcotic-related search warrant on Wednesday June 10th on the 200 block of North 9th Street in Blythe. BNET is a multi-agency narcotic task force consisting of law enforcement organizations within the Palo Verde Valley. BNET focuses on disrupting narcotic sales and diminishing the availability of those drugs for the purposes of public safety.
Michelle Romero
BNET was assisted by the Blythe Police Department and U.S. Border Patrol while serving the warrant. After scouting the home, officers found and seized approximately a half-ounce of what was suspected to be cocaine, 78 grams of marijuana, nearly an ounce of concentrated cannabis wax, edible marijuana products, prescription pills and items indicative of drug sales. They also discovered a handgun on the scene.
According to a Riverside County Sheriff’s press release, the concentrated cannabis and marijuana edibles were located within reaching distance of the young children who were also living in the home. The presence of drugs equated to a dangerous environment and jeopardized their safety. Authorities enlisted the help of Child Protective Services, who arrived on scene and assisted with the investigation.
Based on the situation and the drugs found during the search, Jessie Espinoza (24) and Michelle Romero (29), from Blythe were arrested and later booked into the Riverside County Jail in Blythe. Espinoza was charged with child endangerment, possession of cocaine for sales, possession of marijuana for sales, possession of prescription pills for sales, maintaining a place for sales, and possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm. Romero was charged with child endangerment. Both are being held on a $35,000 bail.
