Photo: Stock Image
NOVATO — A 20-year-old landscaper arrested 11 times last year is behind bars again at Marin County Jail. Erik B. Diaz was arrested April 10 at his home in Novato. He was booked for open charges involving theft and controlled substances.
Unwittingly, Diaz got tripped up by an online advertisement. A bicycle theft victim reported seeing his purloined bike advertised for sale. The bike was stolen two months ago in Sonoma County.
Novato police responded to the ad. Diaz was contacted at his residence at 1718 Center Road, where officers recovered the bicycle. Moreover, they found evidence of controlled substances and cannabis being processed for sale.
Diaz now stands accused of receiving stolen property and processing illicit drugs for sale. He was also arrested in connection with unrelated court orders. These orders stem from a DUI incident and driving while his license has been suspended.
Diaz faces felony charges involving the stolen bike and controlled substances. He also faces misdemeanor charges concerning the cannabis and driving offenses. Finally, there is the matter of probation violation, which is scheduled for review on June 13.
Diaz is a prolific offender. In February 2002, he was arrested for DUI alcohol/drugs and later convicted. He was subsequently arrested six more times last year for driving with a suspended license. He was also arrested in 2022 for participating in an illegal speed contest.
Meanwhile, bond was set at $120,000 to release young Diaz from jail this time.
