Monterey County Sheriff’s Compliance Checks Lead to Four Arrests Ahead of Halloween
On October 27, 2024, Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Detectives conducted compliance checks on registered sex offenders and parolees in multiple areas across the county. The checks, completed under the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE) Team initiative, aim to proactively monitor and manage habitual sex offenders, ensuring public safety.
Detectives carried out the compliance operations in Greenfield, Prunedale, Gonzales, King City, Royal Oaks, Castroville, Pajaro, Carmel, and Salinas, resulting in contact with 12 individuals. These operations led to the arrest of four parolees, each booked into Monterey County Jail for various offenses. The arrested individuals were identified as follows:
– Mathew Virak from Prunedale, CA, was arrested for a parole violation.
– Charles Bailey from Gonzales, CA, also faced a parole violation charge.
– Stefan Hudson from Carmel, CA, was arrested on similar parole violation charges.
– Michael Navarro from Castroville, CA, was found in possession of an unregistered 9mm firearm, identified as a “ghost gun,” along with counterfeit oxycodone pills and marijuana intended for sale. Navarro faces multiple charges, including possession of a firearm and ammunition as a felon and possession of a controlled substance while armed.
Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto commended her team’s efforts, noting the importance of community vigilance, particularly around Halloween. She urged residents to report any unusual or suspicious activities to law enforcement. All arrested individuals are being held in Monterey County Jail without bail.
