Photo: Rodolfo Prieto Alfaro
Ventura County – If community libraries carried a book entitled “The Gang-bangers Guide,” the opening chapters would presumably include advice on a list behaviors that are likely to lead to extended period of incarceration. One of those items on that list would surely point out the folly of being under the watchful eye of cops while in possession of a loaded gun.
Sadly, no such book exists. If one did, it’s not likely that 27-year-old Oxnard resident Rodolfo Prieto Alfaro would visit his local library to check it out and abide by its contents.
Evidence of that came with his arrest early in the evening of July 24th when he was found to be in possession of a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a direct violation of his status as a “prohibited person” with prior criminal convictions. According to Ventura County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Sr. Deputy Ernan Jauregui, Alfaro had been the subject of “a month-long investigation” conducted by the VCSD Gang Unit into his activities.
As “a well-known gang member,” Alfaro was suspected of illegally posessing firearms and ammunition when VCSD deputies—in possession of a search warrant—pulled his car over in downtown Oxnard. The ensuing search of his vehicle and of his West Pleasant Valley Road residence lead to the discovery of his pistol and “several other loaded magazines inside the vehicle within close proximity” to him, as well as to “additional firearms and magazines” found at his home.
Alfaro was transported to Ventura County Jail, where he was booked on charges that included possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person, unlawful transfer of a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm, and street terrorism. With his bail set at $500,000, Alfaro remains in custody.
Photo: Courtesy Ventura County Jail Booking
