Six Arrested in Porterville Narcotics and Firearms Investigation
“Summary: Press Release
Incident:
Operating or Maintaining a Residence for Narcotic Use/ Sales
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sales
Transportation of a Controlled Substance
Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm
Prohibited Person in Possession of Ammunition
Possession of a large Capacity Magazine
Possession of Armor Piercing Ammunition
Removing the Identifier of a Firearm
Date/Time: December 20, 2024 at 2:44 P.M.
Location: 100 block of South Doree Street, Porterville, CA
Suspects:
Marvin Statler, 61-Year-Old, Porterville Resident
Tanya Leveck, 58-Year-Old, Porterville Resident
Jonah Teal, 43-Year-Old, Porterville Resident
Mitchell Thomas, 36-Year-Old, Porterville Resident
Justin Leveck, 33-Year-Old, Porterville Resident
Michael Hurtado, 57-Year-Old, Porterville Resident
The Porterville Police Department Narcotic Investigation Unit (NIU) Detectives received information regarding a residence in the 100 block of South Doree Street believed to be involved in the sales of Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, and Marijuana. Further investigation into the residence, identified Marvin Statler and Tanya Leveck as residents of the house.
Detectives conducted surveillance and takedown operations to accredit the allegations and determined the residence was in fact involved in the sales of illegal narcotics.
Based on the information gathered during the investigation, NIU Detectives authored a search warrant for the residence, which was reviewed and approved by a Tulare County Judge.
On December 20, 2024 at 2:44 P.M., NIU Detectives in association with PPD Special Investigations Unit (SIU) Detectives conducted a surveillance operation at Statler’s residence. Detectives identified Statler and Leveck leaving the residence in their vehicle. Detectives were able to successfully trail the vehicle until it arrived at its destination in the 300 block of North D Street. Detectives contacted and detained Statler and Leveck without incident.
Detectives responded back to the residence in the 100 block of South Doree Street and made contact at the residence for the warrant service. Immediately after contact was made, Jonah Teal was observed attempting to flee out of the rear door of the residence. Teal fled through the rear yard and jumped the fence to the neighboring property. Detectives eventually located and detained Teal.
Additional announcements were made into the residence and the additional occupants, identified as Mitchell Thomas, Justin Leveck, and Michael Hurtado exited the residence and surrendered to Detectives without incident. All subjects were detained pending the results of the search warrant service.
During a search of the residence, Detectives located evidence indicative of the sales of illegal narcotics, including numerous digital scales, an abundance of clear plastic baggies, a ledger tracking the quantity and sale amounts of illegal narcotics and numerous small containers with drug residue.
Inside the residence, Detectives located approximately 98 pre-packaged bindles of suspected Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Fentanyl Pills, Heroin, and Hydrocodone. Also located were plastic baggies containing larger unprocessed Methamphetamine, and Fentanyl, as well as approximately 70 used glass Methamphetamine smoking pipes. During the search, Detectives located long rifle style firearms, including an AR15, a .22 Caliber Remington S14, and a Savage Arms 20-gauge shotgun. Through further inspection of the AR15 and RemingtonS14, it was discovered that the serial numbers had been etched off. Located with the firearms, Detectives discovered a large capacity magazine and 21 live rounds of .556 ammunition and three live 20-gauge rounds.
Statler was arrested for Operation of a Residence used for Narcotic Use/ Sales, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sales, Transportation of a Controlled Substance, Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person, Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine, Possession of Armor Piercing Ammunition, and Intentionally Removing the Identifier From a Firearm.
Tanya Leveck was arrested for Operation of a Residence used for Narcotic Use/ Sales, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sales, Transportation of a Controlled Substance, Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Jonah Teal was arrested for Operation of a Residence used for Narcotic Use/ Sales, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and active warrants.
Justin Leveck and Mitchell Thomas were arrested for Operation of a Residence used for Narcotic Use/ Sales, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Michael Hurtado was arrested for Operation of a Residence used for Narcotic Use/ Sales, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
The report was submitted to the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office for review.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact the Porterville Police Department at (559) 782-7400 or through our departmental Facebook or Instagram page. Those who have information may also provide it anonymously.”
