Modesto Drug Agents Arrest Ten During Operation

Modesto, CA – Investigators assigned to the Modesto Police Department’s Narcotic Enforcement Team (MNET) arrested ten suspects yesterday on various drug charges during a search warrant and subsequent undercover operation.

Investigators received information that drugs were possibly being sold from the residence at 2405 San Felipe Way in Modesto. MNET began an investigation and investigators were able to obtain a search warrant for the residence. Yesterday, at about 4:30 pm, a team of officers served the warrant with the help of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Special Team Investigating Narcotics and Gangs (STING).

Inside the residence officers located Ecstasy pills, crystal methamphetamine, marijuana hash, and a loaded .22 caliber pistol. One of the four people living at the residence, 22-year-old Kevin Smith, was found walking in the area and was detained by officers. He was found to be in possession of a loaded .25 caliber pistol as well as crystal methamphetamine. Smith was arrested and booked for possession of methamphetamine for sales, being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance with a firearm and being a felon in possession of ammunition. Smith also had two arrest warrants for prior drug charges.

Three other adults were located inside the residence during the search warrant. Jaime Pascarella, 22-years-old, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine for sales, possession of marijuana hash for sales and two arrest warrants for drug charges. Tara Rigdon, 30-years-old, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and an arrest warrant for drug charges. Amanda Garcia, 28-years-old, was arrested on an arrest warrant for drug charges. All three live at the residence.

After detaining Smith, officers discovered that he was renting a storage shed at 3941 McHenry Avenue in Modesto. Officers obtained a search warrant for the storage shed and searched it yesterday evening. Inside they located 3 shotguns, a loaded sawed-off shotgun, a 9mm carbine rifle and numerous other items believed to be stolen.

While at the residence officers answered the phone and spoke to callers who were asking to buy drugs. MNET investigators began working undercover and used substances that look like real drugs to make deliveries to customers. Six people were arrested during the undercover operation on charges of attempting to possess methamphetamine, probation violations, and parole violations.

Sergeant Steve Hinkley, who supervises MNET, said the neighborhood was happy to see the officers at the house on San Felipe. “Several of the neighbors were outside clapping when they saw us arrive,” said Hinkley. “This house has been causing some concern for quite a while and they were thrilled to see us there.”

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

For More Information:
Sergeant Craig Gundlach,
Modesto Police Department,
Media Relations,
Phone: 209-572-9579.