Concerned citizens prompt arrests
of two for suspected drug dealing

April 23, 2014
Santa Paula News

The West County Street Team prompted by multiple reports from concerned citizens that drug sales might be taking place in their neighborhood last week arrested two Santa Paulans following an investigation.

According to Sgt. Mike Horne of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office the arrests occurred Thursday, April 17 at a Santa Paula home where narcotics were also seized.

Narcotics investigators had received information from “multiple sources” that Jose Campos, 32, and Chonita “Connie” Castillo, also 32, were selling methamphetamine from their residence in the 1200 block of East Ventura Street. 

Horne reported, “A subsequent investigation led to the issuance of a search warrant for Campos, the residence and his vehicles... “

On April 17, detectives observed Campos and Castillo drive away from their residence; they were detained and the search warrant was served that allowed law enforcement to search the vehicle and the residence. Campos was found to be in possession of more than $5,000 cash; Campos, noted Horne, also had in his possession over 11/2 ounces of methamphetamine. The search of the residence and vehicle yielded nearly half-an-ounce of heroin, another quarter-ounce of methamphetamine and a half-ounce of marijuana.

The potential street value of the drugs was not disclosed.

Campos was arrested for suspicion of conspiracy to possess methamphetamine, heroin and marijuana for sale, transportation of those substances, and violation of parole. 

Castillo was also arrested for suspicion of conspiracy to possess methamphetamine for sale.

Horne noted both were booked into the Sheriff’s Main Jail in Ventura. Campos’ bail was set at $250,000 and Castillo’s bail was set at $75,000.  

The West County Street Team is made up of Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Santa Paula Police Department narcotics detectives “working cooperatively,” reported Horne, “in the investigation of narcotics offenses occurring in the western portion of Ventura County.”

Citizens are asked to report suspected criminal activity to the Santa Paula Police Department, 525-4474.

If the caller would prefer to remain anonymous, they can call the SPPD recorded Tip Hotline, 933-5691.

In addition, tips can be emailed to the SPPD at tipline@spcity.org

Those with information can also call Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477). The caller may remain anonymous and the call is not recorded.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers can also be contacted by texting “Busted” plus your message to CRIMES (274637). 

Crime Stopper Tips can also be sent via the website, www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org   

Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000 reward for a tip that leads to a felony arrest as confirmed by the arresting agency.





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