Local arrested for multiple offenses
including elder financial abuse

July 02, 2014
Santa Paula News

A Santa Paula man remains in Santa Barbara County Jail after being arrested last month on a variety of charges including suspicion of financial elder abuse and extortion, the result of an investigation into gang activity.

The Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Gang Enforcement Unit arrested Gilbert Garcia, 43, of Santa Paula, and Mike Avila, 28, of Ventura, at separate times for alleged offenses after a three-month investigation; two other suspects, residents of Santa Maria, are also being sought.

Garcia was arrested May 9 on suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle, extortion of money or other property by force or fear, inflicting mental suffering upon an elder, embezzlement from an elder, witness intimidation and robbery, with a criminal street gang enhancement of the charges.

Avila was arrested on suspicion of possession of a concealed weapon, possession of a loaded firearm, being a felon in possession of a firearm and being a felon in possession of ammunition, with a gang enhancement of the charges. 

Santa Barbara Sheriff Detectives are trying to find two additional suspects who are believed to be in the Santa Maria area: Mark Silvas, 28, and Rosalio Estrada, 27, allegedly were involved in car theft and like Garcia and Avila, gang related activity. Estrada is also being sought on suspicion of extortion.

The SBSD is asking that anyone with information about the whereabouts of Estrada or Silvas to contact the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Anonymous Tip line at 805-681-4150.





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