Beltan Firearms Arrest 

July 27, 2024 – Ventura County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on July 25, 2024, deputies with the Camarillo Directed Enforcement Unit conducted a probation search on Eric Beltran who resided at a residence located on the 1500 Block of North Shepard Drive in the City of Camarillo. During the search, deputies contacted Beltran and Amanda Piecul inside the residence.

Deputies entered Beltran’s room and saw a loaded semi-automatic “ghost gun” and narcotics in plain view.  Detectives with the Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit and a Ventura Police K-9 responded to assist with the search. During the search, 17.2 grams of cocaine along with indicia of narcotics sales and another “ghost gun” were located.

Beltran and Piecul were placed under arrest and transported to the Ventura County Main Jail.  

Beltran and Piecul were booked for violations of:

Health and Safety Code 11351 / Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sale

Health and Safety Code 11370 / Possession of a Controlled Substance with a Firearm

Penal Code 27545 / Unlawful Transfer of a Firearm

Beltran and Piecul are currently in custody and being held on bail awaiting trial.

The Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase of unlawful firearm activities in Ventura County, including illegal “ghost guns”. A “ghost gun” is a common term used to describe any firearm manufactured without a serial number engraved or otherwise adorned on its frame/receiver, which is unregistered with the California Department of Justice.

The Camarillo Directed Enforcement Unit is comprised of two deputies, whose focus is assisting patrol services with the investigation of various crimes including, but not limited to, the investigation of illegal firearms, gang related crimes, and graffiti vandalism.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships.

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Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime.  The caller may remain anonymous.  The call is not recorded.  Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Source & photo: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office