Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto Releases Statement Regarding Arrest of MCSO Deputy After District Attorney’s Office Announces They Are Not Filing Charges
November 26, 2024 – Monterey County Sheriff’s Office officials report that Sheriff Tina Nieto released a statement after the Monterey 
County District Attorney’s Office announced that they would not be filing charges against a Monterey County Sheriff Deputy who was arrested for concealing a handmade weapon and committing criminal conspiracy while working inside the jail facility.
Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto said, "We believe a crime did in fact occur, however, it is up to the District Attorney to make a decision on whether or not to file charges. This decision does not change the circumstances of what occurred and what was investigated in this case."
Deputy Gaspar Estevez was arrested on November 5th, 2024, after the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office received a tip that he had concealed a sharp-edged handmade weapon - commonly known as a shank - that was provided to him by an incarcerated person. Through the course of the investigation, Monterey County Sheriff’s Detectives developed probable cause to believe that a crime occurred, and that the deputy and the incarcerated person were both involved in the crime. Detectives were able to recover the weapon as part of their investigation.
Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto added, "Deputy Estevez remains on paid administrative leave while an internal investigation is completed in evaluating whether any departmental policies, procedures or the law were violated during the course of his employment as a Sheriff Deputy.
Source: Monterey County Sheriff’s Office
Related: Monterey County Sheriff Jail Deputy Arrested for Concealing Handmade Weapon and Criminal Conspiracy