Smuggling Narcotics into a Correctional Facility Arrest
December 13, 2024 – Riverside County Sheriff’s Office officials report that in June 2024, the Riverside County 
Sheriff’s Office Corrections Investigations Bureau began an investigation into members of the public working with inmates to smuggle narcotics into the Riverside County Sheriff’s correctional facilities.
The investigation led to a seizure of several grams of methamphetamine from inmates in custody at the Cois Byrd Detention Center. Multiple suspects were identified during the investigation as part of the smuggling operation.
On December 10, 2024, the Corrections Investigations Bureau served three search warrants in the city of Riverside and Fontana with the assistance of the Riverside Sheriff’s Alternative Sentencing Program, Corrections K-9 Team, Norco Special Enforcement Team, and the Eastvale Special Enforcement Team.
The search warrant resulted in the seizure of 2.5 pounds of fentanyl, 3.5 ounces of methamphetamine, 2.5 ounces of cocaine, a semi-automatic handgun, 0.75 grams of heroin, and $5,000.00 believed to be proceeds from narcotic sales. Three arrests were made related to the smuggling investigation. Shaun Adamson, a 31-year-old resident of Fontana, narcotics sales, transportation of narcotics, conspiracy, felon possessing a firearm, and possession of narcotics in jail.
- Chantelle Neal, a 33-year-old resident of Riverside, sales of narcotics in jail, transportation of narcotics, possession of narcotics for sale, and conspiracy.
- Rigoberto Plasencia, a 34-year-old (currently in custody at the Cois Byrd Detention Center), smuggling narcotics into a jail, possession of narcotics in jail, sales of narcotics in jail, and conspiracy.
During the service of the search warrants, two additional subjects were arrested on charges unrelated to the smuggling investigation.
- Violeta Lopez, a 38-year-old resident of Pomona, possession of narcotics.
- Eric Johnson, a 40-year-old resident of Fontana, possession of narcotics warrant.
This investigation was part of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing mission to prevent narcotics from entering our correctional facilities. The diligence of our deputies during searches, implementation of the non-intrusive sensor and scanning device known as the “Tek-84,” and comprehensive criminal investigations such as this are among several measures the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has taken to combat the supply of narcotics into our jail system. Inmate education is a priority within our jails, and inmates are furnished with educational material and classes about the dangers of narcotics, with an emphasis on fentanyl, provided by the Detention Health Services Division of the Riverside University Health System.
This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact Investigator Art Rodriguez at 951-505-1157 or C. Deputy Scott Overton at 951-696-3498.
Reporting Supervisor: C. Sergeant Spencer Rustad
File: SC241760004
Source: Riverside County Sheriff’s Office