April 20, 2025 – Monterey County Sheriff’s Office officials report that deputies arrested a subject for an active arrest warrant and being a felon in possession of ammunition during a traffic stop. A subsequent search warrant was served on the person’s residence which resulted in the location of a stolen handgun and ½ pound of methamphetamine.

On April 16th, 2025, at about 12:24 P.M., a Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for vehicle code violations along the 10700 block of Merritt Street in Castroville. The driver, identified as 23-year-old Jesus Rivas Arias of Castroville, was arrested after it was discovered he had an outstanding arrest warrant. A search of his vehicle led to the discovery of ammunition. Rivas Arias was found to be a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing ammunition.

A Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputy was able to obtain a search warrant for Arias’ residence. The search warrant was served along the 10600 block of McDougall Street in Castroville at about 9:00 P.M. This search resulted in the discovery of about ½ pound of methamphetamine and a stolen handgun.

Jesus Rivas Arias was transported and booked into the Monterey County Jail for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; Possession of Methamphetamine for Sales; Child endangerment and for his outstanding arrest warrant. Total bail was set at $75,000.

Source & photo: Monterey County Sheriff’s Office