Narcotics Sales Investigation and Arrest
September 24, 2025 – Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that on September 19th, 2025, detectives assigned to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Special Crimes Unit and members of the Oxnard Police Department Field Services Bureau concluded a three-month investigation into Darrell Rutledge of Oxnard. This investigation stemmed from an Oxnard Police Department officer who identified an ongoing beat problem and suspected narcotics sales.
On September 19th, 2025, Officers from the Oxnard Police Department and Deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant for Rutledge’s residence located in the 2000 block of North Ventura Road in the City of Oxnard. Deputies and Officers served the search warrant and seized nearly $11,000 in U.S. currency, approximately 2.2 pounds of fentanyl, more than six ounces of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and narcotics sales indicia.
Additionally, investigators recovered a loaded Winchester 30-30 lever-action rifle, which was determined to have been stolen out of Bakersfield, California. Investigators also recovered a 7.62 x 39 SKS rifle. Rutledge has an extensive criminal history for narcotics sales and illegal firearms possession. Rutledge is a prohibited person from owning or possessing firearms and ammunition due to his previous felony convictions.
The fentanyl alone seized during this search warrant is equivalent to approximately 51,350 doses of the potentially fatal drug. In 2024, fentanyl was responsible for nearly fifty thousand deaths in the United States.
Investigators also encountered what appeared to be a puppy mill inside the apartment. A puppy mill is an inhumane, high-volume dog breeding facility that prioritizes profit over the health and welfare of the animals. The dogs are often kept in filthy, overcrowded, and cramped conditions with minimal to no veterinary care or socialization.
A total of twenty-two dogs were discovered during the search warrant. There were a total of 11 grown adult dogs and 11 puppies. A majority of the adult dogs were confined to small crates inside the apartment, while only a few were allowed to roam freely throughout the space. Oxnard Animal Control responded to the apartment and took custody of the dogs. The dogs were ultimately transported to the Ventura County animal shelter. Investigators were informed by Animal Control Officers that four of the dogs required immediate treatment and observation for respiratory issues.
Rutledge was subsequently arrested for possession of controlled substances for sales, possession of an assault rifle, felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of stolen property, and resisting, obstructing, or delaying a peace officer.
The investigation pertaining to possible animal cruelty committed by Rutledge is ongoing.
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Nature of Incident: Narcotics Sales Investigation and Arrest
Report Number: 25-67090
Location: 2000 Block North Ventura Road, Oxnard
Date & Time: 09/19/2025 @ 10:00 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Oxnard Police Department Field Services Bureau
Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Special Crimes Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims: City of Residence: Age:
(S) Darrell Rutledge Oxnard 52
Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000 reward for information, which leads to 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: Ventura County Sheriff's Office
