April 19, 2026 – Monterey County Sheriff’s Office officials report that detectives have recovered an unlawfully possessed assault rifle following the service of a search warrant at the residence of a convicted felon who was previously found in possession of ammunition.

On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a traffic stop for multiple vehicle code violations in the area of Lapis Road and Del Monte Boulevard in Marina. During the stop, deputies determined the driver was a convicted felon on active probation. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of ammunition, which is illegal for a convicted felon to possess.

The driver was identified as 28-year-old Ricardo Javier Martinez of Soledad. Martinez was arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail for possession of ammunition by a prohibited person, violation of probation, and possession of methamphetamine.

Following the arrest, Monterey County Sheriff’s Detectives obtained a search warrant for Martinez’s residence located in the 200 block of Pine Street in Soledad. On Thursday, April 16, 2026, at approximately 12:00 p.m., detectives served the warrant and located an unlawfully possessed assault rifle along with additional ammunition.

Additional charges have been submitted against Martinez for possession of an assault weapon by a prohibited person.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Salinas Police Department and firearms detection K9 “Rex” for their assistance during this investigation.

Source & photo: Monterey County Sheriff’s Office