July 28, 2026 – Yuba County Sheriff's Office officials report that a months-long narcotics investigation conducted by the Yuba County Sheriff's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has resulted in the federal arrest of a repeat drug trafficker and the seizure of approximately one-half kilogram of heroin destined for Yuba County.

On July 16, 2026, the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office and DEA concluded an investigation into the drug trafficking activities of Jose Alvarez, 70, of Olivehurst. Alvarez is no stranger to the Yuba County Sheriff's Office. Since 2016, he has been arrested by our office on multiple occasions for heroin sales. Despite repeated arrests and prior law enforcement intervention, Alvarez continued to profit from the distribution of dangerous narcotics, placing our communities at risk.

The Yuba County Sheriff's Office and DEA executed a coordinated enforcement operation at Alvarez's residence in the 4200 block of Olivehurst Avenue in Olivehurst. The operation resulted in Alvarez's federal arrest, as well as the arrests of Pamela Kelley, 58, of Olivehurst, and Santiago Gomez, 45, of Stockton, who were identified as co-conspirators in the drug operation. As a result of the investigation, approximately one-half kilogram of heroin was seized from Alavarez. Both Kelley and Gomez were arrested on state drug-related charges and booked into the Yuba County Jail. Alvarez was booked into the Sacramento County Jail pursuant to the federal arrest warrant.

The Yuba County Sheriff's Office remains relentless in its mission to combat drug trafficking and dismantle criminal organizations that threaten the safety of our residents.

Source: Yuba County Sheriff's Office