Fentanyl Sales Arrest in Valley Springs 

November 24, 2023 - Calaveras County Sheriff's Office officials report that on November 18, 2023, at approximately 5:00 P.M. (1700 hours), the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office contacted three subjects in a suspicious vehicle parked at the Oak Valley Shopping Center in Valley Springs, California. Officers identified 41-year-old Bryan Louis Sims Jr. of Valley Springs, whose license was suspended. The passengers were identified as 28-year-old Robert Leard Jr. of Stockton and 28-year-old Matthew Hart of Stockton (later identified as William Hart).

During the contact, deputies discovered open alcoholic containers, drug paraphernalia, 160 grams of fentanyl (over 1,500 single doses), and a loaded revolver in the vehicle.  Fentanyl is deadly in the smallest of amounts. This amount of fentanyl is highly dangerous and has the potential to cause overdoses and even death in a significant number of people. We are grateful such a large amount of this dangerous drug has been removed from the streets and prevented potential harm to the community.

William Hart was arrested on two outstanding warrants, and Robert Leard Jr. was arrested for possession with intent to sell narcotics. Bryan Louis Sims Jr. was arrested for firearm charges and possession of narcotics with intent to sell.  The investigation is ongoing, and all three suspects have been booked into Calaveras County Jail.

Source & photos: Calaveras County Sheriff's Office