November 16, 2025 – Sonora Police Department officials report that on Thursday, November 13th, just after midnight, officers with the Sonora Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a Black Ford Ranger in the Crossroads Shopping Center for an equipment violation. Officers identified the driver as 62-year-old Michael Nunes out of the Merced area.

K9 Ridge conducted a narcotics sniff of the vehicle, which led to a positive alert of suspected narcotics. A search of the vehicle uncovered 18.4 grams of suspected methamphetamine and drug packaging material consistent with sales.

Nunes was transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and was booked for Felony transport of a controlled substance, Felony possession of a controlled substance for sale, and possession of unlawful paraphernalia.

It's important to remember that the individuals mentioned in this report were arrested based on suspicion of the crimes they've been charged with. All such charges are mere allegations, and all defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Source: Sonora Police Department