KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The service of a search warrant by the Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force last weekend resulted in one arrest and the seizure of approximately half an ounce of methamphetamine.
Manuel Vincent Sotelo, 48, of Kelseyville was arrested for possession of a controlled substance for sale, conspiracy to commit a crime and driving on a suspended license, according to Lt. Steve Brooks.
Last Friday, Nov. 1, narcotics detectives secured a search warrant for Sotelo's person, home and vehicle, Brooks said.
This past Sunday, Nov. 3, at approximately 3:30 p.m., detectives observed Sotelo get into his vehicle and drive onto Cypress Avenue. Brooks said two detectives conducted an enforcement stop of Sotelo’s vehicle while additional detectives served the warrant at Sotelo’s residence, which is located in the 3400 block of Cypress Avenue in Kelseyville.
As detectives entered the residence they detained Kelseyville residents Robert Nathaniel Harris, 36, and 28-year-old Ashley Nicole Saxon, who had attempted to leave the residence through the back door, Brooks said.
Detectives seized a glass meth pipe from Saxon, which was heavily coated with white and brown residue. Brooks said narcotic detectives were able to detain both of them without further incident. The detectives, who had conducted the enforcement stop, escorted Sotelo back to the residence.
During the search detectives located a digital gram scale and various containers of marijuana in the bedroom, Brooks said. Detectives located a black case on the kitchen floor, which Sotelo admitted was his.
They opened the case and located 15.68 grams of methamphetamine, which they seized as evidence. Brooks said narcotics detectives also located $907 in Sotelo’s wallet, which the seized pending asset forfeiture proceedings.
Sotelo was arrested and transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility, where he was booked. Bail was set at $25,000, and jail records indicated he later posted the required portion of bail and was released.
Detectives did not arrest Saxon on Sunday. Brooks said they are requesting the District Attorney’s Office review the arrest report for a complaint against Saxon for conspiracy to possess methamphetamine for sales and possession of drug paraphernalia. Harris was released from the scene.
The Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force can be reached through its anonymous tip line at 707-263-3663.