12 jailed in Dos Palos probation checks

Many were found to be in possession of drugs.

By MIKE THARP
mtharp@mercedsun-star.com

The Dos Palos Police Department said it joined forces with Merced County Probation and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Parole division to stage some 20 compliance checks on Dos Palos residents.

Twelve persons were arrested as part of the Wednesday operation. Around 15 county, state, and municipal officers or agents participated in it.

Charges for those arrested included parole violation, weapons charges, narcotics charges, resisting arrest and felony child endangerment, according to Dos Palos Police Chief Barry Mann.

Compliance checks are conducted to make sure that parolees and probationers are living within the conditions of their parole or probation.

In the 2200 block of Willow Avenue, James Ayers, of Dos Palos, was arrested for maintaining a place where drugs are used or sold, child endangerment and three misdemeanor warrants. Also arrested was his juvenile daughter for sales of marijuana and possession for the sale of marijuana.

Teri Jones, of Dos Palos, on local probation, wasn't at the residence during the time of the compliance check, but is being sought for narcotic-related charges as well as, child endangerment charges, Mann said.

The subjects were observed during the compliance check, sifting through about three pounds of marijuana, which contained numerous stems and seeds. "Investigators were told that they received the product from another Dos Palos resident who is being sought by investigators," Mann added.

Separately, Ty Carlucci, of Dos Palos, who is on parole, was arrested at his residence located in the county area of Dos Palos. Carlucci faces charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and a violation of parole. Also arrested with Carlucci was a self-admitted employee of the Los Banos branch of the Merced County Superior Court, Isabel Costa. Costa was living with Carlucci and was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession drug paraphernalia, the chief said.

Also arrested during the operation was Edward Swett for weapons possession and violation of parole.

During a search of a residence on Evelyn Lane, Michael Mcgee Jr. and Jaime McGee-Esquivel were arrested for conspiracy to commit fraud. Mcgee Jr. also faces charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, identity theft, and a violation of probation.

As the operation was ending, Dos Palos police officers said they saw people running in the area of Valeria Street and Frank Avenue. They failed to stop at the officers' request, and a foot pursuit followed. The subjects were located at a residence in the 2100 block of Valeria Street and were found to be in possession of two masks. The subjects, one adult and one juvenile, were booked for delaying a peace officer, as well as the adult being charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

"The overall operation was a success," Mann said. "I appreciate the efforts of law enforcement and their ability to work together to make Dos Palos one of the safest communities in the county of Merced."

Only two homicides have been recorded in Dos Palos in the past 20 years, though both of those came early this year. "We have the lowest reporting of serious violent crimes of any other district in the county," Mann said. "We're doing well."

The Dos Palos Police Department said it has set up a newly established Web site that lets the department receive information, as well as helping to make the community safer: www.dospalos.bobcop.com.

Residents can can sign up to be alerted by e-mail or cell phone about most-wanted persons, missing persons and crime-stoppers.

Executive Editor Mike Tharp can be reached at (209) 385-2427/2456 or mtharp@mercedsun-star.com