Doesn’t it seem that the DA consistently refuses to file charges against people for drug crimes? Even when there are open, fully funded beds available for drug treatment in every county detention facility, the judges decide to set them free to offend again. What’s even worse, many of the drug dealers know that they can prey upon our houseless thereby perpetuating the cycle. If you look at the list below compiled by Keepin’ it Real, you’ll see that each of these offenders were contacted near where houseless folks congregate.
Are the judges OK with 133 people in our county dying from fentanyl overdose in 2023? Are they OK with people preying on the vulnerably addicted? It looks that way!
To expand it even further: By the DA not filing charges for drug related offenses in our community, through the many homeless services offered, they are giving our tax payer money directly to the drug cartels who wreak havoc both north and south of the border.
Thank you, Judges for your “compassion.” 🙄
How about having compassion for the working class who struggle to make their way in this county everyday, and who don’t deserve getting their belongings stolen and traded for drugs?
From Keepin’ It Real:
A while back, I made a list of drug trafficking arrests dating from June 7th through to June 18th, 2023.
Enough time has passed that we can see how the accused fared in court….
Margaret O’Malley
30 years old
No Employment listed
From Santa Cruz
Arrested June 7th by SO
Arrest location: 1000 BLK CAYUGA ST
Case# 23-04545
Booking# B-603135
Bail amount: $20K
Custody status: released on bond
-no charges filed
Bryan Hernandez
27 years old
Occupation: Driver
from: Watsonville
Arrested June 9th by CHP
Arrest location: Mission St at Miramar
Case# F-0105-720-23
Booking# B-603148
Bail amount: $10K
Custody status: released on bond
-no charges filed
Larry Gardner
50 years old
Occupation: Drywaller
from: Santa Cruz
Arrested on June 9 by SCPD
Arrest Location: Coral St at Limekiln
Case# 23S-03193
Booking# B-603158
Bail amount: $10K
Custody status: released on bond
-no charges filed
Jesse Smith
28 years old
No Employment listed
from Santa Cruz
Arrested on June by SCPD
Arrest location: 100 Block of Coral St
Case# 23S-03349
Booking# B-603315
Bail amount: $10K
Custody status: released on bond
-23CR02606 filed as misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance. Case active.
Kyle Rodgers
41 years old
No employment listed
from Santa Cruz
Arrested on June 17th by SCPD
Arrest location: 2200 Block of Delaware Ave
Case# 23S-03354
Booking# B-603325
Bail Amount: (No Bail/ Warrant# 22CR02058)
Custody status: incarcerated- Main Jail.
-23CR02605 filed as misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance. Case dismissed.
Every single arrest of these drug traffickers over this 12 day period occurred within the city limits of Santa Cruz. All were released immediately on bond (whether that money was legally obtained or not), except one (Rodgers is on probation for a trafficking conviction).
When the smoke cleared, none were convicted.
Sources:
SO Jail Viewer:
http://jailviewer.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/
Santa Cruz County Superior Court records portal:
https://portal.santacruzcourt.org/Portal/Home/Dashboard/29