File # R231830011
Update Provided by SIB Captain Rob Roggeveen:
Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, Special Investigations Bureau (SIB) worked an extensive investigation into a DTO (Drug Trafficking Organization) that identified Correctional Deputy Jorge Oceguera-Rocha in a pivotal role of trafficking large quantities of narcotics within Riverside County while off duty.
On September 17, 2023, that investigation came to a successful conclusion when a traffic stop was conducted on Interstate 10 at County Line Road, in Calimesa by a deputy from the SIB Domestic Highway Enforcement Team. After a K9 alerted to the presence of narcotics within the vehicle, a search was conducted. Located in the vehicle was more than 100 pounds of packaged fentanyl pills (M30’s). Also located in the vehicle was a loaded handgun. Oceguera-Rocha was arrested and subsequently booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center. During the investigation, it was determined that Oceguera-Rocha was not smuggling narcotics into the Riverside County jail system as previously stated in un-verified news articles.
The case in its entirety was presented to the Assistant United States Attorney’s (AUSA) office for review on federal drug trafficking charges and weapon charges. On September 20, 2023, that federal indictment was rejected by the AUSA’s office. This prompted investigators from SIB to re-arrest Oceguera-Rocha and re-book him into a county jail with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office prepared to file charges to include possession of narcotics, transportation with the intent to distribute narcotics, weight enhancements for the narcotics (104 pounds of fentanyl), and possession of a firearm while in possession of narcotics. Bail was set at $5 million dollars based on the weight amount, danger to the public and potential for Oceguera-Rocha to flee from prosecution.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office condemns any form of illegal activity and remains resolute in its commitment to deterring and preventing such behavior. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office will employ all necessary measures to ensure the highest standards of integrity and professionalism among its personnel.
This investigation is still on-going and all questions regarding the investigation can be sent to Captain Roggeveen at aroggeve@riversidesheriff.org, or he can be contacted at (951) 955-1712.
Details:
On September 17, 2023, Correctional Deputy Jorge Oceguera-Rocha, a 25-year-old resident of Banning, was arrested on Interstate 10 at County Line Road, in Calimesa, after a traffic stop. During the traffic stop, it was discovered Oceguera-Rocha was in possession of narcotics and was subsequently booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center. Oceguera-Rocha’s charges include possession of narcotics, transportation of narcotics, and possession of a firearm while in possession of narcotics. No additional details will be released at this time as the case is still under investigation.
Correctional Deputy Oceguera-Rocha was hired by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office in April of 2019 and was assigned to the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility. He has since resigned in lieu of termination.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office condemns any form of illegal activity and remains resolute in its commitment to deterring and preventing such behavior. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office will employ all necessary measures to ensure the highest standards of integrity and professionalism among its personnel.
For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.
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