Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Ken Thurm
File # SC240580001
Details:
In February of 2024, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Investigation Bureau began an investigation into inmates coordinating with a subject outside of the jail facilities to smuggle narcotics into the jail by way of the United States Postal Service. Through the course of this investigation, several suspects were identified who were smuggling fentanyl, heroin, PCP, and methamphetamine. Additionally, multiple letters containing illicit drugs were intercepted by jail staff.
On April 24, 2024, a search warrant was served in the 46000 block of Clinton Street in Indio. During the search warrant service, the suspect, Melissa Troncoso, a 32-year-old resident of Indio, was located along with two juveniles. Also located at the residence were several items of evidence consistent with facilitating and smuggling narcotics into the jail, including 4.5 ounces of methamphetamine, 3.5 ounces of heroin, and 6 ounces of concentrated cannabis.
In total, four arrest were made:
Melissa Troncoso was arrested for possession for sale of methamphetamine, possession for sale of heroin, possession for sale of concentrated cannabis, smuggling narcotics into a correctional facility, conspiring to smuggle narcotics into a correctional facility, and child endangerment. She was booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center.
Eric Guzman, 26-year-old resident of Indio (already in custody for other charges), conspiring to smuggle narcotics into a correctional facility.
Christian Kong, 33-year-old resident of Indio, (already in custody for other charges), conspiring to smuggle narcotics into a correctional facility.
Daniel Mendez, 30-year-old resident of Indio, (already in custody for other charges), conspiring to smuggle narcotics into a correctional facility.
This investigation was part of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office ongoing mission to prevent narcotics from getting into the correctional facilities. The diligence of our deputies during searches, implementation of the nonintrusive sensor and scanning device known as the “Tek-84,” and comprehensive criminal investigations such as this are among several measures the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has taken to combat the supply of narcotics into our jail system. Inmate education is a priority within our jails and inmates are furnished with educational material and classes about the dangers of narcotics, with an emphasis on fentanyl, provided by the Detention Health Services Division of the Riverside University Health System.
If anyone has information related to this investigation, they are encouraged to contact Investigator Franklin Enochs or Correctional Deputy Gerald Dye at 951–922–7152.
For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.
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