Minor traffic violation leads to arrest of paroled sex offender

December 20, 2006
Santa Paula Police Department

A Santa Maria man pulled over by Santa Paula Police for an equipment violation got more than he bargained for when it was discovered that the man was a registered sex offender, in the city without permission, according to a SPPD spokesman.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesA Santa Maria man pulled over by Santa Paula Police for an equipment violation got more than he bargained for when it was discovered that the man was a registered sex offender, in the city without permission, according to a SPPD spokesman.The incident occurred on Friday, December 15 according to SPPD Sr. Officer Cody Madison, when a SPPD Officer conducted a traffic stop “for an observed equipment violation…”The driver of the vehicle and its sole occupant, 44-year-old Steve Hernandez of Santa Maria, was “found to be on active California State Parole and a registered sex offender” noted Sr. Officer Madison.In addition, Hernandez was “found to be in the Santa Paula area without permission from his parole officer, a direct violation of his parole terms.”Hernandez was arrested and transported to Ventura County Jail on a “No Bail” warrant due to violating his parole.
SPPD Sgt. Jimmy Fogata said that Hernandez – who was driving a 1999 Volkswagen - was initially pulled over by Officer Ryan Smith and K9 Rex shortly after 9 p.m. near 12th and High streets.“An equipment violation can be a tail light out or whatever,” normally a minor issue resulting in a fix it ticket noted Sgt. Fogata.When Officer Smith discovered that the driver of the Volkswagen was violating his parole Hernandez was arrested without incident.“It was just a fluke” that Hernandez was pulled over for a minor incident that became much more complicated said Sgt. Fogata.“Hernandez has family that lives out there but we’re not really sure what he was doing in Santa Paula…but a registered sex offender can’t live his area without the permission of his parole officer,” circumstances that led to Hernandez’s arrest and incarceration.Sgt. Fogata did not have any information on the charges that led to Hernandez’s parole status.



Site Search

E-Subscribe

Subscribe

E-SUBSCRIBE
Call 805 525 1890 to receive the entire paper early. $50.00 for one year.

webmaster