4 arrested in plot to smuggle drugs into Stanislaus County Juvenile Hall
Four adults have been arrested in connection with a criminal street gang conspiracy to smuggle drugs into Stanislaus County Juvenile Hall, officials said.
The arrests followed a monthlong investigation that began in early June, when Probation K-9 Jetta found suspicious grass-covered packages during a routine yard search at the facility. Inside the packages, officers discovered several marijuana vape pens.
When officers attempted to detain a youth believed to be tied to the drugs, a probation officer was violently assaulted, according to the Stanislaus County Probation Department.
The assault and discovery of the contraband sparked a broader multi-agency investigation. Authorities said they uncovered a sophisticated operation involving coded communication, mobile payment apps and clandestine drop-offs to fund and facilitate drug deliveries into the juvenile facility.
All four suspects arrested July 24 are alleged members of the same criminal street gang. They face charges including conspiracy to smuggle narcotics into Juvenile Hall, soliciting a minor to distribute or sell marijuana, and active gang participation.
“Contraband of any sort is unacceptable in our juvenile institutions,” said Stanislaus County Chief Probation Officer Mark Ferriera. “The potential of dangerous substances entering our facilities and impacting the health and well-being of our youth is a significant concern. We will fully investigate and do everything in our power to prosecute anyone attempting to smuggle contraband into our juvenile institutions to the fullest extent of the law.”
The investigation involved the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, Modesto Police Department and the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office.
This story was originally published July 29, 2025 at 3:25 PM.
