Police arrested a man and woman from Los Banos who possessed drugs for sale and stolen credit cards in a Hollister neighborhood last week, according to authorities.
About 11:32am Aug. 9, Hollister Police Officer Julio Martinez was on patrol when he saw a suspicious vehicle parked along the curb of Pacific Way and Madrone Drive, reads an Aug. 10 press release from the police department. Martinez decided to conduct a vehicle check on the suspicious car.
When the officer approached the vehicle on foot, he noticed two people in the car: Federico Cortez, 30, and Rachael Campos, 32, both of Los Banos.
Martinez radioed to dispatchers requesting a records check on the man and woman, and learned both had warrants for their arrest from neighboring counties, police said. Cortez and Campos were placed in custody without incident.
As Martinez continued the investigation and searched the vehicle, he found several baggies of suspected methamphetamine and items often used when selling drugs, according to police. Also found in the vehicle were a driver’s license, credit cards and other items with another person’s name on them.
Officers tracked down the owner of the credit cards and learned several fraudulent charges had been made on the victim’s bank card, police said. Further investigation revealed the items found inside the suspects’ car had been stolen out of a vehicle in Los Banos.
Both suspects were transported to San Benito County Jail, police said. Cortez was booked on several warrants and on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance for sale, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and possession of stolen property. Campos was booked on warrants and on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and possession of stolen property.
The unauthorized charges on the stolen credit cards occurred in Los Banos, and are being investigated by police in that city, according to Hollister police.
Anyone with information about these investigations can contact Officer Miguel Masso at 831-636-4330. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at 800-78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
