Hollister
– A Hollister man suspected of dealing drugs was arrested Friday
along with his mother and girlfriend during an early morning raid
that netted nearly $20,000 in illegal drugs.
Hollister – A Hollister man suspected of dealing drugs was arrested Friday along with his mother and girlfriend during an early morning raid that netted nearly $20,000 in illegal drugs.
Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team agents working with the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office obtained a warrant to search 24-year-old Joshua Flores’ home after learning that the wanted parolee had allegedly traded methamphetamine for a handgun, UNET Cmdr. Mark Colla said.
Agents used a flash bang distraction device at the entrance to the apartment at 1010 Del Rio Court. Flores, dressed in boxer shorts, attempted to jump out a second-story window when agents entered the apartment, but retreated after seeing officers outside of the apartment complex blocking his escape, Colla said.
A search of the apartment turned up 91 grams of methamphetamine valued at $7,280 and 85 grams of cocaine valued at $8,500, Colla said. Agents also found nearly $1,500 worth of marijuana and 77 prescription Vicodin tablets in the home.
In addition to drugs, agents seized $6,920 in cash, a .380-caliber pistol, two digital scales, a police baton and drug packaging materials.
Colla said that based on the amount of drugs found in the apartment, it was probably a mid-level drug sales operation.
Sheriff’s Lt. Roy Iler praised UNET agents and deputies for their cooperation in developing information and making important drug arrests.
“They are really rolling. This is our second big bust in as many weeks,” he said. “This shows how the sheriff’s office and UNET are working together to make our streets safer.”
Flores was arrested on four felony counts of possession of drugs for sale, felony conspiracy and violating parole.
His girlfriend, Brandy Huetado, 28, was also arrested for possession of drugs for sale after the raid.
Flores’ mother, Cory Orabuena, 43, was arrested for harboring a fugitive and maintaining a drug house, both felonies, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
Flores is being held in San Benito County Jail without bail.
Huetado and Orabuena are being held on bail of $70,000 and $20,000, respectively.
All three remained in jail as of press time on Monday.
If convicted of a single count of possession of drugs for sale, Flores could face up to four years in prison.
Brett Rowland is the city editor of the Hollister Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 332 or [email protected].
