Castroville Man Arrested for Firearms Violations and Narcotics Possession Following Traffic Stop
CASTROVILLE, CA — On April 16, 2025, at approximately 12:24 p.m., a Monterey County Sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop for vehicle code violations in the 10700 block of Merritt Street in Castroville. The driver, identified as 23-year-old Jesus Rivas Arias of Castroville, was found to have an active arrest warrant. During a search of the vehicle, deputies located ammunition. It was determined that Rivas Arias is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing ammunition.
Following the traffic stop, deputies obtained a search warrant for Rivas Arias’ residence. The warrant was executed later that evening around 9:00 p.m. at a home located in the 10600 block of McDougall Street in Castroville. During the search, deputies discovered approximately half a pound of methamphetamine and a stolen firearm.
Rivas Arias was arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail for charges including being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of methamphetamine for sale, endangering a minor, and for his outstanding arrest warrant. His total bail was set at $75,000.
