Tuolumne County Authorities Arrest Two for Alleged Firearms Violations, Child Endangerment
SONORA CITY, CA — “Earlier this summer, TNT Detectives began investigating James Ronald Martinez for methamphetamine sales within Tuolumne County. On 9/24/26, TNT Detectives observed Martinez drive a 13-year-old juvenile and Caleb Wilson Brinkley to the Wal Mart parking lot in Sonora City. Brinkley had an active felony warrant for his arrest and is on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) with open search terms. Both Martinez and Brinkley are convicted felons. TNT Detectives requested the assistance of TCSO Patrol Deputies, who conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle Martinez was driving. Deputies conducted a search of the vehicle and located a loaded handgun inside the vehicle and a second loaded handgun on Martinez’s person. Martinez was also in possession of approximately 7 grams gross weight of methamphetamine. Both Martinez and Brinkley were placed under arrest.
TNT Detectives obtained a search warrant for Martinez’s residence which they served later in the evening. While at the residence, they contacted Tessa Nicole Ellen Watkins. During the search TNT Detectives located 7 additional firearms, including an AR-15 rifle, several firearms components, live ammunition, and additional evidence of drug sales. Based on the investigation, Watkins was also placed under arrest. TNT Detectives also determined some of the loaded firearms were unsecured and easily accessible to the 13-year-old CV and a 7-year-old CV who live at the residence.
Martinez and Watkins were charged with several felonies related to the firearms seized, methamphetamine sales, child endangerment, and conspiracy. Martinez was also charged with crimes related to being a convicted felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Brinkley was booked on his active felony warrant.”
