Ventura Man Arrested for Bringing Drugs Into Jail

Nature of Incident: Bringing Drugs into Jail and Unlawful Firearm Investigation
Report Number: 25-121657
Location: 10000 Block Erie Street, Ventura, CA
Date & Time: November 4th, 2025 @ 4:37 PM
Unit(s) Responsible:
Pre-Trial Detention Facility Classification Unit
Todd Road Jail Classification Unit
West County Special Enforcement Unit (WC-SEU)
 
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent; City of Residence; Age
(S) Jesse Joaquin; Ventura; 25

In October of 2025, deputies from the Pre-Trial Detention Facility Classification Unit initiated an investigation involving the furnishing of drugs to incarcerated persons housed in Ventura County Sheriff’s Custody.  During the investigation, deputies learned (S)Jesse Joaquin was involved in a plot to send drugs into the jail through the mail system.   

On the afternoon of November 4, 2025, detectives from the West County Special Enforcement Unit (WC-SEU), the Pre-Trial Detention Facility Classification Unit, and the Todd Road Jail Classification Unit conducted an operation to locate and arrest Joaquin. He was located in the City of Ventura and taken into custody without incident.

Detectives then executed a signed search warrant at Joaquin’s residence in the 10000 block of Erie Street in Ventura. During the search, they located evidence related to the plot to smuggle drugs into the jail, as well as a semi-automatic handgun with an obliterated serial number and several rounds of hollow-point ammunition. Based on Joaquin’s criminal history, he is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

Joaquin was arrested for violations of PC 4573 – Bring Drugs into a Jail, HS 11379(a) – Sale/Transport/Offer to sell a Controlled Substance, PC 29800(a)- Felon in Possession of a Firearm, PC 29825(a) – Possession of a Firearm in Violation of a Court Order, PC 30305(a)(1) – Felon in Possession of Ammunition, PC 23900 – Change, Alter, Remove or Obliterate a Firearm Serial Number, PC 27545 – Unlawful Firearms Transfers, and PC 182(a)(1) – Conspiracy to Commit a Crime.  Joaquin was booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility and was released after posting bond in the amount of $50,000.00.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office considers the furnishing of controlled substances to incarcerated individuals a serious threat to the safety and security of our detention facilities. The Sheriff’s Office remains firmly committed to preventing overdose deaths in custody. Any suspect who attempts to circumvent security procedures and introduce narcotics into the jail will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to maintaining secure, safe, and humane detention for all individuals lawfully entrusted to our care.