Sheriff’s Narcotics Investigators find Methamphetamine in Child’s Sippy Cup

October 22 , 2007 - Carpinteria

Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Narcotics Detectives booked a suspected narcotics dealer on charges of Felony Child Endangerment after finding narcotics hidden in a child’s sippy cup. Detectives developed information that a Carpinteria man was dealing methamphetamine and cocaine in the Carpinteria area. The investigation culminated with a search and arrest warrant served at the suspect’s Carpinteria home late last week.

When detectives entered the home of the suspected dealer, 29 year old Israel Lara Gutierrez, they also found the residence occupied by his wife and three children. Suspected cocaine and methamphetamine were found in various locations throughout the home, all accessible to Gutierrez’s children. A baggy of suspected methamphetamine was hidden inside of a child’s “sippy cup” found on the floor. A digital scale, commonly used to weigh narcotics for sales, was found in a diaper bag inside of a crib.

In all, Detectives seized over 9 grams of cocaine and 16 grams of methamphetamine, more than $1,100 cash, scales, packaging material and other items associated with the sales of narcotics. Detectives contacted Child Welfare Services who responded to the scene to evaluate the welfare of the children. The children were ultimately left to the care of their mother at the home.

Gutierrez’s residence, located at 4465 El Carro Lane, is situated on the same property as a day care facility. Eleven children, ranging from 3 months to 16 years old, were at the daycare facility when the search warrant was served. Detectives determined those children did not have access to Gutierrez’s residence.

Israel Lara Gutierrez was booked into Santa Barbara County Jail on charges of Possession of Cocaine for Sales, Possession of Methamphetamine for Sales and Felony Child Endangerment. His bail is set at $100,000.

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