Santa Paula man, Refugio Cortez, 37, found himself in handcuffs after Ventura County Sheriff’s Office seized a plethora of firearms and ammunition from his property as detectives stormed his residence with a search warrant on December 28th, resulting in the confiscation of 12 guns, including an AK-47 assault rifle, and narcotics paraphernalia, according to the official report from the Sheriff's Office.
The inquiry leading to Cortez's latest run-in with the law began with a call regarding shots fired on November 25th. At that time, deputies from the Fillmore Patrol Station responded, eventually arresting Cortez—though no firearms were discovered in his vehicle—on misdemeanor narcotics charges, according to the Sheriff's Office. The follow-up investigation by WC-SEU detectives snowballed into the December raid of Cortez’s abode.
Among the firearms seized from the property of Cortez were six handguns, and six rifles. None of the firearms were registered in his or any resident's name at the address stated by the Sheriff's Office. Cortez now faces multiple felony charges including possession of an illegal assault weapon and prohibited person in possession of ammunition, alongside his misdemeanor counts.
Held on a $110,000 bail, Cortez is scheduled to meet the gavel on January 2nd, just hours after the release of this information. The West County Special Enforcement Unit underscored the growth of illegal firearm activities in Ventura County, as detailed in their news release, and continues to call upon the public to partner in its crusade against illicit weapon proliferation.
The Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to the vigilant public and extended an invitation to aid in their mission by keeping up with announcements on social media and subscribing to their Nixle service for timely alerts. They remind that Ventura County Crime Stoppers may grant a reward for tips leading to further arrests, and information can be provided anonymously—a partnership to maintain the peace and safety of the community.
