In a crackdown on illegal firearms and narcotics, Ventura County detectives have nabbed two men from Oxnard and Fillmore. Martin Torres, 43, and Ignacio Ixta Jr., 35, find themselves slapped with multiple felony charges for their alleged possession of unregistered firearms and drugs, according to a release by the Ventura County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office West County Special Enforcement Unit, in months-long investigative efforts, targeted Torres, who is barred from owning or possessing firearms due to his prior convictions.
With a signed search warrant in hand, detectives intercepted a vehicle on January 31 in Oxnard carrying both suspects. A loaded semi-automatic handgun and narcotics were found inside, landing Torres and Ixta in police custody. The report details that after the traffic stop, authorities searched Torres' home where they unearthed additional firearms, further narcotics, and a substantial sum of money believed to be related to drug sales. None of the firearms were legally registered.
Following the presentation to a Ventura County District Attorney's Office, charges were filed against both Torres and Ixta on February 2, 2024. Behind bars, they are currently held on $500,000 bail each, with court dates pending. The investigation is ongoing, and Detective Austin Whittaker is calling for anyone with more information to come forth and assist.
The West County Special Enforcement Unit, known for its eight-detective strong team, specializes in probing a variety of crimes, including those involving illegal firearms. In their statement, they highlight the troubling rise of "ghost guns," which lack serial numbers and therefore are tough to trace. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office alerts the community to report any such weapons through the Nixle alert system by texting their zip code to 888777 or reaching out to Senior Deputy Matt Smith for intel on illegal arms.
Meanwhile, Ventura County Crime Stoppers is dangling a carrot of up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest and criminal complaint in connection to this case. Tips can be provided anonymously through their hotline at 800-222-TIPS (8477). The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office extends gratitude to the public for its crucial role in assisting law enforcement and solving crimes.
