On Wednesday, a routine vehicle stop in Rohnert Park led to a significant drug bust involving 66-year-old Thomas Hayes of Santa Rosa, who was under investigation for narcotics activity. According to a social media post from the Sonoma Sheriff, the Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit, with the aid of K9 Duke, searched Hayes' vehicle and two Santa Rosa residences which resulted in the discovery of approximately 2.5 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, packaging materials, digital scales, and over $2,000 in cash.
The operation didn't end with Hayes, two other individuals, Jimmy Hayes, 61, and Patrick Gooler, 59, also of Santa Rosa were implicated during the subsequent searches at the residences where they were cited for misdemeanor possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, though it’s unclear if the three men are related or the exact connection between them.
Hayes faced more serious consequences than his co-accused, as he was arrested and booked into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility on felony charges. He was hit with counts of possession and transportation of methamphetamine intended for sale, still, in a turn of events exposing potential flaws within the judicial system or perhaps a sign of a policy geared toward reducing jail population, he qualified for $0 bail and was issued a citation instead of remaining in custody.
