Share
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office arrested one of its own in connection with an alleged criminal conspiracy at the Lerdo pre-trial jail.
The office announced the April 9 arrest of sheriff’s aide Erik Belmontes, 26, on Tuesday.
Bail Set at $110,000
Belmontes faces multiple charges. They include bringing illegal drugs and a cellphone into the jail, drug possession for the purpose of sales, conspiracy to commit a felony, and participation in a criminal street gang.
Belmontes was placed on administrative leave and his bail set at $110,000.
13 Inmates Arrested
Deputies also arrested 13 inmates after finding contraband, including drugs, in the jail as part of an investigation that began March 9, the sheriff’s office said.
Inmates Gary Pierson, 39, and Deshaun Nicholson, 30, are suspected to be co-conspirators, according to Kern County authorities.
As the investigation is ongoing, anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office, 661 861-3110.
The Lerdo Detention Facility is north of Bakersfield and can hold more than 1,200 inmates.
RELATED TOPICS:
Categories
Average Rate on a 30-Year Mortgage in the US Rises to Highest Level Since July
Cutting in Line? American Airlines’ New Boarding Tech Might Stop You at Now Over 100 Airports
MLB Will Test Robot Umpires at 13 Spring Training Ballparks Hosting 19 Teams
Jussie Smollett’s Conviction in 2019 Attack on Himself Is Overturned
How About an Honest Conversation About the Range of Light Monument Proposal?
