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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.
![Photo of the Lerdo Detention Facility in Kern County California](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/16164026/Lerdo-Detention-Facility.jpg)
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.
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