PD: 10 booked, found in controlled substances possession in Porterville
PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – 10 individuals were booked into county jail for allegedly possessing drug paraphernalia, firearms, controlled substances, and stolen property, the Porterville Police Department announced on Thursday.
According to police, an officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop in the 1300 block of West Morton Avenue on Tuesday around 11:10 p.m.
Officers say they contacted the driver, 47-year-old William Clifton, and passenger, 37-year-old Ryan Thorn, both Porterville residents. Thorn was observed to be in possession of a firearm and was detained, along with Clifton.
Upon further investigation, police say Clifton and Thorn displayed signs and symptoms of being under the influence of a controlled substance, and both were taken into custody.
During a search of the vehicle, officers say both were found to be transporting a controlled substance with intent to distribute, in possession of drug paraphernalia, and Thorn was under the influence while being in possession of the firearm.
Officers say the vehicle Clifton was driving was also found to have false license plates, and inside the vehicle was stolen property from a recent residential burglary investigation. The firearm Thorn had in his possession was found to be loaded and reported stolen.
Police say Thorn and Clifton were later booked at the South County Detention Facility on suspicion of being in possession of a firearm while under the influence of a controlled substance, felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, controlled substance with intent to distribute, drug paraphernalia, a controlled substance while having a loaded firearm, transportation of a controlled substance, driving a motor vehicle while under the influence, possession of stolen property and false registration.
In furtherance of the investigation, detectives say they responded to Thorn’s residence in the 200 block of North Maston Street and executed a search warrant, granted by a Tulare County Superior Court Judge. 47-year-old Anne Taff, 59-year-old Rhona Kruger, 61-year-old Kevin Kruger, 26-year-old Kelsey Kruger, 53-year-old Rosenda Ramirez, 43-year-old Pete Tapia, 59-year-old Daniel Miranda, and Irma Fuentes were all contacted at the home.
According to detectives, additional narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and property believed to have been stolen from the previously mentioned residential burglary were located. During the course of the investigation, the residence was determined to be maintained for the purpose of narcotics use and sales.
According to the Porterville Police Department, the suspects were arrested and booked at the Tulare County South County Detention Facility on suspicion of the following:
Anne Taff was arrested on suspicion of maintaining a residence for narcotic sales and use, being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of drugs and paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled substance.
Kelsey Kruger was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of a controlled substance.
Rosenda Ramirez, Rhonda Kruger, and Kevin Kruger were arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance and being in possession of drug paraphernalia.
Pete Tapia, Irma Fuentes, and Daniel Miranda were arrested for alleged outstanding arrest warrants.
