Full Notification

Nature of Incident: Gang Members in Possession of Firearms
 
Report Number: 19-109222
 
Location:
100 Block of West Vince Street, Ventura
200 Block of North Olive Street, Ventura
 
Date & Time: August 21, 2019 / 2:30 PM

Unit(s) Responsible: Sheriff’s Gang Unit
 
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(S1) Juan Piceno, Ventura, 40
(S2) Angela Barretto, Ventura, 38
(S3) Matthew Forrest, Ventura, 31 

Narrative:
In the month of August  2019, Detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Gang Unit conducted an investigation regarding active gang members in the city of Ventura.  The investigation involved documented gang members, Juan Piceno and Angela Barretto, believed to be involved in narcotic sales and illegal firearm possession. 
 
On August 21, 2019, Detectives contacted Piceno during a traffic stop in the 200 block of North Olive Street with fellow gang member, Matthew Forrest.  Piceno and Forrest were arrested on drug related charges. 
 
A search warrant was later executed at Piceno and Barretto’s residence in the 100 block of West Vince Street.  During a search of the residence, two illegally possessed firearms, ammunition, narcotics, paraphernalia consistent with drug sales, and gang indicia were located inside the residence.   
 
Juan Piceno, Angela Barretto and Matthew Forrest were booked into custody at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Main Jail facility.  Juan Piceno was booked for violation of PC 29800(a)(1) – Felon in Possession of a Firearm, PC 30305(a)(1) – Felon in Possession of Ammunition, HS 11550 – Under the Influence of Controlled Substances, HS 11350(a) – Possession of Controlled Substances and remains in custody with bail set at $150,000.  Angela Barretto was booked for violation of HS 11351 – Possession for Sale of Controlled Substnace, HS 11378 – Possession for Sale of Controlled Substance, two counts of PC 27545 – Unlawful Transfer and remains in custody with bail set at $150,000.  Matthew Forrest was booked for HS 11350(a) – Possession of Controlled Substance, HS 11364 – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, HS 11550 – Under the Influence of Controlled Substance and remains in custody with bail set at $10,000.

Prepared by: Detective Erik Hernandez 

News Release Date: 08/22/2019 

Media Follow-Up Contact:
Sergeant Victor Medina
Sheriff’s Gang Unit
805-654-2856
 
Approved by: Captain Todd Inglis
  
Booking Photo Release:  YES
 
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