Full Notification

DATE/TIME: December 12, 2019 10:19 p.m.

INCIDENT: Parolee Arrested for Transportation of a Large Quanity of Methamphetamine for Sales

LOCATION: Garstin Drive/Swan Drive in Big Bear Lake

SUSPECT: Valerie Hess, 35-year-old resident of Big Bear Lake

SUMMARY:
On Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 10:19 p.m., Deputy R. Casillas from the Multiple Enforcement Team of the Big Bear Sheriff's Station conducted a traffic stop for a California Vehicle Code violation at the intersection of Garstin Drive and Swan Drive in Big Bear Lake. Upon contact with the occupants of the car, a passenger identified as Valerie Hess was determined to be on parole. While Deputy Casillas was talking with the driver, Hess attempted to exit the vehicle. Hess ignored the Deputy's commands to stay in the vehicle and as she got out, Deputy Casillas observed Hess dropping a bag to the ground.

The bag contained approximately 409 grams of methamphetamine, as well as paraphernalia consistent with sales of illegal narcotics. The street value of the seized drugs is estimated to be over $32,000. Valerie Hess was booked into the Big Bear Jail without incident on felony charges of possession and transportation of a controlled substance for sale. Suspect Hess remains in custody in lieu of $50,000 bail with an arraignment hearing set for December 16 in San Bernardino County Superior Court.

The Big Bear Sheriff's Station's Multiple Enforcement Team works proactively with Patrol Deputies, Probation Officers and Parole Officers to routinely conduct searches on local parolees and probationers to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of their release.


Refer: Tiffany Swantek, Media Relations

Station: Big Bear Sheriff's Station

Phone No. (909) 866-0100

Case No. 161901081

JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department