On September 15, 2022, at approximately 1745 hours, detectives with the Sheriff’s Gang Unit conducted a traffic enforcement stop of a vehicle in the 1200 block of North Ventura Avenue, Ventura for a vehicle code violation. Steven Merrill was contacted and detained per his Ventura County Superior Court probation conditions. Detectives followed-up the contact with a search of Merrill’s residence in the 300 block of Barry Street, Ventura.
During the search, detectives located four polymer pistol receivers which appeared to have been manufactured using a 3D printer. Detectives also located a 3D printer, a pistol magazine, switchblade knives, and a polymer rifle magazine. Pursuant to California Penal Code section 16520(b), a firearm includes the frame or receiver of the weapon. This includes both a completed frame or receiver, or a firearm precursor part. Merrill is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms per his current probation terms. Merrill was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Jail for weapons violations.
On September 19, 2022, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed multiple felony counts of California Penal Code 29815(a) – own, possess, or control of a firearm by a person prohibited due to probation term conditions.
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