| Nature of Incident: |
Arrests Made in Illegal Firearms Investigation |
| Report Number: |
24-91748 |
| Location: |
1500 Block of North Shepard Drive, Camarillo |
| Date & Time: |
7/24/2024 @ 12:10 PM |
| Unit(s) Responsible: |
Camarillo Directed Enforcement Unit, Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit, Ventura Police K-9 Unit
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| (S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent |
City of Residence
|
Age |
| (S) Eric Beltran |
Camarillo
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27 |
| (S) Amanda Piecul |
Calabasas
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26 |
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| Narrative: |
On July 25, 2024, deputies with the Camarillo Directed Enforcement Unit conducted a probation search on Eric Beltran who resided at a residence located on the 1500 Block of North Shepard Drive in the City of Camarillo. During the search, deputies contacted Beltran and Amanda Piecul inside the residence.
Deputies entered Beltran’s room and saw a loaded semi-automatic “ghost gun” and narcotics in plain view. Detectives with the Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit and a Ventura Police K-9 responded to assist with the search. During the search, 17.2 grams of cocaine along with indicia of narcotics sales and another “ghost gun” were located.
Beltran and Piecul were placed under arrest and transported the Ventura County Main Jail.
Beltran and Piecul were booked for violations of:
- Health and Safety Code 11351 / Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sale
- Health and Safety Code 11370 / Possession of a Controlled Substance with a Firearm
- Penal Code 27545 / Unlawful Transfer of a Firearm
Beltran and Piecul are currently in custody and being held on bail awaiting trial.
The Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase of unlawful firearm activities in Ventura County, including illegal “ghost guns”. A “ghost gun” is a common term used to describe any firearm manufactured without a serial number engraved or otherwise adorned on its frame/receiver, which is unregistered with the California Department of Justice.
The Camarillo Directed Enforcement Unit is comprised of two deputies, whose focus is assisting patrol services with the investigation of various crimes including, but not limited to, the investigation of illegal firearms, gang related crimes, and graffiti vandalism.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships.
Join us in the fight on crime by following us on Twitter @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @ VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.
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| Prepared by: |
Senior Deputy Steve Krupnik |
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| News Release Date: |
7/25/2024 |
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| Media Follow-Up Contact: |
Deputy Carlee Morton
(805) 388-5114
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Approved by:
Booking Photo Release: |
Captain Jason Hendren
YES NO X |
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