| Unit(s) Responsible: |
Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit, Camarillo Directed Enforcement Unit, Camarillo Investigations Bureau, Fillmore Bureau of Investigations, Fillmore Patrol Services, Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Unit, Ventura County Gun Violence Reduction Program(GVRP), Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Bomb/ Arson Unit |
During the first week of June 2025, detectives assigned to the Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) began an investigation into a possible illicit firearms dealer operating out of the City of Fillmore. SEU Detectives identified the illicit firearms dealer as, City of Fillmore resident, (S) Timothy Padilla. During the investigation, SEU Detectives developed probable cause to arrest Padilla for a violation of California Penal Code Section 27545 – [ Unlawful Transfer of a Firearm]. During the second week of June 2025, SEU Detectives obtained a Ventura County search warrant signed by a Magistrate of the Ventura County Superior Court. The search warrant ordered detectives to search Padilla’s person, residence, vehicles, and property.
On 06/13/2025, at approximately 0700 hours, detectives assigned to various units and bureaus within the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office served the signed Ventura County search warrant at Padilla’s residence located in the 800 Block of Santa Clara Avenue, Fillmore. Padilla was contacted and swiftly taken into custody for the aforementioned violation.
Detectives began a search of Padilla’s residence. During the search detectives located firearms and ammunition strewn throughout the residence. Detectives ultimately located a total of 137 firearms, hundreds of firearm magazines, and approximately 100,000 rounds of various caliber ammunition.
A lengthy examination of the evidence ensued and detectives began categorizing the firearms. During the categorization process detectives identified multiple assault style firearms to include, a Fabrique Nationale Herstal 7.62 x 51mm NATO Assault Rifle, a Mac-10 style pistol with a vertical foregrip, and a Beretta 9mm Pistol with a threaded barrel capable of accepting a suppressor. Additionally, detectives located an M1919 Browing belt fed Machine Gun chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO. Detectives also located linked .50 BMG (Browning Machine Gun) rounds.
Through the investigation it was learned Padilla had been unlawfully transferring and selling assault weapons and other firearms to the residents of the County of Ventura. Padilla was ultimately arrested for California Penal Code Section 30605(a) – [ Possession of an Assault Weapon] and California Penal Code Section 27545.
Padilla was ultimately booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility. Based on the investigation and evidence located as a result of the search, detectives believed more likely than not any monetary funds possessed by Padilla would have been the proceeds of illicit firearm sales.
Based on the circumstances of the investigation, detectives petitioned the Ventura County Superior Court for an increased bail as well as to challenge Padilla’s source of bail. As a result, Padilla’s bail was set at $500,000.
On 06/17/2025, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office elected to file the following charges against Padilla: 10 counts of California Penal Code Section 27545, five counts of California Penal Code Section 30600(a) – [ Felony Transportation of Assault Weapons], and two counts of California Penal Code Section 30605(a).
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