Monterey County Sheriff's Jail Deputy Arrested For Concealing a Weapon and Criminal Conspiracy on November 5

 

A Monterey County Sheriff Deputy was arrested on Tuesday, November 5 for concealing a handmade weapon and committing criminal conspiracy while working inside a jail facility.

Deputy Gaspar Estevez was arrested and will be booked into the San Benito County Jail for multiple

felonies.

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office received a tip that a deputy had concealed a sharp-edged handmade

weapon - commonly known as a shank - that was provided to him by an incarcerated person. Through the

course of the investigation, Monterey County Sheriff’s Detectives developed probable cause to believe that

a crime occurred, and that the deputy and the incarcerated person were both involved in the crime.

Detectives were able to recover the weapon as part of their investigation.

"This behavior is a betrayal of public trust and breaks my heart. It jeopardizes the safety of both our

employees and our incarcerated population whom we are entrusted to keep safe. Unfortunately, we

sometimes have to police our own," said Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto. “This action of one individual

is not a reflection of the values of the hard-working and dedicated men and women who have committed

their lives to public safety. Our agency believes in our motto – Keeping the peace and earning your trust.”

Deputy Estevez has been relieved of his duties and placed on administrative leave while the investigation

continues, as per the protocol of this office.