TRACY, Calif. — Four suspected gang members in the Stockton and Tracy area were arrested on weapon-related charges, police say.
The Tracy Police Department has been investigating the sale of narcotics and firearms since 2018, and with support from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives [ATF], they recovered narcotics and 31 guns from multiple people who are suspected or known gang members in Stockton and Tracy.
Some of the recovered weapons were non-serialized, while others were said to have been reported stolen to other law enforcement agencies. On Tuesday, March 26, 2019, multiple agencies served search and arrest warrants at three locations in Tracy and two in Stockton where they were able to arrest five people:
- Ruben J. Mesta., 34, of Tracy, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, being a gang member in possession of a stolen firearm, being in possession of an assault rifle, and other alleged gang enhancements.
- Jesse J. Takayama, 26, of Tracy, was charged with possession of narcotics for sale, felon in possession of a firearm, possession and offering for sale a short barrel rifle, and other alleged gang enhancements.
- Augustine Tafoya Jr., 58, of Stockton, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of an assault weapon, and other alleged gang enhancements.
- Matthew L. Mantheny, 34, of Stockton, charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession and offering for sale a short barrel rifle, possession of an assault weapon, and other alleged gang enhancements.
- Enrique "Javier" Fragosa, 58, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, conspiracy to commit a crime, felony transport of narcotics, felony possession of a controlled substance for sale, felony promotion of a street gang and other alleged gang enhancements.
Authorities say that the investigation is still underway with more suspects outstanding, but are not being identified at this time.
Agencies that participated in the operation included the ATF, Tracy Police Department, Manteca Police Department, Pleasanton Police Department, Ceres Police Department, a California High Patrol air unit, and the CHP led San Joaquin County Auto Theft Task Force.
________________________________________________________________
Darnell Ray Owens, 32 of Sacramento, was arrested in Oklahoma for allegedly sending dozens of threatening letters to government agencies, organizations, and individuals across the country. If convicted, authorities say he could see a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison for each count.