Watsonville Man Arrested, Accused Of Drugs, Possession of Counterfeit Cash

A 34-year-old Watsonville man was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of possessing drugs for sale and possessing counterfeit U.S. currency, according to the Santa Cruz County Anti-Crime Team.

The county gang task force served a search warrant at the suspect’s home in the 300 block of East Lake Avenue in Watsonville at 11 a.m. Wednesday after a two-month investigation, task force officials said.

Officers found Jesus Melgoza in possession of 11 bindles of heroin packaged for sale totaling 2.5 grams, according to the task force. Officers also found pills of opiate painkillers, scales, more evidence of drug trafficking, counterfeit U.S. currency and $4,700 in cash.

Officers believe the cash is proceeds from drug sales. Gang task force officers booked Melgoza into the county jail on suspicion of the possession of the drugs and counterfeit money, county law enforcement officials said. Melgoza’s home is close to Edward A. Hall Middle School and the anti-crime team ordered the school locked down while officers served the search warrant.

The lockdown lasted about 20 minutes until officers detained Melgoza. Anti-crime team officials said the bills in Melgoza’s possession included the back of one $50 bill with no serial number, a $5 bill, and six $10 bills.

The anti-crime team said their investigation began when the gang task force received reports of a high amount of walk-up traffic at the home. Task force officials said they were able to corroborate the reported traffic and suspected that someone was dealing drugs from the home.

--Bay City News