3 Arrested In East County Child Abuse, Drug Investigation

SPRING VALLEY, CA — Three people were arrested this week after authorities executing a search warrant in a child abuse investigation found drugs inside an East County home, officials said.

Detectives assisted Child Welfare Services shortly after 2 p.m. Tuesday at a residence in the 9000 block of Eucalyptus Street in Spring Valley, where the occupants were detained, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

During the search, investigators found cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia throughout the home, authorities said.

Karina Rice, 31, Diann Whitt, 67, and Jarron Wood, 30, were arrested on suspicion of child abuse and drug-related charges.

Authorities also determined Wood had an outstanding misdemeanor warrant and discovered about 7.17 grams of methamphetamine in his possession, officials said. He was booked into San Diego Central Jail.

The investigation was ongoing.