Two arrested by the Sheriff's Department Major Violators Unit for weapons charges

This is a news release of the Kern County Sheriff's Office.
Please do not contact the Sheriff's Communications Center.

Date:  Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Time:  8:55:40 PM

Details: On 10-14-08 at 1400 hours the Sheriff's Department Major Violators Unit was called to The Wind Wolves Preserve near I-5 and Laval Rd. for subjects possibly involved in the cultivation of marijuana.

The Major Violators Unit met with deputies from the Frazier Park Substation who had detained two subjects on the preserve. The deputies were told by security personnel from the preserve the two subjects were seen on the preserve coming from the Rincon Flats area, each carrying military type back packs.

Believing the subjects were possibly involved in marijuana cultivation and trespassing on the preserve the security agents called law enforcement. When the deputies detained the subjects neither were in possession of the back packs. Deputies started a search of the area and found two military style back packs and a .22 cal rifle several yards away hidden in a water storage vent.

Inside the back packs deputies found two AR15 assault rifles and a Glock .40 cal handgun. Over 100 rounds of ammunition for the handgun and rifles were also found in the back packs along with miscellaneous food items and extra clothing. The subjects told law enforcement they were out hiking and looking for a place to shoot in the mountain area.

The subjects, Jesus Vasquez, 23 years old of Mettler and Ismael Esparza Jr., 27 years old of Mettler were both arrested. Vasquez was arrested for possession of an assault rifle and trespassing. Esparza Jr. was arrested for possession of an assault rifle, felon in possession of ammunition, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a concealed weapon and trespassing.

Both subjects were transported and booked into the Sheriff's Department Central Receiving Facility. Investigation is still on going at this time.