News & Columns > G.T. Houts > Probation Operation Results in 18 Arrests

Probation Operation Results in 18 Arrests

Multi-Agency Operation in Big Bear

By G.T. Houts
Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Big Bear, CA - A multi-agency high risk offender operation in Big Bear this past weekend resulted in a total of 18 arrests.

Probation officer Mike Paganini and Big Bear deputy Chris Morsch escort a person in violation of their probation to an awaiting squad car. (Photo by SB County Probation.)

Officers representing the San Bernardino County Probation Department, California State Patrol, Big Bear Sheriff's Station and the Narcotics Division of the Sheriff's Department visited 62 target residences.

Seven state parolees and seven county probationers were arrested for various probation/parole violations. In addition, four individuals with outstanding warrants were also taken into custody.

County Probation officer Mike Paganini prepares an alleged parole violator for transport to jail. (Photo by SB County Probation.)

The operation was conducted to check on parolees and probationers living within the Big Bear Valley to establish whether or not they were in compliance with their terms and conditions of their release from custody.

Deputy Chris Morsch from the Big Bear Sheriffs Station prepares to make contact with a parolee suspected of being in violation of his probation. (Photo by SB County Probation.)

Two guns were confiscated and four of the parolees were found to be in possession of methamphetamine, according to County Probation's spokesperson Susanne L. Pastuschek.

The Big Bear Sheriff's Station, public affairs officer Tiffany Swantek stated in a prepared release, routinely works in conjunction with the other agencies to keep tabs on the area's parolees and probationers.