A Riverside County correctional deputy has been arrested for his alleged involvement in drug trafficking and firearm possession. Deputy Jorge Oceguera-Rocha, who worked at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility, was identified as a key player in a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) that operated within Riverside County.
The investigation, carried out by the Riverside County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Bureau (SIB), revealed that Oceguera-Rocha was trafficking large quantities of narcotics within the county while off duty. The breakthrough in the case occurred during a routine traffic stop on September 17, 2023, when law enforcement discovered over 100 pounds of fentanyl pills and a loaded handgun in Oceguera-Rocha's vehicle.
Initially, the case was presented to the Assistant United States Attorney's (AUSA) office for federal drug trafficking and weapon charges. However, the federal indictment was rejected, and Oceguera-Rocha was re-arrested and booked into a county jail. The Riverside County District Attorney's Office is now prepared to file a range of charges against him, including possession and transportation of narcotics, as well as possession of a firearm.
It is important to note that the investigation determined that Oceguera-Rocha was not smuggling narcotics into the Riverside County jail system, contrary to earlier rumors. The investigation is still ongoing, according to Captain Rob Roggeveen of the SIB.
Oceguera-Rocha, who was hired by the Riverside County Sheriff's Office in April 2019, has since resigned from his position. Bail has been set at $5 million, taking into account the weight of the narcotics, potential danger to the public, and flight risk associated with the charges against him. The arrest of a correctional deputy involved in drug trafficking and firearm possession is a concerning development for law enforcement and highlights the importance of thorough investigations to maintain public trust and ensure the integrity of the justice system.