September 28, 2022 - On Wednesday, detectives with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Special Investigations Task Force (SITF), served a search warrant at a home located near S. Prospect and W. Church Avenues in Fresno. One they arrived, Gerardo Hernandez, made an attempt to run away and hide a duffle bag. Detectives eventually captured Hernandez and discovered he hid the bag in a neighbor’s yard. Detectives opened the bag and found it contained three guns, ammunition, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Inside the house, they found more meth, along with processed marijuana, nearly 200 live plants, a scale and cash. The total drug seizure amounted to one pound of meth and 7 oz. of cocaine.

Detectives contacted additional people on the property, including a two-year-old child, who was later turned over to their mother that was not involved in criminal activity. Detectives made the following four arrests.

- 25-year-old Gerardo Hernandez. He faces charges of possession of drugs for sale, illegal possession of firearms, marijuana cultivation and child endangerment. Bail is $75,000.

- 50-year-old Manuel Pineda. He had an active warrant for auto theft. Bail is $80,000.

- 71-year-old Guadalupe Pineda. Cited and released on drug charges.

- 39-year-old Rachel Garretson. She had an active warrant for auto theft. Cited and released.

The Sheriff’s Office takes all tips seriously. If you are aware of any type of illegal drug activity, report it anonymously by calling the Narcotics Hotline at 1-800-660-1086 or Email: drugtip@fresnosheriff.org You may also contact Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867, www.valleycrimestoppers.org You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Source: Fresno County Sheriff's Office