Police arrest two on drug possession and stolen property charges

Information provided by the Hollister Police Department.

The Hollister Police Department arrested two individuals early Aug. 9 in Los Banos for possession of illegal drugs for sale and possession of stolen property charges.

Officer Julio Martínez was on patrol at around 11:32 a.m., when he spotted a suspicious vehicle parked along the curb of Pacific Way and Madrone Drive. After deciding to conduct a vehicle check, Officer Martínez discovered and identified the individuals as Federico Cortez, 30, and Rachael Campos, 32.

Through record checks, Officer Martínez learned that both Cortez and Campos had warrants out for their arrest from neighboring counties, according to a recent police press release. Cortez and Campos were subsequently both placed in custody without incident.

Several baggies of suspected methamphetamine and items commonly used when selling drugs were discovered during the investigation of the vehicle. A driver’s license, credit card, and other items under another person’s name were unearthed after further inspection of the vehicle.

Officers were able to track down the owner of the cards and learned that several fraudulent charges had already been made on his bank card. The subsequent investigation revealed the items inside the suspect’s car had been stolen out of a vehicle in Los Banos, CA.

Both suspects were transported to San Benito County Jail. According to the press release, Federico Cortez was booked for several warrants, possession of a controlled substance for sale, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and possessing stolen property. Rachael Campos was booked for several warrants, possession of a controlled substance and possession of stolen property.

The unlawful charges on the stolen credit cards were conducted in Los Banos and are being investigated by the Los Banos Police Department.

Anyone with information regarding these investigations is requested to contact Officer Miguel Masso with the Hollister Police Department at (831) 636-4330. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.