A Monterey County Sheriff deputy was arrested for concealing a handmade weapon and committing criminal conspiracy while working inside the county’s jail facility.
Deputy Gaspar Estevez was booked into the San Benito County Jail for multiple felonies, according to a Nov. 5 press release.
The Sheriff’s Office received a tip that a deputy had a concealed sharp-edged handmade weapon – also known as a shank – that was provided to him by an incarcerated person.
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The Sheriff’s Office reports that during the investigation, they developed probable cause to believe that a crime occurred, and that both the deputy and the inmate were involved. The weapon was also recovered during the investigation.
“This behavior is a betrayal of public trust and breaks my heart. It jeopardizes the safety of both our employees and our incarcerated population whom we are interested to keep safe. Unfortunately we sometimes have to police our own,” said Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto in a press statement. “This action of one individual is not a reflection of the values of the hard-working and dedicated men and women who have committed their lives to public safety. Our agency believes in our motto — ‘Keeping the peace and earning your trust.’”
Estevez was relieved of his duties and placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues.