The following is an updated press released from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:
On 10-15-2020, at about 8:39 PM, Mendocino County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a marijuana cultivation dispute in the 25300 block of Barnes Lane in Covelo, California.
While at the location, Deputies contacted Miguel Velazquez-Garcia who resides on the property and manages the un-permitted marijuana growing operation.
As Velazquez-Garcia was showing the Deputies around the property, the Deputies observed a small plywood structure with the door open and an AR-15 style assault rifle leaning against the door.
Deputies obtained consent to search the structure and noticed the rifle had no serial numbers.
It was determined during the investigation that the rifle appeared to be homemade and is commonly known as a “ghost gun”.
The firearm was a semi-automatic center fire rifle, which did not have a fixed magazine and was equipped with a telescoping stock, pistol grip and was loaded with .223 caliber ammunition in violation of 30605(A) PC.
Deputies were able to link Velazquez-Garcia to possessing the rifle for personal protection purposes.
Velazquez-Garcia was placed under arrest and transported to the Mendocino County Jail where he was to be booked on the listed charge.
In accordance with the COVID-19 emergency order issued by the State of California Judicial Council, bail was set at zero dollars and Velazquez-Garcia released after the jail booking process.
Please visit the following link to hear Sheriff Matthew C. Kendall provide a Public Safety Message on the current COVID-19 emergency order related to zero bail:
