The following is a press release issued by the Santa Rosa Police Department. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:
In mid-June 2022, detectives from the Santa Rosa Police Department’s Property Crimes Team received information about an individual that was in possession of a large quantities of illegal and dangerous fireworks. The individual was known to be selling the illegal fireworks in Santa Rosa and throughout Sonoma County. Through a thorough investigation, Property Crimes Detectives identified Jaime Antonio Moreno, a 31-year-old Santa Rosa resident, as the suspect.
On Monday, June 27, 2022, at 12:30 p.m., SRPD Property Crimes Detectives served a search warrant at Moreno’s residence, in the 4900-block of Old Redwood Highway. During the search warrant, detectives located approximately 500 pounds of illegal and dangerous fireworks. These types of fireworks have been used at recent illegal sideshows in Santa Rosa. Similarly, these types of fireworks have used during gatherings during previous fourth of July celebrations.
Based on the investigation, Moreno was arrested and booked into the Sonoma Count Jail for:
12700(b)(3) H&S – (Felony) Possession of 100 pounds or more of Fireworks
1203.2 PC – (Misdemeanor) Violation of Probation.
In advance of the 4th of July holiday, the Santa Rosa Police Department & the SRFD will increase police and fire patrol staffing and proactively look for the use of fireworks. Violation of the City’s Fireworks ordinance will result in a citation, which includes fines up to $500.00. Violations of laws regarding dangerous fireworks will result in immediate enforcement action, which could include a citation with fines up to $1,000.00 or arrest. All fireworks are considered contraband and will be confiscated for disposal. For more information, visit srcity.org/FireworksBan.
