Five people arrested for drug and firearm violations in Camarillo
VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. - The Ventura County Sheriff's Office announced that Camarillo police concluded a month long investigation following five arrests at a residence on Thursday.
In April of 2020, the Camarillo Police Department Special Enforcement Detail received information that a Camarillo resident, identified as John Gaiser, was illegally storing trash in the front of his residence in the 100 Block of Encino Avenue.
Detectives said they were familiar with Gaiser from previous encounters and that they had already received multiple noise disturbance calls in connection to his residence.
As the detectives investigated the situation, they said they uncovered evidence leading them to believe Gaiser had access to or was in possession of firearms. However, Gaiser is currently prohibited from having firearms or ammunition by law enforcement because of previous incidents.
As a result, on Thursday around 7:45 a.m., members of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team (S.W.A.T) and the Oxnard Police Department S.W.A.T Team served a search warrant at Gaiser’s residence.
During the search, deputies said they found Gaiser and four other people inside the house. All five were immediately detained outside.
As they continued their search, two more individuals were located hiding inside one of the bedrooms. Deputies said these two people complied with all instructions and were escorted out of the house. A total of seven people were found.
Also during the search, deputies reported finding methamphetamine and cocaine possessed for the purpose of sales, about $3,300 in cash, a loaded semi-automatic handgun that had been reported stolen out of Los Angeles, and ammunition.
The Sheriff's Office said Code Compliance Officers from the City of Camarillo also responded to the scene because of all the trash that had built up in front of the residence. The officers reportedly found multiple building code violations on the property, including plumbing and electrical issues. They also served several notices of violation including having inoperable vehicles on the property, renting outside limits and for the house being a public nuisance.
In the end, five individuals were arrested from the residence. John Gaiser was arrested for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and excessive trash charges.
Michael Taylor faced charges of unlawful transfer of a firearm and being in possession of stolen property.
Kevin Guice and Danielle Holt-Dixon were both charged with being in possession of a controlled substance for sale and obstructing/resisting a police officer.
Michael Girgis was charged with being in possession of a controlled substance.
The Sheriff's Office said Gaiser, Taylor, Guice and Holt-Dixon were booked into the Ventura County Sheriff’s Pre-Trial Detention Facility with pending court dates. Michael Girgis was issued a misdemeanor citation.
Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Camarillo Police Department at (805) 388-5100.
