Detectives arrest gang members for illegal firearm possession in Ventura

VENTURA, Calif. -- After a two-month-long investigation, detectives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Ventura County Violent Gang Task Force, Ventura County Sheriff's Special Crimes Unity and Ventura Sheriff's Gang Unit arrested two men for multiple offenses in Ventura on Thursday.

Detectives arrested Frank Rivera, 37, Ventura and Gabriel Moreno, 29, Ventura.

Rivera was booked for possession of a controlled substance with a firearm, possession for sale of a controlled substance, possession of an undetectable firearm, unlawful transfer of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a felon and prohibited person in possession of ammunition.

Moreno was booked for possession for sale of a controlled substance, unlawful transfer of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and prohibited person in possession of ammunition.

Detectives concluded a two-month-long investigation into Rivera, a known gang member.

Due to his priors, he is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms and ammunition due to previous felony convictions.

Detectives contacted Rivera at his residence along with Moreno and a female.

The female was later cited and released for a misdemeanor narcotics violation.

Detectives executed a search warrant on Rivera and his residence on the 1300 block of Saratoga Avenue in Ventura.

Detectives located and seized approximately 1711 grams of methamphetamine, three unregistered firearms, a bulletproof vest, additional paraphernalia indicative of narcotic sales and money believed to be derived from narcotic sales.

Rivera was booked into custody at the Ventura County Sheriff's Main Jail with a bail set at $3 million.

Moreno was booked into custody at the Ventura County Sheriff's Main Jail.

Moreno was released on a $55,000 bond.