Sheriff’s Deputies arrested two Lassen County residents Tuesday after contraband discovered during a traffic stop prompted them to serve a search warrant at a residence in Standish.
On June 23rd, according to Lassen County Sheriff Dean Growdon, a Deputy Sheriff observed Winston Luna, who the Deputy knew had a suspended driver’s license, driving a vehicle in the Johnstonville area.
“The Deputy conducted a vehicle stop on Johnstonville Road,” explained Growdon. “During the traffic stop, the Deputy located and recovered approximately one-half ounce of methamphetamine, a 9mm firearm with loaded magazine on the floorboard, marijuana, and open alcohol containers.”
A man identified as Winston Luna, and the vehicle’s passenger Michelle Sader, were both arrested and booked at the Lassen County Jail according to the Sheriff’s report.
On Wednesday the Lassen County investigation team served a search warrant at Luna’s residence in Standish. With the assistance of Modoc County K9 Officer Ridgeway and Lassen County K9 Officer Meier, narcotics were discovered inside the residence.
Deputies also discovered a possible improvised explosive device (pipe bomb) in the residence.
“Deputies pulled out of the residence and requested assistance from the Washoe County Consolidated Bomb Squad,” said Growdon. “Standish-Litchfield Fire also responded to the scene. Members of the Bomb Squad responded to the scene and examined the device. Bomb Squad personal confirmed the device was active, volatile, and dangerous. The device was disabled and parts of the device were maintained as evidence.”
The search warrant service was finished on Thursday and investigators recovered narcotics, gun powder, ammunition, gun magazines and drug sales indicia.
Luna was held on charges including possession of a controlled substance while armed, conspiracy and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, as well as other charges. He was held on $1,000,500 bail.
Michelle Sader was held on a charge of conspiracy, as well as other crimes with a bail amount of $80,000.
“We want to thank Standish Litchfield Fire and the Washoe County Consolidated Bomb Squad for their assistance in this investigation.”
