Search Warrant nets arrests of felons in possession of a firearm, methamphetamine, warrants

PRESS RELEASE

11-16-12

Search Warrant leads to arrests of several felons, a handgun and methamphetamine

PSPD officers had been watching an apartment in the 200 block of S Belardo Rd in Palm Springs over the past couple of weeks after receiving anonymous information that occupants of one of the units had been selling illegal drugs from the location. After conducting surveillance of the location over a period of time, PSPD officers developed enough information to secure a search warrant for a specific apartment. PSPD Detectives assigned to the DEA Task Force obtained a search warrant and subsequently assisted PSPD patrol officers with the service of the warrant.

Subjects living at the location were identified as Jerry Capler born in 1981 of Palm Springs and was detained outside the apartment just prior to the service of the search warrant. Capler was in the company of a 26 year old female and a male named Dewayne McGaughy also from Palm Springs who was found to be on probation for sales and transportation of methamphetamine.

McGaughy was found to be in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia and was immediately arrested without incident.

During a search of Capler's apartment, PSPD officers found a loaded handgun in Capler's bedroom. Capler's was arrested for felon in possession of a firearm and felon in possession of methamphetamine.

During this investigation, officers arrested several people seen leaving Capler's apartment. The arrestees included:
 
A wanted felon who was seen leaving Capler's apartment identified as Troy Verdult of Palm Springs.

 A convicted felon currently on post release community supervision(probation) for home invasion identified as James Stokes of Palm Desert. Stokes was also found in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.

And Francisco Lopez of Palm Springs who had two outstanding misdemeanor warrants for his arrest.

Capler, McGaughy, Verdult and Stokes were all booked into the Smith Correctional Facility on numerous felony charges. Lopez was booked into the Smith Correctional Facility for the misdemeanor warrants.

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