City Council members Ted Howze and Kurt Spycher were on a lunch break when they developed suspect information and through City Manager Roy Wasden orchestrated the recovery of a stolen item by the police department.
A guitar, custom made and very distinguishable, was reported stolen by the victim several weeks ago, however there was no workable leads into the theft. The item was located on “Craigs List” for sale and brought to the attention of the police department by Councilmen Howze and Spycher.
Detectives conducted an undercover purchase of the instrument and arrested 23 year old Gilbert Cotton of Turlock. The Guitar has been returned to the victim.
Subsequent search of the suspect’s vehicle yielded a large volume of illicit prescription drugs which were being sold by Mr. Cotton. Further investigation into Mr. Cotton and his associates culminated in the search of two additional residences in Turlock. 29 year old Brandon Norwood, cousin of Mr. Cotton, who is on felony probation was arrested at his Olive Ave. home after being found in possession of Cocaine and a firearm. Another felon on probation, 41 year old Jeffrey Weston, who also resides at the Olive Ave. residence, arrived home during the search and was taken into custody when he too was found in possession of a firearm and Cocaine.
Arrests of the three listed subjects and investigation into their criminal activities proceeded well into the wee hours of that morning. Turlock Narcotics Investigators were brought into the investigation and further investigated leads, which are expected to yield further drug and firearm arrests.
Undoubtedly, the orchestration of information and involvement of the police department by Council Members Howze and Spycher has resulted in the apprehension of several local criminals, who are actively involved in the local Burglary and Drug trades. Further investigation will most likely lead to the apprehension of their drug suppliers.
This information was communicated to Turlock City Manager Roy Wasden from Turlock Police Chief Gary Hampton as an overview of the situation.