Santa Cruz man arrested Thursday on drug allegations, arrested two more times since

 Posted on November 06, 2012 in Drug Crimes

Santa Cruz Police officers reportedly responded to a Manor Place home after law enforcement says that neighbors were complaining about alleged drug activity at the residence. A 60-year-old Santa Cruz, California resident was arrested on three times in a three day time span on suspicion of drug-related offenses. The man reportedly says that he provides care for his mother, who is in her 90s.

Police reportedly visited the residence in waves last week. The city says that it has more choices as a result of the police visits than merely bringing charges in criminal court.

The first visit to the property was reportedly prompted by a complaint of a neighbor alleging that some kind of drug activity was going on at the home. Authorities responded and arrested the 60-year-old man on suspicion of crack cocaine possession and a drug paraphernalia charge. The next day, law enforcement returned to the home on a report of a possible drug overdose, according to police. The man was arrested again, this time for allegedly being under the influence.

On Saturday, the third consecutive day, Santa Cruz Police decided to send the Street Crimes Unit out to conduct a probation search of the home. And on day three, the same man was arrested for the third time in three days for allegedly violating the terms of his probation.

The city claims that the property has been the site of drug related activity and California's drug laws apparently are insufficient in the city's eyes. Officials obtained an injunction in September banning the occupants of the residence from allowing or engaging in any drug-related activity. The city now says that, under the injunction, authorities may choose between seeking an order of contempt of court against residents of the property, or may seek to have the court order the property closed for up to a year.

A contempt of court ruling could expose any resident found in contempt to a fine and up to six months in jail. The injunction reportedly names five people who authorities believe may be staying or living at the residence. The city council reportedly will decide in November which option to pursue under the injunction.

A report in the Santa Cruz Sentinel does not indicate whether any court dates have been set for the 60-year-old man accused of drug-related crimes and the alleged probation violation that arose last week.

Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, "Three drug-related arrests made at problematic Manor Place home," Cathy Kelly, November 5, 2012