Since November 2017, detectives with the Camarillo Special Enforcement Detail (SED) have been conducting an investigation into the residence of Leona Comer and her son, Jason regarding a high number of illegal drug arrests from the location. On 09/23/2018, both Leona and Jason were arrested for violating HS 11366- Owning/Maintaining a Residence Where Illegal Substances are Sold, Furnished, or Used.
In November 2017, detectives with the Camarillo Police Special Enforcement Detail (SED) noticed an increase in illegal drug arrests occurring at a residence in the 5500 block of Butterfield Street in Camarillo. In addition to the arrests, detectives were aware that numerous probation searches were occurring and knew several known drug users were frequently located at the residence. The homeowner was identified as Leona Comer. Leona lived at the residence with her son, Jason Comer. Jason is on Ventura County probation with search terms for controlled substances.
During the course of the investigation, detectives determined that since January 2018 the Camarillo Police Department had been called to the residence on numerous occasions, over 25 probation searches and more than 25 arrests had been made. There were a total of 16 different people either visiting or staying at the residence that were involved with these arrests and probation searches. During a one week period in early September 2018, ten arrests were made at the location for a variety of drug related offenses, including PC 148(a) (1)- Resist, Obstruct, or Delay a Peace Officer, HS 11550(a)- Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, HS 11377(a)- Possession of a Controlled Substance, HS 11350(a)- Possession of a Controlled Substance and HS 11364(a)- Possession of an Ingestion Device. Leona and Jason were present during the majority of the arrests and probation searches. Also during this one week period, detectives had to force entry into the residence to conduct a probation search because the occupants refused to open the door for deputies. After forcing entry into the residence, four people were found hiding inside and were arrested for various drug related charges. Leona knowingly obstructed deputies’ lawful investigation during this probation search by refusing to open the door to law enforcement and she was issued a misdemeanor citation for PC 148(a)(1).
At the conclusion of this investigation, detectives determined the Comer residence was being maintained for the purpose of being a place where illegal drugs are being furnished, and/or consumed. On 09/23/18, Camarillo SED detectives went to the residence and arrested Jason Comer and Leona Comer for HS 11366. Both suspects were booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility, with a pending court date.
Property crimes, including mail theft, identity theft, and residential and vehicle burglaries, are often committed by drug users. By giving drug users a haven to use drugs within our community, these homeowners invite criminals into their neighborhoods, causing their neighbors to be victimized. It should be known that homeowners can be found criminally responsible for drug users consuming drugs in their residence.
The Camarillo Police Department’s Special Enforcement Detail is a five person plain clothes detail that conducts a variety of investigations of crimes within the city of Camarillo. The goal of Camarillo SED is to reduce property crime and violent crime through investigations and directed enforcement.
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