A convicted California burglar was arrested in Lewis County Aug. 25 after surveillance of a “known drug house” led to a traffic stop and discovery of multiple firearms, according to an affidavit of probable cause from the Lewis County Prosecutor’s Office.
Arturo Rosales Jr., 34, of Anaheim, California, faces two counts of first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm in Lewis County Superior Court.
The maximum punishment for each is 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines.
According to court documents, while monitoring the alleged drug house, detectives from the Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET) observed a driver engage in “what appeared to be a hand to hand drug transaction” with multiple people associated with the house.
After the driver left the house, the detectives conducted a traffic stop. Rosales was identified.
During the stop, detectives reportedly saw what appeared to be methamphetamine inside the vehicle. They also learned that Rosales had a possible active felony warrant out of California.
After being given a Miranda warning, Rosales allegedly indicated he had two firearms inside
the vehicle and admitted to being a convicted felon. According to court documents, officers found a Glock 48 semi-automatic pistol and a Colt .32 caliber pistol in the vehicle.
During a preliminary hearing in Lewis County Superior Court on Tuesday, Deputy Prosecutor Brandi Archer asked for bail in the amount of $25,000, based on the defendant’s “numerous out-of-state convictions” as well as his possible California warrant, which presented concerns about his ties to the local community. Archer also cited a concern for community safety.
According to court documents, Rosales has prior California convictions for second-degree burglary and possession of a stolen vehicle.
Defense attorney Rachael Tiller argued that bail would be difficult for Rosales and said he was receiving financial assistance. Tiller indicated that Rosales planned on staying with a friend in Centralia while the case was pending and had no issue with transportation to court.
The defense attorney further noted that Rosales has no previous criminal history in Washington. She asked for either an unsecured bail, otherwise no more than $10,000.
Judge J. Andrew Toynbee set bail at $20,000 cash or bond, “in recognition of (Rosales’s) indigency,” and also in consideration of the defendant’s alleged active warrant.
“I’m a little unclear on his exact ties to this community,” Toynbee added. “It also recognizes the seriousness of these charges.”
An arraignment is scheduled for Sept. 4. Don Blair has been assigned to represent Rosales.
