More than a dozen handguns that were in sheriff's custody may be back out on the streets after an employee allegedly took them from their evidence room.
Three people are under arrest in connection with the handguns that went missing.
So far, four of the missing handguns have been recovered in the last few days, but as many as 16 other handguns that were taken from the evidence room at the sheriff's department may still be out on the streets.
Police said they arrested Jesus Ramos-Gomez, 19, on May 14 for having a concealed handgun.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the handgun was supposed to be in the Kern County Sheriff’s Office property room. Officials then audited their property room and discovered 20 handguns no longer being held for evidence were missing.
After an investigation, officials identified Edgard Nava, 19, as a suspect in the theft. According to officials, Nava was an extra-help employee assigned since December 2007 to the Kern County Sheriff’s Department’s property room.
On May 18, Nava was charged with possession of drugs and 19 counts of firearm theft. His bail has been set at $200,000. He will be arraigned on Tuesday.
Sheriff Donny Youngblood said many of his colleagues are upset about the theft.
Officials said Aaron Walker, 19, was charged with the possession of one of the stolen firearms and possession of marijuana. He posted $20,000 bail.
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