Narcotics investigation results in nine arrests

By Maureen Robertson

A narcotics investigation that started in Ramona resulted in nine recent arrests, said Detective Tom Seiver with the sheriff’s Ramona substation.

Four of those arrests were Aug. 2 in Santee, where three former Ramona residents were taken into custody: Derek McLaughlin, 23, Dustin Woolsey, 31, and Joshua Dennis, 24, said Seiver.

According to the sheriff’s report, McLaughlin is suspected of possession of heroin for sale, being a felon in possession of firearms, and sale of heroin and methamphetamine; Woolsey is suspected of possessing a controlled substance, heroin; and Dennis is suspected of possessing heroin. William Tomisser, 22, also was arrested, suspected of being under the influence of heroin, Seiver said.

The four arrests occurred when officers served a search warrant at a residence in the 10200 block of Daybreak Lane in Santee, said Seiver.

During a search the same day in the 900 block of Hanson Lane in Ramona, Michael Gifford, 40, was arrested, suspected of possessing methamphetamine for sale and possession of heroin, and Tamara Delar, 20, was arrested for a felony narcotics warrant, said Seiver.

On Aug. 9, officers arrested Bryanna Ertman, 21, and Joshua Brown, both suspected of possession of heroin for sale, and Kyle Rodriguez, 19, suspected of possession of heroin, said Seiver. The arrests occurred about 4 p.m. in the alley behind Kahoots in the 900 block of Main Street, he said.

While the arrests may not be connected, they are the result of investigations started due to issues of narcotics being used and sold in Ramona, said Seiver.

The detective encourages residents to contact the Ramona station or Crime Stoppers with any information or tips about narcotics or other crimes.

“The public can call and report any sort of criminal activity,” he said.

Investigations sometimes take a great deal of time and effort, and, as in the case of the Santee arrests, start here and end in another community, said Seiver.

The sheriff’s Ramona station may be contacted at 760-789-9157. Crime Stoppers is at 888-580-8477.