Bloomington, CA – Authorities in Southern California say a routine investigation into reported illegal activity escalated into a wide-ranging criminal case after deputies uncovered drugs, firearms, cash, illegal gambling machines, and stolen vehicles during a raid on an auto repair business.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, deputies executed a search warrant this week at an auto repair shop operating under the name Red’s Shop. What investigators found inside, officials say, pointed to an alleged chop shop and drug operation functioning behind the appearance of a legitimate business.
Search warrant uncovers drugs, gun, and stolen vehicles
Deputies said the operation began after law enforcement received multiple reports alleging illegal activity at the repair shop. Acting on that information, investigators obtained a search warrant and conducted a raid on the property.
Inside the shop, deputies reported discovering multiple stolen vehicles, along with illegal gambling machines, a firearm, large quantities of narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and U.S. currency in various denominations.
Officials said the presence of a scale alongside packaged narcotics suggested intent to sell controlled substances, rather than personal use. The sheriff’s department did not immediately specify the types of drugs recovered but described the quantity as significant.
Investigators also noted that several of the vehicles located on the property were confirmed as stolen, supporting allegations that the location was being used as a chop shop to dismantle or conceal stolen cars.
Business supervisor arrested at scene
Deputies arrested Gustavo Escobar, identified by authorities as the individual overseeing daily operations at the shop. According to the sheriff’s department, Escobar was taken into custody on charges including operating a drug house, possession of a controlled substance for sale, and possession of stolen vehicles.
Law enforcement officials said Escobar was cooperative during the arrest. Jail records later indicated that he was released from custody, and as of the most recent update, no court appearance had been scheduled.
The investigation, however, did not end with Escobar’s arrest.
Second search leads deputies to shop owner’s home
On the same day as the shop raid, deputies obtained and executed a separate search warrant at the residence of Carlos Gonsalez Ledesma, identified as the owner of Red’s Shop.
During that search, authorities said they located $29,000 in cash, which investigators believe represents proceeds from the alleged illegal activity conducted at the auto repair shop.
Based on evidence gathered from both locations, deputies arrested Ledesma the following day. He now faces multiple felony charges, including operating a chop shop, operating a drug house, and running an illegal gambling operation, according to the sheriff’s department.
As of the latest jail records, Ledesma remains in custody. No court date has yet been listed.
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Illegal gambling machines part of broader investigation
In addition to drugs and stolen vehicles, deputies said they seized multiple illegal gambling machines, a discovery that expanded the scope of the investigation beyond narcotics and vehicle theft.
Law enforcement officials have increasingly linked illegal gambling operations to broader criminal networks, noting that such machines are often used to launder money or fund drug distribution activities.
The sheriff’s department has not disclosed how long the alleged operation may have been running or whether additional suspects could face charges as the investigation continues.
Case highlights focus on organized property crime
Authorities emphasized that chop shop operations often play a key role in organized property crime, allowing stolen vehicles to be stripped, altered, or resold with falsified documentation.
“These types of investigations are critical to disrupting criminal networks that impact public safety,” the sheriff’s department said in its statement.
Officials also encouraged community members to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity tied to auto repair shops or gambling operations that appear to operate outside the law.
The investigation remains active, and deputies say additional arrests or charges are possible as evidence is reviewed.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact local law enforcement or submit tips anonymously through crime-reporting services.
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