Suspected Drug Dealer Arrested Following Murrieta Police Investigation

A convicted felon accused of dealing drugs to Murrieta residents was arrested following a lengthy police investigation.

The Murrieta Police Department's Special Enforcement Team began its investigation in February, according to Murrieta police Sgt. Steve Dyer. It culminated March 27 in Lake Elsinore with the arrest of Joel Eduardo Rodriguez, 27.

Rodriguez was taken into custody when Murrieta police served a search warrant in the 200 block of Jessica Street, Dyer stated Thursday in a news release.

Rodriguez, who Dyer stated had recently been released from prison and was on probation under Assembly Bill 109 terms, was among three adults detained at the Jessica Street address.

Murrieta police allegedly found Rodriguez in possession of more than $600 in cash, syringes, Xanax pills, heroin and several grams of methamphetamine.

Two rifles and ammunition were also allegedly recovered from the residence, Dyer stated, including an AK-47 style - .22 caliber long gun, and a 30-06 high- caliber rifle.

Rodriguez has been in custody at Southwest Detention Center near Murrieta since his March 27 arrest. He is being held on no bail, according to sheriff's jail records.

His arrest charges included: two counts of possession of a controlled substance; possession of a controlled substance for sales; felon-addict in possession of a firearm; possession of a firearm with a prior violent offense; convicted felon in possession of ammunition; and probation violation.                 

Anyone with information regarding the investigation was asked to call the on- duty watch commander at 951-696-3615. Information can also be provided anonymously through “We Tip” at 1-800-78-CRIME.