San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Arrested for Being Under the Influence of Narcotic Controlled Substance While Armed

HESPERIA, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy, identified as Jonathan Campos, 32 of Hesperia, has been taken into custody following an investigation that revealed he was under the influence of a narcotic controlled substance while armed.

The incident occurred at the intersection of Elina Rose Ct. and Berlina Rd. in Hesperia on December 17, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.

The investigation was initiated based on an anonymous tip received by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. The tip alleged that former Sheriff’s Deputy Ricardo Baires and current Deputy Jonathan Campos were involved in drug activity, according to a statement released by the department.

The Gangs/Narcotics Division conducted a thorough investigation that resulted in the arrest of both Campos and Baires.

Despite being off-duty at the time, Campos was found to be under the influence of a controlled substance, suspected to be cocaine, and was also in possession of a firearm.

Investigators approached and apprehended Campos and Baires, who were sitting in Baires’ vehicle at an empty housing development in Hesperia.

During the search of Baires’ vehicle, suspected cocaine and drug paraphernalia indicating sales were discovered.

Search warrants were obtained for both Campos’ and Baires’ residences, leading to the discovery of drug paraphernalia at Campos’ residence and drug sales paraphernalia and ammunition at Baires’ residence.

Consequently, Campos was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance while armed and possession of a firearm while in possession of a narcotic controlled substance. He was booked at the West Valley Detention Center.

Baires, on the other hand, was arrested for possession of a narcotic controlled substance for sales and for being a prohibited person in possession of ammunition. He was booked at the High Desert Detention Center.

Both individuals were later released on bail.

The investigation did not uncover any evidence suggesting that Campos was under the influence while on duty, and no other Sheriff Department employees were found to be involved, as stated by the department.

Following his arrest, Campos, a six-year veteran of the department assigned to the Hesperia Station, chose to resign from the Sheriff’s Department. Baires had previously been hired as a deputy sheriff in 2018 and resigned in 2022.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department will be forwarding the investigation to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office for further action, according to the department’s statement.

Sheriff Shannon Dicus expressed disappointment that Campos did not utilize the department’s available programs to address wellness or addiction issues. He emphasized the importance of seeking treatment and wished Campos the best in his recovery.

This incident comes after the recent arrests of other law enforcement officers in the region. In November, a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy was taken into custody while on duty for possessing a narcotic controlled substance. Similarly, a former Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy was arrested in Victorville for possessing a large quantity of fentanyl pills and suspected connections to a Mexican drug cartel.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is urged to contact Detective Michael Battisti of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Gangs/Narcotics Division at 909-387-8400. Alternatively, individuals can provide anonymous tips through We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or by visiting www.wetip.com.

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