Modoc County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested two individuals early Sunday morning after a traffic stop for expired registration that led to the discovery of drugs, driver with felony warrant and a stolen vehicle.
At approximately 4:40 a.m. on July 7, deputies stopped a vehicle in the City of Alturas and identified the driver as Arthur Craig Valenzuela, 63, of Van Nuys, California. Valenzuela had a felony warrant for his arrest out of Los Angeles County for violating the terms and conditions of his Post Release Community Supervision. According to the District Attorney’s Office, Valenzuela has been unable to be found since 2021 making his arrest a big accomplishment for our Sheriff’s Office.
Alicia Marie Messoria, 48, of Cedarville, California, a passenger in the vehicle, was found in possession of approximately 2 ounces of methamphetamine. Further investigation revealed the vehicle had a fraudulent license plate and the vehicle had been reported stolen.
Both Valenzuela and Messoria were arrested and booked into the Modoc County Jail.
Valenzuela was booked for possession of a stolen vehicle, transportation of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for sale, and on his warrant for violation of his Post Release Community Supervision terms and conditions. Valenzuela is being held on $110,000 bail.
Messoria was charged with possession of a controlled substance for sale, transporting a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. She is being held on $26,000 bail.
Valenzuela and Messoria are expected to be arraigned on their charges Tuesday.
