Ventura County Sheriff – Incident Press Release
On October 6, 2019, deputies with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office contacted and arrested four subjects and subsequently recovered narcotics and two loaded firearms.
On October 6, 2019, deputies assigned to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility Classification Unit and Narcotics Detectives were conducting proactive directed enforcement using funds from a Department of Homeland Security grant named Operation Stonegarden. The directed enforcement focuses on narcotics enforcement along Pacific Coast Highway as well as the harbors and the coastal communities of Ventura County.
During the enforcement operation, deputies contacted four subjects in a dirt lot near the intersection of Harbor Boulevard and Olivas Park Drive, a short distance from the Ventura Harbor boat launch ramps. Deputies contacted Kelly Copus of Ventura who was holding a black bag. Deputies developed probable cause to search the bag and located two loaded revolvers, methamphetamine, digital scales and two black face masks. A search of Copus’ vehicle which was parked nearby also yielded a ballistic vest.
The three subjects with Copus were also arrested for various narcotics related offenses. Brandon Bartek of Los Angeles and Sara Hudgins of Ventura were both arrested for misdemeanor possession of methamphetamine and booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility. Danyelle Bartek
of Camarillo was cited and released at the scene for misdemeanor possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia.
Copus’ past felony convictions prohibit him from owning and or possessing any firearms or ammunition. Copus was subsequently booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility on various narcotics and firearms charges.