Ventura Police Department – Incident Press Release
On 11/20/19, SCU detectives conducted a search warrant at the 300 Block E. Main St. as a result of a month-long investigation into multiple thefts and narcotics sales. Detectives using investigative tools were able to identify a primary suspect as Steven Cossel.
During the search warrant service, SCU detectives located and detained Steven Cossel, Danielle Lee, and Whitney Byrd inside the apartment. While taking Cossel into custody for an active warrant, investigators located stolen property, narcotics, and narcotics paraphernalia.
Investigators identified the stolen property in Cossel’s apartment as being taken from multiple victims in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.
Steven Cossel was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Jail for possession of stolen property and possession of narcotics.
Whitney Byrd was arrested and booked at Ventura County Jail for possession of narcotics and an unrelated warrant for a violation of probation.
Danielle Lee was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and cited and released from the Ventura Police Department.
A search of the Ventura County Superior Court shows that Steven Cossel, Danielle Lee, and Whitney Byrd all have prior arrests and convictions for multiple property and drug-related crimes.