Press Release: Sheriff Tina Nieto Releases Statement in Response to Charges Not Being Filed By DA in Deputy Arrest

DATE/TIME: 11/25/24 at 12:30 PM

TYPE OF INCIDENT: Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto Releases Statement Regarding Arrest of MCSO Deputy After District Attorney’s Office Announces They Are Not Filing Charges

LOCATION: 1410 Natividad Road, Salinas, California

MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander; Phone: 831-261-5492; Email: rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov

Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto released a statement after the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office announced that they would not be filing charges against a Monterey County Sheriff Deputy who was arrested for concealing a handmade weapon and committing criminal conspiracy while working inside the jail facility.

Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto said, “We believe a crime did in fact occur, however, it is up to the District Attorney to make a decision on whether or not to file charges. This decision does not change the circumstances of what occurred and what was investigated in this case.”

Deputy Gaspar Estevez was arrested on November 5th, 2024, after the Monterey County Sheriff's Office received a tip that he had concealed a sharp-edged handmade weapon - commonly known as a shank - that was provided to him by an incarcerated person. Through the course of the investigation, Monterey County Sheriff’s Detectives developed probable cause to believe that a crime occurred, and that the deputy and the incarcerated person were both involved in the crime. Detectives were able to recover the weapon as part of their investigation.

Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto added, “Deputy Estevez remains on paid administrative leave while an internal investigation is completed in evaluating whether any departmental policies, procedures or the law were violated during the course of his employment as a Sheriff Deputy.”