Five Charged in Drug Sales Sting

District Attorney Tim Ward has announced criminal charges in a recent drug sale sting coordinated by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at Eagle Mountain Casino in Porterville.

Alvaro Carranza, age 42, Elizabeth Diaz, age 33, Paul Lara, age 48, Nicholas Miller, age 28, and Hector Gonzalez, age 24, are each charged with one felony count of possession for sale of a controlled substance. The crimes are alleged to have taken place on or around July 7, 2018. Preliminary hearing conferences have been set for July 18, 2018, at the South County Justice Center in Porterville.

All charges were filed on July 10, 2018. The defendants face possible prison sentences if convicted.

The Office of the District Attorney works closely with local law enforcement and Tule River tribal authorities to discourage such activities at the casino and other facilities.Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office,Narcotics Division at (559) 733-6218.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Assistant District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494