The Kern County Sheriff's Office

🌟 ROC/CTEC hosted a Women in Careers event and it was a huge success, featuring an insightful panel with incredible women from various fields, including our very own Regina Rosso from the Coroner’s Office. Thank you to all the panelists for sharing your wisdom and inspiring the next generation of leaders!

Deputies from the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, Gang Suppression Unit initiated an investigation into several illegal gambling establishments in Bakersfield. On March 1, 2025, deputies executed three search warrants associated with the investigation in the 2700 block of Citrus Avenue, 3200 block of Century Drive and the 2500 block of Oswell Street. During a search of the properties, deputies located indicia associated with the operations of illegal gambling establishments, several pounds of marijuana, seven firearms and over $200,000.00 in US currency. Several subjects were arrested in connection to the investigation. Benjamin Lewis (42) was arrested for maintaining an illegal gambling establishment, conspiracy, participation in a criminal street gang, gang member in possession of a firearm, possession of an assault firearm, theft of a firearm and the sales of marijuana. Lawrence De La Torre (43), Jessica Rivera (33), and Brandon Colombo (34) were arrested for maintaining an illegal gambling establishment, conspiracy and participation in a criminal street gang.

On February 26, 2025, deputies from the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, Gang Suppression Unit completed a traffic stop on a white pickup in the area of Highway 58 and Towerline Road. During the investigation, deputies located approximately two pounds of methamphetamine and a loaded firearm inside the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, Vito Spalliero (37), and passenger, Haylee York (24), were arrested and booked into the Lerdo Justice Facility for the following charges: felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession and transportation of a controlled substance for sales, possession of a controlled substance while armed and other felony charges.

Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting Heartland Charter School students as guests for a private tour of our Kern County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters! The students got an inside look at the incredible work KCSO does with demonstrations from our SWAT team, Air Support Unit, Crisis Negotiations Team, Crime Scene Investigations, and Bomb Squad. They had the opportunity to ask questions and see firsthand the tools that help keep our community safe. Thanks to Heartland Charter School for joining us!