Crime & Safety
Search of Cherry Valley Home Leads to Multiple Arrests
Sheriff's deputies show up to conduct a probation search and end up arresting two people for drug possession. Although the probationer was not home, a search turned up firearms in a false room in the garage of his residence.
A search Wednesday morning of a Cherry Valley residence turned up heroin, methamphetamine and firearms.
The Cabazon Special Enforcement Team, along with investigators from the Cabazon Sheriff's Station arrested Gary Staines, 62, and Tyler Beneke, 22, after they conducted a probation search on the residence of Steven Sass on Oak Creek Road near Beauview Drive. Sass, 61, was not home when the search took place, but investigators found a small amount of heroin in Beneke's room and 2.3 grams of meth in Staines' possession, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
Upon continuing the search of the home, it was discovered that the garage had a false room, where Sass housed a Master Piece Arms .45 caliber Mac 10 assault rifle, a Remington 12-gauge shotgun, a Winchester .308 rifle, a Winchester 30/30 rifle, a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun and an unknown-model 410 shotgun.
Staines and Beneke were booked at the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning for possession of a controlled substance.
A warrant has been filed with the District Attorney's Office against Sass for possession of an assault rifle, felon with a firearm, violation of probation with a firearm and violent felon with a firearm.
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call Deputy Chris Ternes or Deputy Gregory Sell at 951-922-7100.
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