SUSPECTED DRUG MOM ARRESTED

A Tulare mother who allegedly provided methamphetamine to her son in the
Tulare County Youth Facility was arrested on drug and firearms charges,
Tulare County sheriff's deputies reported Saturday.

It appeared that the woman's son distributed methamphetamine to other
juveniles in the facility, deputies said.

The investigation began April 6 when several juveniles were found to be
under the influence of a controlled substance, deputies said.

Probation officers discovered one of the youths was being supplied with
methamphetamine from his mother and distributing it to other juveniles in
the lock-up facility.

That led to an issuance of a search warrant Friday at 505 South H St. in
Tulare, where deputies arrested Caroline Rodriguez, 36, and Juan Manuel
Carnero, 41, officials reported.

Deputies found 3.5 grams of methamphetamine and 3.5 pounds of marijuana at
the residence as well as two handguns, officials said.

One of the handguns was thrown out a window as officers arrived, deputies
said. The estimated value of the drugs is $3,500, deputies said.

Rodriguez was booked into jail on charges of possession of paraphernalia,
possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm during commission of
a felony and possession of marijuana for sale, deputies said.

Carnero was arrested on suspicion of possession of marijuana for sale and
possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

The juvenile in the facility was arrested on charges of distributing
methamphetamine in a jail facility, officials said.