Ventura County Sheriff – Incident Press Release
On February 17, 2021, detectives from the Directed Enforcement Unit (DEU) concluded an investigation involving convicted felons being in illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. A search warrant was served at a location in Simi Valley. Fentanyl and methamphetamine were seized, as well as over 40 firearms. Jeffrey VanBeveren was arrested for narcotics and firearms charges.
DEU detectives obtained information indicating VanBeveren and Hughlett were in possession of numerous illegal firearms. During the investigation, detectives were able to identify VanBeveren and Hughlett as stealing firearms from rightful gun owners, obliterating the serial numbers, and then illegally selling them on the street. In addition, DEU detectives learned of VanBeveren’s involvement in narcotic sales in Thousand Oaks. Detectives obtained a search warrant for Jeffrey VanBeveren, Jamie Hughlett, their vehicle, and residence.
During the service of the search warrant, evidence of narcotic sales was located, including about 32 grams of fentanyl, about 18 grams of methamphetamine, small quantity of heroin, a scale, and packaging material. VanBeveren and Hughlett were also found in possession of over 1,000 rounds of ammunition.
VanBeveren and Hughlett are both prohibited from owning, purchasing, receiving, or having in their possession or control any firearm or ammunition due to their felony convictions and their addictions to illegal controlled substances.
VanBeveren was booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for felon in possession of firearms, possession of controlled substances for sales, transportation of a controlled substances for sales, felon in possession of ammunition, obliterating firearm serial numbers, and offering to sell firearms with obliterated serial numbers. VanBeveren is in custody with bail set at $100,000.
Hughlett was booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for felon in possession of firearms, felon in possession of ammunition, obliterating firearm serial numbers, offering to sell firearms with obliterated serial numbers, resisting arrest, and an outstanding felony warrant. Hughlett is in custody with bail set at $60,000.
The Directed Enforcement Unit (DEU) is made up of members of the Thousand Oaks Police Department. The mission of the unit is to conduct proactive policing utilizing intelligence led policing methods to reduce crime within the city of Thousand Oaks.
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