Two convicted felons were behind bars Friday on suspicion of illegally possessing firearms.
Juan Mulato, 19, of Mecca and David Mendez, 23, of La Quinta were arrested on Thursday when the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department conducted compliance checks at their respective residences, according Sgt. Paul Heredia.
While searching Mulato’s residence in the 65000 block of Dale Kiler Road, deputies discovered a .45-caliber handgun and several rounds of ammunition, said Heredia.
Mulato was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm, being a felon in possession of ammunition and violating probation. He remains held there on $35,000 bail and is scheduled to appear at the Larson Justice Center on Tuesday, according to jail records.
While searching Mendez’s residence in the 51000 block of Avenida Obregon, deputies allegedly found a semi-auto rifle along with methamphetamine.
Mendez was booked into the into the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm, being a felon in possession of ammunition, possession of methamphetamine and violation of parole. He remains held without bail and his next court appearance is not indicated on jail records.
Neither suspects’ previous criminal history was immediately available.