A felon and documented gang member from Desert Hot Springs facing firearm charges failed to appear in court Friday and had a warrant issued for his arrest.
Sean Lekeith Hatley, 44, pleaded not guilty last Wednesday to being a convicted felon and narcotic addict in possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition, as well as a sentence-enhancing allegation of being on probation at the time, according to court records.
Hatley was arrested on Sept. 2 when the Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force conducted a probation compliance search at a residence in the 13000 block of Nahum Drive in Desert Hot Springs, according to Sgt. Paul Heredia of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Heredia said task force members found a loaded .357-caliber revolver with an obliterated serial number in Hatley’s possession.
Hatley was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio, but posted $10,000 bail the day after his arraignment.
Anyone with relevant information about Hatley was asked to contact Deputy Henson at 760-836-1600. Tips about gang activity in general can be registered by calling the Gang Task Force Tip Line at 951-922-7601.