Pictured here is some of the evidence found by BINTF. Photo courtesy of BINTF

CHICO, CA (MPG) - On Thursday, May 23, Agents from the Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force (BINTF), the Special Enforcement Unit of the Butte County Sheriff’s Office (SEU) and assisted by Investigators from the Butte County District Attorney’s Office, executed a search warrant at 50 Rash Lane in Chico. The search warrant included the main residence of the property, as well as other outbuildings and structures.

Upon the execution of the warrant at the property, 15 adults were safely detained. However, at the primary residence, one of the subjects attempted to deny Agents lawful entry into the home by shutting and locking the front door after Agents had announced their presence and purpose. This appeared to be a delay tactic to allow for a second subject to conceal fentanyl in the holding tank of a toilet. This tactic proved unsuccessful as the door was quickly breached and the fentanyl located and recovered by Agents. 

Additionally, as the search of the property was underway, a subject made contact with Agents on scene advising that he tracked his recently stolen electric bicycle to this property, via an “AirTag”. Agents were able to locate the stolen electric bicycle on the property and return it to its rightful owner immediately. The owner stated the data indicated the bicycle was stolen at approximately 1:00 a.m. that morning, as his bicycle was locked outside his apartment complex in the North campus area of Chico. 

After the 15 subjects were detained, Agents completed a search of the property and recovered the following items of evidence:

Over 293 grams of Methamphetamine, over 13 grams of fentanyl, over 3 grams of heroin, 4 digital scales, $1,435.00 in U.S. Currency Seized per Asset Forfeiture Laws, additional evidence indicating illegal drug sales, and identity theft documents.

The following nine individuals were arrested on the listed charges, with an arrest warrant being sought for another subject not at home during the warrant service:

Clinton David Bennett, 55 Years Old: Possession of Fentanyl for Sale, Possession of Methamphetamine for Sale, and Possession of Heroin for Sale

Robert Eugene Sprague, 44 Years Old: Possession of Fentanyl for Sale, Possession of Methamphetamine for Sale, and Identity Theft 

Jeffrey Scott Rash, 60 Years Old: Felony Arrest Warrant, Maintaining a Drug House

Adam Michael Coots, 38 Years Old: 2 Felony Warrants

Steven Adam Ofenham, 33 Years Old: Felony Warrant

Esteban Lee Salazar, 32 Years Old: Felony Warrant

Monica Lyn Puckett, 38 Years Old: Possession of Fentanyl

Sara Angelicarose Smith, 24 Years Old: Possession of Methamphetamine

Ashley Danielle Chapman, 22 Years Old: Misdemeanor Warrant

As stated, an arrest warrant will be sought for an additional subject not at home during the warrant service, specifically for possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine for sale.

In addition, further investigation will be conducted into the identity theft material possessed by Mr. Sprague, which included checks and pay stubs belonging to other people, a total of (17) documents. Mr. Sprague was also evaluated by EMS personnel on scene after complaining of a medical issue. He was ultimately transported to Enloe Hospital based upon that evaluation. 

Due to significant public safety issues associated with the property, a Butte County Code Enforcement Officer responded to the location to conduct an independent investigation. The property was ultimately deemed unsafe to occupy (“red tagged”) by the Code Enforcement Officer.

For questions or further information regarding this press release please contact Commander Michael O’Brien at (530) 552-5632 or [email protected].

The purpose of the Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force (BINTF) is to investigate violations of the law involving controlled substances and criminal street gangs in the County of Butte, to include all incorporated cities of the County of Butte.