“California Department of Justice criminalists are an asset to law enforcement investigations of many types.  Their work assists in convicting and exonerating individuals suspected of crimes, and there is simply little argument when it comes to science.  We thank those who conduct this work at California DOJ labs throughout the state for their service.” – CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

MONTEREY COUNTY – On August 16, 2023, the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office announced that, following a three-day trial, a jury found Royce Dean Curl, II, 40, of Marina, guilty of Possession for Sales of Fentanyl, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Possession of Ammunition by a Felon, and Possession of Fentanyl with a Firearm. Curl was found to have a prior strike conviction under California’s Three Strikes Law in 2019 for Negligent Discharge of a Firearm.

On May 19, 2022, the Investigations Bureau of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Curl’s residence and discovered approximately 460 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing Fentanyl and a loaded semi-automatic 10mm pistol in Curl’s dresser. A scale containing heroin residue and more than $55,000 in cash was also discovered in Curl’s residence. A search of Curl outside his residence resulted in the discovery of approximately 296 more counterfeit oxycodone pills containing Fentanyl in Curl’s sweatshirt pocket packaged for sales, and $2,515 in cash.

The counterfeit oxycodone pills were tested at the California Department of Justice Bureau of Forensics Freedom Laboratory and the counterfeit pills were confirmed to contain Fentanyl.

The case was investigated by Sergeant Jesse Pinon and Sergeant Matthew Costa of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 15, 2023. Curl faces up to ten years and eight months in state prison, and a fine.