WA: On April 30, YourWSP detectives, assisted by the Madera Police Department, arrested a fugitive in California who had been on the WSP’s Most Wanted list since 2012.

Manuel Cortez-Vargas was taken into custody after 14 years.

Read more at https://bit.ly/4w3JSAT

WA State Patrol

PRESS RELEASE - Human Trafficking / Attempted Murder / Narcotics and Firearms Arrest -

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Castroville man following an extensive investigation involving allegations of human trafficking, attempted murder, narcotics sales, weapons violations, and violent crimes against a female victim.

On April 23rd, 2026, at approximately 11:45 PM, witnesses observed a male subject strangling a female near the shopping center located at 11290 Merritt Street in Castroville. Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies were notified, and an on-duty sergeant quickly responded to the area and located the female victim. Deputies also located a vehicle associated with the suspect containing items of evidentiary value nearby.

During the investigation, the female victim reported that she was being sexually trafficked by the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Eric Adam Melendez of Castroville, who had fled the area prior to law enforcement arrival. Detectives with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Unit responded and assumed the investigation.

On April 28th, 2026, at approximately 3:15 PM, following an extensive investigation, detectives located Melendez driving a silver Honda CRV in the City of Salinas. Detectives initiated a traffic stop and Melendez was taken into custody without further incident.

During the arrest, detectives discovered Melendez to be in possession of a large quantity of suspected methamphetamine, quantities of heroin and fentanyl, cash, scales, and additional evidence consistent with narcotics sales. Detectives subsequently served follow-up search warrants at multiple locations throughout Monterey County. During those searches, detectives located condoms, lingerie, perfumes, additional narcotics, a firearm, and other evidence believed to be associated with the sexual trafficking of human beings. Detectives also obtained evidence indicating Melendez threatened the victim’s life with a knife and attempted to dissuade her from cooperating with law enforcement and pursuing charges.

Based on the severity of the crimes and evidence uncovered during the investigation, detectives obtained a $1,000,000 bail enhancement and secured an emergency protective order for the victim.

Detectives believe there is a strong possibility that additional victims may exist who have not yet reported their victimization involving Eric Adam Melendez. Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Janelli Arroyo at 831-755-7261 or Detective Sergeant Nicholas Kennedy at 831-755-3773.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to investigating crimes involving violence, exploitation, and human trafficking while working to protect victims and hold offenders accountable.

Melendez was booked into the Monterey County Jail on multiple charges, including:

• PC 236.1(b) – Human Trafficking / Deprivation of Liberty to Commit Sex Crimes
• PC 273.5 – Corporal Injury on a Cohabitant/Spouse
• PC 266h(a) – Pimping
• PC 266i(a) – Pandering
• HS 11379(a) – Possession of Controlled Substance for Sales
• PC 664/187 – Attempted Murder
• PC 30305(a)(1) – Felon in Possession of Ammunition
• PC 136.1(a)(1) – Dissuading a Victim
• PC 591.5 – Destroying a Communication Device
• PC 29800(a)(1) – Felon in Possession of a Firearm
• HS 11370.1 – Possession of Controlled Substance While Armed with a Loaded Firearm
• PC 236 – False Imprisonment with a Firearm
• PC 422(a) – Criminal Threats

Monterey County Sheriff's Office