On 8/27/25, at approximately 3:34 p.m., Kern County Sheriff's Office deputies from...

On 8/27/25, at approximately 3:34 p.m., Kern County Sheriff's Office deputies from the Ridgecrest Substation conducted a probation search at a residence located at the 1400 block off Hwy14 in Inyokern, CA. The search was part of an ongoing investigation involving stolen property.

Deputies arrested Roy Stevens, 74, on a felony warrant, and Jason Hopkins on two misdemeanor warrants. A stolen vehicle and active chop shop were also found. Albert Thompson, 71, along with Stevens and Hopkins, were booked into Lerdo Jail. Thompson and Stevens face additional felony charges, including conspiracy, vehicle theft, possession of a stolen vehicle, and operating a chop shop.

On 9/26/25, at approximately 2:33 p.m., deputies responded to 3500 block at North Mesquite St and contacted Edward Lujambio, age 62, who was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition and had an active misdemeanor bench warrant out of Nevada.

After serving search warrants, deputies located an active marijuana cultivation operation, a stolen trailer, a chop shop, and multiple firearms and ammunition, including items linked to a recent burglary. KCSO HIDTA responded and seized over 200 pounds of marijuana for destruction.

Lujambio was booked on multiple charges, including grand theft of a firearm, possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance while armed, possession of drug paraphernalia, felon in possession of ammunition, felon in possession of a firearm, cultivation of marijuana, and maintaining a place for the purpose of selling, giving away, or using controlled substances.

On 9/30/25, at approximately 2:42 p.m., deputies returned to Lujambio’s residence with a third search warrant based on new investigative leads. During this search, deputies recovered additional stolen property, including several firearms and air guns. Lujambio is facing additional felony charges as a result.

This investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact KCSO at (661) 391-3110 or Secret Witness at (661) 322-4040.