Fremont pair arraigned on felony drug charges

8/20/2003

FREMONT — Two Fremont residents were arraigned yesterday on drug charges after local, state, and federal authorities found nearly 15 pounds of marijuana in their Sandusky Avenue home.

Roberto Valdez, 23, is charged with drug abuse and tampering with evidence, both third-degree felonies, and possession of criminal tools, a fifth-degree felony. Judge Michael Burkett of Fremont Municipal Court set bond of $22,500 for Mr. Valdez, who remained in the Sandusky County jail.

Mr. Valdez's wife, Christina Valdez, 26, is charged with one count of drug abuse. Judge Burkett set bond of $5,000 for Mrs. Valdez, with 10 percent payment required. Both Valdezes were scheduled for preliminary hearings Aug. 27.

During a raid at the Valdez home, Fremont police and other law-enforcement officers seized marijuana with a street value of up to $30,000. According to a Fremont police report, Mr. Valdez threw several pounds of the drug out a window as officers entered the home.

Three children found in the home at the time of the raid — ages 6, 4, and 1 — were placed with a relative.