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Cathedral City Today
By the People, for the People
Two Arrested for Alleged Drug Smuggling into Murrieta County Jail
Suspects accused of using U.S. Postal Service to deliver controlled substances to inmates
Mar. 28, 2026 at 12:42am
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Carly Crofts, 29, of Hemet and Miguel Angel Armenta, 49, of Murrieta were arrested on Friday and booked on suspicion of narcotics trafficking for allegedly smuggling drugs to inmates at the Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta via the U.S. Postal Service. The investigation was initiated in November 2024 after evidence surfaced that narcotics were reaching the jail through the mail.
Why it matters
Contraband smuggling into jails and prisons is an ongoing challenge for law enforcement, as it can enable the continuation of criminal activity behind bars and pose risks to inmate and staff safety. This case highlights the use of the postal system as a method for sneaking drugs into correctional facilities.
The details
According to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, Crofts and Armenta were allegedly supplying controlled substances to inmates Saul Arevalo, 42, of Bloomington and Daniel Morales Jr., 32, of Cathedral City. Investigators seized evidence related to the smuggling operation during searches of the suspects' homes. Crofts was released on bond, while Armenta remained jailed on unspecified bail.
- The sheriff's Corrections Investigation Bureau and Gang Intelligence Unit initiated the probe in November 2024.
- The search warrants were executed and the arrests made on Friday, March 28, 2026.
The players
Carly Crofts
A 29-year-old resident of Hemet who was arrested and booked on suspicion of narcotics trafficking for allegedly smuggling drugs into the Byrd Detention Center.
Miguel Angel Armenta
A 49-year-old resident of Murrieta who was arrested and booked on suspicion of narcotics trafficking for allegedly smuggling drugs into the Byrd Detention Center.
Saul Arevalo
A 42-year-old inmate at the Byrd Detention Center who was allegedly receiving smuggled drugs from Crofts and Armenta.
Daniel Morales Jr.
A 32-year-old inmate at the Byrd Detention Center who was allegedly receiving smuggled drugs from Crofts and Armenta.
Riverside County Sheriff's Department
The law enforcement agency that conducted the investigation and made the arrests.
What they’re saying
“This investigation was part of the sheriff's office's ongoing mission to prevent narcotics from entering our correctional facilities.”
— Sgt. Chris Wedel, Riverside County Sheriff's Department
What’s next
The case is expected to be submitted to the District Attorney's Office for review.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing challenge of contraband smuggling into jails and prisons, and the efforts by law enforcement to disrupt the flow of drugs into correctional facilities through the mail and other means.
