California Man Takes Plea Deal in York Firearm and Drug Case

Wesley Adkins pleaded guilty to carrying a concealed weapon after a late-night traffic stop on Interstate 80.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Wesley Adkins, a 58-year-old man from Santa Rosa, California, has taken a plea agreement in a York County District Court case involving illegal firearms and drugs. Last May, a York County Sheriff's deputy conducted a motorist assist on Interstate 80 and discovered multiple firearms, drugs, and other contraband in Adkins' vehicle. Adkins was arrested but has now pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of carrying a concealed weapon, with other charges being dismissed.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in removing illegal firearms and drugs from the roads, especially in rural areas. The plea deal also raises questions about sentencing and whether it adequately addresses the seriousness of the original charges.

The details

During the late-night traffic stop, a York County Sheriff's deputy found two firearms, a knife, psilocybin mushrooms, hashish, prescription medication, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia in Adkins' vehicle. Adkins was initially charged with possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person and possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, but he has now pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of carrying a concealed weapon, a Class 1 misdemeanor. The other charges were dismissed.

  • In May 2025, a York County Sheriff's deputy conducted a motorist assist on Interstate 80 near mile marker 348.
  • This week, Adkins took a plea agreement in York County District Court.

The players

Wesley Adkins

A 58-year-old man from Santa Rosa, California, who was charged with multiple firearm and drug offenses but has now pleaded guilty to a reduced charge.

York County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that conducted the traffic stop and made the initial arrests.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“During the course of the encounter, the deputy developed probable cause to search the vehicle. During the search, deputies found two firearms, a knife, psilocybin mushrooms, hashish, prescription medication, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.”

— Sgt. Taylor Samek, York County Sheriff's Office (justmelaniew.com)

What’s next

Adkins will be sentenced on April 13 for the reduced charge of carrying a concealed weapon.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in removing illegal firearms and drugs from rural highways, and raises questions about whether plea deals adequately address the seriousness of the original charges.