Sheriff Dept Media Release

Release Date: 07-28-11

Time: 1400

Release Time: 1400

Release Number: 1

On June 27,2011 at approximately 8:30 P.M. members of the SherifPs Narcotics Enforcement

Unit as well as members of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation K-9

unit contacted Cheryl Pearson of Valley Springs in front of the Calaveras County Jail. Prior to

this contact, a search warrant had been obtained for Pearson and her vehicle, as information had

been developed that Pearson was delivering controlled substances into the jail where a family

member is currently in custody.

Pearson was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance and driving under

the influence of a controlled substance. A search by correctional staff was conducted, and

during this search Pearson retrieved a container from a location on her body, and immediately

swallowed it. During this time, Pearson also assaulted a Correctional Officer.

The container that was swallowed by Pearson was believed to contain controlled substances, and

Pearson was immediately transported to a nearby medical center for treatment and prevention

of a possible drug overdose.

Following treatment and observation, Pearson was booked into the Calaveras Jail on charges of

Criminal Conspiracy, Destruction of Evidence, Assault on a Correctional Officer, Driving under

the influence of controlled substance, and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

During the incident, Jennifer Martin of Valley Springs was also arrested. Martin is charged

with possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.

Additionally, as a result of the incident, charges of Criminal Conspiracy were added to John

Pearson who was already in custody of the Calaveras County Jail.

No further information will be released at this time as the investigation is ongoing.