Norteo man sentenced for possession of loaded gun and drugs in Salinas

A Norteño street gang member has been sentenced to prison after police found him in possession of a loaded gun and drugs.

According to the Monterey District Attorney’s Office, on December 4, of 2016, 27-year-old Joshua Soto of San Jose was the getaway driver for two female escorts who stole cash from their clients. Around 3:54 a.m. the victims realized the escorts stole a wallet and chased the women outside to Sotos car. Soto pointed a loaded gun at the victims and told them to back off.

Salinas Police were able to locate Soto’s car shortly after. Soto and the female associates were detained. Police found one woman in possession of the victim’s stolen cash. Soto had a concealed loaded gun in his waistband and a bindle of heroin in his pocket.

Soto has been sentenced to two years in prison. He is currently serving a prison commitment as a result of subsequent felony convictions out of Santa Clara County. This case will be served concurrently to the Santa Clara sentence.

The case was investigated by retired Salinas Police Officer Timothy Iorio.