New K-9 officer instrumental in three drug busts

Last month, Cloverdale Police Officer John Camara and Jimmy, his new K-9 partner and recently-certified narcotics dog, confiscated 74 pounds of processed marijuana and a total of $50,573 in cash during three routine traffic stops.

The violations that resulted in the original stops were illegal windshield tinting, speeding, and driving with an expired registration tag.

During each of the three stops, as Officer Camara was talking to the driver, his training and experience led him to suspect they might be involved in the transportation and sale of marijuana.

In each case, when  K-9 Officer Jimmy was walked around the vehicle, he “alerted” on the car, indicating that he smelled the odor of a controlled substance, giving Officer Camara sufficient cause to search the vehicle’s interior.

The three men arrested were Trevor J. Lewis, 29, of Santa Rosa, Sholom Zev Ilovitz, 33, of El Sobrante, and Jinil Doh, 47, of Solana Beach.

Cloverdale PD seized the U.S. currency, as well as Ilovitz’ Toyota Highlander SUV, in accordance with asset forfeiture laws. Ilovitz signed a Disclaimer of Ownership of Currency, releasing his rights to the $48,437 found in his possession.

Asset forfeiture funds can be used to reimburse agencies for drug related investigations and to purchase equipment, including vehicles, that furthers drug related investigations and/or enterprises.

K-9 Officer Jimmy has only been with the department since September, but it’s already pretty apparent he’s going to become an invaluable member of the team.