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APPROVE MOTION TO ACCEPT REQUEST FOR REFUND AS REQUESTED BY THE STOCKTON POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $52,980
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve a motion:
1. Authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to accept a request for refund as requested by the Stockton Police Department in the amount of $52,980.
2. Authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to take all necessary and appropriate actions to carry out the purpose and intent of the motion.
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Summary
On September 18, 2022, Stockton Police Department (SPD) officers were dispatched to an armed robbery call in the area of Worth and Commerce St. During the robbery, a suspect brandished a firearm during the sale of a vehicle and took $16,000 from the victim. On September 21, 2022, SPD and detectives from the Delta Regional Auto Theft Team (Delta RATT) executed search warrants on Pedro Meraz related to the subsequent investigation, which resulted in the seizure of $52,980. In August of 2025, Meraz filed a refund request for the money seized from him. SPD Detectives ensured Meraz had no outstanding warrants or associated cases, and ordered that the balance of $52,980 be released to Meraz. Staff requests that the City Council authorize the City Manager, or designee, to accept the request to refund the $52,980 and have it dispersed to Meraz.
DISCUSSION
Background
In August of 2022, Detectives from SPD and Delta RATT conducted an armed robbery investigation. During the investigation, multiple search warrants were served related to Pedro Meraz, where $52,980 was seized from him. After the seizure of the money, the investigation became stale, and ultimately, Meraz was not prosecuted or charged with the crime.
Present Situation
On August 20, 2025, Pedro Meraz submitted a refund request for $52,980 to SPD. The request was reviewed by SPD Detectives and submitted to SPD Fiscal Affairs along with the Evidence Disposition request.
Per Stockton Municipal Code 3.60.020, any refund of $20,000 or greater requires City Council approval.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The City is required to hold funds collected as evidence until the case has been adjudicated or dismissed, at which time the person from whom the money was seized may then request those funds from the City. The funds seized as evidence in this case were deposited into the Police Department’s Unclaimed Cash account designated for these funds, and no expenses were incurred. Authorization for a refund of $52,980 is being requested from the Police Department’s Unclaimed Cash account to the requestor.
Attachment A - Stockton Police Department Evidence Disposition Request