Assembly candidate arrested on drug charges

Posted at 04:53 PM on Friday, May. 14, 2010
By Rosalio Ahumada / The Modesto Bee Buzz up!

Jesse James White, a Riverbank City Council member and Republican candidate for state Assembly, was arrested Friday on narcotics counts during a routine probation search at his home.

White was arrested on suspicion of possession of marijuana and cocaine along with violating probation, said Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson.

White is one of six candidates vying for the state Assembly District 25 seat held by Tom Berryhill, who is not seeking re-election for that seat.

It was unclear how much marijuana and cocaine was found. Christianson said the amount of drugs found was enough to be considered for personal use, but not enough for distribution or sales.

Authorities on Friday were conducting routine probation searches, an enforcement effort done to monitor people on probation, and White was on a list to be searched. Christianson said White is on probation for a prior conviction, and the terms of his probation allow authorities to search him for narcotics.

Election 2010 coverage and resources In 2007, White was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to court records. He pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of "wet and reckless" driving.

In that same case, court records show, White also initially was charged with possession of marijuana.

He was sentenced to three years of informal probation and a six-week education program.

Christianson said marijuana and cocaine were found in White's home and marijuana was discovered in his vehicle.

White was being held at Stanislaus County Jail on Friday evening. His bail was set at $10,000.

White was elected to the Riverbank City Council in November 2008.

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