Crime & Safety

Stolen iPads Lead Cops to Marijuana Stash

Federico Ochoa is on trial for illegal possession of a lot of pot as well as a firearm.

It has been two years since 26 iPads were stolen from Hillview Middle School in Menlo Park, and justice is finally being served.

On Sept. 15. 2011, the Apple tablets were taken and police tracked down the suspect, who told them he traded some of the iPads to an East Palo Alto man named Federico Ochoa in exchange for a pound of marijuana.

According to the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office, police then went to Ochoa's house and searched his shed where they found over 13 pounds of pot and a loaded firearm.

Ochoa has appeared in court several times for his trial on charges including possessing marijuana for sale and illegal possession of a firearm, but his representation has delayed the proceedings several times. Most recently, the defense claimed Judge Craig Parsons was biased in the case and asked for a new judge.

The trial is expected to last five days and Ochoa remains out of custody on $20,000 bail bond.

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