Temecula Couple Arrested on Drug and Child Endangerment Charges

A Temecula couple on probation for felony child endangerment was arrested Friday after officers conducting a compliance check at their home found heroin and methamphetamine, according to police. Two young children living in the house on Corte Tobarra Road were taken into custody of Child Protective Services.

Bobby Ray Patton, 34, and his wife Katie Patton, 31, were booked into the Southwest Detention Center on felony charges of child endangerment, possession of heroin and methamphetamine, and violating probation. Bail for each was set at $150,000.

Officers from the Temecula Police Department’s Special Enforcement Team investigating heroin sales were led the Pattons’ home in the 45900 block of Corte Tobarra Road, according to Sgt. Geoff Green. After investigators learned that the couple was on probation, they went to their home for a compliance check that turned up more than three grams of heroin, two grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in the master bedroom closet, according to police.

The closet did not have a lock and the drugs were found within reach of a young child, police said. Children’s toys and clothes were also in the closet. Officers also determined that the Pattons were under the influence of a controlled substance.

The Temecula Police Department’s Special Enforcement Team is asking anyone with additional information to call (951) 696-3000.