Monterey Co. sheriff blasts DA's decision to not charge deputy

(KRON) -- The Monterey District Attorney's Office announced it would not file charges against a sheriff deputy who was arrested for allegedly hiding a handmade weapon and committing criminal conspiracy while working inside the jail. Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto is now speaking out on the decision.

Deputy Gaspar Estevez was arrested on Nov. 5 after authorities received a tip that he was concealing a shank given to him by an inmate. The weapon was recovered during the investigation by the Monterey County Sheriff's Office (MCSO). Detectives said they developed probable cause to determine the deputy and the inmate had been involved in a crime together.

Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto said in a press release on Monday, “We believe a crime did in fact occur, however, it is up to the District Attorney to make a decision on whether or not to file charges. This decision does not change the circumstances of what occurred and what was investigated in this case.” 

Deputy Estevez remains on paid leave while an internal investigation continues to see if he "violated any departmental policies, procedures, or the law" during his time there, confirmed Sheriff Nieto.