Felon faces new charges after deputies seize 107 firearms
Jacob Cole Clopton, 39.
– The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office filed a seven-count felony complaint against Jacob Cole Clopton, 39, in San Luis Obispo Superior Court Case No. 26F-03666, arising from a March 12 search warrant served by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office at a residence on Little Morro Creek Road in the Morro Bay area.
According to the complaint, Clopton faces one count of possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded, operable firearm. He also faces five counts of possession of a firearm by a felon with priors, corresponding to firearms allegedly located in outdoor sheds, a garage safe, a horse barn, vehicles, and the residence. The complaint also includes one count of possession of ammunition by a prohibited person.
The complaint alleges a prior serious or violent felony strike conviction under California law.
During the March 12 search of the Little Morro Creek Road property, detectives seized approximately 107 firearms, including rifles, shotguns, and pistols. Investigators also seized a quantity of ammunition and reloaded ammunition, magazines, firearm components, and methamphetamine.
The complaint alleges Clopton was previously convicted of theft of a firearm, a felony under Texas law, in Cameron County, Texas, on July 15, 2016. Prosecutors allege that conviction qualifies as a serious or violent felony strike prior.
The complaint also alleges prior felony convictions for resisting an executive officer and unlawful driving or taking of a vehicle in San Luis Obispo Superior Court Case No. 24F-07642. The offenses occurred on Oct. 25 and were resolved on Oct. 29.
The District Attorney’s Office emphasized that a criminal complaint contains only allegations. Clopton is presumed innocent under the law and is entitled to a fair trial. Prosecutors must prove each charge beyond a reasonable doubt before a court may find him guilty.
Investigators are asking anyone with information that could assist the investigation or prosecution to contact San Luis Obispo County Crime Stoppers anonymously at (800) 549-7867 or through its website at http://sanluisobispocounty.crimestoppersweb.com/sitemenu.aspx?ID=805&. Tipsters may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
