The Hollister man caught with an illegal amount of butane in his vehicle, while already facing charges for illegally manufacturing the same substance that’s used to extract THC from marijuana plants, had his latest court hearing moved to later this month.
Juan Vasquez, arrested in late May and then again July 16, faces a court hearing at 2 p.m. Sept. 20 at the San Benito County Courthouse. The preliminary setting has been rescheduled twice now. The hearing is where a judge may schedule the preliminary examination where it’s decided if charges are sufficient for a trial.
Vasquez Jr., 43, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, child endangerment, committing a felony while out on bail, driving while his license is suspended and possessing more than 600 milliliters of Butane. Two juveniles at age 17 were charged with obstructing an officer and released to their parents.
The district attorney charged Vasquez with DUI within 10 years of a conviction, a prior conviction of driving a suspended/revoked license and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, according to court records.
This latest episode came after Vasquez was arrested in May on charges of manufacturing a controlled substance, child endangerment, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for sale, felon in possession of a firearm, possessing a large capacity magazine, possession of a controlled substance while armed and several local warrants. According to police, officers and deputies in May had detained the suspects and a search warrant was obtained. The search revealed a butane honey oil laboratory, two handguns, methamphetamine, concentrated cannabis, prescription pills, and other items commonly used when selling drugs.
Vasquez is represented by George Barton whose acting as a public defender.
