Two Gang Members Plead Guilty

Two Watsonville gang members arrested for gun charges in separate cases earlier this year each pleaded guilty this week and will be sentenced to state prison, the District Attorney's Office announced Wednesday.

Aaron Amezcua, 25, was free on bail when police searched his bedroom in September and discovered a loaded, unregistered .380 caliber handgun, according to the D.A.'s Office. At the time, he had already pleaded guilty to gang participation and possessing a gun for .

Prosecutors added charges of child endangerment and committing a crime while out on bail. He will be sentenced to 4 years and 8 months in state prison on Nov. 9. Judge Paul Marigonda is hearing the case.

Before, Amezcua was free on $75,000 bond. He is currently being held without bail, according to the D.A.'s Office.

On Tuesday, a 26-year-old Watsonville man also pleaded guilty to gang-related crimes. Alvaro Melendrez, who was a wanted parolee, entered the plea before the Judge Ariadne Symons.

Melendrez was arrested June 8 on Ginos Court—after a short foot chase—and police found a loaded, unregistered 38-caliber revolver. In court, Melendrez admitted he is a gang member and pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm. He will be sentenced to 4 years in state prison on Dec. 6.