In February 2025, Detectives from the Marin County Specialized Investigative Unit (SIU) initiated an investigation into an individual suspected of manufacturing and selling methamphetamine in Marin County. The suspect, Jesse James Starr, was found to have been released from prison in 2023 after serving an approximate 10-year sentence for a narcotics-related conviction. Investigators also discovered that Starr is currently on federal probation.

On the evening of March 27, 2025, at approximately 5:45 p.m., SIU Detectives conducted a probation search at Starr’s residence in San Rafael, as well as at a storage facility in Richmond. During the search, Detectives seized 14 firearms, including assault rifles, stolen firearms, and firearms that appeared to be personally manufactured.

In addition to the firearms, Detectives located a suspected methamphetamine lab and confiscated approximately one pound of methamphetamine, 18 grams of fentanyl, 12 grams of suspected ketamine, and 2 grams of heroin. Starr was arrested and booked into the Marin County Jail on approximately 10 felony charges. A request for bail enhancement was submitted and authorized in the amount of $1,000,000.00.