On May 1, 2008, Odilon Godinez, 51, and Rosario Godinez, 40, of Exeter, were convicted by jury for trafficking methamphetamine while armed with multiple firearms, including one assault weapon. The couple was also convicted of felony child endangerment and receiving stolen property.

On December 6, 2006, Lindsay Police stopped Odilon Godinez for a minor traffic violation within the city limits of Lindsay. Upon further investigation, 4 grams of methamphetamine were found on Odilon Godinez. A search of the couples residence in Exeter revealed an additional 35 grams of methamphetamine and numerous firearms. Two operational handguns were found underneath the mattress of the couple’s then 6 year old daughter, who was asleep at the time officers searched the couple’s residence. Of the numerous handguns and rifles, officers from Lindsay, Farmersville, and Exeter found one assault weapon, a Norinco SKS 7.62 x 39mm rifle with a folding stock.

Additionally, officers discovered that Odilon Godinez was renting a storage unit in the city of Lindsay. A search of the storage shed revealed numerous stolen agricultural equipment belonging to Odilon’s former employer, Burr Ranch, and from B & R Telverde Ranch. Numerous stolen agricultural items were also discovered at the couple’s residence in Exeter.

The couple is set for sentencing on May 29, 2008. Odilon Godinez is facing 12 years and Rosario Godinez is facing 9 years and 4 months.

This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Jason Lianides of the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office and investigated by Agent Candid Alvarez of the Visalia Police Department.