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In a rather straightforward sting operation targeting adults who furnish alcohol to minors, the Camarillo Community Resources Unit teamed up with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) in what's known as a Minor Decoy Shoulder Tap Operation. On October 25, 2025, the operation involved minor decoys supervised by law enforcement, who then approached patrons outside local alcohol-selling establishments, making a clear-cut request: Buy alcohol for them despite acknowledging they were underage. An individual fell for this endeavor, 39-year-old Joaquin Melendez Diaz of Camarillo, who agreed to buy alcohol for the decoy. Diaz was cited and set free, but now faces the repercussions of a minimum fine of $250.00 and community service ranging from twenty-four to thirty-two hours, as laid down by the California Business and Professions Code 25658(a). According to a news release prepared by Senior Deputy Matthew Koenig, these operations serve as a means to "keep alcohol out of the hands of our youth and to protect the safety of our children." "We conduct these operations to keep alcohol out of the hands of our youth and to protect the safety of our children," ABC Director Paul Tupy was quoted in the news release, which further elaborates on the goal to enhance community quality of life, diminish alcohol-infused offenses, and reduce incidences of DUI. Highlighting the dangers for young people who engage in underage drinking, the news release cited statistics by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, asserting that approximately twenty-five percent of fatal crashes involve underage drinking. The ongoing efforts by the CRU to collaborate with ABC and other agencies are key to their mission to educate and enforce underage drinking laws. The public is nonetheless encouraged to report adults supplying alcohol to minors, or vendors selling to underage customers, by reaching out, anonymously if desired, to Senior Deputy Matthew Koenig through the provided contact details. For those in the know of any such unlawful acts, Ventura County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest and criminal complaint against such persons. Maintaining the anonymity that some might seek, the Crime Stoppers hotline is not recorded – interested parties can dial 800-222-TIPS (8477) to potentially claim this reward.
