Couple Accused of Selling Cocaine

A Ventura couple have been arrested on suspicion of drug-related crimes and child endangerment after a monthlong investigation, authorities said Friday.

Arrested were Mark Anthony Escobar and his wife, Mayra Yanira Escobar, both 20. Also arrested was Jesse Ruben Campos, 20, of Ventura, who is accused of participating in a drug transaction with the couple, authorities said.

Ventura County sheriff’s deputies said they observed the Escobars selling cocaine, mostly in east Ventura. Undercover officers also purchased drugs from Mark Escobar, authorities said.

On Thursday, detectives watched what they said appeared to be a drug sale between Mark Escobar and Campos at a Saratoga Avenue park. Officials said Mayra Escobar was waiting in a nearby car with the couple’s 18-month-old child.

All three were arrested and a search warrant was served at a residence in the 1000 block of Carlyle Street, where detectives said the couple live with a relative. Authorities said one ounce of cocaine valued at $2,500 and $500 worth of marijuana were seized.

Mark and Mayra Escobar were booked into Ventura County Jail on suspicion of selling cocaine, possessing cocaine for sale, possessing marijuana for sale, child endangering and conspiracy. The Escobars were charged with child endangerment because detectives observed the couple selling drugs with their child in tow, authorities said. Their bail was set at $50,000 each.

Campos was booked into Ventura County Jail on suspicion of selling marijuana and his bail was set at $20,000. He has since posted bail, authorities said.

The family member the Escobars lived with was neither involved nor aware of the couple’s alleged drug peddling, authorities said.