When law enforcement officers in San Diego stopped a stolen Porsche on November 12, 2023, they uncovered much more than a missing car. Inside the vehicle, they found a loaded 9mm Walther firearm and an extra ammunition magazine. This discovery set off a chain of events that would lead to a major investigation and a hefty prison sentence for 46-year-old Lucresia Stone-Rojas.
Today, U.S. District Court Judge Todd Robinson sentenced Stone-Rojas to seven years and two months (86 months) behind bars for two serious offenses: being a felon caught with a firearm and possessing heroin with the intent to distribute it.
A Routine Stop Uncovers a Dangerous Situation
It all started when license plate readers flagged a stolen Porsche near North Second Street and East Main Street in El Cajon. During the stop, police discovered Stone-Rojas was armed. Given her multiple prior felony convictions, she was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), along with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), quickly stepped in to investigate.
The Shocking December Arrest
Just over a month later, Stone-Rojas was arrested again. This time, she was caught trying to smuggle heroin into California prisons in the most unexpected way. Investigators found two Bibles addressed to inmates, but these weren’t ordinary holy books—they contained heroin hidden in their spines. A total of 23 grams of the drug was recovered, intended for delivery to two different prisons.
Law Enforcement Speaks Out
Authorities didn’t hold back their frustration with Stone-Rojas’s actions:
- Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden condemned the abuse of faith-based tools like Bibles to further addiction, saying, “Smuggling drugs into our prisons endangers both the inmates and the correctional staff. It will not be tolerated.”
- ATF Special Agent Kenneth R. Cooper highlighted the dangers of repeat offenders possessing firearms, noting, “We will continue to work with local and state law enforcement agencies to investigate violent career criminals.”
- DEA Special Agent Brian Clark emphasized the community threat posed by drug distribution, no matter where it happens, declaring, “It will not be tolerated.”
The Bigger Picture: Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a national initiative uniting law enforcement and communities to reduce gun violence and violent crime. Programs like PSN aim to make neighborhoods safer for everyone by targeting repeat offenders and criminal networks.
The Charges and Consequences
Here’s a breakdown of the charges against Stone-Rojas:
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm
- Maximum Penalty: 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine
- Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin
- Maximum Penalty: 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine
Investigating Agencies
This case was investigated by:
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- El Cajon Police Department
Final Thoughts
Stone-Rojas’s story is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by repeat offenders and illegal drug activities. While justice has been served, law enforcement hopes this case sends a clear message: actions that threaten community safety and exploit trust will not go unpunished.
