Novato Probation Search Leads To Meth Bust

NOVATO, CA — A Novato man was arrested after suspected illegal drugs and a firearm arm were found during a probation search, the Marin County Sheriff’s Office said.

Michael Felix, 29, was arrested on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance for sale, possession of a controlled substance while being armed, and a Marin County probation violation, among other charges, the Sheriff’s Office said.

A Marin County Coordination of Probation Enforcement Team (COPE) conducted a probation search Thursday at around 3 p.m. at a Binford Road residence in Novato, the Sheriff’s Office said.

A backpack with over 4 1/2 ounces of suspected crystal methamphetamine, a loaded .22 caliber firearm and additional drug paraphernalia were found during the search, the Sheriff’s Office said.

The COPE team is comprised of a Sheriff’s Office deputy and one officer each from the Novato Police Department and Marin County Probation.

The COPE program monitors high risk narcotics violators who are on probation in lieu of incarceration.

The program’s stated goal according to the Sheriff’s Office is to “ensure that those individuals who have been granted the privilege of probation are leading law abiding lives.”