YCSO recovers sports collectibles

The Yuma County Sheriff's Office is looking for the owner of a sports memorabilia collection deputies recently recovered during an arrest.

The items were discovered on Jan. 4 when YCSO was called to the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 8 in reference to a drug offense, according to YCSO officials.

Capt. Eben Bratcher, YCSO spokesman, said suspects Michael Albert Martinez and Clint Merrill were arrested at the checkpoint for drug and weapons violations.

A search of the vehicle driven by Martinez also revealed the memorabilia collection.

Bratcher said it includes an autographed photo of Michael Jordan as well as numerous other basketball and football players. YCSO investigators believe these items might have been stolen due to the circumstances of the find.

Martinez and Merrill have not been charged with theft at this time. They are being held in the Yuma County jail on drug and weapons charges.

Bratcher said the sheriff's office is actively seeking the owner of the collection to further the investigation and return the property to its rightful owner.

To identify the collection and prove ownership, contact YCSO investigator Nick Rice at 329-2377.

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Sarah Reynolds can be reached at

sreynolds@yumasun.com or 539-6847.