Pill Press confiscated from John Halverson II (Santa Rosa Police)
Santa Rosa police have recovered a pill press, the first ever recovery of such an item in Sonoma County. Earlier this month, police began an investigation into the distribution of large quantities of MDMA and other counterfeit pills in Santa Rosa and surrounding areas. The suspect was identified as 63-year-old John Halverson II, who lives in the 100 block of Leisure Park Circle. Police searched his residence yesterday and found a disassembled electric pill press which had pink powdery residue and pressed pills inside of it. The residue was later identified as MDMA. Police also found other powder residue but could not positively identify it. More of the pink powder was found in a large plastic container as well as a Spectrophotometer, which is used to measure the purity of narcotics and controlled substances. It is unclear if Halverson is currently in custody.