Three arrested in child abuse investigation, drugs also uncovered
East County News ServiceApril 9, 2026 (Spring Valley) -- Three Spring Valley residents are in custody following an investigation into child abuse that uncovered a stash of narcotics inside a local residence.
Detectives from the Rancho San Diego Sheriff's Office on Tuesday assisted Child Welfare Services in executing a search warrant at a home on the 9000 block of Eucalyptus Street. Entering the residence after 2 p.m., authorities detained three individuals: Karina Rice, 31; Diann Whitt, 67; and Jarron Wood, 30.
During the subsequent search of the premises, investigators reported finding cocaine, methamphetamines and marijuana, along with drug paraphernalia.
All three suspects were arrested on charges related to child abuse and the possession of illegal drugs.
While the investigation was sparked by child welfare concerns, authorities confirmed that no minors were in the house at the time of the police action.
“The child of concern was the biological child, and they were not at the residence during the time of the search warrant service,” said Sgt. Gerardo Mateus, a spokesperson for the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.
During the sweep, deputies discovered that Jarron Wood was also the subject of an outstanding bookable misdemeanor arrest warrant. Furthermore, a search of his person allegedly yielded an additional 7.17 grams of methamphetamines.
Wood was transported and booked into the San Diego Central Jail.
The investigation into the household is ongoing. Officials have not released details regarding the current placement of the child or the specific nature of the abuse allegations.