On Thursday morning, July 31, 2025, at approximately 9:04 AM, a Spring Valley Police Department patrol officer witnessed what appeared to be a hand-to-hand drug transaction between a male and female near North Main Street and Dr. Berg.
Officers stopped both individuals for further investigation, during which the male suspect was found in possession of a loaded 9mm handgun and illegal narcotics. The female suspect was also found with illegal drugs. Both were taken into custody on the scene.
The male was identified as 42-year-old Lester Watkins of Spring Valley. He is facing federal charges and remains in custody pending arraignment. The female was identified as 19-year-old Miledy Bautista-Rivera, also of Spring Valley. She was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree (a Class A misdemeanor) and was released with a desk appearance ticket.
