Santa Clara police have arrested a Silicon Valley Power (SVP) employee for possession of illegal guns.
Thejon Baza, 47, of Turlock, was a journey lineworker for SVP, according to the site Transparent California.
In 2023, Baza earned $460,191 in pay and benefits, $149,326 of which was overtime pay. The site has not been updated with 2024 data, as it is not readily available at this point in time. Records obtained by Transparent California indicate that he has worked for SVP since at least 2012, when he earned $121,805 in total pay and benefits.
Just after 4:30 a.m. on Jan. 13, police arrested Baza at East Empire and Sixth Streets in San Jose, according to the Santa Clara Police Department’s (SCPD) arrest log.
The log lists six gun-related charges, four that deal with guns that have a “disguised or misleading appearance” and two for possession of short-barreled rifles or shotguns. Baza also stands accused of possessing drug paraphernalia, i.e., any device “used for unlawfully injecting or smoking,” a misdemeanor.
Each of the gun charges carries a penalty of a year in prison.
During the arrest, police seized the contraband, according to the arrest log. The log also lists the arrest type as “on-view arrest.” Unlike when police execute a warrant, these types of arrests typically occur when an officer witnesses a crime and must intervene to preserve evidence or prevent immediate harm.
Lt. Michael Crescini, SCPD’s public information officer, confirmed with The Voice that Baza is an employe with SVP but he is currently on leave.
