Dealing with individuals involved in the criminal underworld of drug cartels, who resort to violence as part of their strategic operations, serves as the foundation for a fresh novel penned by Randy Casaus, a former Ceres Police Officer who transitioned into the realm of a private investigator.
Having departed from the Ceres Police Department in 2001 to pursue a career as a private detective, Casaus relocated to Pacific Grove where he ventured into the realm of writing. Now at the age of 61, he is on the brink of launching his book, titled “The Taco Truck Informant,” which will be available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kindle at a price point of $19.95.
For pre-orders, interested readers can visit https://jrandallcasaus.com.
Casaus envisions that his narrative, which delves into the incursion of Mexican cartels into the Central Valley to dominate the drug trade, will captivate the attention of individuals residing in the Ceres/Modesto area and beyond.
Inspired by years of meticulous journaling and the encouragement from figures like former officer Al Neep, Casaus embarked on the journey of crafting his novel.
The book, presented as fiction to allow for creative liberties, narrates the tale from a third-person perspective under the guise of “Frank,” drawing from Casaus’s decade-long collaboration with a confidential informant named Thomas Alvarado. Alvarado, a resident of the “Labor Camp” opposite Ceres High School, is currently serving time in federal prison due to drug and firearm-related convictions. The title of the book stems from the initial encounters with the informant at taco trucks stationed on Ninth Street in south Modesto.
The intriguing question arises: why would an individual like Alvarado, entrenched in illicit activities, choose to cooperate as a confidential informant? Casaus sheds light on Alvarado’s inclination, attributing it to his ego-driven nature and desire for control. Alvarado’s penchant for tipping off law enforcement against rival dealers further underscores his complex character.
Navigating the treacherous terrain of maintaining authority over his informant, Casaus recounts instances where he had to outmaneuver Alvarado in high-stakes scenarios involving drug transactions.
Despite the risks involved, Casaus managed to gather intelligence on Alvarado through his siblings, who were embroiled in their own illicit enterprises, aiding in the facilitation of drug transportation through modified vehicles.
The narrative delves into Alvarado’s involvement in criminal activities, ranging from drug manufacturing to enforcement roles within the Nuestra Familia, allegedly linked to multiple homicides. Casaus’s interactions with Alvarado also extend to sharing critical information regarding a murder case in Merced County, shedding light on the intricate web of criminal activities.
Apart from the focus on Alvarado, Casaus’s storytelling extends to his experiences as an undercover narcotics officer, recounting gripping incidents such as engaging in undercover operations to combat drug trafficking.
Transitioning into his role as a private investigator, Casaus found himself testifying in defense cases against cartel operations, unraveling the collusion between cartels and corrupt auto dealers in smuggling narcotics across borders.
His involvement in human trafficking investigations marked a significant shift in his career trajectory, although he now aims to distance himself from such perilous endeavors as he nears the culmination of his professional journey.
Hailing from Modesto, Casaus’s law enforcement background spans from serving as a reserve officer in Escalon to his tenure at the Ceres Police Department, where he held various roles including DARE officer and property crimes investigator.
Despite maintaining connections with the Ceres Police Department, Casaus’s departure from the force was marred by disagreements, notably stemming from advocating for fellow officers and facing repercussions for his actions.
Casaus’s multifaceted career trajectory, from law enforcement to private investigation and now as an author, reflects a life shaped by encounters with the underbelly of criminal enterprises, offering a riveting narrative that intertwines personal experiences with the complexities of the criminal underworld.