Sheriff's Narcotics Detectives Conclude Investigation of Methamphetamine Dealers

Santa Barbara - December 21st, 2007

Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Narcotics Detectives ended an eight month long investigation with the arrest of eight subjects suspected of dealing and using Methamphetamine. With the assistance of the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department SWAT Team, Narcotics Detectives conducted two search warrants early this morning; one in the 1300 block of Sycamore Canyon Road in Santa Barbara, and another in the 200 block of Bonnie Lane in Montecito. 

Narcotics Detectives developed information during the eight month long investigation that led the Detectives to 30 year old Samuel Huerta (07-15-77), 50 year old Peter Gewant (7-14-57) and 27 year old Michael Rodriguez (12-3-80). Detectives seized approximately two ounces of methamphetamine, a scale, packaging materials, firearms, and other paraphernalia associated with the sales of narcotics. During the search warrant it was also discovered that Rodriguez was also a “Parolee at Large”.

Samuel Huerta was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine for Sales, Possession of a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Switchblade Knife and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was booked into Santa Barbara County Jail in lieu of $30,000.00 Bail.

Peter Gewant was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine, being Under the Influence of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and being A Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm. He was booked into Santa Barbara County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.

Michael Rodriguez was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine, being Under the Influence of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and for his outstanding “Parolee At Large” warrant. He was booked into Santa Barbara County Jail without bail due to his parole hold.

In addition, arrested in the residences at the time the search warrants were conducted:

Don Svestka (2-18-78) was arrested for being Under the Influence of Methamphetamine and Violation of Probation. He was booked into Santa Barbara County Jail in lieu of $2500.00 bail.

Ulises Mendoza 10-5-86) was arrested for being Under the Influence of Methamphetamine and an outstanding Warrant. He was booked into Santa Barbara County Jail in lieu of $2500.00 bail.

Guadalupe Ramirez (8-21-87) was arrested for being Under the Influence of Methamphetamine, Providing a False Identity to a Peace Officer, and Violation of Probation. She was booked into Santa Barbara County Jail in lieu of $50,000.00 bail.

Charles Grochowski (8-6-64) was arrested for Possession of Cocaine and Testosterone. He was booked into Santa Barbara County jail in lieu of $10,000.00 bail.

Dennis Weldon (5-10-60) was arrested for being Under the Influence of Methamphetamine and a Parole Violation. He was booked into Santa Barbara County Jail without bail due to his parole hold.

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