Alexander Allan Matarese, 31, had been wanted in connection with a major bust of a local cocaine distribution ring, on Aug. 7 that resulted in several drug raids and eight arrests. Matarese was wanted in connection to the case and was arrested Aug. 14 at a residence in Cayucos. Matarese was charged with suspicion of conspiracy to commit a crime, transportation and sale of a controlled substance, and possession of a controlled substance for sale. All charges are felonies. The other defendants had their bails set at $1 million each. It’s unsure if Matarese will even be granted bail, given he was on the lam for a week.
In the case, five raids were conducted from Aug. 5-7 starting with a condo in the 700 block of Napa St., in Downtown Morro Bay. Subsequent raids here conducted Aug. 6 in the 1900 block of 10th St., Los Osos; and three on Aug. 7 — in the 4900 block of Rosario Ave., Atascadero, and in the 1000 block of Chestnut St., and 100 block of 12th St., in Paso Robles.
The search warrants were executed after a 10-month investigation into the alleged cocaine distribution ring, that the Sheriff said had “ties to a Mexican drug cartel,” operating in SLO County, though he declined to name the actual cartel.
In all 5 kilograms (11 pounds) of suspected cocaine — both rock and powder — worth some $200,000 was seized, along with numerous rifles — including two AK-47s — and a .357 magnum revolver, plus extra clips and ammo.
Others arrested in the case were: Chase Michael Hanson, 25 of Morro Bay; Dane James Bennett, 26 of Morro Bay; Jonathan David Byham, 25 of Atascadero; Sawyer Scott Sackett, 18 of Paso Robles; Johnnie James Medina Jr., 27 of Morro Bay; Alexander John Getzbouchillon, 23 of Los Osos; Jason Vidal Sianez, 27 of Atascadero; and Joseph Arch Messineo, 39 of Atascadero.
All face multiple felony drug allegations and some also face burglary allegations in connection with a Grover Beach break-in, which the Sheriff’s Office said it was still investigating.
