SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Ten people were arrested Sept. 10 and 11 following a lengthy investigation by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office Gang Task Force into the sale of controlled substances benefiting the Nipomo 13 criminal street gang, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff’s Office detectives and members of the Special Enforcement Detail, with assistance from other law enforcement agencies, arrested the individuals on outstanding arrest warrants stemming from the investigation.
The investigation also uncovered information about an alleged conspiracy to sell controlled substances through two businesses: Munchiez 805 restaurant in rural Arroyo Grande and Head Liners barbershop in Nipomo.
During the investigation, Gang Task Force detectives obtained and served numerous search warrants, resulting in the seizure of approximately 2.2 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $220,000; 25 firearms; $60,426 in cash; and evidence related to drug sales and gang activity.
Detectives continued the investigation by identifying alleged co-conspirators, conducting interviews, reviewing social media and cellphone evidence, analyzing surveillance video and completing additional investigative reports.
Those arrested and the charges listed by the Sheriff’s Office are:
Rolando Belmontez, 41, Santa Maria: Conspiracy to sell cocaine with a gang enhancement.
Robert Ramirez, 43, Nipomo: Conspiracy to sell cocaine with a gang enhancement.
Josef Ramirez, 27, Nipomo: Conspiracy to sell cocaine with a gang enhancement.
Carlos Jovani Torres, 36, Portland, Oregon: Conspiracy to possess cocaine for sale with a weight enhancement involving more than 1 kilogram.
Carlos Antonio Torres, 67, Santa Maria: Conspiracy to possess cocaine for sale with a weight enhancement involving more than 1 kilogram.
Emmanuel SilvaSerna, 33, Nipomo: Conspiracy to possess cocaine for sale with a weight enhancement involving more than 1 kilogram.
Efren Rodriguez, 31, Nipomo: Conspiracy to possess cocaine for sale with a weight enhancement involving more than 1 kilogram.
Alonzo QuintanaCastillo, 33, Nipomo: Conspiracy to possess cocaine for sale with a weight enhancement involving more than 1 kilogram.
Joseph Silva, 31, Orcutt: Conspiracy to possess cocaine for sale with a weight enhancement involving more than 1 kilogram.
Esteban CarrilloGomez, 31, Grover Beach: Conspiracy to possess cocaine for sale with a weight enhancement involving more than 1 kilogram.
The Sheriff’s Office said Gang Task Force detectives have requested additional charges against some of the individuals based on information developed during the investigation. The requested charges include felony child endangerment, selling a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of assault weapons, maintaining a location for the sale and use of a controlled substance, and active participation in a criminal street gang.
The Sheriff’s Office thanked the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office, San Luis Obispo Regional SWAT Team, Santa Maria Police Department, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office and Portland Police Bureau for their assistance.