ATASCADERO — On March 5, the Atascadero Police Department, in collaboration with the Paso Robles Police Department and the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, executed three search warrants as part of a six-month investigation into the sale of illegal narcotics. The search warrants were served at two residences linked to the suspects and at a local business where the suspects are employed. The investigation remains ongoing.

The warrants were served at Outlaws Bar and Casino in Atascadero, a residence on the 5500 block of Traffic Way in Atascadero, and another on the 700 block of Creston Road in Paso Robles. During the searches, officers seized 13.8 ounces of cocaine and over $28,000 in cash.

Three individuals were arrested in connection with the investigation:

• Elias Contreras, 29, of Paso Robles, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance for sale, sales and transportation of a controlled substance, and criminal conspiracy. He was booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail with a bail set at $250,000.
• Justin Hall, 31, of Atascadero, was also arrested for similar charges and booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail, with bail set at $250,000.
• Chelsea Deperna, 42, of Atascadero, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance with two prior convictions and booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail, with bail set at $20,000.

The Atascadero Police Department’s Special Enforcement Team (SET) continues to lead this investigation, emphasizing their ongoing commitment to community safety through proactive law enforcement efforts and collaboration with local and state agencies.